# Jurnalul Oficial C 130E/2013

| | ISSN 1977-1029
  doi:10.3000/19771029.CE2013.130.rum |
| --- | --- |
| Jurnalul Oficial
  al Uniunii Europene | C 130E |
| | |
| Ediţia în limba română | Comunicări şi informări | Anul 567 mai 2013 |

ISSN 1977-1029

doi:10.3000/19771029.CE2013.130.rum

Jurnalul Oficial

al Uniunii Europene

C 130E

Ediţia în limba română

Comunicări şi informări

Anul 567 mai 2013

---

| Informarea nr. | Cuprins | Pagina |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | IV   Informări |
| | INFORMĂRI PROVENIND DE LA INSTITUȚIILE, ORGANELE ȘI ORGANISMELE UNIUNII EUROPENE |
| | Parlamentul European |
| | ÎNTREBĂRI SCRISE CU SOLICITARE DE RĂSPUNS |
| 2013/C 130E/01 | Întrebări scrise adresate de deputații în Parlamentul European și răspunsurile oferite de instituțiile Uniunii Europene | 1 |

Informarea nr.

Cuprins

Pagina

IV   Informări

INFORMĂRI PROVENIND DE LA INSTITUȚIILE, ORGANELE ȘI ORGANISMELE UNIUNII EUROPENE

Parlamentul European

ÎNTREBĂRI SCRISE CU SOLICITARE DE RĂSPUNS

2013/C 130E/01

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

1

| Notă în atenția cititorilor
  Această publicație conține întrebări scrise adresate de deputații în Parlamentul European și răspunsurile oferite de instituțiile Uniunii Europene.
  Pentru fiecare întrebare și răspuns, versiunea în limba originală figurează înainte oricărei posibile traduceri.
  Este posibil ca, în unele cazuri, răspunsul să fie dat în altă limbă decât cea în care a fost redactată întrebarea. Acest lucru depinde de limba de lucru a comisiei de la care a fost solicitat răspunsul.
  Aceste întrebări și răspunsuri sunt publicate în conformitate cu Articolul 117 din Regulamentul de procedură al Parlamentului European.
  Toate întrebările și răspunsurile pot fi accesate pe site-ul de internet al Parlamentului European (Europarl) la rubrica Întrebări parlamentare:

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

Notă în atenția cititorilor

Această publicație conține întrebări scrise adresate de deputații în Parlamentul European și răspunsurile oferite de instituțiile Uniunii Europene.

Pentru fiecare întrebare și răspuns, versiunea în limba originală figurează înainte oricărei posibile traduceri.

Este posibil ca, în unele cazuri, răspunsul să fie dat în altă limbă decât cea în care a fost redactată întrebarea. Acest lucru depinde de limba de lucru a comisiei de la care a fost solicitat răspunsul.

Aceste întrebări și răspunsuri sunt publicate în conformitate cu Articolul 117 din Regulamentul de procedură al Parlamentului European.

Toate întrebările și răspunsurile pot fi accesate pe site-ul de internet al Parlamentului European (Europarl) la rubrica Întrebări parlamentare:

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

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

| ABREVIERILE DENUMIRILOR GRUPURILOR POLITICE






  PPE | Grupul Partidului Popular European (Creştin Democrat) |
| --- | --- |
| S&D | Grupul Alianţei Progresiste a Socialiştilor şi Democraţilor din Parlamentul European |
| ALDE | Grupul Alianţei Liberalilor şi Democraţilor pentru Europa |
| Verts/ALE | Grupul Verzilor/Alianţa Liberă Europeană |
| ECR | Grupul Conservatorilor şi Reformiştilor Europeni |
| GUE/NGL | Grupul Confederal al Stângii Unite Europene/Stânga Verde Nordică |
| EFD | Grupul Europa Libertăţii şi Democraţiei |
| NI | Deputaţi neafiliaţi |

ABREVIERILE DENUMIRILOR GRUPURILOR POLITICE

PPE

Grupul Partidului Popular European (Creştin Democrat)

S&D

Grupul Alianţei Progresiste a Socialiştilor şi Democraţilor din Parlamentul European

ALDE

Grupul Alianţei Liberalilor şi Democraţilor pentru Europa

Verts/ALE

Grupul Verzilor/Alianţa Liberă Europeană

ECR

Grupul Conservatorilor şi Reformiştilor Europeni

GUE/NGL

Grupul Confederal al Stângii Unite Europene/Stânga Verde Nordică

EFD

Grupul Europa Libertăţii şi Democraţiei

NI

Deputaţi neafiliaţi

| RO | |
| --- | --- |

RO

---

IV Informări

INFORMĂRI PROVENIND DE LA INSTITUȚIILE, ORGANELE ȘI ORGANISMELE UNIUNII EUROPENE

Parlamentul European

ÎNTREBĂRI SCRISE CU SOLICITARE DE RĂSPUNS

| 7.5.2013 | RO | Jurnalul Oficial al Uniunii Europene | CE 130/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

7.5.2013

RO

Jurnalul Oficial al Uniunii Europene

CE 130/1

---

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

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

(2013/C 130 E/01)

Cuprins

E-003368/12 by Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris to the Commission

Subject: Drought warnings and climate change

Versione italiana

English version

E-003370/12 by Sergio Berlato to the Commission

Subject: Warning in France regarding vocational training courses

Versione italiana

English version

E-003372/12 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Privatisation of BPN

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-003373/12 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Economic indicators show a slowdown in the decline of the Portuguese economy

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-003374/12 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Loss of European funds following TGV railway cancellation

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-003375/12 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Provision of liquidity to banks by the European Central Bank (ECB)

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-003376/12 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Increased number of unemployed couples registered with the Institute of Employment and Vocational Training (IEFP) in Portugal

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-003377/12 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Access to medical care in inland areas of Portugal

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-003378/12 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Spying on personal data in Portuguese pharmacies

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-003379/12 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Increasing Cohesion Fund monies for the Autonomous Region of Madeira

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-003380/12 by Corina Creţu to the Commission

Subject: Women far more exposed to the risk of poverty and social exclusion than men

Versiunea în limba română

English version

E-003381/12 by Monika Flašíková Beňová to the Commission

Subject: Demolition of renewable energy projects in Israel

Slovenské znenie

English version

E-003382/12 by Monika Flašíková Beňová to the Commission

Subject: Efficient use of resources

Slovenské znenie

English version

E-003383/12 by Monika Flašíková Beňová to the Commission

Subject: Erasmus for All

Slovenské znenie

English version

E-003385/12 by Monika Flašíková Beňová to the Commission

Subject: Monitoring fiscal policy in Greece

Slovenské znenie

English version

E-003386/12 by Monika Flašíková Beňová to the Commission

Subject: Renewable energy in Portugal

Slovenské znenie

English version

E-003387/12 by Monika Flašíková Beňová to the Commission

Subject: New technology to increase awareness of energy consumption

Slovenské znenie

English version

E-003388/12 by Monika Flašíková Beňová to the Commission

Subject: Liberalisation of the electricity market

Slovenské znenie

English version

E-003389/12 by Monika Flašíková Beňová to the Commission

Subject: Broadband and high-speed Internet coverage

Slovenské znenie

English version

E-003390/12 by Monika Flašíková Beňová to the Commission

Subject: Presidential election in Russia

Slovenské znenie

English version

E-003391/12 by Monika Flašíková Beňová to the Commission

Subject: Accession of Ireland to the fiscal compact

Slovenské znenie

English version

E-003393/12 by Monika Flašíková Beňová to the Commission

Subject: Project bonds

Slovenské znenie

English version

E-003394/12 by Monika Flašíková Beňová to the Commission

Subject: Women's pay issue

Slovenské znenie

English version

E-003395/12 by Monika Flašíková Beňová to the Commission

Subject: Fisheries policy reform

Slovenské znenie

English version

E-003396/12 by Monika Flašíková Beňová to the Commission

Subject: The system for the energy consumption labelling of products

Slovenské znenie

English version

E-003397/12 by Monika Flašíková Beňová to the Commission

Subject: Amalgamating the credit capacity of permanent and temporary Eurobonds

Slovenské znenie

English version

E-003398/12 by Monika Flašíková Beňová to the Commission

Subject: Development of the photovoltaic sector

Slovenské znenie

English version

P-003399/12 by Pilar Ayuso to the Commission

Subject: Laying hens

Versión española

English version

P-003400/12 by Robert Goebbels to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Tragic situation of Palestinians in Iraq

Version française

English version

E-003401/12 by Evelyn Regner and Jörg Leichtfried to the Commission

Subject: Measures to promote the position of women and to ensure equality in public procurement

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-003403/12 by Fiorello Provera to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Four hundred women held in Afghanistan for ‘moral crimes’

Versione italiana

English version

E-003405/12 by Franck Proust to the Commission

Subject: Tourism: support for professionals and the role of the European Union

Version française

English version

E-003406/12 by Oreste Rossi to the Commission

Subject: Lack of Europe-wide data on the incidence of pneumonia

Versione italiana

English version

E-003407/12 by Oreste Rossi to the Commission

Subject: Potentially carcinogenic synthetic caramel

Versione italiana

English version

E-003408/12 by Oreste Rossi to the Commission

Subject: Viewing cells in HD using a turquoise protein

Versione italiana

English version

E-003409/12 by Oreste Rossi to the Commission

Subject: EU funds for Palestine: new EU controls on projects and ex post assessment

Versione italiana

English version

E-003410/12 by Oreste Rossi to the Commission

Subject: Eco-toys to learn to respect nature from an early age

Versione italiana

English version

E-003411/12 by Oreste Rossi to the Commission

Subject: Indonesia: international trafficking in toxic waste

Versione italiana

English version

E-003412/12 by Oreste Rossi to the Commission

Subject: Hospital-acquired infections

Versione italiana

English version

E-003414/12 by Oreste Rossi to the Commission

Subject: Tuberculosis — what are the EU's plans?

Versione italiana

English version

E-003415/12 by Oreste Rossi to the Commission

Subject: New form of DNA

Versione italiana

English version

E-003416/12 by Oreste Rossi to the Commission

Subject: A new way of reducing food waste

Versione italiana

English version

E-003417/12 by Oreste Rossi to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Violence in Turkey over the Kurdish New Year

Versione italiana

English version

E-003418/12 by Mario Borghezio to the Commission

Subject: EU assistance for redundant workers

Versione italiana

English version

E-003423/12 by Auke Zijlstra to the Commission

Subject: Neighbourhood police officer in Amsterdam confirms problems with Central and Eastern Europeans

Nederlandse versie

English version

E-003424/12 by Nuno Teixeira to the Commission

Subject: Support for the outermost regions under the Horizon 2020 Framework Programme

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-003426/12 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: The massacre in Toulouse

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-003427/12 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Flow measurement for the Tagus

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-003428/12 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Guadiana River flow measurement

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-003430/12 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Warnings about Egypt

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-003431/12 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Free entry of textiles from Pakistan loses Portuguese textiles EUR 600 million

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-003432/12 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Trade between the Member States and China

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-003435/12 by Nikolaos Salavrakos to the Commission

Subject: Dangerous global warming

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-003436/12 by Marietta Giannakou to the Commission

Subject: Financing SMEs

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-003438/12 by Evgeni Kirilov to the Commission

Subject: People with disabilities and accessibility of public websites and websites providing basic services to citizens in the EU

българска версия

English version

E-003439/12 by Lorenzo Fontana to the Commission

Subject: Discrimination against Christians in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Versione italiana

English version

E-003441/12 by Lorenzo Fontana to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Protecting the dignity of women in Egypt: the case of Ahmed Adel El-Mogy

Versione italiana

English version

E-003442/12 by Paweł Zalewski to the Commission

Subject: EU‐wide validity of visas held by Ukrainian citizens

Wersja polska

English version

E-003443/12 by Filip Kaczmarek to the Commission

Subject: Situation of women who have had acid thrown in their faces

Wersja polska

English version

E-003444/12 by Joanna Senyszyn to the Commission

Subject: Open pension funds

Wersja polska

English version

E-003445/12 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Malnutrition

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-003446/12 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: PIF 4 — The gene that could help in the fight against climate change

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-003447/12 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Deadly bacterium found in a British paediatric unit

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-003448/12 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Work-related abuses of Portuguese emigrants

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-003449/12 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Statements by the Commissioner for Employment

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-003451/12 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: 2013 European budget

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-003452/12 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Universal service provision

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-003453/12 by Corina Creţu to the Commission

Subject: Commission position with regard to the ACTA scandal following the refusal of the European Parliament to refer the agreement to the European Court of Justice

Versiunea în limba română

English version

E-003455/12 by Corina Creţu to the Commission

Subject: The Euro-regions of poverty: What measures does the Commission envisage to combat severe disparities between EU regions?

Versiunea în limba română

English version

E-003456/12 by Corina Creţu to the Commission

Subject: How does the Commission view its involvement in finding viable solutions to combat unemployment?

Versiunea în limba română

English version

E-003457/12 by Corina Creţu to the Commission

Subject: Commission measures to improve citizens' access to medical services at a time when certain European governments are promoting policies undermining welfare standards?

Versiunea în limba română

English version

P-003459/12 by Tarja Cronberg to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Iran and the nuclear issue

Suomenkielinen versio

English version

E-003461/12 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: The cost of printing and distributing documents

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-003462/12 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Explanation of territorial claims in the South China Sea

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-003463/12 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Developments in Myanmar

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-003464/12 by Derk Jan Eppink to the Commission

Subject: Competition in the EU sugar sector

Nederlandse versie

English version

E-003465/12 by Marietje Schaake, Norica Nicolai, Marielle de Sarnez, Edward McMillan-Scott and Ivo Vajgl to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Participation of Omar al-Bashir in Arab League Summit on Syria

Version française

Nederlandse versie

Versiunea în limba română

Slovenska različica

English version

E-003466/12 by Diane Dodds to the Commission

Subject: TB vaccinations

English version

E-003467/12 by Andrea Zanoni to the Commission

Subject: Inclusion of the areas of Risorgive del Lisert and Canneto del Lisert in the Natura 2000 networks ‘Carso triestino e goriziano’ and ‘Aree carsiche della Venezia Giulia’

Versione italiana

English version

E-003469/12 by Morten Messerschmidt to the Commission

Subject: Notarial work in connection with estate agents

Dansk udgave

English version

E-003471/12 by Morten Messerschmidt to the Commission

Subject: GPS equipment and speed cameras in France

Dansk udgave

English version

E-003472/12 by Morten Messerschmidt to the Commission

Subject: Criticism of the UN climate panel

Dansk udgave

English version

E-003474/12 by Morten Messerschmidt to the Commission

Subject: Report criticising the UN climate panel

Dansk udgave

English version

E-003473/12 by Morten Messerschmidt to the Council

Subject: Report criticising the UN climate panel

Dansk udgave

English version

E-003475/12 by Morten Messerschmidt to the Commission

Subject: Homicide and violence committed by immigrants in Germany

Dansk udgave

English version

E-003476/12 by Hans-Peter Mayer to the Commission

Subject: Shortfalls in business tax receipts from businesses from another European Union Member State

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-003478/12 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Article 36 of the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) and the representation of EU citizens

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-003479/12 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Commission staff at the ACTA negotiations

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-003481/12 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Decisions on participation in ACTA negotiations

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-003482/12 by Peter Simon to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Current security position, humanitarian situation and EU aid in Northern Mali

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-003483/12 by Peter Šťastný to the Commission

Subject: Intellectual property rights enforcement in the EU‐Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement negotiations

Slovenské znenie

English version

E-003484/12 by Nathalie Griesbeck to the Commission

Subject: European strategy for epilepsy

Version française

English version

E-003486/12 by Yannick Jadot and Keith Taylor to the Commission

Subject: Deep and comprehensive free trade area with Georgia and Moldova

Version française

English version

E-003487/12 by Crescenzio Rivellini to the Commission

Subject: Breach by Italy of Directive 94/62/EC on packaging

Versione italiana

English version

P-003488/12 by Anni Podimata to the Commission

Subject: Reliability of Greek statistics

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-003489/12 by Franz Obermayr to the Commission

Subject: Gangs of poachers threaten the South African rhinoceros

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-003490/12 by Franz Obermayr to the Commission

Subject: Islamist networks in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-003491/12 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Open access to scientific research results

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-003492/12 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Cost and benefits of scientific publication by the EU

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-003493/12 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Costs associated with the dissemination of research results

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-003494/12 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: The Apple issue and Directives 1999/44/EC and 2005/29/EC

Version française

English version

E-003495/12 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Amendment to the regulation on compensation and assistance to passengers in the event of denied boarding and of cancellation or long delay of flights

Version française

English version

P-003496/12 by Georgios Papanikolaou to the Commission

Subject: Inefficiencies in the new Greek Asylum Service due to a lack of staff

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

P-003497/12 by Zuzana Roithová to the Commission

Subject: Moldova's draft anti-discrimination law and registered partnership

České znění

English version

P-003498/12 by Estelle Grelier to the Commission

Subject: Regulation amending Council Regulation (EC) No 1288/2009 establishing transitional technical measures from 1 January 2010 to 30 June 2011

Version française

English version

E-003499/12 by Ramon Tremosa i Balcells and Izaskun Bilbao Barandica to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Recognition of the independent State of Kosovo

Versión española

English version

E-003500/12 by Franziska Katharina Brantner to the Commission

Subject: Distortion of competition through subsidies by the Rhineland Palatinate and the city of Speyer for Speyer Airport

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-003501/12 by Georgios Papanikolaou to the Commission

Subject: Self-assessment of universities

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-003502/12 by Georgios Papanikolaou to the Commission

Subject: Falling short of objectives regarding measures to reduce early school leaving

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-003503/12 by Georgios Papanikolaou to the Commission

Subject: Teacher training

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-003504/12 by Georgios Papanikolaou to the Commission

Subject: Available financing for the establishment and running costs of initial reception centres and new detention centres in Greece

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-003506/12 by Michèle Striffler to the Commission

Subject: Situation of Lake Chad

Version française

English version

E-003507/12 by Michèle Striffler to the Commission

Subject: State of Lake Chad

Version française

English version

E-003508/12 by Nuno Teixeira to the Commission

Subject: The Connecting Europe Facility (CEF)

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-003509/12 by Nuno Teixeira to the Commission

Subject: TGV and high-speed railway lines in Portugal

Versão portuguesa

English version

P-003510/12 by Raül Romeva i Rueda to the Commission

Subject: Oil exploration off the coast of the Canary Islands

Versión española

English version

P-003511/12 by Mara Bizzotto to the Commission

Subject: International online sale of drugs

Versione italiana

English version

P-003512/12 by Søren Bo Søndergaard to the Commission

Subject: Calculation of the structural deficit

Dansk udgave

English version

E-003513/12 by Jens Rohde to the Commission

Subject: Implementation of telecoms package

Dansk udgave

English version

E-003514/12 by Morten Løkkegaard to the Commission

Subject: China's entry into the agreement on government procurement (GPA)

Dansk udgave

English version

E-003515/12 by Morten Løkkegaard to the Commission

Subject: European investment market access to third-country markets

Dansk udgave

English version

E-003519/12 by Ismail Ertug to the Commission

Subject: Variant independent research into improvement of the Danube — research contract awarded to RMD — expert opinion

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-003520/12 by Ismail Ertug to the Commission

Subject: Cross-border cooperation on public health

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-003521/12 by Andreas Mölzer to the Commission

Subject: SWIFT Agreement — data abuse almost unpreventable

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-003522/12 by Andreas Mölzer to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Egypt declares Israel an enemy of the state

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-003523/12 by Nikos Chrysogelos to the Commission

Subject: Risk of destruction of the river Acheron estuary ecosystem (Natura 2000 network — GR 2140001)

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-003524/12 by Nikolaos Chountis to the Commission

Subject: Involvement of Greek social security funds and other public sector bodies in PSI

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-003526/12 by Michael Cashman and Arlene McCarthy to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Death penalty in India

English version

E-003527/12 by Morten Løkkegaard to the Commission

Subject: Public procurement and access to third countries — local procurement entities

Dansk udgave

English version

E-003528/12 by Mara Bizzotto to the Commission

Subject: Female genital mutilation in the province of Treviso

Versione italiana

English version

E-003530/12 by Barbara Matera to the Commission

Subject: Risks to the fishing sector as a result of the reform of the common fisheries policy

Versione italiana

English version

E-003532/12 by Elisabetta Gardini to the Commission

Subject: Food imported from China

Versione italiana

English version

E-003533/12 by João Ferreira to the Commission

Subject: Increased customs duties on wine imports to Brazil

Versão portuguesa

English version

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-003368/12

alla Commissione

Sergio Paolo Frances Silvestris (PPE)

(29 marzo 2012)

Oggetto: Allarme siccità e cambiamenti climatici

Le previsioni meteorologiche per i prossimi mesi in Europa parlano di temperature sopra la media in tutto il vecchio continente. Si prospetta una primavera torrida che, senza dubbio, condizionerà pesantemente in maniera negativa l'agricoltura e i raccolti in tutto il continente.

È un problema che va a interessare anche l'Italia dove alla crisi economica e all'aumento della pressione fiscale per gli agricoltori si aggiunge un meteo impazzito.

Le temperature globali registrate nel 2011 ne fanno l'undicesimo anno più caldo tra quelli registrati, nonostante il raffreddamento provocato dal fenomeno meteorologico noto come La Niña, secondo quanto annunciato dall'Organizzazione meteorologica mondiale. L'instabilità del sistema climatico ha causato tsunami, alluvioni, uragani e incendi e di conseguenza il surriscaldamento del globo, un dato di fatto che non è possibile ignorare.

Alla luce di quanto sopraesposto e del sempre maggiore impegno dimostrato dall'Unione europea sui cambiamenti climatici, potrebbe la Commissione far sapere:

| quali sono le azioni intraprese nell’ultimo periodo per prepararsi al cambiamento climatico e se ci sono nuovi studi per la messa a punto di colture resistenti alla siccità? |
| --- |

quali sono le azioni intraprese nell’ultimo periodo per prepararsi al cambiamento climatico e se ci sono nuovi studi per la messa a punto di colture resistenti alla siccità?

| Quali strumenti sono a disposizione degli agricoltori per difendersi dalle perdite economiche derivanti da lunghi periodi di siccità, oltre al Fondo di solidarietà nazionale e alle polizze assicurative agevolate, di cui all’articolo 68 del Regolamento (CE) 73/2009 e al Regolamento (CE) 1234/2007? |
| --- |

Quali strumenti sono a disposizione degli agricoltori per difendersi dalle perdite economiche derivanti da lunghi periodi di siccità, oltre al Fondo di solidarietà nazionale e alle polizze assicurative agevolate, di cui all’articolo 68 del Regolamento (CE) 73/2009 e al Regolamento (CE) 1234/2007?

Risposta data da Dacian Cioloș a nome della Commissione

(21 maggio 2012)

| 1. | La proposta di riforma della PAC dà ampio spazio alle considerazioni sui cambiamenti climatici. Le principali azioni proposte per rispondere efficacemente alla sfida dell'adeguamento consistono nella preservazione delle funzioni dell'ecosistema con un'appropriata gestione dei terreni per aumentarne la resilienza (con tutti i tipi di misure ecologiche), nel potenziamento dei servizi di informazione e consulenza per migliorare la capacità di adattamento degli agricoltori e i sistemi di gestione del rischio nonché nell'ottimizzazione della ricerca in materia di cambiamenti climatici e agricoltura. |
| --- | --- |

1.

La proposta di riforma della PAC dà ampio spazio alle considerazioni sui cambiamenti climatici. Le principali azioni proposte per rispondere efficacemente alla sfida dell'adeguamento consistono nella preservazione delle funzioni dell'ecosistema con un'appropriata gestione dei terreni per aumentarne la resilienza (con tutti i tipi di misure ecologiche), nel potenziamento dei servizi di informazione e consulenza per migliorare la capacità di adattamento degli agricoltori e i sistemi di gestione del rischio nonché nell'ottimizzazione della ricerca in materia di cambiamenti climatici e agricoltura.

L'attuazione della direttiva quadro sulle acque prevede che gli Stati membri realizzino piani di gestione dei bacini fluviali e politiche di tariffazione dei servizi idrici, oltre ad incentivare adeguatamente gli utenti che fanno un uso oculato delle risorse idriche. La Commissione prevede di presentare una strategia di adeguamento a livello dell'UE nel corso del primo trimestre del 2013.

Lo sviluppo di nuove varietà di colture più adatte alle nuove condizioni climatiche rientra prevalentemente tra le competenze degli Stati membri.

| 2. | I sistemi summenzionati sono gli strumenti finanziari più importanti attualmente in uso. Inoltre, la politica di sviluppo rurale prevede una serie di provvedimenti a sostegno della prevenzione e della gestione dei cambiamenti climatici nel rispetto delle specifiche condizioni locali. A titolo esemplificativo, rientrano tra le misure di ottimizzazione della gestione idrica previste nell'attuale periodo di programmazione le soluzioni di risparmio idrico per l'agricoltura (ad es. miglioramento della gestione idrica all'interno delle aziende, ottimizzazione dei sistemi di irrigazione), gli investimenti in nuove tecnologie per il risparmio idrico, la gestione o il ripristino delle zone umide e il sostegno allo sviluppo di infrastrutture idriche (ad es. raccolta e stoccaggio delle acque, superfici con sfioratori di piena). |
| --- | --- |

2.

I sistemi summenzionati sono gli strumenti finanziari più importanti attualmente in uso. Inoltre, la politica di sviluppo rurale prevede una serie di provvedimenti a sostegno della prevenzione e della gestione dei cambiamenti climatici nel rispetto delle specifiche condizioni locali. A titolo esemplificativo, rientrano tra le misure di ottimizzazione della gestione idrica previste nell'attuale periodo di programmazione le soluzioni di risparmio idrico per l'agricoltura (ad es. miglioramento della gestione idrica all'interno delle aziende, ottimizzazione dei sistemi di irrigazione), gli investimenti in nuove tecnologie per il risparmio idrico, la gestione o il ripristino delle zone umide e il sostegno allo sviluppo di infrastrutture idriche (ad es. raccolta e stoccaggio delle acque, superfici con sfioratori di piena).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003368/12

to the Commission

Sergio Paolo Frances Silvestris (PPE)

(29 March 2012)

Subject: Drought warnings and climate change

Weather forecasts for the next few months in Europe indicate above-average temperatures across the whole continent. The predictions are for a hot spring, which will no doubt have an extremely negative impact on agriculture and harvests throughout Europe.

That impact will also be felt in Italy, where the crazy weather is compounding the problems stemming from the economic crisis and the increased tax burden on farmers.

According to statistics published by the World Meteorological Organisation, global temperatures recorded in 2011 made it the eleventh hottest year since records began, despite the cold spell caused by the weather phenomenon known as La Niña. The result of our unstable climate has been tsunamis, floods, hurricanes and fires and, consequently, global warming, a fact which can no longer simply be ignored.

In view of the above and the increasingly close attention being paid by the European Union to the issue of climate change:

| Can the Commission state what measures it has taken recently to prepare for climate change and whether new studies have been drawn up on the development of drought-resistant crops? |
| --- |

Can the Commission state what measures it has taken recently to prepare for climate change and whether new studies have been drawn up on the development of drought-resistant crops?

| What schemes are available to farmers to safeguard themselves against financial losses arising from long periods of drought, in addition to the national solidarity fund and the subsidised insurance policies provided for under Article 68 of Regulation (EC) No 73/2009 and Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007? |
| --- |

What schemes are available to farmers to safeguard themselves against financial losses arising from long periods of drought, in addition to the national solidarity fund and the subsidised insurance policies provided for under Article 68 of Regulation (EC) No 73/2009 and Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007?

Answer given by Mr Cioloş on behalf of the Commission

(21 May 2012)

| 1. | Greater consideration of climate change is made in the proposal for the CAP reform 2014-2020. The main actions proposed for an effective response to the challenge of adaptation are: maintaining eco-system functions through appropriate land management to improve resilience (by all |
| --- | --- |

1.

Greater consideration of climate change is made in the proposal for the CAP reform 2014-2020. The main actions proposed for an effective response to the challenge of adaptation are: maintaining eco-system functions through appropriate land management to improve resilience (by all

‘greening’ measures), strengthening information and advisory services to improve adaptive capacity of farmers and risk management schemes, enhancing research on climate change and agriculture.

The implementation of the Water Framework Directive requires that Member States put in place river basins management plans, water pricing policies and provide adequate incentives for all users to use water resources efficiently. The Commission intends to present an EU adaptation strategy in the first quarter of 2013.

Development of new crop varieties more adapted to new climatic conditions is essentially being carried out at national level.

| 2. | The schemes mentioned are the most important financial instruments currently in place. In addition, rural development policy offers a range of measures for helping preventing and coping with climatic changes while taking account of specific regional conditions. Examples of measures for improving water management in the current programming period are: water saving solutions for agriculture (e.g., improving on-farm water management, up-grading irrigation systems), investments into new water saving technologies, wetland management or restoration, support to the development of water infrastructures (e.g., water collection, storage, water overflow areas). |
| --- | --- |

2.

The schemes mentioned are the most important financial instruments currently in place. In addition, rural development policy offers a range of measures for helping preventing and coping with climatic changes while taking account of specific regional conditions. Examples of measures for improving water management in the current programming period are: water saving solutions for agriculture (e.g., improving on-farm water management, up-grading irrigation systems), investments into new water saving technologies, wetland management or restoration, support to the development of water infrastructures (e.g., water collection, storage, water overflow areas).

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-003370/12

alla Commissione

Sergio Berlato (PPE)

(29 marzo 2012)

Oggetto: Allarme in Francia riguardo ai corsi di formazione professionale

In Francia, Georges Fenech, il Presidente della Missione internazionale di vigilanza e lotta contro la deriva delle sette sataniche, ha recentemente condotto un'inchiesta sul tema del coach aziendale sulla base di una scoperta inquietante: più di mille organizzazioni legate alla formazione professionale (coaching, counselling, training aziendale) sarebbero riconducibili a sette sataniche ed utilizzerebbero metodi poco chiari con un unico obiettivo — adescare adepti.

Sempre in Francia, al fine di tentare di prevenire la deriva settaria, il governo ha persino realizzato un manuale, scaricabile da internet, che suggerisce come tutelarsi da chi, sotto le mentite spoglie di corsi di formazione, cerca di raggirare i cittadini.

La Commissione, nella risposta all'interrogazione E-2197/2010 presentata dal sottoscritto nell'ottobre del 2010, ha affermato che: ₫I fenomeni settari sono particolarmente inquietanti, e alcune attività o situazioni che ne derivano sono suscettibili di rientrare nell'ambito di competenza di strumenti dell'Unione, nella fattispecie di quelli relativi alla tratta degli esseri umani, agli abusi sessuali sui bambini o alle vittime.₻.

Considerata la gravità del problema, si interroga la Commissione per sapere se su questa materia sono attualmente allo studio nuovi e specifici strumenti giuridici dell'Unione europea volti a rafforzare la lotta ai professionisti del plagio psicologico.

Risposta di Viviane Reding a nome della Commissione

(1o giugno 2012)

La Commissione europea non possiede le competenze generali che le permettano di intervenire sulla questione sollevata dall'Onorevole Parlamentare, e non ha allo studio alcuno specifico strumento giuridico per affrontare il problema.

La Commissione è invece competente a migliorare il trattamento delle vittime di reato nella misura necessaria a facilitare la cooperazione giudiziaria. La Commissione ritiene questo settore prioritario e nel maggio 2011 ha proposto un pacchetto di misure che istituiscono norme minime riguardanti i diritti, l’assistenza e la protezione delle vittime di reato (1).

Con la direttiva relativa alla lotta contro l’abuso e lo sfruttamento sessuale dei minori e la pornografia minorile (2) e la direttiva concernente la prevenzione e la repressione della tratta di esseri umani e la protezione delle vittime (3), l'Unione europea ha adottato un quadro giuridico che comprende l'azione penale contro gli autori dei reati, la protezione delle vittime e la prevenzione della criminalità.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003370/12

to the Commission

Sergio Berlato (PPE)

(29 March 2012)

Subject: Warning in France regarding vocational training courses

In France, Georges Fenech, president of MIVILUDES, the interministerial agency responsible for monitoring and combating cultic deviances, recently conducted an investigation into business coaching following the worrying discovery that over 1 000 organisations involved in vocational training (coaching, counselling, business training) were apparently linked to satanic cults and using obscure methods with the sole aim of attracting followers.

Also in France, the Government, in an attempt to prevent the emergence of cults, has even produced a manual, downloadable from the Internet, which suggests possible ways of protection from those who, under the false pretences of training courses, seek to trick citizens.

In its answer to my previous question, E‐2197/2010, in October 2010, the Commission stated that cults are particularly worrying, and that some activities or situations associated with them might fall within the scope of EU measures, specifically those concerning human trafficking, child sex abuse or victims.

Given the seriousness of the problem, is any specific new EU legislation currently being considered with a view to stepping up the fight against professional brainwashers?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(1 June 2012)

The European Commission does not have any general powers in the issue referred to by the Honourable Member and it is not considering any specific legislation addressing this problem.

The Commission does have powers to improve the treatment of victims of crime to the extent necessary to facilitate judicial cooperation. The Commission considers this area to be a priority and has proposed in May 2011 a package of measures establishing minimum standards on the rights, support and protection of victims of crime (4).

With the directive on combating the sexual abuse, sexual exploitation of children and child pornography (5) and the directive on preventing and combating trafficking in human beings and protecting its victims (6) the European Union has adopted a legal framework that covers the prosecution of offenders, protection of victims and prevention of the crime.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-003372/12

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(29 de março de 2012)

Assunto: Privatização BPN

Segundo notícias divulgadas em Portugal, um documento da Comissão Europeia põe em causa a operação de reprivatização do BPN. A Comissão entende que ₫é incontestável₻ que a venda é feita a um valor negativo ₫e que terá havido₻ um auxílio ao adquirente, o BIC.

Assim, pergunto à Comissão:

Confirma a existência desse documento?

Resposta dada por Olli Rehn em nome da Comissão

(24 de maio de 2012)

A Comissão autorizou, ao abrigo das regras da UE em matéria de auxílios estatais, a reestruturação do Banco Português de Negócios (BPN) e a sua venda ao Banco BIC Portugal. Na sequência das revisões efetuadas ao plano inicial e dos compromissos apresentados por Portugal, a Comissão concluiu que a reestruturação e a venda do BPN criarão uma entidade viável, garantindo uma contribuição adequada do próprio banco para os custos da reestruturação e limitando as distorções de concorrência decorrentes do auxílio.

A Comissão não tem conhecimento de qualquer documento segundo o qual ₫terá havido₻ um auxílio ao adquirente, o Banco BIC Portugal.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003372/12

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(29 March 2012)

Subject: Privatisation of BPN

According to news reports in Portugal, a European Commission document calls into question the operation to re-privatise Banco Português de Negócios, SA. The Commission believes ‘it is undeniable’ that the sale is being made at a negative value and that the purchaser — Banco BIC Português, SA –‘must have had’ help.

Therefore, in view of the above:

Does the Commission confirm the existence of this document?

Answer given by Mr Rehn on behalf of the Commission

(24 May 2012)

The Commission has authorised under EU state aid rules the restructuring of Banco Portugues de Negócios (BPN) and its sale to Banco BIC Portugal. Following revisions made to the initial plan and the commitments submitted by Portugal, the Commission concluded that the restructuring and sale of BPN will create a viable entity while ensuring an adequate own contribution of the bank to the costs of restructuring and limiting the distortions of competition created by the aid.

The Commission is not aware of any document claiming that the purchaser, Banco BIC Portugal, ‘must have had help’.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-003373/12

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(29 de março de 2012)

Assunto: Indicadores económicos indicam abrandamento do ritmo de queda da economia portuguesa

Considerando que:

A economia portuguesa continua em contração no início do ano, mas a um ritmo menos acentuado do que nos meses anteriores, de acordo com os indicadores de conjuntura divulgados pelo Banco de Portugal. Evolução semelhante teve o consumo privado.

Os indicadores de conjuntura do Banco de Portugal confirmam que a atividade económica está a abrandar o ritmo de queda. Fevereiro é o segundo mês consecutivo de algum alívio na contração económica.

Pergunto, assim, à Comissão:

Considera que os indicadores e o desempenho registado mais favoráveis face às previsões podem significar esperança numa recuperação mais rápida da situação económica e financeira de Portugal?

Resposta dada por Olli Rehn em nome da Comissão

(29 de maio de 2012)

Por um lado, os últimos indicadores da atividade económica geral em Portugal indiciam, de facto, que, no primeiro trimestre de 2012, o PIB real se tenha contraído menos do que no primeiro trimestre de 2011. As indicações também são positivas ao nível externo: as exportações estão a ter uma boa prestação e as importações estão a diminuir, acompanhando a procura interna.

Por outro lado, o emprego diminuiu — e o desemprego aumentou — mais do que o previsto. Além disso, a produção industrial continua a descer, tendo em fevereiro sido inferior em 7 % à do mês homólogo de 2011.

Neste contexto, a Comissão Europeia é de opinião que as perspetivas de expansão e de contração da economia portuguesa basicamente se equilibram, não havendo atualmente razões para alterar de modo significativo as projeções macroeconómicas apresentadas no âmbito da terceira revisão do memorando de entendimento.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003373/12

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(29 March 2012)

Subject: Economic indicators show a slowdown in the decline of the Portuguese economy

Given that:

According to the short-term economic indicators published by the Bank of Portugal, the Portuguese economy was still contracting at the start of the year, but at a lower rate than in previous months, with household expenditure also performing similarly,

The Bank of Portugal’s economic indicators confirm that the rate of decline in economic activity is also slowing down: February is the second consecutive month of some letup in the economic contraction,

Can the Commission answer the following question.

Does it believe that the more favourable than expected indicators and performance recorded might present hope that Portugal’s economic and financial situation may recover more quickly?

Answer given by Mr Rehn on behalf of the Commission

(29 May 2012)

On the one hand, latest indicators of global economic activity in Portugal indeed suggest that in the first quarter of 2012 real GDP may have contracted less than in the last quarter of 2011. Indications are also positive from the external side where exports are holding up well, while imports are declining in line with domestic demand.

On the other hand, employment has declined — and unemployment increased — more than expected. Moreover, industrial production continues to decline and in February was 7% below the value in the same month of the previous year.

Against this background, the European Commission believes that upside and downside risks to the outlook of the Portuguese economy are broadly balanced and there is currently no reason to fundamentally change the macroeconomic projections as presented in the framework of the third review of the MoU.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-003374/12

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(29 de março de 2012)

Assunto: Perda de fundos europeus após abandono do TGV

Foi noticiado que a decisão recente de Portugal de abandonar a construção do TGV Lisboa/Madrid levou à perda, por Portugal, das verbas da UE destinadas à concretização desse projeto.

Assim, pergunto à Comissão:

Confirma aquela perda de verbas?

De que forma poderiam ser as mesmas redirecionadas para outros empreendimentos?

Resposta dada por Siim Kallas em nome da Comissão

(23 de maio de 2012)

A Comissão remete o Senhor Deputado para a sua resposta à pergunta escrita E-003186/2012 (7).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003374/12

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(29 March 2012)

Subject: Loss of European funds following TGV railway cancellation

It has been reported that Portugal’s recent decision to cancel construction of the Lisbon/Madrid TGV rail link has resulted in its loss of the EU funds allocated to implementing this project.

I therefore ask the Commission:

Can it confirm the loss of these funds?

How might the funds be diverted to other ventures?

Answer given by Mr Kallas on behalf of the Commission

(23 May 2012)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to Written Question E‐003186/2012 (8).

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-003375/12

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(29 de março de 2012)

Assunto: Cedência de liquidez à Banca por parte do BCE

Benoît Coeuré, membro francês da Comissão Executiva do Banco Central Europeu (9), falou em Tóquio sobre as condições do mercado depois de, por exemplo, duas operações de cedência de liquidez a longo prazo, que injetaram mais de um bilião de euros na banca europeia. Contudo, têm sido levantadas dúvidas quanto à sua eficácia e quanto à chegada dessa liquidez à economia. Por outro lado, o membro do Conselho do BCE, Jörg Asmussen, afirmou hoje, 26 de março, ₫que este tipo de medidas não irá continuar, até que se perceba para onde foi o dinheiro₻.

Assim, pergunto à Comissão:

Acha eficaz para o desenvolvimento da economia europeia a utilização deste tipo de intervenção do BCE?

Há algum mecanismo de controlo, por parte da Comissão, para verificar se os fundos disponibilizados pelo BCE são canalizados para as empresas, principal motor da economia europeia?

Resposta dada por Olli Rehn em nome da Comissão

(18 de junho de 2012)

As medidas reforçadas de apoio ao crédito recentemente lançadas pelo Banco Central Europeu (BCE) destinavam-se a promover a concessão de empréstimos bancários e a liquidez nos mercados monetários da área do euro. Inicialmente, tiveram uma influência positiva no sistema bancário, na medida em que compensaram a falta de acesso dos bancos ao financiamento do mercado grossista e interbancário e reduziram os riscos de liquidez. O BCE não estabelece condições sobre a forma como os créditos devem ser utilizados. Cabe aos bancos interessados decidirem as modalidades de utilização dos empréstimos contraídos em função das avaliações de risco e de rendimento respetivas.

A Comissão está a acompanhar de perto a evolução neste capítulo e considera que estão a ser gradualmente criadas condições para a melhoria dos mercados interbancário e obrigacionista, o que facilitará o fluxo de crédito para a economia real da área do euro. Simultaneamente, os bancos com balanços frágeis devem envidar esforços significativos de reestruturação, que deverão traduzir-se num setor bancário com uma melhor capitalização e uma maior capacidade de resistência e melhorar o fluxo de crédito para as empresas privadas e as famílias.

O inquérito do BCE sobre o crédito bancário, de abril de 2012, mostra que os bancos da área do euro comunicaram um abrandamento significativo das restrições líquidas no acesso ao crédito pelas empresas, ainda que tal abrandamento surja após vários trimestres de abrandamento substancial em 2011, e conclui que esta situação pode refletir a influência positiva das duas operações trienais de refinanciamento a longo prazo (LTRO) nas condições de financiamento bancário.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003375/12

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(29 March 2012)

Subject: Provision of liquidity to banks by the European Central Bank (ECB)

Benoît Coeuré, the French member of the Executive Board of the ECB (10), spoke in Tokyo about market conditions following, amongst other things, two operations of long-term liquidity provision, which injected more than EUR 1 billion into European banks. However, doubts have been raised about the effectiveness of this and whether the liquidity has reached the economy. Furthermore, Jörg Asmussen, a member of the ECB Executive Board, stated today, 26 March 2012, that ‘this type of measure will not be repeated until we know where the money has gone’.

I therefore ask the Commission:

Does it believe that the use of this type of intervention by the ECB is an effective way of developing the European economy?

Does the Commission have a control mechanism to confirm whether the funds provided by the ECB are channelled to businesses, the main driver of the European economy?

Answer given by Mr Rehn on behalf of the Commission

(18 June 2012)

The enhanced credit support measures recently launched by the European Central Bank (ECB) aimed at supporting bank lending and liquidity in the euro area money markets. They had an initial positive impact on the banking system as they compensated for banks' lack of access to wholesale or interbank funding and reduced liquidity risks. The ECB does not set any conditionality on how the credits should be used. It is the responsibility of the banks concerned to decide how these borrowed funds should be used, depending on their risk and return assessments.

The Commission is closely monitoring developments in this regard and is of the view that conditions are gradually being set for the improvement of interbank and bond markets, which will facilitate the flow of credit to the euro area real economy. At the same time, significant restructuring efforts by banks with weak balance sheets need to be made, which should result in a better capitalised and more resilient banking sector and should further improve the conditions for credit to flow into private companies and households.

The ECB Bank Lending Survey of April 2012 finds that euro area banks reported a significant decline in the net tightening of credit standards to enterprises albeit after several quarters of substantial tightening in 2011 and concludes that this was likely to reflect the positive impact of the two three-year Long Term Refinancing Operations (LTRO) on bank's funding conditions.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-003376/12

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(29 de março de 2012)

Assunto: Aumento do número de casais desempregados inscritos no Instituto de Emprego e Formação Profissional em Portugal

Considerando que:

Em Portugal, o número de casais com ambos os cônjuges desempregados disparou 73,2 % em fevereiro face a igual mês de 2011 e já atinge 7 192 casais, o valor mais elevado desde que esta informação é divulgada.

De acordo com os dados recolhidos pelo Instituto de Emprego e Formação Profissional (IEFP), em fevereiro, face a janeiro, há mais 320 casais (um aumento de 15,8 %) que garantem a sua sobrevivência com as prestações sociais pagas pelo Estado.

Este universo representa 4,7 % do total de desempregados casados ou em união de facto inscritos no centro de desemprego (306 746 pessoas)

Assim, pergunto à Comissão:

Não faz sentido para a Comissão a criação de programas específicos de proteção dos desempregados, quando no desemprego estejam marido e mulher, por estar em causa a base mínima de sobrevivência de todo o agregado familiar?

Resposta dada por László Andor em nome da Comissão

(21 de maio de 2012)

A principal responsabilidade pela conceção e a aplicação de medidas e políticas relativas ao emprego e à segurança social incumbe aos Estados-Membros, tal como referido no artigo 5. ° do Tratado sobre o Funcionamento da União Europeia. Por conseguinte, a Comissão não pode criar qualquer programa de proteção específico em favor dos desempregados.

No entanto, no âmbito da estratégia Europa 2020, a UE decidiu fixar como um dos seus objetivos a erradicação da pobreza para 20 milhões de pessoas. O papel da Comissão consiste em apoiar e acompanhar os esforços dos Estados-Membros neste domínio, garantindo que os programas nacionais de reformas dão a devida atenção ao combate à pobreza e preveem, ao mesmo tempo, medidas de consolidação. Atualmente, os objetivos dos Estados-Membros nesta área estão aquém da meta global da UE.

No Análise Anual do Crescimento relativa a 2012, a Comissão recomendou aos Estados-Membros que privilegiassem a melhoria da eficácia dos sistemas de proteção social e evitassem um acréscimo do número de pessoas em risco de pobreza.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003376/12

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(29 March 2012)

Subject: Increased number of unemployed couples registered with the Institute of Employment and Vocational Training (IEFP) in Portugal

The number of couples in Portugal with both partners unemployed rocketed by 73.2 % in February 2012 compared with the same month in 2011 and now stands at 7 192 couples, this being the highest figure since records began.

According to data compiled by the IEFP, there were 320 more couples surviving on state benefits in January 2012 than in February 2012 (a 15.8 % increase).

This group accounts for 4.7 % of the total number of registered unemployed who are married or in a non-marital partnership (306 746).

In view of the above:

Does the Commission not think that it should establish specific protection programmes for the unemployed, given that, when both husband and wife are out of work, the entire family unit is at risk of falling below the breadline?

Answer given by Mr Andor on behalf of the Commission

(21 May 2012)

The main responsibility for designing and implementing employment and social security policies and measures lies with the Member States as stated in Article 5 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. Therefore the Commission cannot as such establish any specific protection programme for the unemployed.

Nevertheless, the EU has decided to set as one of its objectives for the EU2020 strategy to lift 20 million people out of poverty. The Commission's role is to support and monitor Member States' efforts in this area and to make sure that appropriate attention is devoted to tackle poverty in the National Reform programmes alongside with consolidation measures. Currently the Member States' own targets fall short of the overall EU target.

In the Annual Growth Survey 2012 the Commission recommended the Member States to give priority to improve the effectiveness of social protection system and to avoid increases in the number of people at risk of income poverty.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-003377/12

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(29 de março de 2012)

Assunto: Acesso aos cuidados médicos nas zonas do interior do País

No litoral alentejano e interior, vivem milhares de pessoas longe dos locais de atendimento médico.

Nestas zonas do interior, situadas a grande distância dos serviços de urgência, há falta de transportes públicos e muitos dos casos não são considerados suficientemente graves para chamar o INEM (Instituto Nacional de Emergência Médica). Às baixas reformas dos utentes, obrigados a trocar medicamentos por produtos básicos, acresce o mau estado das estradas cheias de curvas e buracos, por onde as ambulâncias têm muitas vezes de passar para ir buscar doentes ou para os levar para o hospital. O número de profissionais é considerado insuficiente para prestar a assistência necessária (quando um dos enfermeiros tem de acompanhar um doente crítico, fica apenas um enfermeiro no centro), enquanto a falta de tipos de soro, medicamentos essenciais e reagentes laboratoriais, essenciais para determinados diagnósticos, retratam o real estado da saúde em Portugal.

Pergunto à Comissão:

| Tem conhecimento desta situação? |
| --- |

Tem conhecimento desta situação?

| Como avalia os problemas relacionados com o acesso aos cuidados de saúde (designadamente, a rede de transportes muito deficiente, um drama agravado pelas distâncias relativamente a hospitais onde estão disponíveis algumas especialidades que não se encontram no hospital de referência) e com a capacidade de resposta dos profissionais face às necessidades, em Portugal? |
| --- |

Como avalia os problemas relacionados com o acesso aos cuidados de saúde (designadamente, a rede de transportes muito deficiente, um drama agravado pelas distâncias relativamente a hospitais onde estão disponíveis algumas especialidades que não se encontram no hospital de referência) e com a capacidade de resposta dos profissionais face às necessidades, em Portugal?

Resposta dada por John Dalli em nome da Comissão

(16 de maio de 2012)

A Comissão, em conjunto com o Fundo Monetário Internacional e o Banco Central Europeu, presta assistência financeira a Portugal no âmbito de um programa de ajustamento económico (11). Assim, a Comissão está ciente das dificuldades com que o país está confrontado, inclusivamente no domínio da prestação de cuidados de saúde. Porém, em conformidade com o Tratado sobre o Funcionamento da União Europeia, a organização e a prestação de cuidados de saúde, incluindo a gestão dos serviços de ambulâncias, são da competência exclusiva dos Estados-Membros da UE.

A Comissão Europeia tem conhecimento de que um certo número de cidadãos da UE que necessitam de exames ou tratamentos médicos não recebem esses cuidados de saúde devido a problemas de transporte (0,2 % dos cidadãos, em média, de acordo com os resultados do Inquérito da União Europeia ao Rendimento e às Condições de Vida de 2010). A Comissão não efetuou uma avaliação da capacidade de resposta dos profissionais às necessidades existentes.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003377/12

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(29 March 2012)

Subject: Access to medical care in inland areas of Portugal

Thousands of people in Alentejo, on the coast and inland, live far from medical care establishments.

There is a lack of public transport in these inland areas located far from emergency services, and many cases are not considered sufficiently serious to call the National Institute of Emergency Medicine (INEM). In addition to the low retirement income of users, who are obliged to exchange medicines for basic products, the roads that ambulances often have to use to pick up patients and take them to hospital are in poor condition, full of bends and holes. The number of professionals is considered insufficient to provide the necessary care (when one of the nurses has to accompany a critically ill patent, only one nurse remains at the centre), while shortages of some types of IV drip, essential medicines and laboratory reagents, which are essential for certain diagnoses, demonstrate the real state of health care in Portugal.

Can the Commission answer the following questions:

| Is the Commission aware of this situation? |
| --- |

Is the Commission aware of this situation?

| What is its assessment of the problems regarding access to healthcare in Portugal (specifically, the severely inadequate transport network, a tragic situation which is exacerbated by the distances from hospitals where some of the specialities unavailable in the nearest hospital can be found) and of the ability of professionals to respond to needs? |
| --- |

What is its assessment of the problems regarding access to healthcare in Portugal (specifically, the severely inadequate transport network, a tragic situation which is exacerbated by the distances from hospitals where some of the specialities unavailable in the nearest hospital can be found) and of the ability of professionals to respond to needs?

Answer given by Mr Dalli on behalf of the Commission

(16 May 2012)

The Commission, together with the International Monetary Fund and the European Central Bank, provides financial assistance to Portugal within the framework of an Economic Adjustment Programme (12). As such, the Commission is aware of the difficult situation Portugal is experiencing, including in the provision of healthcare. However, according to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, the organisation and provision of healthcare, including the management of ambulances, is the sole responsibility of EU Member States.

The European Commission is aware that a number of citizens across Europe who need a medical examination or treatment do not receive such healthcare because of travel problems (on average 0.2% of citizens according to the results of the 2010 European Union Survey on Income and Living Conditions). The Commission did not carry out any assessment on the ability of professionals to respond to needs.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-003378/12

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(29 de março de 2012)

Assunto: Espionagem de dados pessoais em farmácias portuguesas

Um programa informático instalado em cerca de 250 farmácias portuguesas permitiu, durante mais de seis meses, a uma entidade estrangeira receber, em tempo real, de modo fraudulento, milhares de dados pessoais de clientes, permitindo-lhe o acesso a diversa informação privilegiada, como dados relativos a vendas e medicamentos (por exemplo, identificando, os medicamentos que os médicos prescreviam), que depois seria vendida a concorrentes a operar no mercado farmacêutico. Estamos perante um caso de cariz transnacional em que, através da utilização de um software previamente instalado no equipamento informático das farmácias, se procedia à recolha de dados que eram posteriormente enviados para uma entidade desconhecida.

Estão em causa crimes de burla informática, tratamento transfronteiriço de dados pessoais, acesso indevido e dano.

Pergunto à Comissão:

| Tem conhecimento desta situação? |
| --- |

Tem conhecimento desta situação?

| Qual o parecer da Comissão sobre esta matéria? |
| --- |

Qual o parecer da Comissão sobre esta matéria?

| Que avaliação faz dos crimes descritos e que enquadramento legal existe no âmbito da União Europeia, entendendo que os dados foram acedidos indevidamente, pondo em causa o funcionamento das regras básicas da concorrência? |
| --- |

Que avaliação faz dos crimes descritos e que enquadramento legal existe no âmbito da União Europeia, entendendo que os dados foram acedidos indevidamente, pondo em causa o funcionamento das regras básicas da concorrência?

| Que medidas devem ser tomadas para impedir que casos semelhantes venham a ser uma realidade cada vez mais frequente no Espaço Europeu? |
| --- |

Que medidas devem ser tomadas para impedir que casos semelhantes venham a ser uma realidade cada vez mais frequente no Espaço Europeu?

Resposta dada por Viviane Reding em nome da Comissão

(25 de maio de 2012)

A Comissão não tem conhecimento dos factos referidos pelo Senhor Deputado.

O tratamento de dados pessoais referido na sua pergunta é regido pela Diretiva 95/46/CE (13). As farmácias devem assegurar a conformidade do tratamento de dados com a legislação nacional nesta matéria que transpõe a Diretiva 95/46/CE. As farmácias devem aplicar as medidas técnicas adequadas a fim de evitar a divulgação ou o acesso ilícitos ou não autorizados a dados tratados, nomeadamente quando o tratamento implica a transmissão dos dados através de uma rede.

Sem prejuízo das competências da Comissão, na sua qualidade de guardiã dos Tratados, a supervisão e a aplicação da legislação em matéria de proteção de dados nos Estados-Membros são da competência das autoridades nacionais. No caso de Portugal, a autoridade nacional responsável pela proteção de dados é a Comissão Nacional de Proteção de Dados (CNPD) (14).

As recentes propostas para um novo enquadramento legal em matéria de proteção de dados (15) proporcionará um quadro jurídico harmonizado para reforçar a proteção das pessoas. Concretamente, o regulamento imporá às entidades responsáveis pelo controlo a obrigação de notificação das violações de dados pessoais e preverá medidas para atenuar os seus efeitos negativos. O regulamento preverá ainda um regime de sanções para os casos de incumprimento das disposições do regulamento.

Os ataques contra os sistemas de informação estão também regulamentados na nova Diretiva relativa a ataques contra os sistemas de informação, que deverá ser adotada em breve (16). Esta diretiva harmonizará as definições de infrações penais nesta matéria, assim como as sanções correspondentes. Além disso, a Comissão está atualmente a analisar a dimensão do problema da usurpação de identidade na UE, a fim de ponderar a necessidade de adotar medidas a nível da UE.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003378/12

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(29 March 2012)

Subject: Spying on personal data in Portuguese pharmacies

A computer program installed in around 250 Portuguese pharmacies has made it possible, over more than six months, for a foreign organisation to receive, in real time and in a fraudulent manner, thousands of items of customers’ personal data, allowing it access to assorted confidential information, such as data relating to sales and medicines (identifying, for example, the medicines that doctors prescribe), which would then be sold to competitors operating in the pharmaceutical market. We are dealing with a case that is cross-border in nature in which, through the use of software previously installed on pharmacy computers, data were being collected and later sent to an unknown entity.

These offences concern computer fraud, cross-border processing of personal data, improper access and damage.

I would ask the Commission:

| Is it aware of this situation? |
| --- |

Is it aware of this situation?

| What is the Commission’s view on this issue? |
| --- |

What is the Commission’s view on this issue?

| What is its view of the offences described and what legal framework is there in the European Union, considering that the data were accessed improperly, undermining the functioning of basic competition rules? |
| --- |

What is its view of the offences described and what legal framework is there in the European Union, considering that the data were accessed improperly, undermining the functioning of basic competition rules?

| What measures should be taken to prevent similar cases becoming an increasingly frequent reality in Europe? |
| --- |

What measures should be taken to prevent similar cases becoming an increasingly frequent reality in Europe?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(25 May 2012)

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

The processing of personal data referred to in this question is subject to Directive 95/46/EC (17). Pharmacies should ensure that the processing complies with the national data protection law implementing Directive 95/46/EC. They should implement appropriate technical measures to prevent unlawful or unauthorised disclosure or access to data processed, in particular when the processing involves the transmission of data over a network.

Without prejudice to the powers of the Commission as guardian of the Treaties, the supervision and the enforcement of data protection legislation in the Member States falls under the competence of the national authorities. In the case of Portugal, the national authority in charge of data protection is the Comissão Nacional de Protecção de Dados (CNPD) (18).

The recent legal proposals for a new data protection framework (19) will provide a harmonised legal framework which will strengthen the protection of individuals. More specifically the regulation will impose on controllers a notification obligation of personal data breaches and adopt measures to mitigate adverse effects of the data breach. It will also provide for a sanction regime for non-compliance with the provisions of the regulation.

Attacks against information systems are also addressed in the new Directive on Attacks against Information Systems, which should see adoption soon (20). This directive will harmonise the definitions of criminal offences in this area, as well as the corresponding penalties. Furthermore, the Commission is currently conducting an analysis of the scope of the problem of identity theft in the EU in order to assess the need for measures to address it at EU level.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-003379/12

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(29 de março de 2012)

Assunto: Reforço do Fundo de Coesão para a Região Autónoma da Madeira

A Lei Orgânica n.° 2/2010 de 16 de junho, vulgarmente conhecida como ₫Lei de Meios₻, que ₫fixa os meios que asseguram o financiamento das iniciativas de apoio à reconstrução na Região Autónoma da Madeira na sequência da intempérie de fevereiro de 2010₻, consagra no seu artigo 5.° que ₫as verbas previstas no Fundo de Coesão, destinadas à Região Autónoma da Madeira, são reforçadas em 265 milhões de euros, através da reprogramação dos programas operacionais₻.

Informações divulgadas ao longo deste tempo indicam que o Governo português está a negociar com a União Europeia a reprogramação dos programas, tendo em vista o cumprimento da Lei n.° 2/2010.

Já se passaram 20 meses desde a publicação da Lei e esta tem sido cumprida, exceção feita ao Fundo de Coesão.

Notícias publicadas recentemente dão conta que a União Europeia não terá dado o seu assentimento à reprogramação dos programas para reforçar o Fundo de Coesão para a Madeira.

Por esse facto, as obras de reconstrução da Madeira estão atrasadas face ao previsto na Lei Orgânica n.° 2/2010.

Assim, pergunto à Comissão:

| O Governo português apresentou à Comissão alguma proposta de reprogramação dos programas operacionais para reforçar o Fundo de Coesão para a Região Autónoma da Madeira? |
| --- |

O Governo português apresentou à Comissão alguma proposta de reprogramação dos programas operacionais para reforçar o Fundo de Coesão para a Região Autónoma da Madeira?

| É verdade que a proposta do Estado e da Região para a reafetação das verbas dos programas foi reprovada pela Comissão? |
| --- |

É verdade que a proposta do Estado e da Região para a reafetação das verbas dos programas foi reprovada pela Comissão?

| Em caso afirmativo, que razões invocou a Comissão para rejeitar a proposta? |
| --- |

Em caso afirmativo, que razões invocou a Comissão para rejeitar a proposta?

| Já foi apresentada uma nova proposta à Comissão? |
| --- |

Já foi apresentada uma nova proposta à Comissão?

| Qual é o ponto de situação das negociações sobre esta questão? |
| --- |

Qual é o ponto de situação das negociações sobre esta questão?

| Quando é que a Comissão prevê que possam ser desbloqueadas as primeiras verbas do reforço de 265 milhões do Fundo de Coesão para a reconstrução da Madeira? |
| --- |

Quando é que a Comissão prevê que possam ser desbloqueadas as primeiras verbas do reforço de 265 milhões do Fundo de Coesão para a reconstrução da Madeira?

Resposta dada por Sr. Hahn em nome da Comissão

(25 de maio de 2012)

O Governo português nunca apresentou uma proposta formal à Comissão com vista a reforçar a atual dotação financeira do Fundo de Coesão para a Madeira, no âmbito da correspondente prioridade do programa Valorização do Território.

Com efeito, essa possibilidade foi debatida informalmente no âmbito do exercício de reprogramação de 2011 do Quadro de Referência Estratégico Nacional (QREN). A Comissão emitiu um parecer negativo sobre essa questão, devido à ausência de uma justificação plausível para um aumento desse tipo e à necessidade de afetar recursos suficientes a outras prioridades de investimento do referido programa.

Está prevista para as próximas semanas uma proposta de reprogramação global do QREN.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003379/12

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(29 March 2012)

Subject: Increasing Cohesion Fund monies for the Autonomous Region of Madeira

Commonly known as the Lei de Meios (Law of Resources), Organic Law No 2/2010 of 16 June 2012 ‘establishes the resources that ensure funding for initiatives supporting the reconstruction of the Autonomous Region of Madeira following the storms of February 2010’; Article 5 lays down that ‘the Cohesion Fund monies for the Autonomous Region of Madeira for which there is provision are increased by EUR 265 million through the reorganisation of operational programmes’.

During this time, information has come to light showing that the Portuguese Government is negotiating with the European Union on reorganising these programmes, with a view to compliance with Law No 2/2010.

It is already 20 months since the law was passed and it has been complied with, except as regards the Cohesion Fund.

It has recently been reported in the news that the European Union may not have given its assent to reorganising the programmes to increase Cohesion Fund monies for Madeira.

This has delayed the reconstruction work provided for in Organic Law No 2/2010.

Therefore, in view of the above:

| Has the Portuguese Government submitted to the Commission a proposal to reorganise operational programmes, so as to increase Cohesion Fund monies for Madeira? |
| --- |

Has the Portuguese Government submitted to the Commission a proposal to reorganise operational programmes, so as to increase Cohesion Fund monies for Madeira?

| Is it true that the proposal of the national and regional governments for reallocating funds for the programmes has been rejected by the Commission? |
| --- |

Is it true that the proposal of the national and regional governments for reallocating funds for the programmes has been rejected by the Commission?

| If so, what reasons did the Commission give for rejecting the proposal? |
| --- |

If so, what reasons did the Commission give for rejecting the proposal?

| Has a new proposal been submitted to the Commission? |
| --- |

Has a new proposal been submitted to the Commission?

| What is the current status of the negotiations on this issue? |
| --- |

What is the current status of the negotiations on this issue?

| When does the Commission envisage that it will be possible to free up the first monies from the EUR 265 million increase in the Cohesion Fund for reconstruction in Madeira? |
| --- |

When does the Commission envisage that it will be possible to free up the first monies from the EUR 265 million increase in the Cohesion Fund for reconstruction in Madeira?

Answer given by Mr Hahn on behalf of the Commission

(25 May 2012)

The Portuguese Government has never submitted a formal proposal to the Commission to reinforce the existing Cohesion Fund financial allocation for Madeira within the corresponding priority of the Valorização do Território programme.

Such a possibility had indeed been informally discussed within the scope of the National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF) 2011 reprogramming exercise. The Commission expressed a negative opinion on it due to the absence of a credible justification for such an increase and the need to allocate sufficient resources to other investment priorities of the abovementioned programme.

A global re-programming proposal of the NSRF is expected in the coming weeks.

(Versiunea în limba română)

Întrebarea cu solicitare de răspuns scris E-003380/12

adresată Comisiei

Corina Creţu (S&D)

(29 martie 2012)

Subiect: Femeile sunt mult mai expuse riscului de sărăcie și excluziune socială decât bărbații

O serie de date publicate recent de Eurostat indică faptul că, în Uniunea Europeană, femeile sunt mult mai expuse riscului de sărăcie și excluziune socială decât bărbații, iar, la nivelul statelor membre, cu situația cea mai dificilă se confruntă femeile din România (42,1% din populația de sex feminin, comparativ cu 40,8% în cazul bărbaților) și cele din Bulgaria (43,3%, față de 39,8% în cazul bărbaților).

Deși egalitatea dintre femei și bărbați este un principiu fundamental al Uniunii Europene, participarea femeilor pe piața muncii rămâne o problemă în multe state europene, iar în România procentul femeilor angajate este de 59,5%, ceea ce înseamnă că aproape jumătate dintre femeile din România nu au un loc de muncă.

Mai multe femei decât bărbați lucrează cu fracțiune de normă și cu contracte temporare și, în consecință, vor fi disponibilizate mai ușor în perioadele de criză. Disparitățile dintre remunerațiile femeilor sunt încă foarte mari, iar nivelul de ocupare a forței de muncă în zonele rurale este extrem de redus.

Care sunt soluțiile concrete pe care le vede Comisia în acest context și mecanismele prin care vor fi implementate direcțiile europene de acțiune?

Răspuns dat de dl Andor în numele Comisiei

(29 mai 2012)

Strategia pentru egalitatea de șanse între femei și bărbați 2010-2015 (21) reprezintă un document de referință în lupta împotriva sărăciei și excluderii femeilor, care propune măsuri pentru a îmbunătăți independența economică a acestora. De altfel, egalitatea de șanse reprezintă, în continuare, o parte importantă a politicilor UE în domeniul social.

Creșterea participării femeilor pe piața muncii constituie un obiectiv major al Strategiei Europa 2020 în ceea ce privește ocuparea forței de muncă și reducerea sărăciei. În acest cadru, România și-a stabilit obiectivul de a atinge o rată de ocupare a forței de muncă de 70% și de a reduce cu 580 000 numărul persoanelor sărace până în 2020. Femeile sunt și ele vizate de aceste obiective. Comisia va monitoriza aceste acțiuni în cadrul analizei Planului național de reformă, precum și prin formularea de recomandări specifice fiecărei țări.

Pachetul privind ocuparea forței de muncă, prezentat recent de Comisie, oferă statelor membre orientări privind modul în care pot fi integrate femeile pe piața muncii, și anume prin asigurarea egalității de remunerare și a unor servicii adecvate de îngrijire a copiilor, prin eliminarea tuturor formelor de discriminare și a măsurilor fiscale descurajante și prin optimizarea duratei concediului de maternitate și a concediului parental.

Pentru a susține eforturile României, Comisia Europeană finanțează, prin intermediul FSE, măsuri menite să crească rata de ocupare a femeilor și incluziunea lor socială. Raportul anual de punere în aplicare pentru 2010 arată că, în România, femeile au reprezentat 55,86% dintre participanții la proiectele în domeniul incluziunii sociale.

Propunerea Comisiei pentru Politica de coeziune în perioada de după 2013 include, printre obiectivele de finanțare, acțiuni de promovare a egalității de șanse între femei și bărbați, în special prin Fondul Social European.

Comisia Europeană încurajează, de asemenea, schimbul de bune practici în domeniul social între statele membre în cadrul Metodei deschise de coordonare.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003380/12

to the Commission

Corina Creţu (S&D)

(29 March 2012)

Subject: Women far more exposed to the risk of poverty and social exclusion than men

Recent data published by Eurostat indicate that in the European Union women are far more exposed to the risk of poverty and social exclusion than men, and that, at Member State level, women in Romania (42.1 % of the female population compared with 40.8 % of men) and Bulgaria (43.3 % compared with 39.8 % of men) face the most difficult situation.

Although equality between women and men is a fundamental principle of the European Union, the percentage of women on the labour market is still a problem for many European states and, in Romania, 59.5 % of women are in employment, which means that almost half of the Romanian women are unemployed.

More women than men work part-time and in temporary employment, and consequently, can be more easily made redundant during crisis periods. The disparities regarding women’s pay remained very wide and employment levels in rural areas are extremely low.

What concrete solutions does the Commission envisage in this situation and what mechanisms will be used to implement the European directions for action?

Answer given by Mr Andor on behalf of the Commission

(29 May 2012)

The strategy for equality between women and men 2010-2015 (22) is the point of reference for fighting poverty and exclusion of women, and it proposes measures with a view to improving the economic independence of women. Moreover, equal opportunities continue to be an important aspect of EU social policy.

Increasing the participation of women in the labour market is a key element of the EU 2020 strategy on employment and the reduction of poverty. Within this framework, Romania has set itself the objective, by 2020, of achieving an employment rate of 70% and reducing the number of poor people by 580 000. These targets also include women. Monitoring will be undertaken by the Commission as part of the analysis of the National Reform Plan, and country-specific recommendations will be made.

The Commission's recently presented ‘Employment Package’ provides guidance to Member States on how to integrate women into the labour market by providing equal pay and adequate childcare, by eliminating all discrimination and tax-benefit disincentives and by optimising the duration of maternity and parental leave.

To support Romania's efforts, ESF funding is being provided for measures to increase the employment of women and improve their social inclusion. The Annual Implementation Report 2010 shows that in Romania 55.86% of the participants in social inclusion projects were women.

The Commission's proposal for the Cohesion Policy for the post-2013 period includes equal opportunities between men and women among the objectives for funding, in particular for the European Social Fund.

The EC also encourages the exchange of best practice in the social field between Member States, within the framework of the open method of coordination.

(Slovenské znenie)

Otázka na písomné zodpovedanie E-003381/12

Komisii

Monika Flašíková Beňová (S&D)

(29. marca 2012)

Vec: Demolácia projektov obnoviteľných zdrojov energie v Izraeli

Na Západnom brehu Izraela, ktorý je ekonomicky veľmi slabo rozvinutý, má Európska únia šesť projektov na výrobu elektriny z hybridných veterných a solárnych zariadení. Takzvaná Oblasť C je pod plnou kontrolou Izraela a zaberá takmer 60 % územia Západného brehu. Nachádzajú sa v nej všetky izraelské osady, prístupové cesty a nárazníkové zóny. Palestínčania potrebujú v tejto oblasti stavebné povolenie, avšak podľa prieskumu izraelskej skupiny Peace Now bolo v období 2000 – 2007 až 94 % ich žiadostí zamietnutých. Nižšia zložka izraelskej armády, ktorá koordinuje civilné záležitosti v oblasti a má na starosti byrokratické funkcie na Západnom brehu, oznámila, že práce sa musia zastaviť, pretože realizátori projektu nemajú správne povolenia. Manažéri projektov uviedli, že nariadenie o zastavení prác je prvým krokom k takmer automatickej demolácii.

Spoluzakladateľ projektu z organizácie Comet-ME, ktorá dozerá na program rozvoja obnoviteľných zdrojov, upozornil, že ak dôjde k demolácii, asi 400 ľudí zostane úplne bez elektriny. Demolácia by sa mala týkať napríklad dvoch veterných turbín a 40 fotovoltických panelov, ktoré v Shaab al-Buttum vyrábajú denne 40 – 60 kWh elektriny denne.

Aká bude oficiálna reakcia Komisie v súvislosti s nariadením o zastavení prác pre energetické systémy na Západnom brehu v Izraeli?

Odpoveď pána Füleho v mene Komisie

(30. mája 2012)

Komisia považuje zničenie palestínskej infraštruktúry izraelskými silami na okupovaných palestínskych územiach za neakceptovateľné a túto záležitosť pravidelne nastoľuje v rámci politického dialógu EÚ s Izraelom. Je potrebné uviesť, že nariadenie o zastavení prác uvedené v otázke sa týka projektov financovaných členskými štátmi, a nie EÚ ako takou.

Napriek tomu sa v rámci programového plánu financovania na rok 2012 pre okupované palestínske územia predpokladá balík opatrení pre oblasť C vrátane podpory pre rozvoj administratívnej kapacity palestínskej samosprávy a infraštruktúry v malom rozsahu. Projekty budú podľa možností koordinované s izraelskými okupačnými orgánmi, ktoré nebudú mať právo veta. Právne zostane vlastníkom infraštruktúry Komisia tak dlho, ako to bude možné, a potom bude prevedená konečným vlastníkom. Komisia okrem toho bude poskytovať právnu pomoc príjemcom, ktorá bude pokračovať aj po prevzatí. Európska únia bude aktívne podporovať strany v spolupráci s cieľom uľahčiť sociálny a hospodársky rozvoj oblasti C. To má nesmierny význam pre životaschopnosť budúceho palestínskeho štátu a pre schopnosť jeho obyvateľov viesť normálny život.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003381/12

to the Commission

Monika Flašíková Beňová (S&D)

(29 March 2012)

Subject: Demolition of renewable energy projects in Israel

In Israel’s West Bank, which is economically very underdeveloped, the European Union has six electricity generation projects using hybrid wind and solar installations. Area C is under full Israeli control and takes up nearly 60% of the territory of the West Bank. It contains all Israeli settlements, access roads and buffer zones. Palestinians need building permits in this area, although, according to research carried out by the Israeli group Peace Now, fully 94% of their applications were rejected during the period 2000-2007. A minor unit of the Israeli army, which coordinates civilian matters in the area and is responsible for bureaucratic functions in the West Bank, has announced that work must stop because the project operators do not have the correct permits. The project managers said that an order to halt work is a preliminary step which almost automatically leads to demolition.

The project’s co‐founder from the Comet-ME organisation, which oversees the renewables development programme, warned that if the demolition goes ahead, about 400 people would be left completely without electricity. The demolition would affect two wind turbines and 40 photovoltaic panels, which generate 40-60 kWh of electricity per day in Shaab al-Buttum.

What will be the official response of the Commission regarding the order to halt work on energy systems in the West Bank in Israel?

Answer given by Mr Füle on behalf of the Commission

(30 May 2012)

The Commission considers the destruction by Israel of Palestinian infrastructure in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) to be unacceptable and raises the issue regularly in the EU’s political dialogue with Israel. It should be noted that the ‘stop work orders’ referred to in the question relate to projects funded by Member States rather than the EU per se.

Nevertheless, the programming exercise carried out for 2012 funding in the oPt envisages a package of measures for Area C, including support for developing the Palestinian Authority’s planning capability and some small-scale infrastructure. Projects will, insofar as possible, be coordinated with the Israeli occupationauthorities (without them having a veto). Legal ownership of the infrastructure will remain with the Commission for as long as possible before transfer to final owners and the Commission will also incorporate a legal assistance scheme for beneficiaries, which will continue after handover. The EU will play an active role encouraging the parties to cooperate to facilitate the social and economic development of Area C, which is of critical importance for the viability of a future Palestinian state as well as for its inhabitants to be enabled to lead a normal life.

(Slovenské znenie)

Otázka na písomné zodpovedanie E-003382/12

Komisii

Monika Flašíková Beňová (S&D)

(29. marca 2012)

Vec: Efektívne využívanie zdrojov

Maloobchodní predajcovia v súčasnosti prispievajú k HDP Európy 13 %. Odvetvia potravín, nápojov, bývania a dopravy sú však približne zo 70 až 80 % príčinou nepriaznivého dosahu spotreby na životné prostredie. Európske maloobchodné fórum nedávno publikovalo správu, z ktorej vyplýva, že maloobchodní predajcovia zohľadňujú vo svojich obchodných rozhodnutiach životné prostredie viac ako kedykoľvek predtým. Maloobchodníci, ktorí sú členmi fóra, sa zaväzujú vykonávať špecifické opatrenia v oblasti životného prostredia, aby prispeli k udržateľnej spotrebe a účinnému využívaniu zdrojov. V najnovšej hodnotiacej správe sa opisuje 390 záväzkov prijatých do roku 2010, čo je o 100 záväzkov viac ako v roku 2009. Spoločnosti v rámci fóra venujú väčšiu pozornosť ekologizácii svojich zásobovacích reťazcov, udržateľným systémom distribúcie a využívaniu obnoviteľných zdrojov energie. To svedčí o tom, že zodpovednosť za životné prostredie má pre podniky obchodnú hodnotu a prispieva k politikám EÚ pri podpore udržateľnej spotreby a výroby.

Plánuje Komisia tieto pozitívne postupy propagovať ako tzv. good practice metódu?

Odpoveď pána Potočnika v mene Komisie

(30. mája 2012)

Áno, Komisia už podporuje metódy osvedčených postupov maloobchodných predajcov zohľadňujúce hospodárne využívanie zdrojov prostredníctvom Maloobchodného fóra pre udržateľnosť zriadeného EÚ. Komisia sa bude aj naďalej zapájať do podpory udržateľnosti a hospodárneho využívania zdrojov v maloobchodnom sektore, najmä v rámci činností maloobchodného fóra v rokoch 2012 – 2014.

Komisia odkazuje Váženú pani poslankyňu na tlačovú správu z 28. februára 2012 (23), v ktorej sa uvádzajú ďalšie informácie o tejto iniciatíve.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003382/12

to the Commission

Monika Flašíková Beňová (S&D)

(29 March 2012)

Subject: Efficient use of resources

Retailers currently contribute 13% of Europe’s GDP. The food, drinks, housing and transport sectors, however, are responsible for approximately 70-80% of the adverse impact of consumption on the environment. The European Retail Forum has recently published a report which shows that retailers are taking the environment into account in their business decisions more than ever before. Retailers who are members of the Forum undertake to implement specific measures relating to the environment in order to contribute to sustainable consumption and the efficient use of resources. The latest evaluation report describes 390 commitments made by 2010, or 100 more commitments made than in 2009. Companies within the Forum are paying more attention to the greening of their supply chains, a sustainable distribution system, and the use of renewable energy. This bears witness to the fact that environmental responsibility has commercial value for businesses and contributes to EU policies that support sustainable consumption and production.

Does the Commission plan to promote these positive steps as a ‘good practice method’?

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(30 May 2012)

Yes, the Commission is already promoting best practice approaches of retailers with regard to resource efficiency through the EU Retail Forum for Sustainability. The Commission will continue to be engaged in promoting sustainability and resource efficiency in the retail sector, in particular as part of the Retail Forum's activities in 2012-2014.

For further information on this initiative, the Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its press release of 28 February 2012 (24).

(Slovenské znenie)

Otázka na písomné zodpovedanie E-003383/12

Komisii

Monika Flašíková Beňová (S&D)

(29. marca 2012)

Vec: Erasmus pre všetkých

Európska komisia nedávno predstavila návrh programu s názvom Erasmus pre všetkých. Ide o program Európskej únie pre vzdelávanie, odbornú prípravu, mládež a šport. Názov programu Erasmus pre všetkých je však mätúci. Názov Erasmus je totiž medzi širšou európskou verejnosťou spájaný s aktivitami súvisiacimi s vysokoškolským vzdelávaním, mobilitou mladých akademikov a všeobecne s kontextom formálneho vzdelávania. Názov programu sa preto jednoducho nespája s odborným vzdelávaním, s možnosťami neformálneho vzdelávania sa a ani so skúsenosťami mladých, sociálne vylúčených ľudí.

— Považuje Komisia názov programu za dostatočne výstižný?

— Neplánuje Komisia názov programu vzhľadom na uvedené doplniť, či poopraviť?

Odpoveď pani Vassiliouovej v mene Komisie

(14. júna 2012)

Erasmus je názov európskeho programu, ktorý je širokej verejnosti najviac známy a ktorý je v mysliach občanov v EÚ a mimo nej výrazne spojený s mobilitou pri vzdelávaní a európskou spoluprácou.

Európska komisia hľadala pre nový program pre vzdelávanie, odbornú prípravu, mládež a šport značku, ktorú by vedeli ihneď identifikovať nielen osobitné skupiny obyvateľstva a bezprostredne zainteresované strany, ale aj veľká časť bežného obyvateľstva. Taktiež hľadala značku, ktorá by bola symbolickým vyjadrením jedného z najdôveryhodnejších a najuznávanejších úspechov EÚ.

Z tohto dôvodu sa „Erasmus pre všetkých“ javí ako najvhodnejší názov nového programu. Je to tiež v súlade s myšlienkou jediného programu pokrývajúceho všetky (formálny a neformálny) sektory vzdelávania ako aj mládež.

Erasmus pre všetkých ponúkne nové príležitosti všetkým zainteresovaným stranám: možný prospech z nového programu môžu mať všetci tí, ktorí sú aktívni v oblasti vzdelávania, odbornej prípravy, mládeže a športu. Komisia preto naďalej zastáva názor, že názov, ktorý navrhla pre tento program, je najvhodnejším názvom.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003383/12

to the Commission

Monika Flašíková Beňová (S&D)

(29 March 2012)

Subject: Erasmus for All

The European Commission recently presented a proposal for a programme called ‘Erasmus for All’. It is a European Union programme for education, professional training, youth and sport. However, the name of the programme, ‘Erasmus for All’, is confusing. The wider public in Europe associates the name Erasmus with activities related to higher education, the mobility of young academics and the context of formal education generally. The name of the programme is therefore simply not associated with professional training, with the possibilities of informal education or with the experiences of young, socially‐excluded people.

— Does the Commission consider the name of the programme to be sufficiently apposite?

— In view of the above, does the Commission plan to modify or correct the name of the programme?

Answer given by Ms Androulla Vassiliou on behalf of the Commission

(14 June 2012)

Erasmus is the European Programme name most widely known among the general public and strongly associated in the mind of citizens across and outside the EU with learning mobility and European cooperation.

For the new programme for education, training, youth and sport, the European Commission sought a brand name that would be immediately recognisable, not just among specific audiences and immediate stakeholders, but also among large parts of the general population. It also sought a brand name that was symbolic of the one of EU's most credible and respected achievements.

For this reason, Erasmus for All appears the most suitable name for the new programme, It is also in line with the idea of a unique programme covering all (formal, informal and non-formal) education sectors as well as youth.

Erasmus for All will offer new opportunities to all stakeholders: all those active in the education, training, youth or sport sectors can potentially benefit from the new programme. Thus, the Commission remains of the view that the name it has proposed for the programme is the most suitable one.

(Slovenské znenie)

Otázka na písomné zodpovedanie E-003385/12

Komisii

Monika Flašíková Beňová (S&D)

(29. marca 2012)

Vec: Kontrola fiškálnej politiky v Grécku

Nemecká vláda vypracovala návrh, na základe ktorého by sa Grécko malo vzdať časti svojej suverenity pri rozhodovaní o daniach a výdavkoch, a to v prospech tzv. rozpočtového komisára. Rozpočtový komisár by mal mať právomoc vetovať fiškálne rozhodnutia gréckej vlády, ak by neboli v súlade s cieľmi stanovenými medzinárodnými veriteľmi. Vymenúvali by ho ministri financií eurozóny a mal by na starosti kontrolu gréckej vlády pri rozhodovaní o veľkých výdavkoch. Podľa nemeckého plánu by Grécko mohlo míňať len na normálne fungovanie vlády po tom, čo by zaplatili splátky dlhu. Nemecko požaduje kontrolu fiškálnej politiky za udelenie druhého balíka finančnej pomoci vo výške 130 miliárd eur, bez ktorého Atény zbankrotujú.

— Je podľa Komisie tento návrh v súlade s legislatívou Európskej únie?

Odpoveď pána Rehna v mene Komisie

(22. mája 2012)

Európska komisia si dovoľuje odkázať ctenú pani poslankyňu na odpoveď na otázku E-001110/2012.

Na zasadnutí Euroskupiny, ktoré sa konalo 20. februára 2012, sa uvítal zámer Grécka zaviesť mechanizmus, ktorý umožňuje lepšie vysledovanie a monitorovanie oficiálne požičaných finančných prostriedkov a vnútorne vytvorených finančných prostriedkov, ktoré slúžia na splácanie dlhu Grécka, prostredníctvom vyplatenia sumy zodpovedajúcej splátkam dlhu na nastávajúci štvrťrok priamo na samostatný účet gréckeho zástupcu pre platby, čo bude monitorovať „trojka“. Grécko do svojho právneho rámca zaviedlo ustanovenie, ktorým sa zaisťuje prednostné splácanie splátok dlhu. Toto ustanovenie sa do gréckej ústavy zavedie čo možno najskôr podľa nedávneho príkladu Španielska.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003385/12

to the Commission

Monika Flašíková Beňová (S&D)

(29 March 2012)

Subject: Monitoring fiscal policy in Greece

The German Government has drafted a proposal under which Greece would surrender part of its sovereignty to a so-called ‘budget commissioner’ when deciding on taxes and spending. The budget commissioner would have the power to veto fiscal decisions made by the Greek Government if they were not in line with the targets set by international creditors. The commissioner would be nominated by the euro area finance ministers, and would be responsible for monitoring the Greek Government when it makes major expenditure decisions. Under the German plan, Greece would only be able to spend on the normal functioning of the government after it had made its debt repayments. Germany is demanding that fiscal policy be monitored in return for granting a second bailout package amounting to EUR 130 billion, without which Athens would be bankrupt.

— In the opinion of the Commission, is this proposal in line with EU legislation?

Answer given by Mr Rehn on behalf of the Commission

(22 May 2012)

The European Commission would like to refer the Honourable Member of Parliament to the reply given to Question E‐001110/2012.

The Eurogroup of 20 February 2012 welcomed Greece's intention to put in place a mechanism that allows better tracing and monitoring of the official borrowing and internally-generated funds destined to service Greece's debt by, under monitoring of the Troika, paying an amount corresponding to the coming quarter's debt service directly to a segregated account of Greece's paying agent. Greece has introduced in the Greek legal framework a provision ensuring that priority is granted to debt servicing payments. This provision will be introduced in the Greek constitution as soon as possible, following the recent example of Spain.

(Slovenské znenie)

Otázka na písomné zodpovedanie E-003386/12

Komisii

Monika Flašíková Beňová (S&D)

(29. marca 2012)

Vec: Obnoviteľné zdroje energie v Portugalsku

Portugalsko nedávno pozastavilo vydávanie licencií pre nové projekty obnoviteľných zdrojov energie, a to na neurčitú dobu. Licencie boli pozastavené v snahe splniť podmienky, ktoré pre poskytovanie finančnej pomoci v máji 2011 stanovili Európska komisia, Medzinárodný menový fond a Európska centrálna banka. Portugalská vláda svoje rozhodnutie zdôvodnila tým, že existujúce zariadenia pre produkciu elektriny z obnoviteľných zdrojov, z ktorých v roku 2011 pochádzalo až 46 % vyrobenej elektriny v krajine, postačia na naplnenie cieľa do roku 2020. Podľa národného akčného plánu, ktorý je podľa smernice 2008/28/ES záväzný, by sa obnoviteľné zdroje energie mali na celkovej konečnej spotrebe energie v roku 2020 podieľať vo výške 31 %. Po rozpočítaní na jednotlivé sektory si Lisabon stanovil za cieľ 10 % podiel obnoviteľných zdrojov energie v sektore dopravy, 30,6 % pri vykurovaní a chladení a 60 % v sektore elektriny. Portugalsko takisto uvažuje o znížení výkupných cien elektriny z obnoviteľných zdrojov, a to aj s retroaktívnym účinkom, alebo nad dodatočným znížením existujúcej produkcie.

— Aký má Komisia názor na takýto postup portugalskej vlády?

— Plánuje byť v tomto smere určitým spôsobom aktívna?

Odpoveď pána Oettingera v mene Komisie

(10. mája 2012)

Komisia by chcela objasniť, že v Memorande EÚ/MMF o porozumení s Portugalskom sa nevyžaduje pozastavenie vydávania nových licencií pre projekty v oblasti energie z obnoviteľných zdrojov. Od Portugalska sa však požaduje, aby preskúmalo efektívnosť fungovania schém podpory týchto technológií.

Hoci Komisia uznáva, že Portugalsko čelí značným fiškálnym obmedzeniam a dosahuje lepšie výsledky, než sú potrebné na splnenie jeho záväzného vnútroštátneho cieľa zaistiť do roku 2020 31 % podiel energie z obnoviteľných zdrojov, zároveň odporúča, aby sa uskutočnili reformy schém podpory v oblasti energie z obnoviteľných zdrojov s prihliadnutím na najlepšie postupy používané v celej Európe. Členské štáty by sa mali vyhýbať najmä prijímaniu retroaktívnych opatrení a prístupov, v rámci ktorých opatrenia síce začnú realizovať, ale po čase ich ukončia, a mali by sa snažiť minimalizovať narušenie a zavádzanie investorov a trhových aktérov v sektore, ktorý vytvára značný rast a pracovné miesta v Európe.

Komisia priebežne monitoruje vykonávanie smernice o energii z obnoviteľných zdrojov energie (2009/28/ES (25)) v Portugalsku s cieľom zvážiť, či je na úrovni EÚ potrebné prijať ďalšie opatrenia.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003386/12

to the Commission

Monika Flašíková Beňová (S&D)

(29 March 2012)

Subject: Renewable energy in Portugal

Portugal recently suspended indefinitely the issuing of licences for new renewable energy projects. The licences were suspended in an effort to meet the conditions for the granting of financial assistance set in May 2011 by the European Commission, the International Monetary Fund and the European Central Bank. The Portuguese Government justified its decision by the fact that the existing facilities for the generation of electricity from renewable sources, which provided as much as 46% of the electricity produced in the country in 2011, are sufficient to meet the goal by 2020. According to the national action plan, which is binding under Directive 2008/28/EC, renewable energy should account for 31% of all end-consumption of energy in 2020. Based on calculations by individual sector, Lisbon set itself a target of a 10% renewable energy share in the transport sector, 30.6% for heating and cooling and 60% in the electricity sector. Portugal is also considering reducing the purchase prices of electricity from renewable sources, even with retroactive effect, or further reducing existing production.

— What is the Commission’s view of the Portuguese Government adopting such an approach?

— Does it plan to take any action in this matter?

Answer given by Mr Oettinger on behalf of the Commission

(10 May 2012)

The Commission would like to clarify that the EU/IMF Memorandum of Understanding with Portugal does not require the suspension of new permits for renewable energy projects, although the Portuguese Government is asked to review the efficiency of the support schemes for these technologies.

Whilst acknowledging that Portugal is facing major fiscal constraints and is above the trajectory for achieving its binding national target of 31% renewable energy by 2020, the Commission recommends that reforms to renewable energy support schemes are undertaken following best practice across Europe. In particular, Member States should avoid retroactive measures and start-and-stop approaches, and they should strive to minimise disruption and confusion to investors and market players in a sector that is creating significant growth and jobs in Europe.

The Commission is continuously monitoring the implementation of the Renewable Energy Directive (2009/28/EC (26)) in Portugal with a view to considering if further action at EU level is necessary.

(Slovenské znenie)

Otázka na písomné zodpovedanie E-003387/12

Komisii

Monika Flašíková Beňová (S&D)

(29. marca 2012)

Vec: Nová technológia na zlepšenie informovanosti o spotrebe energií

Európska únia podporila prostredníctvom 7. rámcového programu projekt s názvom DEHEMS, ktorý má obyvateľom Európskej únie pomôcť pri znižovaní a porovnávaní spotreby energie prostredníctvom televízie, počítača či aplikácií sociálnych sietí. Technológia bola otestovaná na dvoch odlišných európskych trhoch, vo Veľkej Británii a v Bulharsku. Test technológie ukázal, že koncoví spotrebitelia, ktorí mali k dispozícii informačnú palubnú dosku, znížili svoju spotrebu energie v priemere o 8 %.

Projekt DEHEMS poukázal na to, že spotrebitelia, ktorí dostávajú viac informácií o vlastnej spotrebe, sú náchylnejší zmeniť svoje vzorce správania. Informácie sa prenášajú cez internet na centrálny server, vďaka čomu ich možno porovnávať s domácnosťami podobného typu. Zákazník tak zistí, či patrí v rámci svojej kategórie k veľkým, stredným alebo malým odberateľom. Prenos dát je však stále anonymný, čím podľa autorov projektu nedochádza k rizikovému uchovávaniu a spoločnému využívaniu osobných dát. Okrem elektriny sa projekt DEHEMS môže využiť aj v rámci sledovania spotreby zemného plynu, pričom sa nevyžadoval žiaden zásah do klasických meračov toku plynu alebo inštalácií.

— Mieni Komisia projekt DEHEMS nejakým spôsobom podporiť, respektíve spropagovať?

Odpoveď pani Kroesovej v mene Komisie

(23. mája 2012)

Komisia intenzívne podporuje využívanie IKT v záujme zlepšenia energetickej efektívnosti. Na tento účel financovala približne 15 pilotných akcií z CIP (program pre konkurencieschopnosť a inovácie) a približne 20 programov v rámci 7. RP, ku ktorým patrí aj DEHEMS. Vo svojom návrhu programu Horizont 2020 Komisia plánuje v tejto podpore pokračovať a okrem toho má v úmysle túto oblasť začleniť do svojho návrhu iniciatívy o inteligentných mestách.

Pokiaľ ide o konkrétnu propagáciu projektu DEHEMS, Komisia skontaktovala Euronews a projekt bol predstavený v programe Futuris. Videoklip možno nájsť na tejto adrese: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sX_y17Ob9bA.

Okrem toho dňa 7. februára 2012 podpredsedníčka Európskej komisie Neelie Kroesová uviedla: „Keď majú ľudia k dispozícii kvalitnejšie informácie, dokážu prijať správnejšie rozhodnutia. Projekt DEHEMS je dôkazom toho, že pri znižovaní spotreby energie môžu Európe výrazne pomôcť aj veľmi jednoduché technológie.“ Celé znenie tlačového oznámenia sa nachádza na tejto adrese: http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/12/147&format=HTM. Túto správu prevzalo niekoľko médií (napríklad Expansion
  ,
  SofiaEcho
  ,
  Key4biz).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003387/12

to the Commission

Monika Flašíková Beňová (S&D)

(29 March 2012)

Subject: New technology to increase awareness of energy consumption

Under the Seventh Framework Programme, the European Union supported the DEHEMS project, which aims to help EU citizens to reduce and to compare electricity consumption using television, computers and social networking applications. The technology was tested in two different European markets, in the United Kingdom and in Bulgaria. The test of the technology showed that end-users who had an information dashboard reduced their energy consumption by an average of 8%.

The DEHEMS project showed that consumers who receive more information about their energy use are more likely to change their behaviour patterns. Information is transmitted via the Internet to a central server, enabling comparisons to be made between households of similar type. In this way, the customers can see if they are in the high, medium or low category of energy users. The transmission of data is at all times anonymous, which — according to the project’s creators — means that there is no risk of personal data being retained or shared. In addition to electricity, the DEHEMS project may be used to monitor the consumption of natural gas without having to interfere with conventional gas flow meters or installations.

— Does the Commission intend to support or promote the DEHEMS project in any way?

Answer given by Ms Kroes on behalf of the Commission

(23 May 2012)

The Commission is comitted to promote the use of ICT to improve energy efficiency. To this end the Commission has funded about 15 pilot actions from the CIP (Competitiviness and Innovation Programme) and about 20 FP7 projects — DEHEMS being one of these. The Commission in its Horizon2020 proposal plans to continue this support and it is also planning to include this area in its proposal for an initiative on Smart Cities.

In the particular case of promoting DEHEMS, the Commission contacted Euronews and DEHEMS featured in the Futuris programme. The videoclip is at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sX_y17Ob9bA

Moreover, on 7 February 2012, European Commission Vice-President Neelie Kroes said: ‘People make better choices when they have better information at hand. The DEHEMS project shows that very simple technologies can go a long way to helping Europe reduce energy use.’ The complete press release is at:

http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/12/147&format=HTM. Several media (e.g. Expansion, SofiaEcho, Key4biz) reproduced it.

(Slovenské znenie)

Otázka na písomné zodpovedanie E-003388/12

Komisii

Monika Flašíková Beňová (S&D)

(29. marca 2012)

Vec: Liberalizácia trhu s elektrinou

Európska komisia nedávno zaslala ôsmym členským krajinám Európskej únie odôvodnené stanovisko, v ktorom ich upozorňuje na skutočnosť, že do ich národných legislatív neboli stále transponované pravidlá, na ktorých sa Únia dohodla ešte v roku 2009 v snahe liberalizovať trh s elektrinou a plynom a vytvoriť spoločný trh s energiami. Najvyšší predstavitelia členských krajín potvrdili vo februári 2011 potrebu dokončiť spoločný trh s energiami do roku 2014. Termín na transpozíciu dvoch smerníc 3. liberalizačného balíka uplynul 3. marca 2011. Medzi krajiny, ktoré transpozíciu smerníc 2009/72/ES a 2009/73/ES neuskutočnili, patrí Slovensko, Cyprus, Bulharsko, Luxembursko, Holandsko, Rumunsko a Španielsko.

Aké budú ďalšie kroky Komisie v prípade, ak krajiny v najbližšej dobe neuskutočnia transpozíciu smerníc 2009/72/ES a 2009/73/ES do svojich národných právnych poriadkov?

Odpoveď pána Oettingera v mene Komisie

(30. mája 2012)

V prípade, že osem dotknutých členských štátov ešte neoznámilo prijatie žiadnych transpozičných opatrení alebo oznámilo prijatie opatrení, ktoré iba čiastočne transponujú smernicu 2009/72/ES alebo smernicu 2009/73/ES, Komisia sa môže rozhodnúť, že podá žalobu na Súdny dvor.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003388/12

to the Commission

Monika Flašíková Beňová (S&D)

(29 March 2012)

Subject: Liberalisation of the electricity market

The Commission recently sent a reasoned opinion to eight EU Member States drawing their attention to the fact that they had not yet transposed into their nation legislation rules that had been agreed upon by the EU back in 2009 with a view to the liberalisation of the electricity and gas markets and the creation of a common energy market. In February 2011, the most senior representatives of the Member States affirmed the need to complete the common energy market by 2014. The deadline for the transposition of the two directives under the Third Liberalisation Package passed on 3 March 2011. The countries that have not transposed Directives 2009/72/EC and 2009/73/EC include Slovakia, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Romania and Spain.

What steps will the Commission take if these countries fail to transpose Directives 2009/72/EC and 2009/73/EC into their national legislation in the near future?

Answer given by Mr Oettinger on behalf of the Commission

(30 May 2012)

In case the eight Member States still have not notified any transposition measures, or have notified measures only partially transposing Directives 2009/72/EC or 2009/73/EC, the Commission might decide to refer them to the Court of Justice.

(Slovenské znenie)

Otázka na písomné zodpovedanie E-003389/12

Komisii

Monika Flašíková Beňová (S&D)

(29. marca 2012)

Vec: Pokrytie širokopásmového a vysokorýchlostného internetu

Európska komisia chce do roku 2013 dosiahnuť 100 % pokrytie širokopásmovým internetom. Z údajov Komisie vyplýva, že v súčasnosti je v oblastiach so širokopásmovým internetovým pokrytím 95,3 % európskych domácností. Problém však je, že len asi štvrtina domácností má širokopásmový internet predplatený. V prvej polovici roku 2011 bol podiel pripojenia k širokopásmovému internetu 27,2 % európskej populácie.

Od roku 2003 navyše zaznamenal najnižší nárast. Ďalším cieľom Únie je do roku 2020 dosiahnuť 100 % pokrytie vysokorýchlostným internetom. Vysokorýchlostné pripojenie domácností však zatiaľ za cieľmi stratégie Európa 2020 ďaleko zaostáva. Únia ďalej dúfa, že polovica Európanov si bude predplácať internet s rýchlosťou nad 100 MB/s. Z údajov je však zrejmé, že v súčasnosti len 6,5 % širokopásmového pripojenia dosahuje rýchlosť nad 30 MB/s a 0,9 % viac ako 100 MB/s. Z uvedeného vyplýva, že Únia svoje ciele do roku 2020 naplní len veľmi ťažko.

Akým spôsobom chce Komisia prispieť k urýchleniu zavádzania vysokorýchlostného internetu?

Odpoveď pani Kroesovej v mene Komisie

(14. mája 2012)

Komisia v záujme dosiahnutia ambicióznych cieľov týkajúcich sa širokopásmového pripojenia navrhla súbor konkrétnych opatrení zameraných na uľahčenie zavádzania vysokorýchlostného širokopásmového internetu.

V prvom rade vo svojom oznámení (27) o širokom pásme vyzýva všetky členské štáty, aby do roku 2012 vypracovali a zaviedli vnútroštátne plány pre širokopásmový internet a koordinovali činnosti v rámci viacročného programu politiky rádiového frekvenčného spektra (28).

Komisia s cieľom podporiť prístupové siete novej generácie prijala Nástroj na prepojenie Európy, ktorým zavádza používanie finančných nástrojov (napríklad projektových dlhopisov, záruk, úverov a vlastného kapitálu), ktoré majú vysoký potenciál zhodnocovať investície. Úlohou Komisie a jej dôveryhodných finančných sprostredkovateľov je zmierniť investičné riziko a poskytnúť dlhodobé financovanie investorom. Komisia na základe konzervatívnych odhadov očakáva, že Nástroj na prepojenie Európy by mohol mobilizovať investície vo výške približne 50 miliárd EUR.

Komisia takisto prišla s niekoľkými nápadmi, ako podporiť znižovanie nákladov. Ide hlavne o model „širokopásmového pripojenia zdola nahor“, ktorý zainteresovaným stranám predstavila na schôdzi zhromaždenia pre digitálnu agendu v júni minulého roka. Zároveň zvažuje, ako možno čo najlepšie uplatniť existujúce vnútroštátne postupy (napríklad v súvislosti s inžinierskymi prácami).

Komisia plánuje podporiť členské štáty v ich úsilí o zmapovanie súčasných a budúcich infraštruktúr spolufinancovaním niekoľkých projektov týkajúcich sa mapovania digitálnych infraštruktúr. Takisto by sa chcela zaoberať otázkou, ako možno posilniť snahy členských štátov, pokiaľ ide o stimuláciu dopytu.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003389/12

to the Commission

Monika Flašíková Beňová (S&D)

(29 March 2012)

Subject: Broadband and high-speed Internet coverage

The European Commission aims to achieve 100% broadband Internet coverage by 2013. The Commission’s data show that, at present, there is broadband Internet coverage of 95.3% of European households. The problem is, however, that only about a quarter of households are subscribed to broadband Internet. In the first half of 2011, 27.2% of the European population had access to broadband Internet.

Moreover, the increase recorded was the lowest since 2003. A further aim of the EU is to achieve 100% high-speed Internet coverage by 2020. The objective of connecting households to high‐speed Internet lags far behind the other objectives of the Europe 2020 strategy. The EU also hopes that half of all Europeans will subscribe to Internet with greater speeds than 100 MB/s. It is clear from the data, however, that at present only 6.5% of broadband connections reach a speed above 30 MB/s and 0.9% over 100 MB/s. From the given facts, it follows that the EU will have great difficulty in meeting its objectives by 2020.

How does the Commission intend to contribute to accelerating the introduction of high-speed Internet?

Answer given by Ms Kroes on behalf of the Commission

(14 May 2012)

To achieve the ambitious broadband targets, the Commission has proposed a series of concrete measures aiming at facilitating the deployment of high-speed broadband.

In particular the Commission in its Broadband Communication (29) called on all Member States to devise and make operational national broadband plans by 2012 and coordinate activities under the multi-annual Radio Spectrum Policy Programme (30).

In order to promote Next Generation Access (NGA) investment the Commission adopted the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) which introduces the use of financial instruments (e.g. project bonds, guarantees, loans and equity), which have a high multiplier investment effect. The role of the Commission and its trusted financial intermediaries is to mitigate investment risk and provide long term financing for investors. On the basis of conservative estimates, the Commission expects that the CEF could stimulate investment worth cca. EUR 50 billion.

The Commission has also developed a number of ideas to promote lower costs, notably the ‘bottom-up broadband’ model presented to stakeholders at the Digital Assembly last June and is considering how to best build on existing national practices (e.g. civil works).

The Commission plans to support Member States' efforts aiming at mapping of current and future infrastructures by co-financing a number of projects relating to the mapping of digital infrastructures, as well as is willing to look into how Member States' efforts on stimulating demand could be complemented.

(Slovenské znenie)

Otázka na písomné zodpovedanie E-003390/12

Komisii

Monika Flašíková Beňová (S&D)

(29. marca 2012)

Vec: Prezidentské voľby v Rusku

Na poslednom plenárnom zasadnutí Európskeho parlamentu v Štrasburgu bolo prijaté uznesenie, v ktorom europoslanci odsúdili nedostatky a nezrovnalosti v príprave a priebehu ruských prezidentských volieb, ktoré sa v krajine konali 4. marca 2012. Medzinárodní pozorovatelia volieb z OBSE/ODIHR a Parlamentného zhromaždenia Rady Európy označili volebný proces za výrazne zmenený v prospech jedného kandidáta prostredníctvom obmedzenej registrácie kandidátov, nerovného mediálneho pokrytia a využívania štátnych prostriedkov v prospech jedného kandidáta. Situácia v krajine je alarmujúca aj v súvislosti so stále panujúcimi obavami, ktoré sa týkajú dodržiavania ľudských práv a všeobecne prijímaných demokratických zásad, volebných pravidiel a postupov.

Plánuje byť Komisia vzhľadom na súčasnú politickú situáciu v Rusku nejakým spôsobom aktívna?

Odpoveď vysokej predstaviteľky a podpredsedníčky Catherine Ashtonovej v mene Komisie

(2. júla 2012)

Pozorovatelia OBSE a Rady Európy poskytli jasné hodnotenie volebného procesu. Príležitosti kandidátov neboli v príprave rovnaké a v samotnom procese volieb a sčítania hlasov sa vyskytli procedurálne pochybnosti.

Vysoká predstaviteľka/podpredsedníčka Komisie súhlasí s predbežnou správou a bude naďalej pripomínať Rusku jeho medzinárodné záväzky týkajúce sa zabezpečenia slobodných a spravodlivých volieb. Vo svojom vyhlásení z 5. marca 2012 vysoká predstaviteľka/podpredsedníčka Komisie spomenula tieto nedostatky a vyzvala Rusko, aby ich riešilo.

Európska únia pokladá súčasnú situáciu za príležitosť apelovať na Rusko a podporovať modernizačný proces, ktorý musí zahŕňať hospodárske, ako aj politické reformy. Táto práca bude pokračovaním prebiehajúceho partnerstva pre modernizáciu. Boli už vypracované viaceré projekty a začalo sa aj s ich realizáciou. Proces zahŕňa aj technickú a regulačnú modernizáciu, ako aj reformy v oblasti justície a zapojenie občianskej spoločnosti.

Proces politických reforiem sa v Rusku začal už na prvom čítaní zákonov v Dume, ktoré predložil prezident Medvedev s cieľom liberalizovať registráciu strán a požiadavky v súvislosti s prezidentskými voľbami, ako aj priame voľby regionálnych guvernérov. Európska únia takisto víta pokyny prezidenta Medvedeva revidovať viaceré súdne rozhodnutia v prípadoch trestnej činnosti, vrátane prípadu Chodorkovského.

Ďalším významným krokom na našej ceste k strategickému partnerstvu bol samit medzi EÚ a Ruskom, ktorý sa konal 3. – 4. júna.

EÚ bude naďalej zdôrazňovať svoje obavy týkajúce sa správy vecí verejných, ľudských práv a právneho štátu, a to aj na najvyššej úrovni.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003390/12

to the Commission

Monika Flašíková Beňová (S&D)

(29 March 2012)

Subject: Presidential election in Russia

At the last plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, a resolution was adopted in which MEPs condemned the shortcomings and irregularities in the preparation and conduct of the Russian presidential elections that took place on 4 March 2012. The international election observers from the OSCE/ODIHR and the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly found that the election process was significantly biased in favour of one candidate through restrictions on the registration of candidates, unequal media coverage and the use of state resources in favour of one candidate. The situation in the country is also alarming in relation to the widespread concerns over respect for human rights and commonly agreed democratic principles, electoral rules and procedures.

Is the Commission planning any form of action with regard to the current political situation in Russia?

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

(2 July 2012)

The OSCE and Council of Europe observers gave a clear evaluation of the electoral process: Chances were not equal during preparations, and procedural violations occurred during the voting and counting

process itself. The HR/VP agrees with their preliminary report and will continue reminding Russia of its international commitments to free and fair elections. In her HR/VP's statement of 5 March 2012, the HR/VP noted these shortcomings and encouraged Russia to address them.

The EU considers that the current situation presents a moment of opportunity to engage with Russia and to support the modernisation process, which has to cover both economic and political reforms. This work will be a continuation of the ongoing Partnership for Modernisation. Many projects have already been prepared and launched. This includes technical and regulatory modernisation as well as reforms of the judiciary and civil society involvement.

In Russia, political reforms have already been launched with the first Duma reading of bills introduced by President Medvedev to liberalise party registration and presidential election requirements, as well as direct elections of regional governors. The EU also welcomes President Medvedev's instructions to revise a number of judicial decisions in criminal cases incl. that of Khodorkovsky.

Another major step in our Strategic Partnership was the EU‐Russia Summit held in Russia on 3-4 June.

The EU will continue to raise its concerns on governance, human rights and the rule of law, including at Summit level.

(Slovenské znenie)

Otázka na písomné zodpovedanie E-003391/12

Komisii

Monika Flašíková Beňová (S&D)

(29. marca 2012)

Vec: Pripojenie Írska k fiškálnej dohode

Fiškálna dohoda, teda Zmluva o stabilite, koordinácii a správe v hospodárskej a menovej únii vstúpi do platnosti po tom, ako ju ratifikuje dvanásť členských štátov Európskej únie. Zmluvu predbežne odmietla Česká republika a Veľká Británia. O tom, či k nej pristúpi aj Írsko majú rozhodnúť írski občania v referende. Podľa prieskumu verejnej mienky by zmluvu podporilo 40 % z opýtaných, kým 36 % by povedalo nie. Z ankety agentúry Reuters vyplýva, že 9 z 10 oslovených nevedelo, o čom referendum bude.

— Ako bude Komisia postupovať, ak Íri Zmluvu o stabilite, koordinácii a správe v hospodárskej a menovej únii v referende odmietnu?

Odpoveď pána Rehna v mene Komisie

(4. júna 2012)

Referendum írskych občanov o tom, či írsky parlament bude môcť ratifikovať Zmluvu o stabilite, koordinácii a správe v hospodárskej a menovej únii sa uskutoční 31. mája 2012. Rozhodnutie je výlučne otázkou, ktorá závisí od írskych voličov.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003391/12

to the Commission

Monika Flašíková Beňová (S&D)

(29 March 2012)

Subject: Accession of Ireland to the fiscal compact

The fiscal compact, in other words the Treaty on Stability, Coordination and Governance in the Economic and Monetary Union, will enter into force after it has been ratified by 12 Member States of the EU. The Treaty was provisionally rejected by the Czech Republic and the UK. The issue of whether Ireland will join will be decided by Irish citizens in a referendum. According to a public opinion survey, 40 % of respondents would support the Treaty and 36 % would say no. An investigation by Reuters shows that nine out of ten respondents did not know what the referendum was about.

— What will the Commission do if the Irish reject the Treaty on Stability, Coordination and Governance in the Economic and Monetary Union?

Answer given by VP Rehn on behalf of the Commission

(4 June 2012)

On 31 May 2012 the Irish people are set to vote on allowing the Irish parliament to ratify the Treaty on Stability, Coordination and Governance in the Economic and Monetary Union. The decision is solely a matter for the Irish electorate to decide.

(Slovenské znenie)

Otázka na písomné zodpovedanie E-003393/12

Komisii

Monika Flašíková Beňová (S&D)

(29. marca 2012)

Vec: Projektové bondy

Na nedávnej konferencii think-tanku Lisbon Council uviedol predseda Európskej komisie José Manuel Barroso, že vydávanie projektových obligácií predstavuje inovatívny spôsob ako v spolupráci s vládami a súkromným sektorom využiť prostriedky zo štrukturálnych fondov. Podpora projektových bondov podľa neho rastie. Uviedol, že by sa mohli začať vydávať už v júni, teda ešte pred ukončením vyjednávaní o budúcom finančnom rámci pre európsky rozpočet na obdobie 2014 – 2020. Z takýchto dlhopisov sa majú financovať investície do energetiky, dopravy a rozvoja digitálnej ekonomiky.

Ako konkrétne chce Komisia projektové bondy realizovať a v čom budú spočívať kľúčové odlišnosti od celoeurópskych spoločných bondov?

Odpoveď pána Rehna v mene Komisie

(22. mája 2012)

Iniciatíva projektových bondov je nástrojom na zdieľanie rizika zriadeným podľa modelu nástroja záruk na úvery pre projekty TEN-T. Jej vykonávanie je v súčasnosti naplánované v rámci pilotného programu projektových bondov, ktorý sa má podľa plánu spustiť v druhom polroku tohto roka, a v rámci Nástroja na prepojenie Európy na obdobie od roku 2014 v oblasti dopravy, energetiky a infraštruktúr IKT.

Takisto sa pracuje na návrhoch pre Kohézny fond a štrukturálne fondy, aby sa umožnili finančné nástroje, a je predstaviteľné, že v tejto súvislosti bude možné aj využitie projektových bondov.

V každom prípade realizátor projektu alebo jeho sponzor (napr. prevádzkovateľ spoplatnenej cesty alebo poskytovateľ verejnoprospešných služieb) zriadi osobitný súkromný subjekt, do ktorého budú plynúť všetky príjmy z projektu. Realizátor/sponzor a jeho priemyselní alebo finanční partneri subjektu poskytnú vlastné finančné prostriedky vo forme vlastného kapitálu alebo akcionárskych pôžičiek. Tento súkromný subjekt potom vydá prioritné bondy, ktoré podporuje nástroj EÚ-EIB na zdieľanie rizika. Komisia ako taká nebude vydávať bondy, ale poskytne obmedzené rozpočtové finančné prostriedky na finančný nástroj s cieľom pokryť časť rizika spojeného s projektom.

Účel iniciatívy projektových bondov sa teda líši od koncepcie tzv. eurobondov, t. j. spoločnej emisie štátnych dlhopisov s cieľom poskytnúť všeobecné finančné prostriedky na pokrytie výdavkov vlád členských štátov.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003393/12

to the Commission

Monika Flašíková Beňová (S&D)

(29 March 2012)

Subject: Project bonds

At a recent conference of the Lisbon Council think-tank, European Commission President José Manuel Barroso stated that the issuing of project bonds represented an innovative way of using resources from the Structural Funds in cooperation with governments and the private sector. According to Mr Barroso, support for project bonds is growing. He said they could start to be issued as early as June — even before the end of negotiations on the future financial framework for the European budget in 2014-2020. The bonds should be used to finance investments in energy, transport and the development of a digital economy.

How does the Commission specifically intend to implement project bonds and what will be the key differences from common European bonds?

Answer given by Mr Rehn on behalf of the Commission

(22 May 2012)

The project bond initiative is a risk-sharing instrument modelled on the Loan-Guarantee Facility for TEN‐Transport (LGTT). Its implementation is currently foreseen within the project bond pilot proposed to launch later this year and within the Connecting Europe Facility from 2014 onwards in the areas of transport, energy and ICT infrastructures.

The proposals for the Cohesion and Structural Funds are also being drafted to allow financial instruments and it is conceivable that they may also use project bonds.

In all cases, the project operator or sponsor (e.g. toll road operator or a utility) would set up a special private entity, into which all revenues of the project would flow. The operator/sponsor and its industrial or financial partners would provide own funds to the entity in the form of equity or shareholder loans. This private entity would then issue the senior bond supported by the EU‐EIB risk-sharing instrument. The Commission will not issue bonds itself, but will provide capped budgetary funding for a financial instrument in order to absorb part of the risk in a project.

The purpose of the project bond initiative is thus different from the idea of the so-called ‘Eurobonds’ i.e. the joint issuance of public debt to provide general funding for Member States' government spending.

(Slovenské znenie)

Otázka na písomné zodpovedanie E-003394/12

Komisii

Monika Flašíková Beňová (S&D)

(29. marca 2012)

Vec: Problematika odmeňovania žien

Rozdiel medzi finančným ohodnotením žien a mužov za rovnakú prácu je podľa najnovších údajov približne 17 %. Medzi faktory, ktoré spôsobujú rozdiely v odmeňovaní, patrí priama a nepriama diskriminácia, ekonomické faktory, segmentácia trhu práce, stereotypy, podceňovanie hodnoty žien, či nerovné rozdelenie rodinných povinností. Rovnosť žien a mužov je pritom jedna z najdôležitejších hodnôt Európskej únie. Alarmujúca je aj skutočnosť, že podľa štatistík sa rozdiel v platovom ohodnotení medzi mužmi a ženami zvyšuje vekom, čo má negatívny vplyv na ženy v starobe v súvislosti s výškou ich starobného dôchodku. Ženy sú tak viac ohrozené chudobou ako muži. Muži majú vyššie platy dokonca aj v odvetviach, v ktorých prevláda zamestnanosť žien.

Akým spôsobom Komisia prispieva k preklenutiu rozdielov v odmeňovaní žien a mužov?

Odpoveď pani Redingovej v mene Komisie

(21. mája 2012)

Riešenie otázky rozdielov v odmeňovaní mužov a žien predstavuje jednu z priorít Stratégie Komisie pre rovnosť medzi ženami a mužmi (obdobie 2010 – 2015). Zásada rovnakej odmeny je ukotvená v zmluve, ako aj v smernici 2006/54/ES. Komisia v rámci svojej úlohy strážkyne zmlúv neustále monitoruje, či sa existujúci právny rámec pre rovnakú odmenu uplatňuje na vnútroštátnej úrovni v praxi správne.

V roku 2009 spustila Komisia informačnú kampaň v celej EÚ zameranú na rozdiel v odmeňovaní žien a mužov. Dňa 2. marca 2012 oslavovala Komisia druhýkrát európsky deň za rovnaké odmeňovanie mužov a žien. Na webovej stránke kampane (31) sa nachádza mnoho príkladov opatrení, ktoré sa zaviedli na vnútroštátnej úrovni na riešenie rozdielu v odmeňovaní mužov a žien.

V roku 2011 spustila Komisia iniciatívu, ktorá v podnikoch pomôže zvýšiť informovanosť o rozdiele v odmeňovaní mužov a žien. Realizuje sa prostredníctvom odborného vzdelávania a výmen osvedčených postupov, ktoré sú určené podnikom všetkých členských štátov v súvislosti so záležitosťou rodovej rovnosti.

Napokon, Komisia v súvislosti s odmeňovaním mužov a žien zlepšila na európskej úrovni za posledné roky kvalitu a porovnateľnosť štatistík a rozšírila vedomostnú základňu o tejto problematike prostredníctvom niekoľkých odborných správ a hodnotení (32).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003394/12

to the Commission

Monika Flašíková Beňová (S&D)

(29 March 2012)

Subject: Women's pay issue

According to the latest figures, the pay gap between women and men for the same work is approximately 17%. The factors causing pay differences include direct and indirect discrimination, economic factors, labour market segmentation, stereotyping, underestimating the value of women and the unequal sharing of family responsibilities. At the same time, gender equality is one of the core values of the European Union. It is alarming that, according to statistics, pay differences between men and women increase with age, which has a negative impact on women in old age in relation to the size of their pensions. Women therefore face a higher risk of poverty than men. Men have higher pay even in sectors where female employment predominates.

How is the Commission helping to narrow the pay gap between men and women?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(21 May 2012)

Tackling the gender pay gap is one of the Commission's priorities in its Strategy for equality between women and men 2010-2015. The principle of equal pay is enshrined in the Treaty and in Directive 2006/54/EC. The Commission, in its role as guardian of the Treaties, is constantly monitoring whether the existing legal framework on equal pay is being correctly applied in practice at national level.

The Commission launched in 2009 an EU‐wide awareness-raising campaign on the gender pay gap. On 2 March 2012, the Commission held the second European Equal Pay Day. The campaign website (33) provides numerous examples of actions at national level to tackle the gender pay gap.

The Commission launched in 2011 an initiative which will help to raise awareness in companies about the gender pay gap. It will do so through training activities and exchanges of good practices for companies of all Member States on the ‘business case’ for gender equality.

Finally, over the last years, the Commission has improved the quality and comparability of the gender pay gap statistics at European level and broadened the knowledge base on the gender pay gap with the publication of several expert reports and notes (34).

(Slovenské znenie)

Otázka na písomné zodpovedanie E-003395/12

Komisii

Monika Flašíková Beňová (S&D)

(29. marca 2012)

Vec: Reforma politiky rybolovu

Európska únia v súčasnosti realizuje rozsiahlu reformu politiky rybolovu. Európska komisia avizovala úbytok zásob, ktorý ohrozuje celý morský ekosystém. Návrh novej spoločnej politiky rybolovu bol predstavený minulý rok a reforma by mala vstúpiť do platnosti od roku 2013. Veľvyslanec Islandu pri Európskej únii vyhlásil, že Island by mohol Európskej únii s prebiehajúcou reformou pomôcť. Island má 300 000 obyvateľov a uloví 1,5 mil. ton rýb ročne, pričom Európska únia má 500 mil. obyvateľov a uloví za rok približne 4 mil. ton rýb. Island by podľa veľvyslanca mohol so svojimi skúsenosťami Únii pri realizácii reformy pomôcť.

— Prijme Komisia ponúkanú pomoc Islandu pri realizácii novej reformy spoločnej politiky rybolovu?

Odpoveď pani Damanakiovej v mene Komisie

(6. júla 2012)

S Islandom sa podobne ako s mnohými inými zainteresovanými stranami v roku 2009 viedli konzultácie k zelenej knihe Komisie, ktorá bola predložená v rámci prípravy návrhu Komisie týkajúceho sa reformy spoločnej politiky v oblasti rybného hospodárstva. V tejto súvislosti Island poskytol písomný príspevok a zúčastnil sa na diskusiách s členskými štátmi a zainteresovanými stranami.

Od roku 2010 je Island kandidátskou krajinou na pristúpenie k Európskej únii. S takýmto statusom predstavil Komisii začiatkom roku 2011 v plnej miere legislatívnu a administratívnu organizáciu svojho rybného hospodárstva.

Komisia teda má veľmi dobrý prehľad o ochrane biologických morských zdrojov a riadení ich využívania na Islande.

Komisia navyše už pred istým časom začala spoluprácu s niekoľkými vedeckými orgánmi a vymieňa si stanoviská s islandskými vedcami a zástupcami islandskej správy na každej úrovni.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003395/12

to the Commission

Monika Flašíková Beňová (S&D)

(29 March 2012)

Subject: Fisheries policy reform

The EU is currently implementing an extensive reform of the fisheries policy. The European Commission announced a decline in stocks which threatens the entire marine ecosystem. The draft of the new common fisheries policy was presented last year, and the reform should enter into force from 2013. Iceland’s ambassador to the EU has stated that Iceland could help the EU with the ongoing reform. Iceland has 300 000 inhabitants and catches 1.5 million tonnes of fish annually, while the EU has 500 million inhabitants and catches approximately 4 million tonnes of fish annually. According to the ambassador, Iceland could draw on its experience to assist the Union in implementing the reform.

— Will the Commission accept the assistance offered by Iceland when implementing the new reform of the common fisheries policy?

Answer given by Ms Damanaki on behalf of the Commission

(6 July 2012)

Iceland, as many other stakeholders, was consulted on the Commission Green paper in 2009 that was presented in preparation of the Commission proposal on the CFP reform. In that context, Iceland provided a written contribution and participated in debates with Member States and stakeholders.

Since 2010, Iceland is a candidate country for accession to the European Union. With such status, it presented in full to the Commission, in early 2011, its legislative and administrative organisation of its fisheries sector.

The Commission possesses, therefore, a very good knowledge of Icelandic conservation and management for the exploitation of biological marine resources.

Furthermore, the Commission for some time established cooperation with several scientific bodies and exchanges views with Icelandic scientists and representatives of Icelandic administration at every level.

(Slovenské znenie)

Otázka na písomné zodpovedanie E-003396/12

Komisii

Monika Flašíková Beňová (S&D)

(29. marca 2012)

Vec: Systém udávania spotreby na výrobkoch

Smernica o udávaní spotreby energie na niektorých výrobkoch vo svojej verzii z roku 2003 klasifikovala produkty do kategórií A až G, pričom A znamenalo najefektívnejšie využívanie energie. Úprava z roku 2010 zaviedla vyššie triedy A+, A++ a A+++, keďže vďaka technologickému pokroku dnes už takmer 90 % spotrebičov vyhovuje kritériám kategórie A. Upravili sa štítky pre chladničky a mrazničky, práčky, umývačky riadu a izbové klimatizácie a stanovili sa nové označenia pre televízory. Rozdielne triedy by mali spotrebiteľom pomôcť pri rozhodovaní sa na základe efektívnosti nákladov výrobkov. Výrobcov by zase mali stimulovať k vývoju produktov s čo najvyššou energetickou účinnosťou. Podľa spotrebiteľských organizácií je však nový systém udávania spotreby na výrobkoch nejasný a zákazníkov skôr mätie.

V analýze, ktorú pripravili odborníci zo Švajčiarskej univerzity v St. Gallen, v súvislosti s novými štítkami pre televízory je uvedené, že zmätok zavedený novou kategóriou označenia vedie k tomu, že spotrebitelia prechádzajú od energeticky efektívnych produktov a nakupujú namiesto nich tie najlacnejšie. Taliansko, Rumunsko a Cyprus dokonca uvedenú smernicu do svojich národných právnych poriadkov ešte stále netransponovali. Komisia ich na túto skutočnosť upozornila, pričom im na oneskorenú úpravu legislatívy stanovila dvojmesačnú lehotu.

— Plánuje Komisia zlepšiť tento systém označovania spotreby energie na niektorých výrobkoch?

— Ako bude Komisia postupovať voči štátom, ktoré nebudú uvedenú smernicu naďalej transponovať?

Odpoveď pána Oettingera v mene Komisie

(30. mája 2012)

Aby sa posúdila účinnosť nového systému označovania energetickej účinnosti EÚ, Komisia v januári 2012 začala realizovať štúdiu „Možnosti označovania výrobkov a pochopenie týchto možností a označovania energetickej spotreby spotrebiteľmi“ (35). V rámci štúdie sa na základe experimentálneho skúmania ekonomického správania posúdi, do akej miery spotrebitelia rozumejú označeniam energetickej spotreby a zváži sa ich možné zdokonalenie. Výsledky štúdie sa uverejnia koncom roku 2012 a povedú k revízii smernice o energetickom označovaní
   (36), ktorá sa plánuje na rok 2014.

Pokiaľ ide o transpozíciu smernice o energetickom označovaní do vnútroštátnych právnych predpisov, Komisia i naďalej sleduje proces transpozície a na základe toho prijme ďalšie kroky.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003396/12

to the Commission

Monika Flašíková Beňová (S&D)

(29 March 2012)

Subject: The system for the energy consumption labelling of products

The 2003 version of the directive on the energy consumption labelling of certain products classified products in categories ranging from A to G, where A indicated the most efficient use of energy. The amendment of 2010 introduced the higher categories of A+, A++ and A+++, since — thanks to technological advances — almost 90% of products now meet the criteria for category A. The labels have been changed for refrigerators and freezers, washing machines, dishwashers and air conditioners, and new labels have been established for televisions. The different classes should help consumers to make decisions based on the cost efficiency of products. They should also stimulate producers to develop products with the highest possible energy efficiency. According to consumer organisations, however, the new energy-labelling system is unclear and tends to confuse customers.

A study carried out by specialists from the Swiss University of St. Gallen stated in connection with the new labels for televisions that the confusion created by the new labelling categories has caused consumers to turn away from energy-efficient products and purchase the cheapest ones instead. Italy, Romania and Cyprus have yet to transpose the directive into their national laws. The Commission has drawn their attention to this fact and has set a two-month deadline for making the belated legislative changes.

— Does the Commission plan to improve the system for labelling the energy consumption of certain products?

— How will the Commission act against those states that still fail to transpose the directive?

Answer given by Mr Oettinger on behalf of the Commission

(30 May 2012)

To assess the effectiveness of the new EU's energy efficiency labelling scheme, the Commission launched in January 2012 a study on ‘Product labelling options and consumer understanding of these options and the energy label' (37). The study will assess, through behavioural economic experiments, consumers’ understanding of the energy labels and will consider their possible improvements. The results of the study will be published at the end of 2012 and will feed into a review of the Energy Labelling Directive (38) that is scheduled for 2014.

Regarding the transposition of the Energy Labelling Directive into national laws, the Commission continues to monitor the transposition process and will react accordingly.

(Slovenské znenie)

Otázka na písomné zodpovedanie E-003397/12

Komisii

Monika Flašíková Beňová (S&D)

(29. marca 2012)

Vec: Spojenie úverovej kapacity trvalého a dočasného eurovalu

Európska komisia predstavila svoj zámer posilniť úverovú kapacitu trvalého eurovalu, teda európskeho stabilizačného mechanizmu, a to zlúčením so zvyšnými prostriedkami v dočasnom fonde, teda v Európskom nástroji finančnej stability. Európsky stabilizačný mechanizmus má v súčasnosti stanovený limit 500 miliárd eur. Týmto spôsobom by tak bolo dostupných 750 miliárd eur. Komisár pre hospodárske a menové záležitosti uviedol, že rozhodnutie o skombinovaní úverovej kapacity očakáva v priebehu marca.

— Ako konkrétne sa podľa predstáv Európskej komisie môže Európsky nástroj finančnej stability zlúčiť s európskym stabilizačným mechanizmom, keď sa každý z nich zakladá na inom systéme zhromažďovania zdrojov?

Odpoveď pána Rehna v mene Komisie

(31. mája 2012)

Euroskupina vo svojom rozhodnutí z 30. marca 2012 nepočíta so zlúčením Európskeho finančného stabilizačného mechanizmu (EFSM) a Európskeho mechanizmu pre stabilitu (EMS), ale so zvýšením kombinovaného maximálneho objemu úverov v rámci Európskeho nástroja finančnej stability (ENFS) a EMS z 500 miliárd EUR na 700 miliárd EUR.

Umožní sa tak prevádzkovanie EMS pri jeho plnej kapacite vo výške 500 miliárd EUR, ktoré nebude obmedzené existujúcimi záväzkami ENFS v objeme 200 miliárd EUR. S prihliadnutím na pomoc vo výške 100 miliárd EUR, ktorá sa z EFSM už poskytla, a na úverový nástroj pre Grécko celková úverová kapacita dosahuje 800 miliárd EUR.

EMS je skutočne trvalým záchranným mechanizmom eurozóny, ale nevydáva „eurobondy“ v bežnom zmysle slova (ako sa uvádza napríklad v Zelenej knihe Komisie o uskutočniteľnosti zavedenia stabilizačných dlhopisov (39)).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003397/12

to the Commission

Monika Flašíková Beňová (S&D)

(29 March 2012)

Subject: Amalgamating the credit capacity of permanent and temporary Eurobonds

The European Commission has revealed that it intends to boost the credit capacity of permanent Eurobonds — in other words, the European Stabilisation Mechanism — by merging them with the remaining resources in the temporary fund, the European Financial Stability Mechanism. The European Stabilisation Mechanism currently has a set ceiling of EUR 500 billion. The proposed move would make available EUR 750 billion. The Commissioner for Economic and Monetary Affairs has stated that a decision on combining credit capacity was expected in March.

— How, specifically, does the European Commission envisage merging the European Financial Stability Mechanism with the European Stabilisation Mechanism, given that each of them is based on a different system of accumulating resources?

Answer given by Mr Rehn on behalf of the Commission

(31 May 2012)

The decision taken by the Eurogroup on 30 March 2012 does not involve merging the European Financial Stabilisation Mechanism (EFSM) and the European Stability Mechanism (ESM), but increasing the combined maximum lending of the European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF) and the ESM from EUR 500 billion to EUR 700 billion.

This will allow the ESM to run at its full capacity of EUR 500 billion, unhindered by the existing EUR 200 billion commitments of the EFSF. Taking into account the EUR 100 billion assistance already provided by the EFSM and the Greek Loan Facility, this provides a total lending capacity of EUR 800 billion.

The ESM is indeed the permanent sovereign rescue mechanisms for the euro area but it does not issue ‘Eurobonds’ in the sense commonly understood (such as in the Commission Green Paper on the feasibility of introducing Stability Bonds (40)).

(Slovenské znenie)

Otázka na písomné zodpovedanie E-003398/12

Komisii

Monika Flašíková Beňová (S&D)

(29. marca 2012)

Vec: Vývoj v oblasti fotovoltiky

Nemecká vláda nedávno avizovala, že zníži subvencie pre elektrinu z fotovoltických panelov. Podpora by sa mala znížiť o 20 až 29 %. Urýchlenie a prehĺbenie zníženia subvencií má zastaviť rapídny nárast fotovoltiky, keďže minulý rok sa v Nemecku nainštalovali zariadenia s celkovým výkonom viac než 7500 MW. Nemecko je lídrom v produkcii energie zo slnka. Prevádzkovatelia prenosovej sústavy musia od týchto producentov obnoviteľnej energie kupovať elektrinu prednostne, a to za garantované ceny, tieto náklady sa však v konečnom dôsledku prenášajú na koncových spotrebiteľov. Po minuloročnom náraste inštalovanej kapacity sa jej celkové množstvo v krajine dostalo na úroveň 25000 MW.

Nemecká vláda chce nárast nových inštalácií obmedziť na 2500 až 3500 MW ročne. Cieľom je v roku 2030 dosiahnuť 66000 MW solárneho výkonu. Plánované obmedzenie sa dotkne najmä veľkých solárnych parkov, kde sa očakáva pokles podpory o takmer 30 %. Malým modulom na strechách domov sa podpora zníži približne o 20 %. Zariadenia s výkonom do 10 kW tak dostanú maximálne 19,50 centov za kWh, kategória do 1000 kW dostane maximálne 16,50 centov za kWh a elektrárne nad 10 MW sa budú musieť uspokojiť s 13,50 centami za kWh. Mesačne sa potom od 1. mája bude podpora znižovať o 0,15 centov za kWh.

— Aký má Európska komisia názor na reguláciu vývoja fotovoltiky medzi členskými štátmi?

— Aké miesto pre seba vidí v tejto oblasti?

Odpoveď pána Oettingera v mene Komisie

(10. mája 2012)

V smernici 2009/28/ES (41) sa síce stanovujú záväzné národné celkové ciele týkajúce sa podielu energie z obnoviteľných zdrojov energie na hrubej konečnej energetickej spotrebe v roku 2020, členským štátom však ponecháva voľnú ruku v tom, aký veľký priestor dajú konkrétnemu zdroju obnoviteľnej energie (napríklad fotovoltike) pri dosahovaní daného cieľa. Smernica takisto ponecháva podobu systémov podpory v právomoci členských štátov.

V tomto zmysle existuje odlišná prax, pokiaľ ide o tarify, prevádzku a reformu vnútroštátnych systémov podpory pre energiu z obnoviteľných zdrojov energie. Komisia sa domnieva, že členské štáty sa môžu navzájom od seba učiť a musia smerovať k vypracovaniu spoločného prístupu pri začleňovaní energie z obnoviteľných zdrojov energie na trh. V druhom štvrťroku tohto roka Komisia plánuje uverejniť oznámenie o budúcnosti energie z obnoviteľných zdrojov. Toto oznámenie sa bude okrem iného zaoberať aj otázkou, do akej miery členské štáty potrebujú výraznejšie usmernenie v oblasti podpory energie z obnoviteľných zdrojov energie v rozsahu rámca danej smernice.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003398/12

to the Commission

Monika Flašíková Beňová (S&D)

(29 March 2012)

Subject: Development of the photovoltaic sector

The German Government recently announced that it would reduce subsidies for electricity from photovoltaic panels. The assistance is to be cut by 20-29%. Accelerating and extending the subsidy reductions should halt the rapid growth in photovoltaics, since equipment was installed in Germany last year with an overall output of more than 7 500 megawatts. Germany is a leading producer of solar energy. Network operators have to give priority to purchasing electricity from these renewable energy producers, and at guaranteed prices, but these costs are ultimately borne by end consumers. After last year’s growth in installed capacity, the total amount in the country reached 25 000 MW.

The German Government wants to limit the growth of new installations to between 2 500 and 3 500 MW a year. The aim is to achieve 66 000 MW of solar production by 2030. The planned reduction will mainly affect large solar parks, where a reduction in support of almost 30% is expected. The assistance for small modules on house roofs will fall by about 20%. Facilities with an output of up to 10 kilowatts will thus get a maximum of 19.50 cents per kWh, the category of up to 1 000 KW will get a maximum of 16.50 cents per kWh, and power stations of over 10 MW will have to make do with 13.50 cents per kWh. The assistance will fall by 0.15 cents per kWh per month from 1 May.

— What is the Commission’s opinion on regulating the development of photovoltaics between Member States?

— What role does it see for itself in this area?

Answer given by Mr Oettinger on behalf of the Commission

(10 May 2012)

Whereas Directive 2009/28/EC (42) sets mandatory national targets for the share of renewable energy in gross final energy consumption in 2020, it leaves the choice to Member States in how far they want to avail themselves of any particular renewable energy source, such as photovoltaics, for reaching this target. Moreover, the directive also leaves the design of support schemes to the responsibility of Member States.

This being said, there are differing practices regarding the tariffs, operation and reform of national support schemes for renewable energy. The Commission believes that Member States can learn from each other and must work towards a common approach to integrating renewable energy into the market. The Commission is planning to publish a communication on the future of renewable energy in the second quarter of this year. This communication will, amongst other things, address the question of the extent to which, within the framework of the current Directive, stronger guidance in the area of support for renewable energy is needed for Member States.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita P-003399/12

a la Comisión

Pilar Ayuso (PPE)

(29 de marzo de 2012)

Asunto: Gallinas ponedoras

A raíz de la entrada en vigor de las nuevas disposiciones sobre bienestar de las gallinas ponedoras, el precio medio de los huevos para la industria en la UE-27 alcanzó los 200 euros/100 kilos en la semana del 5 de marzo, más del doble de lo habitual por esas fechas. En el Parlamento Europeo algunos ya advertimos de los perjuicios que esas disposiciones iban a entrañar para el consumidor y para los productores, cuya capacidad para competir con los productos de países terceros puede verse muy mermada. Los operadores están importando huevos de Estados Unidos, Méjico y Turquía, pero ningún Estado fuera de la Unión Europea aplica las elevadas exigencias que deben cumplir los productores europeos. También muchas empresas se están viendo obligadas a cerrar debido a que no son capaces de afrontar la cuantiosa inversión que supone adaptarse a la nueva normativa.

¿Tiene intención la Comisión de hacer una campaña ante los consumidores para explicarles las razones por las que se ha encarecido hasta un 50 % del precio de un alimento tan básico?

¿Está dispuesta la Comisión a prohibir la entrada de huevos procedentes de gallinas que no estén sometidas a las mismas normas de bienestar animal que exigimos a nuestros avicultores?

Respuesta del Sr. Dalli en nombre de la Comisión

(23 de abril de 2012)

En respuesta a la pregunta escrita E-008882/2011 de Su Señoría relativa a las normas de bienestar animal de la UE y las importaciones de huevos (43), la Comisión desea señalar:

La prohibición de jaulas no acondicionadas prevé un plazo suficiente de adaptación para la industria. Sin embargo, muchos productores han esperado hasta el último momento para ir retirando las jaulas no acondicionadas. Esto ha provocado sin duda una disminución de la producción, que ha tenido como consecuencia el aumento del precio de los huevos. A pesar de esto, la prohibición de las jaulas en batería no ha sido el único factor en este caso. El periodo anterior a Pascua es el de mayor demanda de huevos. Además, se prevé que el aumento de precios será transitorio y que el mercado retomará en los próximos meses la dirección correcta. La información más reciente de que disponemos confirma nuestro análisis, ya que en la semana del 19 de marzo de 2012 los precios empezaron a bajar lentamente.

(English version)

Question for written answer P-003399/12

to the Commission

Pilar Ayuso (PPE)

(29 March 2012)

Subject: Laying hens

With entry into force of new rules on the welfare of laying hens, the average price of eggs for industry in the EU‐27 hit EUR 200 per 100 kg in the week of 5 March, more than double the normal price for those dates. Some of us in the European Parliament have already warned of the difficulties that these rules would cause for consumers and producers, whose capacity to compete with products from third countries could be severely undermined. Operators are importing eggs from the United States, Mexico and Turkey, but no country outside the European Union applies the stringent requirements with which European producers must comply. Many companies are also being forced out of business, since they are unable to make the major investment required in order to adapt to the new legislation.

Does the Commission intend to run a campaign explaining to consumers why the price of such a basic foodstuff has increased by up to 50%?

Is the Commission prepared to ban the import of eggs from hens that are not subject to the same welfare standards that we demand of our poultry farmers?

Answer given by Mr Dalli on behalf of the Commission

(23 April 2012)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to Written Question E‐008882/2011 (44) with regard to EU welfare standards and import of eggs.

The ban on un-enriched cages foresaw enough time for the industry to adjust. However, many producers have waited till the end to phase out un-enriched cages. This has clearly resulted in production having shrunken suddenly and as a consequence the prices of the eggs have surged. Despite this the ban on battery cages is not the only factor here. The period approaching Easter is the time of year when egg demand is at its strongest. Furthermore, we expect the prices increase to be transitory, and that the market will be moving in the right direction in coming months. The most recent information on price evolution confirms our analysis as prices have slowly started to decline in the week of 19 March 2012.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite P-003400/12

à la Commission (Vice-Présidente/Haute Représentante)

Robert Goebbels (S&D)

(29 mars 2012)

Objet: VP/HR — Situation dramatique des Palestiniens en Iraq

Amnesty International vient de publier un rapport documentant les multiples atteintes aux Droits de l'homme qui touchent les réfugiés palestiniens en Iraq. Les Palestiniens sont victimes d'enlèvements, de tortures, d'assassinats de la part des milices armées, qui semblent avoir la protection tacite des autorités iraquiennes.

Beaucoup de réfugiés ont fui le pays, mais selon l'UNHCR il devrait y avoir en Iraq encore quelque 15 000 réfugiés palestiniens qui vivent sous une menace permanente.

Quelles pressions l'Union Européenne compte-t-elle exercer sur le gouvernement iraquien pour qu'il fasse cesser ces attaques des milices proches du régime?

L'UE pourrait-elle aider les Palestiniens restants à trouver des pays d'accueil plus hospitaliers?

L'Union peut-elle aider matériellement au regroupement des Palestiniens dans des lieux plus sûrs en Iraq ou dans d'autres pays?

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

(12 juin 2012)

L'UE a connaissance de la situation des réfugiés palestiniens en Iraq, et notamment des incidents sporadiques consistant en des attaques ciblées, qu'elle condamne fermement.

Sur le plan politique, l'UE exprime ses préoccupations concernant les Droits de l'homme à chaque fois qu'elle en a l'occasion auprès des autorités iraquiennes et à tous les niveaux et a condamné de manière répétée l'intolérance et souligné la nécessité d'une protection vigoureuse de toute personne habitant en Iraq — en particulier celles qui se sont révélées les plus vulnérables face aux persécutions. De même, dans son dialogue bilatéral avec l'Iraq, l'UE exprime ses inquiétudes concernant les Droits de l'homme et la nécessité d'éliminer toute forme de discrimination et d'intolérence, étant donné que ces actions sont dirigées contre les valeurs défendues par l'UE.

En pratique, l'assistance bilatérale entre l'UE et l'Iraq , notamment le document de stratégie par pays 2011-2013, encourage les efforts déployés par l'Iraq pour rétablir l'État de droit ainsi qu'une gourvernance efficace et la protection des Droits de l'homme des habitants d'Iraq. La mission intégrée en matière d'État de droit en faveur de l'Iraq (Eujust LEX-Iraq) soutient la promotion d'une culture du respect des Droits de l'homme en Iraq en fournissant des formations pour les fonctionnaires iraquiens de haut niveau et de niveau intermédiaire du système de justice pénale. Une partie de l'aide de l'UE a aussi pour objectif d'aider les plus vulnérables d'entre eux, notamment les réfugiés et les personnes déplacées à l'intérieur du pays.

En ce qui concerne la possibilité pour l'UE d'aider les Palestiniens restants à trouver refuge dans d'autres pays, il convient de souligner que les questions de réinstallation demeurent une compétence nationale.

(English version)

Question for written answer P-003400/12

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Robert Goebbels (S&D)

(29 March 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — Tragic situation of Palestinians in Iraq

Amnesty International has recently published a report documenting the many human rights abuses suffered by Palestinian refugees in Iraq. The Palestinians are the victims of abduction, torture and murder by armed militias that seem to have the tacit protection of the Iraqi authorities.

Many refugees have fled the country but, according to the UN Human Rights Council, there are still some 15 000 Palestinian refugees living in Iraq under permanent threat.

What pressure does the European Union intend to put on the Iraqi Government to stop these attacks by militias close to the regime?

Could the EU help the remaining Palestinians find more hospitable host countries?

Can the Union provide practical assistance to move the Palestinians to safer areas in Iraq or in other countries?

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

(12 June 2012)

The EU is aware of the situation of Palestinian refugees in Iraq, including sporadic incidents of targeted attacks, which it utterly condemns.

On the political level, the EU voices human rights concerns at every possible occasion with the Iraqi authorities and at every level and has repeatedly condemned intolerance and stressed the need for vigorous protection of all persons residing in Iraq — especially those who have proven most vulnerable to persecution. Likewise, in its bilateral dialogue with Iraq, the EU voices its human rights concerns and the need to eliminate all forms of discrimination and intolerance as such acts run against the values that the EU upholds.

In practical terms, the EU‐Iraq bilateral assistance, including the Country Strategy Paper 2011-2013, supports Iraq's efforts to re-establish the rule of law and effective governance and protection of the human rights of persons living in Iraq. The Integrated Rule of Law Mission for Iraq (EUJUST LEX-Iraq) is assisting in promoting a culture of respect for human rights in Iraq by providing training for high and mid‐level Iraqi officials from the criminal justice system. Also, a part of EU assistance aims to help the most vulnerable among them, including refugees and people that are internally displaced.

As regards the possibility for the EU to help remaining Palestinians to move to other countries, it should be noted that questions of resettlement remain a national competence.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-003401/12

an die Kommission

Evelyn Regner (S&D) und Jörg Leichtfried (S&D)

(29. März 2012)

Betrifft: Frauen‐ und gleichstellungsfördernde Maßnahmen im öffentlichen Beschaffungswesen

Die Gleichstellung der Geschlechter ist ein Grundprinzip des Unionsrechts. Ziel der Europäischen Union im Bereich der Gleichstellung von Frauen und Männern ist es, einerseits Chancengleichheit und Gleichbehandlung zu gewährleisten und andererseits jedwede Diskriminierung aufgrund des Geschlechts zu unterbinden.

Besonders im Beschäftigungsbereich gibt es in den Mitgliedstaaten großen Bedarf an einer effektiven Maßnahmensetzung, um Gleichstellung erreichen zu können.

Basierend auf den Richtlinien 2004/17/EG und 2004/18/EG besteht nach österreichischem Recht die Möglichkeit, bei der Vergabe öffentlicher Aufträge die Beschäftigung von Frauen besonders zu berücksichtigen. § 19 Abs. 6 des Bundesvergabegesetzes 2006 besagt, dass im Vergabeverfahren auf die Beschäftigung von Frauen Bedacht genommen werden kann.

| 1. | Besteht eine ähnliche gesetzliche Grundlage in anderen Mitgliedsländern der EU? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Besteht eine ähnliche gesetzliche Grundlage in anderen Mitgliedsländern der EU?

| 2. | Sieht die Kommission die Setzung von frauen‐ und gleichstellungsfördernden Maßnahem im öffentlichen Vergaberecht als taugliches Mittel, um EU-weit die Geschlechtergleichstellung zu verbessern? |
| --- | --- |

2.

Sieht die Kommission die Setzung von frauen‐ und gleichstellungsfördernden Maßnahem im öffentlichen Vergaberecht als taugliches Mittel, um EU-weit die Geschlechtergleichstellung zu verbessern?

| 3. | Wäre eine Bindung öffentlicher AuftragnehmerInnen an die Erfüllung von Gleichstellungskriterien mit dem Unionsrecht konform? |
| --- | --- |

3.

Wäre eine Bindung öffentlicher AuftragnehmerInnen an die Erfüllung von Gleichstellungskriterien mit dem Unionsrecht konform?

| 4. | Wie könnten solche Gleichstellungskriterien aussehen? |
| --- | --- |

4.

Wie könnten solche Gleichstellungskriterien aussehen?

| 5. | Plant die Kommission, in diesem Bereich legislativ tätig zu werden, um gleiche Rahmenbedingungen für alle AuftragnehmerInnen und Mitgliedstaaten zu schaffen? |
| --- | --- |

5.

Plant die Kommission, in diesem Bereich legislativ tätig zu werden, um gleiche Rahmenbedingungen für alle AuftragnehmerInnen und Mitgliedstaaten zu schaffen?

| 6. | Sollten sich unterlegene BewerberInnen um öffentliche Aufträge auf das Fehlen von Gleichstellungskriterien bei jenem Unternehmen, das den Zuschlag erhalten hat, berufen können? |
| --- | --- |

6.

Sollten sich unterlegene BewerberInnen um öffentliche Aufträge auf das Fehlen von Gleichstellungskriterien bei jenem Unternehmen, das den Zuschlag erhalten hat, berufen können?

Antwort von Michel Barnier im Namen der Kommission

(11. Juni 2012)

| 1. | Der Kommission liegen keine umfassenden Informationen über frauen‐ und gleichstellungsfördernde Maßnahmen im öffentlichen Beschaffungswesen in anderen Mitgliedstaaten vor; es mag jedoch durchaus entsprechende Bestimmungen geben (45). |
| --- | --- |

1.

Der Kommission liegen keine umfassenden Informationen über frauen‐ und gleichstellungsfördernde Maßnahmen im öffentlichen Beschaffungswesen in anderen Mitgliedstaaten vor; es mag jedoch durchaus entsprechende Bestimmungen geben (45).

| 2. | Kriterien in Bezug auf die Gleichstellung der Geschlechter können zur Förderung der Gleichbehandlung allgemein beitragen, doch ihre Aufnahme in die Verfahren des öffentlichen Beschaffungswesens unterliegt den unter den Punkten 3 und 4 zusammengefassten Regeln. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Kriterien in Bezug auf die Gleichstellung der Geschlechter können zur Förderung der Gleichbehandlung allgemein beitragen, doch ihre Aufnahme in die Verfahren des öffentlichen Beschaffungswesens unterliegt den unter den Punkten 3 und 4 zusammengefassten Regeln.

3-4. Die geltenden EU-Richtlinien über das öffentliche Beschaffungswesen (46) erlauben es den öffentlichen Auftraggebern, im Rahmen des Vergabeverfahrens soziale Erwägungen zu berücksichtigen, sofern bestimmte Bedingungen erfüllt sind. Insbesondere müssen solche Erwägungen im Zusammenhang stehen mit: (a) dem Vertragsgegenstand (d. h. Waren, Dienstleistungen oder Bauleistungen), wenn dies in den technischen Spezifikationen oder Vergabekriterien vorgesehen ist, oder (b) zumindest mit der Vertragserfüllung (d. h. mit den Aufgaben, die zur Produktion der Güter/Erbringung der Dienstleistungen/Ausführung der ausgeschriebenen Arbeiten notwendig sind), wenn dies in den Vertragserfüllungsklausen (47) vorgesehen ist.

Vorgaben hinsichtlich der Gleichstellung der Geschlechter bei den Arbeitnehmern, die den Auftrag ausführen, würden sich im Allgemeinen auf die für die Vertragserfüllung erforderlichen Aufgaben beziehen und daher als Vertragserfüllungsklausel eingesetzt. Eine solche Klausel müsste jedoch den Grundsätzen des Vertrags (48) und allen einschlägigen Rechtsvorschriften der EU entsprechen.

5‐ 6. Im Vorschlag der Kommission zur Reform der Richtlinien über das öffentliche Beschaffungswesen sind weitere Möglichkeiten zur Berücksichtigung sozialer Belange im öffentlichen Beschaffungswesen und zur Sanktionierung von Verstößen gegen die im Sozial‐ und Arbeitsrecht festgelegten Verpflichtungen (unter anderem hinsichtlich der Gleichstellung der Geschlechter) vorgesehen.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003401/12

to the Commission

Evelyn Regner (S&D) and Jörg Leichtfried (S&D)

(29 March 2012)

Subject: Measures to promote the position of women and to ensure equality in public procurement

Gender equality is a fundamental principle of European Union law. The aim of the European Union in the area of gender equality is to ensure equal opportunities and equal treatment, on the one hand, and to prevent discrimination of any kind on the basis of gender on the other.

There is a particular need to establish effective measures in the Member States to ensure equality in the area of employment.

Based on Directives 2004/17/EC and 2004/18/EC, Austrian law allows for special consideration to be given to the employment of women when awarding public contracts. Article 19(6) of the Austrian Public Procurement Law 2006 states that it is possible to consider the employment of women during the procedure for awarding contracts.

| 1. | Does a similar legal basis also exist in other EU Member States? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Does a similar legal basis also exist in other EU Member States?

| 2. | Does the Commission see the establishment of measures to promote women and equality in public procurement law as a suitable way to improve gender equality throughout the EU? |
| --- | --- |

2.

Does the Commission see the establishment of measures to promote women and equality in public procurement law as a suitable way to improve gender equality throughout the EU?

| 3. | Would it be consistent with European Union law to require public contractors to comply with equality criteria? |
| --- | --- |

3.

Would it be consistent with European Union law to require public contractors to comply with equality criteria?

| 4. | How might such equality criteria be framed? |
| --- | --- |

4.

How might such equality criteria be framed?

| 5. | Is the Commission planning on taking legislative action in this area in order to establish the same general conditions for all contractors and Member States? |
| --- | --- |

5.

Is the Commission planning on taking legislative action in this area in order to establish the same general conditions for all contractors and Member States?

| 6. | Should unsuccessful candidates for public contracts be able to argue that the undertaking that won the contract fails to meet equality criteria? |
| --- | --- |

6.

Should unsuccessful candidates for public contracts be able to argue that the undertaking that won the contract fails to meet equality criteria?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(11 June 2012)

1.

| 1. | The Commission does not have comprehensive information about the existence in other Member States of equivalent provisions on the consideration of employment of women when awarding public contracts; however similar provisions may exist in other Member States |
| --- | --- |

The Commission does not have comprehensive information about the existence in other Member States of equivalent provisions on the consideration of employment of women when awarding public contracts; however similar provisions may exist in other Member States

| 1. | The Commission does not have comprehensive information about the existence in other Member States of equivalent provisions on the consideration of employment of women when awarding public contracts; however similar provisions may exist in other Member States |
| --- | --- |

1.

The Commission does not have comprehensive information about the existence in other Member States of equivalent provisions on the consideration of employment of women when awarding public contracts; however similar provisions may exist in other Member States

| 2. | Gender equality criteria can contribute to promoting gender equality generally, but their introduction in public procurement processes is subject to rules, as summarised in 3 and 4 below. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Gender equality criteria can contribute to promoting gender equality generally, but their introduction in public procurement processes is subject to rules, as summarised in 3 and 4 below.

3-4. The current EU public procurement directives (50) allow contracting authorities to take into account social considerations in the procurement process, provided certain conditions are met. In particular, such considerations must be linked: (a) to the subject matter of the contract (i.e. the purchased supply, services or works), if taken into account in the technical specifications or award criteria, or (b) at least to the performance of the contract (i.e. to the tasks necessary for the provision of the supplies/services/works of the contract) if they are taken into account in the contract performance clauses (51).

Requirements regarding gender equality of staff executing the contract would generally be linked to the tasks necessary for the performance of the contract, and therefore be used as a contract performance clause. Such a clause would have however to comply with the Treaty’s principles (52) and any other relevant EU legislation.

5-6. The Commission's proposal to reform the public procurement directives contains additional possibilities to take into account social considerations in public procurement and to sanction the violation of obligations (including as regards gender equality) established by social and labour law.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-003403/12

alla Commissione (Vicepresidente/Alto Rappresentante)

Fiorello Provera (EFD)

(29 marzo 2012)

Oggetto: VP/HR — Quattrocento donne detenute in Afghanistan per «crimini contro la moralità»

Alla fine di marzo, diverse agenzie di stampa hanno riferito che, secondo Human Rights Watch, dieci anni dopo la caduta dei Talebani in Afghanistan, in materia di diritti delle donne il sistema giudiziario è rimasto ₫schierato contro di loro su tutti i livelli₻. La quasi totalità delle adolescenti e la metà delle donne adulte attualmente detenute in carcere sono accusate di immoralità, di rapporti extraconiugali o di fuga. Molte detenute sono fuggite da un matrimonio forzato, da un marito violento o dai familiari di quest'ultimo. Tuttavia, la Corte suprema afghana ha deliberato che ogni donna che fugge dalla propria dimora e non si rivolge immediatamente a un parente stretto o alla polizia deve essere arrestata. Dal momento in cui tale sentenza è stata pronunciata, il numero delle ragazze detenute è in costante aumento.

Esistono inoltre numerosi casi di donne che sono state accusate di rapporti extraconiugali dopo essere state violentate o costrette alla prostituzione. Le Nazioni Unite calcolano che tre quarti dei matrimoni in Afghanistan sono forzati e le ragazze non sposate vengono talvolta cedute o scambiate per risolvere dispute o per sostituire una dote. A poche donne è concesso di divorziare. Se una donna decide di lasciare il marito, la famiglia di quest'ultimo spesso insiste per una condanna per rapporti extraconiugali come pena aggiuntiva.

Nel 2010, la Corte suprema afghana raccomandava di rinchiudere le donne e le ragazze che fuggivano di casa come misura precauzionale contro la prostituzione e la promiscuità. Il direttore esecutivo di Human Rights Watch ha dichiarato che ₫anche gli abusi più terribili subiti dalle donne sembrano suscitare nei procuratori nient'altro che un'alzata di spalle, nonostante l'esistenza di leggi che condannano la violenza contro le donne₻.

Attualmente, l'UE concede all'Afghanistan 1 miliardo di euro l'anno in aiuti. Dal 2001, l'UE ha donato più di 120 milioni di euro per progetti e programmi per la giustizia e la protezione sociale e ha destinato 20 milioni di euro con l'obiettivo di rafforzare il sistema giudiziario centrale dello Stato e di aumentare l'accesso alla giustizia da parte della popolazione afghana.

| 1. | Considerando che i diritti delle donne hanno conosciuto pochi miglioramenti in Afghanistan, è il Vicepresidente/Alto Rappresentante disposto a riorientare gli aiuti verso il sostegno all'assistenza legale per le donne vulnerabili e per le donne arrestate per motivi morali? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Considerando che i diritti delle donne hanno conosciuto pochi miglioramenti in Afghanistan, è il Vicepresidente/Alto Rappresentante disposto a riorientare gli aiuti verso il sostegno all'assistenza legale per le donne vulnerabili e per le donne arrestate per motivi morali?

| 2. | Può il Vicepresidente/Alto Rappresentante fornire informazioni su come, dal 2001, gli aiuti dell'UE sostengono le donne afghane accusate di immoralità secondo la legge? Quali risultati tangibili sono stati ottenuti? |
| --- | --- |

2.

Può il Vicepresidente/Alto Rappresentante fornire informazioni su come, dal 2001, gli aiuti dell'UE sostengono le donne afghane accusate di immoralità secondo la legge? Quali risultati tangibili sono stati ottenuti?

| 3. | È il Vicepresidente/Alto Rappresentante disposto a collaborare con altri organi regionali per chiedere al presidente afghano Hamid Karzai di affrontare il caso delle donne che sono state imprigionate per motivi morali? |
| --- | --- |

3.

È il Vicepresidente/Alto Rappresentante disposto a collaborare con altri organi regionali per chiedere al presidente afghano Hamid Karzai di affrontare il caso delle donne che sono state imprigionate per motivi morali?

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

(15 giugno 2012)

Il rappresentante speciale dell'Unione europea/capo delegazione in Afghanistan, in stretta collaborazione con i capi missione dell'UE, segue attentamente sul campo la situazione in materia di diritti umani. La situazione delle donne e delle ragazze in carcere, riferita da un rapporto di Human Rights Watch, desta particolare preoccupazione. L'UE, sulla scorta dei suoi programmi di assistenza incentrati sulla governance, continuerà a dare priorità all'assistenza concessa all'Afghanistan per rafforzare le istituzioni giuridiche del paese, poiché ciò è indispensabile per sostenere i diritti delle donne vittime di violenza.

Da parte sua, il governo afghano si è impegnato fermamente a migliorare la situazione delle donne nell'ambito delle conferenze internazionali di Londra e Kabul del 2010, della conferenza di Bonn di dicembre 2011 e attraverso una dichiarazione rilasciata il 18 gennaio 2012. Questi impegni saranno riesaminati durante la conferenza di Tokyo l'8 luglio 2012.

Dal 2001 l'UE ha speso più di 31 milioni di euro in progetti di sostegno diretto alle donne o, più in generale, volti a combattere l'emarginazione femminile in campo sociale, culturale ed economico. In questo contesto, l'UE supporta i servizi sociali, come l'assistenza psicologica e legale e la mediazione, rivolti alle donne più vulnerabili, in conflitto con le tradizioni del loro paese, comprese quelle accusate di ₫immoralità secondo la legge₻. Altri programmi si pongono invece obiettivi a lungo termine, come il rafforzamento degli organi esistenti per la protezione sociale e la tutela dei diritti delle donne e ragazze afghane vittime o a rischio di violenza domestica. Inoltre, il tema della violenza contro le donne sarà affrontato sia dall'UE che dagli Stati membri nell'ambito dei loro rispettivi programmi di assistenza; allo stesso tempo l'UE è pronta ad impegnarsi insieme alle altre parti interessate nel tentativo di rafforzare i diritti delle donne accusate di ₫immoralità secondo la legge₻.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003403/12

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Fiorello Provera (EFD)

(29 March 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — Four hundred women held in Afghanistan for ‘moral crimes’

In late March, a number of news organisations reported that, according to Human Rights Watch, 10 years after the toppling of the Taliban in Afghanistan, when it comes to women’s rights, the justice system has remained ‘stacked against them at every level’. Almost all the teenage girls and half of the adult females currently being held in prison are accused of immorality, extramarital sex or running away. Many female inmates have fled a forced marriage or a violent husband or in-laws. However, the Afghan Supreme Court has ruled that any woman who runs away from her home and does not immediately go to a close relative or the police should be imprisoned. Since this ruling was handed down, the number of girls detained has risen steadily.

There are also many cases of women who have been charged with extramarital sex after being raped or forced into prostitution. The United Nations estimates that three quarters of marriages in Afghanistan are forced and unmarried girls are sometimes given away or exchanged to resolve disputes or replace a dowry. Few women are able to be granted a divorce. If a woman decides to leave her husband, his family will often press for a conviction for extramarital sex as an additional punishment.

In 2010, the Afghan Supreme Court advised that women and girls who flee their homes should be locked up as a precaution against prostitution and promiscuity. The executive director of Human Rights Watch has stated that ‘Even the most horrific abuses suffered by women seem to elicit nothing more than a shrug from prosecutors, despite laws criminalising violence against women’.

The EU currently gives Afghanistan EUR 1 billion in aid each year. Since 2001, the EU has donated more than EUR 120 million for social protection and justice projects and programmes and it has given EUR 20 million with the aim of strengthening the centralised state justice system and increasing access to justice for the Afghan people.

| 1. | Given that women’s rights have improved little in Afghanistan, is the Vice‐President/High Representative prepared to redirect aid towards supporting legal assistance for vulnerable women and women incarcerated on moral grounds? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Given that women’s rights have improved little in Afghanistan, is the Vice‐President/High Representative prepared to redirect aid towards supporting legal assistance for vulnerable women and women incarcerated on moral grounds?

| 2. | Can the Vice-President/High Representative provide information on how, since 2001, EU aid has been supporting Afghan women accused of immorality under the law? What tangible results have been achieved? |
| --- | --- |

2.

Can the Vice-President/High Representative provide information on how, since 2001, EU aid has been supporting Afghan women accused of immorality under the law? What tangible results have been achieved?

| 3. | Is the Vice-President/High Representative prepared to liaise with other regional bodies to call for Afghan President Hamid Karzai to address the case of women who have been imprisoned on moral grounds? |
| --- | --- |

3.

Is the Vice-President/High Representative prepared to liaise with other regional bodies to call for Afghan President Hamid Karzai to address the case of women who have been imprisoned on moral grounds?

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

(15 June 2012)

The EUSR/EU Head of Delegation in Afghanistan monitors the human rights situation on the ground in close consultation with EU Heads of Missions. The situation of women and girls in prison, referred to by the report by Human Rights Watch, is of particular concern. Building on its ongoing assistance programmes with a focus on governance, the EU will continue to give priority to assisting with strengthening Afghanistan's centralised justice institutions as this remains indispensable to uphold the rights of victims of violence against women.

The Afghan Government, for its part, has made firm commitments to improve the position of women in the context of the international conferences held in 2010 in London and Kabul, in December 2011 at the Bonn Conference and in a statement issued on 18 January 2012. These undertakings will come under review at the Tokyo Conference on 8 July 2012.

Since 2001, the EU has spent more than EUR 31 million on projects in direct support of women or addressing more broadly their social, cultural and economic marginalisation. In this context, the EU supports social services to the most vulnerable including counselling, legal aid and mediation for women in conflict with traditions including those accused of ‘immorality under the law’. Additional programmes address long-term objectives, such as strengthening existing bodies to exercise social protection and protect the rights of Afghan women and girls at risk or victims of domestic violence. Furthermore, violence against women will be addressed in 2012 both by the EU and its Member States in their respective assistance programmes, while the EU is ready to engage with other stakeholders to seek to strengthen women's rights accused of ‘immorality under the law’.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-003405/12

à la Commission

Franck Proust (PPE)

(29 mars 2012)

Objet: Tourisme: appui aux professionnels et rôle de l'Union européenne

Pourtant encore compétence exclusive des États membres, le tourisme est au centre d'une stratégie européenne. Je salue cette initiative qu'a prise la Commission. C'est pourtant un domaine où la concurrence nationale fait rage en Europe. Troisième secteur d'activité, il représente 12 % des emplois, aussi le tourisme mérite-t-il une attention particulière dans la politique européenne.

Dans le cadre de sa stratégie, la Commission a mis en place une série de labels.

| 1. | Quels sont-ils? Pour chacun, quelle est la procédure de sélection? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Quels sont-ils? Pour chacun, quelle est la procédure de sélection?

Les établissements d'hôtellerie et de restauration structurent l'économie touristique.

| 2. | De quelle manière la Commission peut-elle les appuyer? Existe-t-il des aides, directes ou indirectes? |
| --- | --- |

2.

De quelle manière la Commission peut-elle les appuyer? Existe-t-il des aides, directes ou indirectes?

Enfin, le Parlement européen s'est exprimé à plusieurs reprises pour que l'Europe pense le tourisme dans sa globalité. L'harmonisation par le haut des classifications en hôtellerie et des taux réduits de TVA pour les produits touristiques font partie des propositions.

| 3. | La Commission peut-elle préciser quand la prochaine réforme de la politique européenne du tourisme, qui prendrait en compte ces éléments, doit avoir lieu? |
| --- | --- |

3.

La Commission peut-elle préciser quand la prochaine réforme de la politique européenne du tourisme, qui prendrait en compte ces éléments, doit avoir lieu?

Réponse donnée par M. Tajani au nom de la Commission

(31 mai 2012)

1.

| 1. | Le 30 juin 2010, la Commission a adopté une communication |
| --- | --- |

Le 30 juin 2010, la Commission a adopté une communication

| 1. | Le 30 juin 2010, la Commission a adopté une communication |
| --- | --- |

1.

Le 30 juin 2010, la Commission a adopté une communication

L'une (54) des initiatives sur lesquelles travaille la Commission consiste en une proposition de ₫label européen pour des systèmes de qualité dans le secteur du tourisme₻ destiné à renforcer la transparence et la cohérence de l'évaluation de la qualité à l'échelle de l'UE. La procédure de sélection, les critères d'admissibilité et d'autres détails seront ajustés en fonction des résultats de l'analyse d'impact en cours de réalisation. La Commission envisage de présenter sa proposition d'ici la fin de l'année 2012.

| 2. | Les établissements d'hôtellerie et de restauration représentent un important sous-secteur du tourisme, qui est régulièrement pris en compte par la Commission dans ses initiatives liées à ce domaine, même si ce n'est pas sous la forme d'une aide directe. Ce sous‐secteur bénéficie également de possibilités de financement au titre des différents instruments financiers de l'UE. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Les établissements d'hôtellerie et de restauration représentent un important sous-secteur du tourisme, qui est régulièrement pris en compte par la Commission dans ses initiatives liées à ce domaine, même si ce n'est pas sous la forme d'une aide directe. Ce sous‐secteur bénéficie également de possibilités de financement au titre des différents instruments financiers de l'UE.

3.

| 3. | Comme indiqué dans la communication susmentionnée sur le tourisme, adoptée en 2010, la Commission procédera, à moyen terme, à un bilan de cette stratégie, mais aucune |
| --- | --- |

Comme indiqué dans la communication susmentionnée sur le tourisme, adoptée en 2010, la Commission procédera, à moyen terme, à un bilan de cette stratégie, mais aucune

| 3. | Comme indiqué dans la communication susmentionnée sur le tourisme, adoptée en 2010, la Commission procédera, à moyen terme, à un bilan de cette stratégie, mais aucune |
| --- | --- |

3.

Comme indiqué dans la communication susmentionnée sur le tourisme, adoptée en 2010, la Commission procédera, à moyen terme, à un bilan de cette stratégie, mais aucune

La directive TVA permet déjà aux États membres d'appliquer un taux de TVA réduit, d'un minimum de 5 %, dans le secteur du tourisme. Plusieurs prestations liées au tourisme (56) sont notamment éligibles. La directive TVA sera révisée dans les prochaines années de façon à assurer un système fiscal plus efficace et plus solide à l'intérieur du marché unique.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003405/12

to the Commission

Franck Proust (PPE)

(29 March 2012)

Subject: Tourism: support for professionals and the role of the European Union

While still falling within the exclusive competence of the Member States, tourism is the focus of a European strategy. I welcome this Commission initiative. Nevertheless, it is an area in which national competition in Europe is fierce. Tourism is the third-largest sector of the economy, accounting for 12% of jobs, so it too deserves special European policy attention.

As part of its strategy, the Commission has put a series of labels in place.

| 1. | What are these labels? What is the selection procedure for each one? |
| --- | --- |

1.

What are these labels? What is the selection procedure for each one?

Hotels and restaurants are the backbone of the tourist economy.

| 2. | How can the Commission support them? Is there any aid, direct or indirect? |
| --- | --- |

2.

How can the Commission support them? Is there any aid, direct or indirect?

Lastly, on a number of occasions the European Parliament has advocated an holistic European approach to tourism. Top-down harmonisation of hotel classifications and reduced VAT rates for tourist products form part of the proposals.

| 3. | Can the Commission say when the next reform of European tourism policy, taking these elements into account, will take place? |
| --- | --- |

3.

Can the Commission say when the next reform of European tourism policy, taking these elements into account, will take place?

Answer given by Mr Tajani on behalf of the Commission

(31 May 2012)

1.

| 1. | On 30 June 2010, the Commission adopted a communication |
| --- | --- |

On 30 June 2010, the Commission adopted a communication

| 1. | On 30 June 2010, the Commission adopted a communication |
| --- | --- |

1.

On 30 June 2010, the Commission adopted a communication

One (58) of the initiatives the Commission is working on is a proposal for a ‘European Tourism Label for Quality Systems’ to bring greater transparency and consistency to quality evaluation at EU level. The selection procedure, eligibility criteria and other details will be finetuned in line with the results of the impact assessment study presently being carried out. The Commission envisages to table its proposal by the end of 2012.

| 2. | Hotels and restaurants represent an important tourism sub-sector, which is regularly taken into consideration by the Commission in its tourism-related initiatives, even if not in the form of direct aid. This sub-sector also benefits from funding opportunities under the different EU financial instruments. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Hotels and restaurants represent an important tourism sub-sector, which is regularly taken into consideration by the Commission in its tourism-related initiatives, even if not in the form of direct aid. This sub-sector also benefits from funding opportunities under the different EU financial instruments.

| 3. | As indicated in the abovementioned 2010 Communication on Tourism, the Commission will, in the medium term, take stock of this strategy but no ‘reform’ as such of the European tourism policy is foreseen. With regard to the harmonisation of hotel classification, the Honourable Member is invited to consult the replies to parliamentary questions P‐6046/10, E‐8628/10 by Mr Tarabella, P‐10390/10 by Ms Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou and E‐011708/2011 by Mr Hubert Pirker (59). |
| --- | --- |

3.

As indicated in the abovementioned 2010 Communication on Tourism, the Commission will, in the medium term, take stock of this strategy but no ‘reform’ as such of the European tourism policy is foreseen. With regard to the harmonisation of hotel classification, the Honourable Member is invited to consult the replies to parliamentary questions P‐6046/10, E‐8628/10 by Mr Tarabella, P‐10390/10 by Ms Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou and E‐011708/2011 by Mr Hubert Pirker (59).

The VAT Directive already allows Member States to apply a reduced VAT rate of a minimum of 5% in the tourism sector. Several tourism-related supplies (60) are notably eligible. The VAT Directive will be revisited in the comings years so as to ensure a more efficient and robust tax system in the Single Market.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-003406/12

alla Commissione

Oreste Rossi (EFD)

(29 marzo 2012)

Oggetto: Assenza di dati a livello europeo sull'incidenza della polmonite

La diagnosi della polmonite, malattia che spesso può essere trascurata per confusione di sintomi con gli ordinari disturbi influenzali, rappresenta la prima soluzione di fronte all'uso non sempre appropriato degli antibiotici. Un fenomeno questo che ha portato, negli ultimi anni, a un preoccupante aumento dei batteri resistenti a uno o più di questi farmaci nonostante i progressi in campo terapeutico. Le più comuni polmoniti batteriche (68 % tra gli adulti e 37 % tra i bambini) sono dovute all'infezione da Pneumococco, un batterio in grado di provocare delle infezioni invasive molto gravi. Ogni anno, in tutto il mondo, le infezioni da pneumococco uccidono 1 600 000 persone, di cui circa un milione sono bambini. A livello europeo esistono dati sull'incidenza di tale malattia per la Finlandia (10,8 persone ogni 1000 adulti/anno), la Spagna (da 1,6 a 2,6 persone ogni 1000 adulti/anno) e il Regno Unito (4,7 persone ogni 1000 adulti/anno). In Italia, invece, ogni anno muoiono quasi 7 mila persone e nel 40 % dei casi la causa è lo pneumococco. Con un'adeguata campagna di prevenzione e sensibilizzazione all'uso del vaccino si potrebbe arrivare a una riduzione dei casi del 68 %.

Considerata la gravità della malattia, visto l'elevato numero di vittime, sono a chiedere alla Commissione:

| intende fornire dati ufficiali sull'incidenza di tale malattia a livello dei 27 stati membri? |
| --- |

intende fornire dati ufficiali sull'incidenza di tale malattia a livello dei 27 stati membri?

| intende avviare una campagna di sensibilizzazione efficace e tempestiva per promuovere la vaccinazione? |
| --- |

intende avviare una campagna di sensibilizzazione efficace e tempestiva per promuovere la vaccinazione?

| intende implementare gli strumenti in campo di ricerca medico scientifica, vista la nuova programmazione comunitaria prevista con l'VIII Programma quadro? |
| --- |

intende implementare gli strumenti in campo di ricerca medico scientifica, vista la nuova programmazione comunitaria prevista con l'VIII Programma quadro?

Risposta data da John Dalli a nome della Commissione

(4 maggio 2012)

I batteri sono la causa più comune della polmonite acquisita in comunità e lo Streptococcus pneumonia e l'Haemophilus influenzae serotipo B sono gli organismi più frequentemente coinvolti. Il Centro europeo per la prevenzione e il controllo delle malattie (ECDC) pubblica annualmente una relazione sull'incidenza delle malattie trasmissibili, come le infezioni invasive da pneumococco, (61) che comprende la setticemia, la polmonite e la meningite. Nel 2009 sono stati denunciati 14 272 casi di infezioni invasive da pneumococco.

Tutti gli Stati membri hanno incluso il vaccino contro l'Haemophilus influenzae serotipo B nel loro programma nazionale di immunizzazione e la vaccinazione di routine continua ad avere un grande impatto sulla riduzione dell'incidenza della batteriemia, della polmonite e della meningite acuta. Nella maggior parte degli Stati membri è stata introdotta la vaccinazione pneumococcica; in certuni essa è raccomandata soltanto per i gruppi a rischio (62). Attualmente è troppo presto per misurare l'impatto dei vaccini pneumococcici che hanno ricevuto un'autorizzazione alla commercializzazione nel 2009.

Le campagne di sensibilizzazione e di promozione della vaccinazione sono più efficaci se vengono organizzate a livello nazionale/regionale. La Commissione è pronta a sostenere tali campagne fornendo informazioni basate su dati esperienziali.

La Commissione finanzia inoltre la ricerca sulla polmonite in vista dell'ulteriore sviluppo di vaccini, test diagnostici e nuovi antibiotici e del miglioramento della prescrizione di antibiotici. Nell'ambito del 7° Programma quadro di ricerca e sviluppo tecnologico (FP7, 2007-2013), il finanziamento della ricerca sulla polmonite ammonta a più di 20 milioni di euro. Inoltre, 4 milioni di euro sono stati consacrati a strumenti di comunicazione relativi alle epidemie, compreso l'aspetto dell'accoglimento del vaccino. Il prossimo programma di ricerca e innovazione dovrebbe continuare ad affrontare la problematica delle malattie infettive.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003406/12

to the Commission

Oreste Rossi (EFD)

(29 March 2012)

Subject: Lack of Europe-wide data on the incidence of pneumonia

The diagnosis of pneumonia, a disease that is often overlooked as its symptoms can easily be confused with those of ordinary strains of influenza, is the first solution in tackling the sometimes inappropriate use of antibiotics. In recent years, this phenomenon has led to a worrying increase of bacteria that are resistant to one or more of these medications, despite the advances in methods of treatment. The most common types of bacterial pneumonia (68% among adults and 37% among children) are due to infection by Pneumococcus, a bacterium that can cause severe invasive infections. Each year, pneumococcal infections kill 1 600 000 people worldwide, around one million of whom are children. At EU level, there is data on the incidence of this disease in Finland (10.8 persons per 1 000 adults/year), Spain (from 1.6 to 2.6 people per 1 000 adults/year) and the United Kingdom (4.7 persons per 1 000 adults/year). However, in Italy almost 7 000 people die each year and 40% of these deaths can be attributed to the pneumococcal bacterium. An appropriate prevention campaign to raise awareness on use of the vaccine could lead to a 68% reduction in the number of cases.

Given the severity of the disease and the high number of victims, can the Commission state whether it:

| intends to provide official data on the incidence of this disease across the 27 Member States? |
| --- |

intends to provide official data on the incidence of this disease across the 27 Member States?

| intends to launch an effective and timely campaign to raise awareness and promote vaccination? |
| --- |

intends to launch an effective and timely campaign to raise awareness and promote vaccination?

| intends to implement the tools in the field of scientific and medical research, given the new EU projects included in the Eighth Framework Programme? |
| --- |

intends to implement the tools in the field of scientific and medical research, given the new EU projects included in the Eighth Framework Programme?

Answer given by Mr Dalli on behalf of the Commission

(4 May 2012)

Bacteria are the most common cause of community-acquired pneumonia, with Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae serotype b being the most frequent organisms involved. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) publishes each year a report on the incidence of communicable diseases, such as invasive pneumococcal disease (63), which includes blood poisoning, pneumonia and meningitis. In 2009, 14 272 cases of invasive pneumococcal disease were reported.

All Member States have included the vaccine for Haemophilus influenzae serotype b vaccine in their national immunisation schedule, and routine vaccination continues to have a great impact on the reduction of incidence of bacteremia, pneumonia, and acute meningitis. Pneumococcal vaccination has been introduced in most Member States; in some it is recommended for risk groups only (64). It is currently too early to measure the impact of the pneumococcal vaccines that received a marketing authorisation in 2009.

Campaigns to raise awareness and promote vaccination are more effective when organised at the national/regional level. The Commission is ready to support such campaigns by providing evidence-based information.

The Commission has also been funding research on pneumonia aiming at the further development of vaccines, diagnostic tests and new antibiotics, and at how to better prescribe antibiotics. In the 7th Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (FP7, 2007-2013), funding on pneumonia research amounts to over EUR 20 million. In addition, EUR 4 million has been devoted to communication tools for epidemics, including vaccine uptake. The next research and innovation programme is expected to continue addressing infectious diseases.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-003407/12

alla Commissione

Oreste Rossi (EFD)

(29 marzo 2012)

Oggetto: Caramello sintetico potenzialmente cancerogeno

Il tipico colore scuro che caratterizza le bevande come la cola e il chinotto è dato da un particolare caramello considerato dannoso per la salute umana. Si tratta dell'E150d che, lavorato insieme a un altro colorante a base di ammoniaca, l'E150c, dà luogo a un residuo potenzialmente cancerogeno, il 4-metylimidazole, o più semplicemente 4-Mei.

L'allarme sul probabile rischio del suddetto colorante è stato lanciato più di un anno fa negli Stati Uniti. L'Agenzia internazionale per la ricerca sul cancro dell'OMS ha inserito il 4-Mei nella lista delle 250 sostanze potenzialmente cancerogene. Lo Stato della California, a tutela dei consumatori, ha inserito il caramello sintetico e tutti i coloranti a base di ammoniaca nella lista nera delle sostanze a rischio ed ha chiesto alle aziende che utilizzano tali prodotti di eliminarli dagli alimenti o di indicarne la presenza sulle etichette. Mentre una nota azienda ha bandito del tutto il colorante e ha preferito sostituirlo con altre sostanze innocue, alcune grandi multinazionali del settore alimentare hanno dichiarato che procederanno a una riduzione della quantità di 4-Mei in maniera tale che non rappresenti un rischio per la salute dell'uomo.

Non è ben chiaro come il governo della California intenda controllare il rispetto del suo diktat, mentre in Europa non vi è ancora un'indicazione definitiva in relazione al problema.

Considerando che il 4-Mei può essere sostituito con altri coloranti senza alterare troppo il gusto della cola e di bevande simili e che, in tal modo, si garantirebbe una tutela maggiore della salute dei consumatori, qual è la posizione della Commissione in merito? Intende modificare le norme europee alla luce di quanto affermato sulla pericolosità del caramello sintetico?

Risposta data da John Dalli a nome della Commissione

(4 maggio 2012)

La Commissione rinvia l'onorevole deputato alla propria risposta all'interrogazione scritta E-002847/2012 (65).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003407/12

to the Commission

Oreste Rossi (EFD)

(29 March 2012)

Subject: Potentially carcinogenic synthetic caramel

The typical dark colour that characterises beverages such as cola and chinotto is provided by a particular caramel that is considered to be dangerous to human health. When this caramel, called E150d, is processed with another ammonia‐based colouring, E150c, it produces a potentially carcinogenic residue, 4‐methylimidazole (4‐MEI).

The alarm about the probable risk of this colouring was raised over a year ago in the United States. The World Health Organisation’s International Cancer Research Agency has added 4‐MEI to the list of 250 potentially carcinogenic substances. In order to protect consumers, the state of California has added synthetic caramel and all ammonia‐based colourings to its blacklist of hazardous substances and has called for all companies who use these products to remove them from foods or indicate their presence on labels. One well‐known company has totally banned the colouring and replaced it with other harmless substances while other large multinationals in the food sector have declared that they will be reducing the quantity of 4‐MEI so that it does not pose a risk to human health.

It is not entirely clear how the government of California intends to check compliance with its order while in Europe there is no definitive information regarding the problem.

Given that 4‐MEI can be replaced with other colourings without significantly altering the taste of cola and similar drinks and that this would ensure better consumer health protection, what is the Commission’s position in this respect? Does it intend to amend European regulations in view of what has been stated regarding the danger posed by the synthetic caramel?

Answer given by Mr Dalli on behalf of the Commission

(4 May 2012)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to Written Question E‐002847/2012 (66).

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-003408/12

alla Commissione

Oreste Rossi (EFD)

(29 marzo 2012)

Oggetto: Cellule in HD con una proteina turchese

Le interazioni fra le cellule sono molto importanti al fine di conservare una buona organizzazione e funzionalità delle cellule stesse e degli organi. Le proteine sono spesso responsabili delle interazioni fra cellule adiacenti e fra le cellule e il loro ambiente circostante. Un buon esempio potrebbe essere quello delle interazioni che permettono alle cellule della nostra pelle di essere unite strettamente insieme.

Una proteina che emette luce fluorescente turchese permette di avere immagini ad alta definizione dei processi che avvengono all'interno degli organismi viventi. Tale proteina è tre volte più brillante rispetto alle tecniche usate finora e consentirà di studiare le interazioni tra proteine nelle cellule.

Visto che le proteine hanno numerose funzioni negli organismi viventi e agiscono come catalizzatori biologici, considerata l'importanza di investire in campo medico e scientifico, intende la Commissione, in vista della prossima programmazione comunitaria e nello specifico dell'VIII Programma Quadro, implementare gli strumenti finalizzati a sostenere la ricerca a favore dei cittadini europei?

Risposta data da Máire Geoghegan-Quinn a nome della Commissione

(7 maggio 2012)

La Commissione finanzia da tempo le attività destinate a migliorare la salute dei cittadini europei e a rafforzare la capacità di innovazione dell’industria del settore nell’ambito della tematica ₫Salute₻ del programma specifico ₫Cooperazione₻ del Settimo programma quadro di ricerca e sviluppo tecnologico (7° PQ, 2007-2013).

Nell’ambito della tematica ₫Salute₻ del Settimo programma quadro sono stati investiti circa 73 milioni di euro a favore dello sviluppo di tecnologie innovative di imaging diagnostico. Pacchetti di lavoro sulla diagnostica per immagini sono compresi anche in diversi progetti di ricerca finanziati a titolo di altre parti del programma. Lo sviluppo di nuovi ₫dispositivi per imaging₻ ad elevata sensibilità (quale ad esempio la proteina monomerica che emette luce fluorescente turchese, sintetizzata di recente) è da tempo parte integrante di diversi progetti di imaging finanziati dell’ambito del 7° PQ. Ad esempio, l’obiettivo principale dell’importante progetto Euripides (67) (per il quale il contributo dell’UE ammonta a 12 milioni di euro), avviato nel 2008, è sviluppare e valutare nuovi dispositivi per imaging in grado di riconoscere, diagnosticare e monitorare le principali patologie del sistema nervoso centrale (quali l’epilessia, la schizofrenia o la depressione).

Nel quadro dell’iniziativa Orizzonte 2020, per il programma quadro di ricerca e sviluppo tecnologico 2014-2020 la Commissione ha destinato 8,03 miliardi di euro alle attività relative alla sfida sociale ₫Salute, cambiamento demografico e benessere₻, tra cui il riconoscimento della malattia e il miglioramento della diagnosi, con l’obiettivo di migliorare la salute e il benessere di tutti i cittadini europei lungo tutto l’arco della vita.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003408/12

to the Commission

Oreste Rossi (EFD)

(29 March 2012)

Subject: Viewing cells in HD using a turquoise protein

Interactions between cells are very important for preserving the good order and functionality of cells and organs. Proteins are often responsible for interactions between adjacent cells and between cells and their surroundings. Perhaps a good example is that of interactions that enable our skin cells to be tightly connected.

A protein that emits turquoise fluorescent light makes it possible to obtain high-definition images of the processes that take place inside living organisms. This protein is three times brighter than those available by means of the techniques used up to now and will make it possible to study interactions between proteins in cells.

Considering that proteins have many functions in living organisms and act as biological catalysts, and considering the importance of investing in the medical and scientific field, does the Commission intend, with a view to the next EU programming period and specifically the Eighth Framework Programme, to implement instruments to support research for the benefit of European citizens?

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

(7 May 2012)

The Commission has been supporting activities aiming at improving health of European citizens and boosting the innovative capacity of health-related industry throughout the Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (FP7, 2007-2013) via the Health Theme of the Cooperation Programme.

Some EUR 73 million have been invested in the development of innovative medical imaging technologies in the diagnostic area of the FP7 Health theme. Imaging work packages are also included in a number of research projects funded in other parts of the programme. Development of new and highly sensitive ‘imaging probes’ (such as the recently synthesized turquoise monomeric fluorescent protein) has been an integral part of several FP7-funded imaging projects. For example, the main objective of the large-scale (EU contribution: EUR 12 million) EURIPIDES project (68), which started in 2008, is to develop and evaluate new imaging probes for prediction, diagnosis and monitoring of major central nervous system diseases (such as epilepsy, schizophrenia or depression).

In its proposal for Horizon 2020, the framework Programme for Research and Innovation 2014‐2020, the Commission earmarked EUR 8.03 billion for activities in the societal challenge ‘Health, demographic change and wellbeing’, including understanding disease and improving diagnosis with the goal to improve the lifelong health and wellbeing of all European citizens.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-003409/12

alla Commissione

Oreste Rossi (EFD)

(29 marzo 2012)

Oggetto: Fondi UE alla Palestina: nuovi controlli dell'UE sui progetti e valutazione ex post

Da quando il governo di Hamas è stato eletto, gli aiuti europei ai territori occupati sono cresciuti in misura notevole. La maggior parte dei fondi complessivamente elargiti dall'UE all'Autorità Palestinese vengono incanalati verso istituzioni controllate da Fatah in Cisgiordania. Dall'inizio della seconda Intifada nel 2000 il governo israeliano ha avviato una sistematica campagna di distruzione delle infrastrutture palestinesi finanziate con progetti UE. Tali opere hanno subito gli attacchi dell'esercito israeliano, basti pensare all'aeroporto di Rafah, nel sud della Striscia di Gaza, completamente distrutto. Di fatto, dunque, l'attribuzione dei fondi è stata snaturata e appare sostanzialmente incompatibile con l'aspirazione europea di creare una maggiore responsabilità internazionale sulla questione israelo-palestinese.

Vero è che la richiesta di risarcimento per i danni causati da Israele in Palestina alle costruzioni finanziate dalla Commissione è preclusa e ₫blindata₻ dalla proprietà dei progetti realizzati, al termine dei quali l'Autorità Palestinese ne diventa unico titolare. Tuttavia, l'UE dovrebbe avere un'altra opportunità di rivitalizzare il proprio approccio al processo di pace in Medio Oriente, evitando che diventi fallimentare.

Considerato che l'UE ha stanziato milioni di euro per finanziare interventi destinati all'amministrazione pubblica, allo sviluppo sociale, allo sviluppo di attività imprenditoriali, alle infrastrutture e a aiuti ai rifugiati palestinesi; la Commissione invia annualmente al Parlamento europeo una lista completa dei progetti finanziati con fondi europei nei territori dell’Autorità Palestinese distrutti o danneggiati durante i raid israeliani, indicando le perdite complessive; con l'appoggio del Parlamento europeo, l'UE coopera con l'Autorità Palestinese per migliorare le condizioni di vita del popolo palestinese e favorire un accordo di pace con Israele; può la Commissione far sapere come intende potenziare i sistemi di controllo finanziario e di monitoraggio sui progetti palestinesi onde verificare la destinazione reale di tali fondi e quali misure intende adottare per accertare la responsabilità solidale dell'Autorità Palestinese e del governo israeliano rispetto alla fase di valutazione ex post del progetto?

Risposta data da Štefan Füle a nome della Commissione

(30 maggio 2012)

La Commissione è convinta che tutti i fondi destinati ai Territori palestinesi occupati raggiungano effettivamente i beneficiari previsti. Le verifiche ex-ante ed ex-post e le revisioni contabili previste dal meccanismo PEGASE istituito per gestire tale procedura permettono di conoscere con precisione la destinazione di ciascun bonifico bancario. I beneficiari sono scelti in base a norme concordate tra l’UE e l’Autorità palestinese e il sistema utilizzato permette di evitare costi di transazione eccessivi. Tutti i pagamenti nei Territori palestinesi occupati sono eseguiti dalla Commissione e non vi è alcun rischio di deviazione dei fondi rispetto alla destinazione prevista.

Il sistema di verifica e di controllo in atto garantisce che il denaro del contribuente UE sia protetto nella misura più ampia possibile. Alla luce dei pareri positivi espressi nelle relazioni della Corte dei conti e del servizio di audit interno, non si ritiene necessario adottare misure aggiuntive.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003409/12

to the Commission

Oreste Rossi (EFD)

(29 March 2012)

Subject: EU funds for Palestine: new EU controls on projects and ex post assessment

Since the Hamas Government was elected, European aid to the occupied territories has increased considerably. Most of the total funds paid by the EU to the Palestinian Authority are being funnelled to institutions controlled by Fatah in the West Bank. Ever since the start of the second Intifada in 2000, the Israeli Government has waged a systematic campaign of destruction of EU‐funded Palestinian infrastructures, which have been subjected to attacks by the Israeli army; we only need to think of Rafah airport in the south of the Gaza Strip, which was completely destroyed. The allocation of funds has therefore been subverted and appears to be substantially incompatible with Europe’s ambition to create greater international responsibility regarding the Israel-Palestine issue.

It is true that the request for compensation for the damage caused by Israel in Palestine to the infrastructure financed by the Commission is precluded and ‘blocked’ by the fact that, on completion of the relevant projects, the Palestinian Authority becomes the sole owner. However, the EU should have another opportunity to revitalise its own approach to the peace process in the Middle East to prevent it from failing.

The EU has earmarked millions of euros for measures aimed at public administration, social development, business development, infrastructure and aid for Palestinian refugees. Every year the Commission sends the European Parliament a complete list of the projects financed with European funds in the Palestinian territories destroyed or damaged during Israeli raids, indicating the total losses, with the support of the European Parliament, the EU is cooperating with the Palestinian Authority to improve the living conditions of the Palestinian people and to promote a peace agreement with Israel. In view of this can the Commission indicate how it intends to strengthen the financial control and monitoring systems for Palestinian projects in order to check the true destination of these funds and what measures it intends to adopt to determine the joint and several responsibility of the Palestinian Authority and the Israeli Government with regard to the ex post
  assessment stage of the project?

Answer given by Mr Füle on behalf of the Commission

(30 May 2012)

The Commission is satisfied that all funds for the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) do indeed reach their targets. The ex-ante and ex-post verifications and audits provided for under the PEGASE Mechanism which was set up to manage this procedure ensure that the precise destination of each and every bank transfer is known. The beneficiaries are established under rules agreed between the EU and the Palestinian Authority (PA) and the system avoids excessive transaction costs. All payments in the occupied Palestinian territory are carried out by the Commission. There is no possibility of funds being diverted from their intended destination.

The system of verification and audit in place ensures that EU taxpayers' money is protected to the fullest possible extent. In view of positive reports from the Court of Auditors and internal audit services, it is not considered necessary to take any additional measures.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-003410/12

alla Commissione

Oreste Rossi (EFD)

(29 marzo 2012)

Oggetto: Eco-giocattoli per rispettare la natura fin da piccoli

Gli eco-giocattoli sono uno strumento efficace per educare i bambini fin da piccoli al rispetto della natura e del territorio. In Europa aumenta sempre più la tendenza ad acquistare giochi creati grazie al riciclo di plastica o cartone. Da alcuni anni si sono costituite aziende che producono giocattoli in maniera sostenibile. Ad esempio, vi sono marionette realizzate al 100 % in velluto di cotone organico e in fibra naturale di mais oppure set per piccoli pizzaioli in polietilene ad alta densità ottenuto dal riciclo di contenitori per il latte.

Istruttivi e per bambini più grandi sono invece i giochi scientifici che permettono di capire attraverso esperimenti o semplici costruzioni i fenomeni atmosferici o la rotazione della Terra e il susseguirsi delle stagioni.

Affinché gli adulti di domani siano rispettosi dell'ambiente e attenti alla protezione delle risorse naturali, è importante sensibilizzarli fin da ora anche attraverso gli eco-giocattoli.

Inoltre, molto spesso i materiali con cui sono realizzati i giochi che vengono importati in Europa, soprattutto dall'Asia, sono tossici e pericolosi per la salute dei più piccoli. Gli ₫eco-toys₻, invece, utilizzano solo legno naturale certificato e proveniente da foreste gestite in maniera corretta e responsabile secondo rigorosi standard ambientali, sociali e economici.

Considerato che i giochi ecocompatibili sono da preferire sia per il rispetto dell'ambiente sia per la tutela della salute dei bambini, può la Commissione far sapere se intende sensibilizzare i cittadini europei all'argomento attraverso campagne nelle scuole e incentivare le aziende produttrici di giocattoli tradizionali a realizzare i loro prodotti in maniera ecocompatibile?

Risposta data da Antonio Tajani a nome della Commissione

(16 maggio 2012)

La direttiva 2009/48/CE sulla sicurezza dei giocattoli tratta esclusivamente i rischi che i giocattoli possono presentare per la salute e la sicurezza dei bambini. I giocattoli, comprese le sostanze chimiche in essi contenute, non devono presentare rischi per la salute umana. Queste regole si applicano a tutti i giocattoli, indipendentemente dal processo di fabbricazione (manuale o industriale) o dai materiali usati (sostenibili o meno). Inoltre, i fabbricanti di giocattoli devono rispettare tutti gli altri strumenti legislativi dell'UE applicabili, come ad esempio la legislazione specifica relativa alla protezione dell'ambiente.

La Commissione ha constatato una crescente sensibilità e un crescente interesse in questo settore industriale per quanto concerne questo tipo di giocattoli. La Fiera internazionale del Giocattolo di Norimberga del 2011 ha posto un accento particolare sui giocattoli verdi, consentendo agli espositori di reclamizzare i prodotti sostenibili come quelli che utilizzano materie verdi, confezioni innovative e concetti di gioco che comunicano giocando il principio della sostenibilità. Uno studio sui comportamenti d'acquisto relativi ai giocattoli sostenibili è stato condotto in questa occasione dagli organizzatori della fiera, studio che ha fornito informazioni su quanto ci si attende dai fabbricanti e su quali sono le aspettative dei consumatori in relazione ai giocattoli sostenibili:

http://www.toysgogreen.de/toys-go-green/?L=1.

La Commissione continuerà a seguire da vicino tutti gli sviluppi nell'ambito dei giocattoli sostenibili.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003410/12

to the Commission

Oreste Rossi (EFD)

(29 March 2012)

Subject: Eco-toys to learn to respect nature from an early age

Eco-toys are an effective instrument for educating young children about respect for nature and the earth. The tendency to buy toys made from recycled plastic or cardboard is continuing to grow in Europe. Companies that produce toys from sustainable materials have been around for a number of years. For example, puppets are being made from 100% organic cotton velvet and natural corn fibre, while sets for small pizza chefs made from high-density polyethylene produced by recycling milk containers also deserve a mention.

For older children, there are educational scientific games that help them to understand atmospheric phenomena, the rotation of the earth and the succession of the seasons through experiments or simple constructions.

To make sure that tomorrow’s adults respect the environment and protect natural resources, it is important to make them aware of this now, also through eco-toys.

Furthermore, the materials used to make toys that are imported into Europe, particularly from Asia, are very often toxic and a health hazard for small children. Eco-toys, on the other hand, only use certified natural wood from forests that are managed correctly and responsibly according to rigorous environmental, social and economic standards.

Considering that eco-friendly toys are preferable, both with regard to protecting the environment and safeguarding children’s health, can the Commission indicate whether it intends to raise awareness among European citizens on this subject through campaigns in schools and to encourage traditional toy manufacturers to make their products in an environmentally friendly way?

Answer given by Mr Tajani on behalf of the Commission

(16 May 2012)

Directive 2009/48/EC related to toy safety deals exclusively with the risks posed by toys on children's health and safety. Toys, including the chemical substances they may contain, shall pose no risk on human health. These rules apply to all toys, regardless of the manufacturing process (hand or industrial made) or materials used (sustainable or not). In addition, toy manufacturers have to comply with all other applicable EU legislation, such as specific applicable legislation addressing the protection of the environment.

The Commission noticed a growing awareness and interest amongst industry in relation to these toys. The 2011 Nuremberg International toy fair had a special focus on green toys, allowing exhibitors to show cast sustainable products, such as green materials, innovative packaging and play concepts communicating sustainable action trough playing. A study on the purchasing behavior relating to sustainable toys was also conducted on this occasion by the fair organisers, giving information on what is expected from manufacturers and which are the consumers' expectations in relation to sustainable toys: http://www.toysgogreen.de/toys-go-green/?L=1

The Commission will continue to follow closely all developments in the area of sustainable toys.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-003411/12

alla Commissione

Oreste Rossi (EFD)

(29 marzo 2012)

Oggetto: Indonesia: traffico internazionale di rifiuti tossici

La vicenda dei ₫carichi pericolosi₻ giunti in Indonesia apre nuovamente lo scenario della lotta contro il traffico internazionale di rifiuti tossici. I fatti si riferiscono al mese di gennaio, quando gli agenti doganali avevano fermato alcuni container arrivati via nave in Indonesia dai porti di Felixstowe e Rotterdam. A prima vista pieni di rottami di ferro, i carichi sono risultati poi essere contaminati da sostanze nocive tra cui acido solforico, piombo, arsenico e cromo. È il secondo caso di una partita di 118 container sospetti trovati recentemente nel porto di Tanjung Priok, su cui è in corso un'altra indagine. Il tribunale di Giakarta ha deciso il rimpatrio dei container contenenti sostanze pericolose inviate nel Sud-est asiatico da alcune aziende inglesi e olandesi, obbligando quattro società importatrici a rispedire tutto il materiale in Europa a loro spese. Esso ha vietato, inoltre, di portare a termine ulteriori importazioni per il ₫riciclaggio₻, che in realtà è un vero e proprio tentativo di smaltire illegalmente i rifiuti.

Il traffico internazionale di rifiuti tossici — realizzato per anni da molte aziende europee a discapito dei paesi in via di sviluppo come l'Indonesia almeno fino alla fine degli anni Ottanta — si muoveva dai paesi industrializzati sfruttando le carenze legislative e dei sistemi di controllo, l'instabilità politica e la corruzione di tali paesi. Questa sostanziale deregolamentazione ha permesso il proliferare del dumping ambientale, uno dei modi più usati per risolvere il problema dello smaltimento delle scorie prodotte dalle industrie, senza incidere sui bilanci delle aziende e senza disturbare gli affari.

Considerato che la base normativa europea di riferimento rappresentata dal regolamento (CEE) n. 259/93 sulle spedizioni di rifiuti all'interno degli Stati membri, richiama a sua volta la Convenzione di Basilea del 22 marzo 1989, che regolamenta i movimenti transfrontalieri di rifiuti, vietando le esportazioni di rifiuti pericolosi dall'area OCSE verso paesi non appartenenti a tale organizzazione, l'UE non può ignorare i rischi per la salute e per l’ambiente derivanti dal traffico internazionale di sostanze tossiche, poiché è solo la punta dell’iceberg nel grande business della eco-mafia su dimensione internazionale.

Per garantire una maggiore responsabilità dei paesi esportatori nel contrastare i responsabili dei traffici di rifiuti tossici, può la Commissione far sapere quali misure di cooperazione internazionale intende adottare e quali iniziative promuovere per una maggiore armonizzazione delle normative nazionali?

Risposta data da Janez Potočnik a nome della Commissione

(25 maggio 2012)

L'UE, in quanto parte alla convenzione di Basilea, partecipa assiduamente all'elaborazione di misure di cooperazione internazionale intese ad affrontare il traffico internazionale di rifiuti tossici, anche tramite il cofinanziamento di programmi e di azioni volti ad impedire le spedizioni illegali di rifiuti. Nel caso sia stata effettuata una spedizione in violazione della convenzione, vige l'obbligo di garantire uno smaltimento sicuro dei rifiuti o reimportandoli nello Stato che li ha generati, o in altro modo (69). L'UE partecipa all'elaborazione di un nuovo quadro giuridico internazionale per una gestione dei rifiuti rispettosa dell'ambiente, che dovrebbe, tra l'altro, aiutare i paesi in via di sviluppo a gestire i rifiuti pericolosi che ricevono (70).

Il regolamento (CE) n. 1013/2006 relativo alle spedizioni di rifiuti (71) integra la convenzione di Basilea nel diritto dell'UE introducendo anche una modifica (non ancora in vigore) che vieta le spedizioni di rifiuti pericolosi dai paesi sviluppati verso quelli in via di sviluppo. Il regolamento vieta le esportazioni di rifiuti pericolosi dell'UE verso paesi non appartenenti all’OCSE, nonché le esportazioni di tutti i rifiuti destinati allo smaltimento verso paesi non membri dell'UE/EFTA e impone che tutti gli altri rifiuti dell'UE, destinati al recupero verso paesi non appartenenti all'OCSE, siano trattati secondo procedimenti rispettosi dell'ambiente.

È previsto che i controlli alle frontiere dell'Unione europea, sulle esportazioni illegali di rifiuti di apparecchiature elettriche ed elettroniche, siano resi più severi nella nuova direttiva in materia che dovrebbe essere confermata quanto prima dal Consiglio (72). Nell'ambito del regolamento si stanno attualmente valutando possibilità volte ad inasprire maggiormente i criteri d'ispezione sulle spedizioni di rifiuti in riferimento al loro impatto ambientale, economico e sociale.

Un maggior sforzo di monitoraggio, di attuazione e di controllo dell'applicazione del pertinente acquis ambientale dell'UE contribuirebbe a meglio combattere contro tali traffici. La Commissione ha recentemente pubblicato una comunicazione che illustra alcune modalità atte a rendere più efficace l'attuazione dell'acquis ambientale (73).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003411/12

to the Commission

Oreste Rossi (EFD)

(29 March 2012)

Subject: Indonesia: international trafficking in toxic waste

The arrival of ‘hazardous cargoes’ in Indonesia again reveals the situation in the fight against international trafficking in toxic waste. The facts relate to January, when customs agents stopped several containers that had arrived in Indonesia by ship from Felixstowe and Rotterdam. At first sight, they appeared to contain scrap metal, but the cargoes turned out to be contaminated by harmful substances, including sulphuric acid, lead, arsenic and chromium. This is the second case of a consignment of 118 suspect containers found recently at the port of Tanjung Priok, in respect of which another investigation is currently in progress. The Jakarta court decided to repatriate the containers full of hazardous substances, sent to south-east Asia by some English and Dutch companies, forcing four importers to ship all the material back to Europe at their expense. The court has also banned further imports for ‘recycling’, which, in reality, is an attempt to dispose of waste illegally.

The international traffic in toxic waste, organised for years by many European companies to the detriment of developing countries, such as Indonesia (at least until the end of the 1980s), was encouraged by industrialised countries taking advantage of loopholes in the law and control systems, political instability and corruption in those countries. This virtual deregulation has allowed the proliferation of environmental dumping, which is one of the most common ways of resolving the problem of disposing of industrial waste without affecting corporate balance sheets or disrupting business.

Considering that the EU reference legislation — Council Regulation (EEC) No 259/93 on shipments of waste within the Member States — refers in turn to the Basel Convention of 22 March 1989, which regulates transboundary movements of hazardous waste, banning exports of hazardous waste from the OECD area to countries not belonging to that organisation, the EU cannot ignore the health and environmental risks resulting from international trafficking in toxic substances, since this is only the tip of the iceberg of the extensive international eco-mafia business.

In order to make exporting countries more accountable for tackling those responsible for trafficking in toxic waste, can the Commission say what international cooperation measures it intends to adopt and what measures it will take to promote greater harmonisation of national laws?

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(25 May 2012)

As a Party to the Basel Convention the EU closely participates in developing international cooperation measures to address international trafficking in toxic waste, including by co-financing programmes and actions to prevent illegal waste shipments. Where a shipment has been carried out in contravention of the Convention, a duty to ensure safe disposal is imposed, either by re-import into the State of generation or otherwise (74). The EU is participating in the development of a new international framework for environmentally sound management of waste, which should, inter alia, help developing countries to deal with hazardous waste they receive (75).

Regulation (EC) No 1013/2006 on shipments of waste (76) implements the Basel Convention in EC law as well as an amendment (not yet in force) banning shipments of hazardous waste from developed to developing countries. The regulation prohibits exports from the EU of hazardous waste outside the OECD as well as all waste for disposal outside EU/EFTA and requires that any other EU waste destined for recovery outside the OECD is treated in an environmentally sound manner.

EU border controls regarding the export of illegal waste electrical and electronic equipment are set to be improved in the new WEEE Directive which should be confirmed soon by Council (77). Options to further reinforce requirements on inspections of waste shipments under the regulation are currently being assessed in relation to their environmental, economic and social impacts.

Better monitoring, implementation and enforcement of the relevant Community environmental acquis would help tackle this problem. The Commission recently published a communication setting out approaches to improving implementation of the environmental acquis
   (78).

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-003412/12

alla Commissione

Oreste Rossi (EFD)

(29 marzo 2012)

Oggetto: Infezioni ospedaliere

Le infezioni trasmesse all'interno degli ospedali sono molto più comuni di quanto si possa pensare. Vi sono, infatti, dei batteri resistenti agli antibiotici che si trasferiscono tra i pazienti degli ospedali con molta facilità.

Un'analisi effettuata da alcuni ricercatori in 30 ospedali della California rivela che al raddoppiare dei pazienti condivisi la diversità genetica dei batteri cala del 7,7 %. Lo studio è stato svolto analizzando i ceppi di stafilococco aureo resistente alla meticillina (MRSA).

Anche in Europa ci si trova di fronte alla stessa situazione. Secondo i dati dell'ECDC, infatti, circa 4 milioni di pazienti ogni anno contraggono infezioni ospedaliere. Inoltre, circa 37 mila decessi sono collegati a tali infezioni.

Considerato che i batteri resistenti agli antibiotici che provocano gravi infezioni facilmente trasmissibili all'interno degli ospedali sono difficili da debellare, può la Commissione far sapere se è al corrente di questi dati e se intende indagare su come combattere e diminuire il rischio di infezioni ospedaliere spesso mortali?

Risposta data da John Dalli a nome della Commissione

(7 maggio 2012)

La Commissione rinvia l'onorevole deputato alla propria risposta all'interrogazione scritta P-009678/2011 (79). La Commissione è a conoscenza dei dati relativi all'onere costituito dalle infezioni nosocomiali nell'UE. Tali dati sono stati elaborati nel 2008 per creare un supporto di conoscenze esperienziali onde consentire alla Commissione di elaborare una proposta di raccomandazione del Consiglio sulla sicurezza dei pazienti, compresa la prevenzione e il controllo delle infezioni nosocomiali. Informazioni dettagliate sul modo in cui tali dati sono stati elaborati sono reperibili nell'allegato 3 del documento di lavoro dei servizi della Commissione che accompagnava la comunicazione della Commissione al Parlamento europeo e al Consiglio sulla sicurezza dei pazienti, compresa la prevenzione e il controllo delle malattie nosocomiali nonché la proposta di raccomandazione del Consiglio sulla sicurezza dei pazienti, compresa la prevenzione e il controllo delle malattie nosocomiali (SEC(2008)3004) (80).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003412/12

to the Commission

Oreste Rossi (EFD)

(29 March 2012)

Subject: Hospital-acquired infections

Infections transmitted within hospitals are much more common than might be thought. There are antibiotic-resistant bacteria that spread very easily from patient to patient.

A study conducted by researchers in 30 California hospitals shows that when the proportion of shared patients is doubled, the genetic diversity of bacteria falls by 7.7%. The study was performed by analysing strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

Europe too is faced with the same situation. According to ECDC data, about 4 million patients a year contract hospital-acquired infections. Furthermore, approximately 37 000 deaths are linked to these infections.

Bearing in mind that antibiotic-resistant bacteria, the cause of serious infections readily transmissible within the hospital environment, are difficult to eradicate, is the Commission aware of the above data? Will it investigate how to combat and reduce the risk of frequently fatal hospital-acquired infections?

Answer given by Mr Dalli on behalf of the Commission

(7 May 2012)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to Written Question P‐009678/2011 (81). The Commission is aware of the data regarding the burden of hospital acquired infections in the EU. These data were calculated in 2008 to provide evidence-based information to support the Commission's proposal for a Council Recommendation on patient safety, including the prevention and control of healthcare associated infections. Detailed information on how these data were calculated can be found in Annex A of the Commission Staff Working Document accompanying the communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council on patient safety, including the prevention and control of healthcare-associated infections and the proposal for a Council Recommendation on patient safety, including the prevention and control of healthcare associated infections (SEC(2008) 3004) (82).

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-003414/12

alla Commissione

Oreste Rossi (EFD)

(29 marzo 2012)

Oggetto: Tubercolosi: quale piano a livello europeo?

La tubercolosi, malattia infettiva causata da microbatteri che attacca il sistema polmonare, è fatale nel 7 % dei casi, ma in quelli farmaco-resistenti la percentuale di decessi aumenta fino al 50 %. Secondo gli ultimi dati, un terzo della popolazione mondiale, circa due miliardi di persone, è infettata da tubercolosi. Ogni anno in Europa, secondo l'Organizzazione mondiale della Sanità, vengono registrati 81 000 casi di Tbc farmaco-resistenti, senza considerare che in molti Stati questi non vengono neppure diagnosticati. In una recente analisi l'Organizzazione mondiale della Sanità ha rilevato che la malattia colpisce i bambini sotto i 15 anni di età e si stima che ogni anno almeno mezzo milione di bambini si ammala di tubercolosi e che 70 000 muoiono.

Considerata la gravità della malattia e il crescente numero di giovani vittime, l'OMS si è attualmente impegnata ad adottare un piano che punta ad incrementare le diagnosi e l'accesso ai trattamenti, con l’obiettivo di salvare 120 000 vite entro il 2015. Tale piano avrà un costo totale di 5 miliardi di dollari.

Visto che un'organizzazione indipendente senza scopo di lucro, l'Iniziativa sul vaccino contro la tubercolosi (TBVI), unica organizzazione paneuropea di questo tipo istituita con il sostegno della Commissione promuove lo sviluppo urgente di nuovi vaccini e nel contempo favorisce una rete europea integrata apportandovi la propria esperienza, può la Commissione far sapere se intende attuare i programmi di ricerca farmaceutica, grazie a studi specifici volti a sensibilizzare la popolazione ai programmi di vaccinazione e di immunizzazione, soprattutto per i bambini e adottare misure specifiche al fine di raggiungere l'obiettivo di eliminazione della tubercolosi entro il 2050?

Risposta data da John Dalli a nome della Commissione

(11 maggio 2012)

Assicurare la diagnosi, il trattamento e un'assistenza di qualità per tutti i pazienti affetti da tubercolosi è un obiettivo chiave del Piano d'azione per la lotta contro la tubercolosi nell'UE (83). Il Piano d'azione, sviluppato su richiesta della Commissione dal Centro europeo per la prevenzione e il controllo delle malattie (ECDC), affronta gli obiettivi di sviluppo del millennio e gli obiettivi del partenariato Stop TB per ridurre la prevalenza della tubercolosi e la mortalità legata a tale malattia entro il 2015 ed eliminare la tubercolosi entro il 2050. Per raggiungere tali obiettivi la Commissione lavora a stretto contatto con gli Stati membri dell'UE e con l'Organizzazione mondiale della Sanità (OMS), con il sostegno scientifico dell'ECDC.

La Commissione ha adottato diverse iniziative per affrontare la piaga della tubercolosi. Nell'ultimo decennio si è estesa la sorveglianza per coprire 53 paesi della regione europea dell'OMS. Nell'ultimo decennio la Commissione ha investito 125 milioni di euro provenienti dai suoi programmi quadro per la ricerca a sostegno dello sviluppo di nuovi trattamenti, medicinali e strumenti diagnostici. In ciò rientrava anche il sostegno ai partenariati pubblico-privati per mobilitare risorse addizionali al fine dello sviluppo di nuovi vaccini antitubercolari.

Il follow-up del Piano d'azione ha dimostrato che i tassi complessivi di notifica di casi di tubercolosi nell'UE continuano a diminuire, e che i tassi specifici per paese calano più celermente nei paesi che presentavano le cifre più elevate. Nel 2010 il numero di casi di tubercolosi nell'UE si è ridotto del 7 %, più che in ciascuno dei tra anni precedenti. La Commissione ritiene che la stretta cooperazione con gli Stati membri, l'ECDC e l'OMS sta portando a risultati concreti per quanto concerne il controllo della tubercolosi.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003414/12

to the Commission

Oreste Rossi (EFD)

(29 March 2012)

Subject: Tuberculosis — what are the EU's plans?

Tuberculosis, an infectious disease caused by microbacteria, which attacks the pulmonary system, is fatal in 7% of cases, but in drug-resistant cases the percentage of deaths rises to 50%. According to the latest figures, a third of the world population — around 2 billion people — are infected by tuberculosis. Every year in Europe, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 81 000 cases of drug-resistant TB are recorded, without considering that in many countries these cases are not even diagnosed. In a recent study the WHO found that the disease affects children aged under 15 and it is estimated that every year at least half a million children contract tuberculosis and 70 000 die.

In light of the seriousness of the disease and the growing number of young victims, the WHO is currently engaged in adopting a plan that aims to increase the level of diagnosis and access to treatment, with the goal of saving 120 000 lives by 2015. This plan will cost a total of USD 5 billion.

An independent non-profit organisation, the Tuberculosis Vaccine Initiative (TBVI), the only pan-European organisation of this type set up with the support of the Commission, is promoting the urgent development of new vaccines while supporting an integrated European network, to which it is contributing its own experience. Can the Commission therefore state whether it intends to implement pharmaceutical research programmes and ensure that specific studies are carried out to raise general awareness of vaccination and immunisation campaigns, above all for children? Will it also adopt specific measures in order to achieve the objective of eliminating tuberculosis by 2050?

Answer given by Mr Dalli on behalf of the Commission

(11 May 2012)

Ensuring diagnosis, treatment and quality care for all tuberculosis (TB) patients are key objectives of the framework Action Plan to fight TB in the EU (84). The action plan, developed upon Commission's request by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), address the Millennium Development Goals and the Stop TB Partnership targets to reduce TB prevalence and death rates by 2015 and to eliminate TB by 2050. To reach these objectives the Commission works closely with the EU Member States and the World Health Organisation (WHO), with the scientific support of the ECDC.

The Commission has taken a number of initiatives to tackle tuberculosis. Surveillance has expanded over the decade to cover the 53 countries of the WHO European Region. Over the past 10 years the Commission has invested EUR125 million of its Research Framework Programmes in supporting the development of new treatments, drugs and diagnostic tools. This included supporting public private partnership to mobilise additional resources for the development of new TB vaccines.

The follow-up of the action plan has provided the evidence that overall TB notification rates in the EU continue to decline, with country-specific rates falling fastest in those countries with highest number. In 2010, the number of TB cases in the EU fell by 7%, which is more than in any of the previous three years. The Commission believes that close cooperation with Member States, ECDC and WHO is leading to concrete results in tuberculosis control.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-003415/12

alla Commissione

Oreste Rossi (EFD)

(29 marzo 2012)

Oggetto: Nuova forma di DNA

É stata scoperta una nuova forma di Dna comune a tutti gli organismi pluricellulari che si trova al di fuori del nucleo della cellula. I ricercatori dell'University of Virginia School of Medicine l'hanno chiamata ₫micro Dna₻. Si tratta di un nuovo meccanismo di mutazione attraverso il quale si produce variabilità genetica all'interno dell'individuo. La scoperta rappresenta una vera rivoluzione in quanto, fino ad oggi, si pensava che il Dna delle cellule fosse sempre lo stesso. In realtà ci sono differenze anche tra il Dna delle cellule nella stessa persona. Il micro Dna è un piccolo anello formato da un numero limitato delle ₫lettere₻ che costituiscono il codice della vita.

La forma più nota di Dna esterno al nucleo è il Dma mitocondriale che si trova nelle centraline energetiche delle cellule e che si eredita solo per via materna. Ciò che differenzia il micro Dna dalle altre forme di Dna extracromosomico è che il primo ha origine in corrispondenza di geni.

Considerato che la scoperta è ancora in una prima fase in cui non si possono fare previsioni per il futuro, può la Commissione far sapere se è al corrente dell'esistenza del micro Dna e se ritiene possibili sviluppi importanti in campo biologico e medico?

Risposta data da Máire Geoghegan-Quinn a nome della Commissione

(30 maggio 2012)

L’apparizione di ₫micro DNA₻ descritta nella rivista Science dell’8 marzo 2012 potrebbe essere spiegata da microdelezioni che avvengono durante la replicazione del DNA. Sebbene occorrano ulteriori studi, si ritiene che i micro DNA potrebbero rivelarsi importanti nella creazione delle variazioni genetiche e della suscettibilità a determinate malattie ritenute a predisposizione genetica per cui non sono stati ancora scoperti geni associati (quali l’autismo).

Nell’ambito del settimo programma quadro di ricerca e sviluppo tecnologico (7° PQ, 2007-2013), sono stati finanziati 37 progetti di ricerca per studiare la stabilità del genoma umano, la replicazione del DNA, il danno al DNA e la sua riparazione, al fine di meglio comprendere la base molecolare di malattie complesse (come il cancro e le malattie neurodegenerative) in diverse parti dei programmi (Cooperazione: salute, ambiente, Consiglio europeo per la ricerca e sovvenzioni Marie Curie). Un esempio recente è il progetto GENICA (85) (2007-2011, con un contributo UE di 2,99 milioni di euro), incentrato su studi di geni e proteine associati allo stress nella replicazione del DNA, per individuare nuovi bersagli per la terapia contro il cancro.

Nella sua proposta per Orizzonte 2020 — il programma quadro di ricerca e di innovazione 2014-2020 — la Commissione ha incluso la sfida sociale ₫salute, cambiamento demografico e benessere₻. La comprensione delle malattie e il miglioramento delle diagnosi con l’obiettivo di migliorare la salute e il benessere dei cittadini europei lungo tutto l’arco della vita sono esempi di priorità future. Anche il Consiglio europeo per la ricerca prevede di finanziare ricerca di frontiera eccellente in tutti i settori di ricerca, nell’ambito di Orizzonte 2020.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003415/12

to the Commission

Oreste Rossi (EFD)

(29 March 2012)

Subject: New form of DNA

A new form of DNA has been discovered that is common to all multi-cellular organisms and is located outside the cell nucleus. Researchers from the School of Medicine at the University of Virginia in the United States have named it ‘micro DNA’. It is a new mutation mechanism through which genetic variability within the individual is produced. The finding represents a true revolution as, until now, it was thought that the DNA of all cells was always the same. In reality, there are also differences between the DNA of cells in the same person. The micro DNA is a small ring formed by a limited number of ‘letters’ that constitute the code of life.

The most common form of DNA outside the nucleus is the mitochondrial DNA, which is found in the energy units of cells and which is only inherited from the mother. What distinguishes the micro DNA from other forms of extra-chromosomal DNA is that its origin corresponds with that of genes.

Given that the discovery is still at an early stage, which means it is impossible to make predictions for the future, can the Commission say whether it is aware of the existence of micro DNA and whether it envisages potential important developments in biology and medicine?

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

(30 May 2012)

The occurrence of the ‘microDNA’ described in Science magazine on 8 March 2012 could be explained by the microdeletions occurring during DNA replication. Although further studies are needed, it is expected that microDNAs could play an important role in the creation of genetic variation and susceptibility for some diseases believed to have a genetic predisposition, but where related genes have not yet been discovered (such as autism).

During the Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (FP7, 2007-2013), 37 research projects were funded to study human genome stability, DNA replication, its damage and repair to better understand the molecular basis of complex diseases (such as cancer or neurodegenerative diseases) in different parts of the programmes (Cooperation: Health, Environment, European Research Council and Marie Curie grants). A recent example is the GENICA project (86) (2007‐2011: EU contribution: EUR 2.99 million) which focused on studies of genes and proteins involved in DNA replication stress to identify new targets for cancer therapy.

In its proposal for Horizon 2020, the framework Programme for Research and Innovation 2014‐2020, the Commission included the societal challenge ‘health, demographic change and wellbeing’. Understanding disease and improving diagnosis with the goal to improve the lifelong health and wellbeing of European citizens are examples of future priorities. Funding opportunities for excellent frontier research in all research areas are also foreseen by the European Research Council under Horizon 2020.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-003416/12

alla Commissione

Oreste Rossi (EFD)

(29 marzo 2012)

Oggetto: Un'idea contro lo spreco alimentare

Gli sprechi alimentari rappresentano un mancato valore economico molto elevato all'interno del mercato europeo. Tuttavia, un modello di consumo basato sulla consapevolezza delle risorse è auspicabile oltre che possibile. Un docente dell'Università di Bologna, attraverso il progetto Lmm — Last Minute Market, recupera la merce invenduta per enti di tipo caritativo e senza scopo di lucro.

La Fao stima che oltre un terzo del cibo prodotto viene sprecato. Si tratta di 1,3 miliardi di tonnellate all'anno. In particolare, in Italia nel 2010 gli alimenti sprecati ancora consumabili hanno avuto un impatto economico pari a 11 miliardi.

Lo spreco comporta anche un impatto ambientale negativo poiché gli alimenti non consumati (e i relativi imballaggi) devono poi essere smaltiti. Il Last Minute Market è un progetto innovativo che recupera grandi quantità di cibo che altrimenti finirebbero nelle discariche.

L'educazione al consumo è fondamentale per sensibilizzare i giovani a un corretto uso degli alimenti. Sarebbe necessario indurre i cittadini a utilizzare in maniera sostenibile il loro potere d'acquisto e cercare di consumare tutti i prodotti che decidono di acquistare. Se è vero che l'economia di mercato porta all'accumulo e allo spreco, la popolazione europea dovrebbe essere in grado di compiere scelte di consumo consapevoli.

Considerato che il 2014 sarà l'Anno europeo contro lo spreco alimentare, può la Commissione rispondere ai seguenti quesiti:

| quali misure intende adottare per trasformare lo spreco in risorse e ridurre la perdita economica e l'impatto ambientale? |
| --- |

quali misure intende adottare per trasformare lo spreco in risorse e ridurre la perdita economica e l'impatto ambientale?

| Intende promuovere il modello Lmm sul territorio dell'Unione europea? |
| --- |

Intende promuovere il modello Lmm sul territorio dell'Unione europea?

Risposta di John Dalli a nome della Commissione

(25 maggio 2012)

La ₫Tabella di marcia verso un'Europa efficiente nell'impiego delle risorse₻ (87) della Commissione ha espresso un impegno a esaminare ulteriormente come limitare al meglio gli sprechi alimentari lungo la filiera della fornitura di alimenti e a indagare quali incentivi proporre per dimezzare lo smaltimento in discarica di rifiuti alimentari commestibili nell'UE entro il 2020. Questi lavori sui rifiuti alimentari sfoceranno nella comunicazione sugli alimenti sostenibili che verrà adottata nel 2013.

In tale contesto la Commissione ha iniziato ad analizzare con i pertinenti attori come ridurre gli sprechi alimentari senza compromettere la sicurezza alimentare. La Commissione consulterà anche gli Stati membri ed esperti per definire gli interventi più opportuni a livello di UE onde integrare le azioni condotte a livello nazionale e locale.

La Commissione intende inoltre agevolare lo scambio di buone pratiche in tema di riduzione dei rifiuti alimentari e creerà una base dati di buone pratiche in merito alla riduzione dei rifiuti alimentari. Il progetto Last Minute Market è in effetti un progetto valido e sarà incluso, tra le altre cose, nella base dati sulle buone pratiche.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003416/12

to the Commission

Oreste Rossi (EFD)

(29 March 2012)

Subject: A new way of reducing food waste

Food waste represents a major loss of economic value in the European internal market. However, a consumption model based on resource awareness is both desirable and possible. Through the Last-Minute Market (LMM) project, a lecturer at the University of Bologna recovers unsold goods for use by charities and non-profit-making organisations.

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation estimates that more than one-third of food produced is wasted. This represents 1.3 billion tonnes of food per year. In Italy alone in 2010, the value of edible food waste was put at EUR 11 billion.

Food waste also has a negative impact on the environment, since uneaten food (and its packaging) has to be disposed of. LMM is an innovative project that recovers large amounts of food that would otherwise end up in landfills.

Education in consumption is fundamental to raising awareness among young people about correct food purchasing habits. People should be urged to use their purchasing power in a sustainable way and to try to consume all the products they buy. If it is true that a market economy leads to unnecessary consumption and waste, ordinary Europeans should be able to make informed choices about what they want to consume.

Given that 2014 will be the European Year Against Food Waste, can the Commission answer the following questions:

| What measures does it intend to take to transform waste into resources, thereby reducing economic losses and the impact on the environment? |
| --- |

What measures does it intend to take to transform waste into resources, thereby reducing economic losses and the impact on the environment?

| Does it intend to promote the LMM model in the European Union? |
| --- |

Does it intend to promote the LMM model in the European Union?

Answer given by Mr Dalli on behalf of the Commission

(25 May 2012)

The Commission's ‘Roadmap to a Resource Efficient Europe’ (88) made a commitment to further assess how best to limit food waste throughout the food supply chain and to investigate incentives to halve the disposal of edible food waste in the EU by 2020. This work on food waste will feed into the communication on Sustainable Food that will be adopted in 2013.

In this context 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 reduction. The Last Minute Market project is indeed a good project and will — amongst others — be included in the data base of good practices.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-003417/12

alla Commissione (Vicepresidente/Alto Rappresentante)

Oreste Rossi (EFD)

(29 marzo 2012)

Oggetto: VP/HR — Violenza in Turchia durante il capodanno curdo

Il 21 marzo scorso si è celebrato il Newroz, il capodanno zoroastriano che coincide con l'inizio della primavera e che si festeggia in alcuni paesi in Asia e in Medio Oriente. Anche in Turchia, i curdi celebrano la ricorrenza che non è riconosciuta dalle autorità turche. Per tale motivo vi sono stati violenti scontri sia a Istanbul che nel capoluogo del Kurdistan, Diyarbakir. La polizia ha sparato violenti getti di acqua e gas lacrimogeni mentre la popolazione curda ha risposto con pietre e cocktail molotov.

La minoranza curda in Turchia rappresenta circa un terzo di tutta la popolazione. Essa è solita festeggiare il tipico capodanno come simbolo della propria identità. Negli ultimi mesi la tensione tra i curdi e le autorità turche è aumentata notevolmente soprattutto a seguito di alcuni arresti e processi ad attivisti presunti affiliati del Partito dei Lavoratori del Kurdistan (Pkk), classificato come organizzazione terroristica sia dalla Turchia che dall'Unione europea.

Gli scontri del 21 marzo hanno causato numerosi feriti e un politico locale ha perso la vita. Ciò che sorprende è che tali notizie non siano state riportate dalla stampa turca e che le agenzie di stampa internazionali abbiano avuto molte difficoltà a recuperare informazioni attendibili sugli episodi di violenza.

Considerato che il Newroz non è riconosciuto dalla Turchia nonostante sia una festività della minoranza curda che risiede sul suo territorio, può l'Alto Rappresentante, Lady Ashton, illustrare la posizione dell'Unione europea sugli ultimi episodi di violenza accaduti in Turchia?

Risposta data da Štefan Füle a nome della Commissione

(4 giugno 2012)

L'UE è preoccupata per i violenti incidenti tra i dimostranti e le forze di sicurezza e per l'uso eccessivo della forza da parte di quest'ultime in occasione dei festeggiamenti primaverili in diverse città turche.L'Unione ribadisce la sua posizione, secondo cui non si devono imporre restrizioni alla libertà di riunione pacifica, ad esclusione di quelle necessarie in una società democratica, come stabilito dall'articolo 11 della Convenzione europea dei diritti dell'uomo. L'UE ricorda che la Turchia sud-orientale ha bisogno di pace, democrazia e stabilità, oltre a sviluppo sociale, economico e culturale.Questo obiettivo può essere raggiunto solo attraverso il consenso su misure concrete che amplino i diritti sociali, economici e culturali degli abitanti della regione.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003417/12

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Oreste Rossi (EFD)

(29 March 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — Violence in Turkey over the Kurdish New Year

The Zoroastrian New Year of Newroz, which also coincides with the first day of spring, was celebrated in several countries in Asia and the Middle East on 21 March 2012. In Turkey as well, Kurds observe this holiday, which is not recognised by the Turkish authorities. This led to violent clashes in Istanbul and Diyarbakir, the capital of Kurdistan. The police used water cannon and tear gas against the Kurdish demonstrators, who responded by throwing stones and petrol bombs.

The Kurdish minority in Turkey represents nearly one-third of the country’s population and regards the traditional New Year celebrations as a symbol of its identity. In recent months, tensions between the Kurds and the Turkish authorities have increased considerably following the arrest and trial of a number of activists allegedly affiliated with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which is classified as a terrorist organisation in both Turkey and the European Union.

The clashes on 21 March left many people injured and a local politician dead. Surprisingly, the Turkish press failed to report the incidents and international press agencies had great difficulty in obtaining reliable information about them.

Given that Newroz is not recognised in Turkey, despite being a festival observed by the country’s Kurdish minority, would the High Representative, Baroness Ashton, outline the European Union’s position on the latest violent incidents in Turkey?

Answer given by Mr Füle on behalf of the Commission

(4 June 2012)

The EU is concerned about the violent incidents between demonstrators and security forces, including excessive use of force by the latter, at the occasion of the spring holiday in several Turkish cities. It reiterates its position that no other restrictions to the freedom of peaceful assembly are to be imposed than those that are necessary in a democratic society as determined in Article 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights. The EU recalls that the South-East of Turkey needs peace, democracy and stability as well as social, economic and cultural development. This can only be reached via consensus over concrete measures expanding the social, economic and cultural rights of the people living in the region.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-003418/12

alla Commissione

Mario Borghezio (EFD)

(29 marzo 2012)

Oggetto: Intervento dell'UE a tutela degli «esodati»

Sia in Francia, con riferimento al caso relativo alla Renault, sia in Italia, per esempio nel caso di 5 000 esuberi dell'azienda ₫Poste Italiane₻ e di molte altre aziende private a causa delle nuove regole sul pensionamento imposte dalle nuove politiche di rigore, molti lavoratori che, prevedendo una pensione ravvicinata, avevano accettato ₫esodi₻ volontari da parte di aziende in ristrutturazione o avevano accettato di licenziarsi con buonuscite commisurate agli anni mancanti alla pensione, si sono trovati in una situazione di disoccupazione senza possibilità di accedere alla pensione in tempi brevi.

Il fenomeno è dilagante a livello europeo: in Italia si calcolano 350 000 casi di questo tipo. Occorre inoltre considerare il fatto che questi licenziamenti concordati potrebbero contravvenire a norme di legalità e che le misure nazionali, quali sussidi di disoccupazione o fondi di solidarietà, potrebbero non essere sufficienti per far conseguire la pensione attesa al momento del licenziamento.

La Commissione ha esaminato questo fenomeno?

Quali azioni intende intraprendere per la tutela dei diritti dei cosiddetti ₫esodati₻?

Risposta data da László Andor a nome della Commissione

(25 maggio 2012)

Le ristrutturazioni di aziende e i licenziamenti collettivi ad esse associati possono essere coperti dal diritto dell'Unione, in particolare dalle direttive sull'informazione e la consultazione dei lavoratori (89), sui licenziamenti collettivi (90) e sui Consigli aziendali europei (91). Le autorità nazionali competenti, compresi i tribunali, devono assicurare a tale proposito la corretta ed efficace attuazione delle regole in merito all'informazione e alla consultazione dei lavoratori e all'ottemperanza, da parte dei datori di lavoro, agli obblighi che loro incombono.

I diritti alla protezione sociale dei lavoratori in esubero sono di competenza nazionale. La Commissione non è in posizione di chiedere agli Stati membri di fornire informazioni sulle liquidazioni, sui diritti pensionistici e sulle prestazioni di disoccupazione di cui godono i lavoratori che sono stati licenziati e non ha competenza per proporre strumenti legislativi in tema di protezione sociale dei lavoratori in esubero.

La Commissione reca tuttavia un sostegno ai lavoratori in esubero — a certe condizioni e su richiesta degli Stati membri — per il tramite del Fondo europeo di adeguamento alla globalizzazione (FEG). Il FEG può cofinanziare misure attive volte al reinserimento nel mondo del lavoro dei lavoratori in esubero. I sistemi di liquidazione e di prepensionamento non sono ammessi a un finanziamento FEG.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003418/12

to the Commission

Mario Borghezio (EFD)

(29 March 2012)

Subject: EU assistance for redundant workers

Both in France, in the case of Renault, and in Italy, in the case of the 5 000 layoffs from ‘Poste Italiane’ and job losses in many private companies, under new retirement laws imposed by austerity policies, many workers close to retirement accepted voluntary redundancy from companies undergoing restructuring, or agreed to resign with a severance package proportionate to the remaining years until retirement, only to find themselves unemployed and without any prospect of obtaining their retirement benefits in the near future.

This situation is spreading throughout Europe, affecting 350 000 in Italy alone. It should also be borne in mind that these voluntary redundancy agreements might be unlawful and that national measures, such as unemployment benefits or solidarity funds, might be insufficient to allow people to achieve the pension they expected when they were made redundant.

Has the Commission examined this situation?

What actions does the Commission intend to take to safeguard the rights of redundant workers?

Answer given by Mr Andor on behalf of the Commission

(25 May 2012)

Company restructuring and associated collective dismissals may be covered by Union law, in particular the directives on information and consultation of employees (92), collective redundancies (93) and European Works Councils (94). The competent national authorities including courts have to ensure the correct and effective implementation of the rules on workers' information and consultation and the fulfilment of the employer's duties in this regard.

The social protection entitlements of redundant workers are a matter of national competence. The Commission is not in a position to require Member States to provide information on the severance packages, unemployment and pension entitlements of workers who have been made redundant, and has no competence to propose legislation on the social protection of redundant workers.

The Commission does, however, support redundant workers — under certain conditions and upon requests from the Member States — through the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF). The EGF can co-finance active measures aimed at the reintegration of the redundant workers into employment. Severance packages and early-retirement schemes are not eligible for EGF funding.

(Nederlandse versie)

Vraag met verzoek om schriftelijk antwoord E-003423/12

aan de Commissie

Auke Zijlstra (NI)

(29 maart 2012)

Betreft: Amsterdamse buurtregisseur bevestigt problematiek Midden‐ en Oost-Europeanen

John Beerman, buurtregisseur te Amsterdam, heeft een column gepubliceerd waarin hij de problemen met Midden‐ en Oost-Europeanen in Nederland, die de Partij voor de Vrijheid middels haar meldpunt in kaart brengt, bevestigt. Zo schrijft Beerman: „De nieuwelingen [Midden‐ en Oost-Europeanen] aan het firmament der grootstedelijke criminaliteit laten namelijk een brandend spoor van ellende achter zich. Áls zij weggaan. Want Nederland is nog altijd een gereguleerd luilekkerland met een ongeëvenaarde aantrekkingskracht op duister volk. Eenmaal hier geproefd van onze onnozele politieke en burgerlijke goedgelovigheid, milde straffen en soms grenzeloze gastvrijheid, willen juist de verkeerden niet meer  terug. De nuchtere waarheid toont zich in cijfers. De laatste 1 800 verdachten in onze regio waren als volgt verdeeld: Pools 317, Roemeens 253, Litouws 206, Bulgaars 55, Nederlands 226, waarvan deels met een dubbele nationaliteit. Van deze 1 800 personen hadden er slechts 117 een vast adres in Nederland.” Dit verhaal komt van iemand uit de praktijk die geconfronteerd wordt met de gevolgen van het opengrenzenbeleid.

1.

| 1. | Is de Commissie bekend met de column van John Beerman |
| --- | --- |

Is de Commissie bekend met de column van John Beerman

| 1. | Is de Commissie bekend met de column van John Beerman |
| --- | --- |

1.

Is de Commissie bekend met de column van John Beerman

| 2. | Wat vindt de Commissie van de door John Beerman, een man uit de praktijk, genoemde cijfers? |
| --- | --- |

2.

Wat vindt de Commissie van de door John Beerman, een man uit de praktijk, genoemde cijfers?

| 3. | Hoe beoordeelt de Commissie het meldpunt Midden‐ en Oost-Europeanen en de noodzaak daarvan in het licht van de genoemde cijfers? |
| --- | --- |

3.

Hoe beoordeelt de Commissie het meldpunt Midden‐ en Oost-Europeanen en de noodzaak daarvan in het licht van de genoemde cijfers?

| 4. | Kan de Commissie bevestigen dat de door John Beerman genoemde realiteit het gevolg is van het opengrenzenbeleid van Europa? |
| --- | --- |

4.

Kan de Commissie bevestigen dat de door John Beerman genoemde realiteit het gevolg is van het opengrenzenbeleid van Europa?

Antwoord van mevrouw Reding namens de Commissie

(23 mei 2012)

De Commissie is niet bekend met persknipsels die door individuele buurtregisseurs worden geschreven in de lidstaten, ook niet met de column waar het geachte Parlementslid naar verwijst. De Commissie is niet in staat om zich uit te spreken over de cijfers die in diezelfde column worden vermeld.

Wat de website van de PVV betreft, verwijst de Commissie het geachte Parlementslid naar de verklaring in het plenaire debat op 13 maart 2012 (97). De Commissie staat volledig achter de gezamenlijke resolutie die goedgekeurd is door het Europees Parlement op 15 maart 2012 (98).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003423/12

to the Commission

Auke Zijlstra (NI)

(29 March 2012)

Subject: Neighbourhood police officer in Amsterdam confirms problems with Central and Eastern Europeans

John Beerman, a neighbourhood police officer in Amsterdam, has published a column in which he confirms the problems with Central and Eastern Europeans in the Netherlands highlighted by the Dutch Party for Freedom (PVV) on its public contributions website. Beerman writes that ‘The newcomers [Central and Eastern Europeans] to the world of metropolitan crime leave a burning trail of misery behind them. That is, if indeed they do leave, because the Netherlands remains a regulated Cockaigne with an incomparable appeal to suspect characters. Once here, and having sampled our naïve political and bourgeois gullibility, mild punishments and sometimes boundless hospitality, precisely the wrong people will no longer want to go back. The harsh truth shows itself in the figures. The breakdown of the latest 1 800 criminal suspects in our region was as follows: 317 Poles, 253 Romanians, 206 Lithuanians, 55 Bulgarians and 226 Dutch citizens, some with dual nationality. Of these 1 800 people, only 117 had a permanent address in the Netherlands.’ This story comes from someone with practical experience who is confronted with the consequences of the open-borders policy.

1.

| 1. | Is the Commission familiar with John Beerman’s column |
| --- | --- |

Is the Commission familiar with John Beerman’s column

| 1. | Is the Commission familiar with John Beerman’s column |
| --- | --- |

1.

Is the Commission familiar with John Beerman’s column

| 2. | What is the Commission’s opinion of the figures quoted by John Beerman, a man with hands-on experience? |
| --- | --- |

2.

What is the Commission’s opinion of the figures quoted by John Beerman, a man with hands-on experience?

| 3. | How does the Commission view the abovementioned website and the necessity thereof in view of the figures referred to? |
| --- | --- |

3.

How does the Commission view the abovementioned website and the necessity thereof in view of the figures referred to?

| 4. | Can the Commission confirm that the reality described by John Beerman is the result of Europe’s open-borders policy? |
| --- | --- |

4.

Can the Commission confirm that the reality described by John Beerman is the result of Europe’s open-borders policy?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(23 May 2012)

The Commission is not familiar with press clippings written by individual police officers in the Member States, including the column referred to by the Honourable Member. The Commission is not in a position to comment on the figures mentioned in the said column.

As regards the PVV website, the Commission refers the Honourable Member to the statement made in the plenary debate on 13 March 2012 (101). The Commission fully supports the joint resolution adopted by the European Parliament on 15 March 2012 (102).

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-003424/12

à Comissão

Nuno Teixeira (PPE)

(29 de março de 2012)

Assunto: Apoios às Regiões Ultraperiféricas (RUP) no Programa-Quadro «Horizonte 2020»

— A 30 de novembro de 2011, a Comissão Europeia apresentou o Programa-Quadro ₫Horizonte 2020₻ que tem como objetivo estimular a investigação, a inovação e a competitividade na Europa;

— Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, Comissário Europeia para a Investigação, Inovação e Ciência, salientou que ₫necessitamos de uma nova visão para a investigação e inovação europeias num contexto económico profundamente alterado₻;

— O ponto 8 da Comunicação da Comissão refere que ₫o esforço em prol da excelência, que é a imagem de marca do Programa-Quadro Horizonte 2020, combinado com os elementos de reforço das capacidades dos Fundos Estruturais, permitirá a emergência e o crescimento de nichos de excelência em regiões de desenvolvimento. Estes aumentarão a atratividade internacional das regiões em causa e servirão de pontos focais para o seu maior desenvolvimento económico. Quanto a este aspeto, devem ser tidas em conta as circunstâncias específicas das Regiões Ultraperiféricas (RUP)₻;

— As RUP são constituídas por oito territórios de três países que possuem elevadas dificuldades em afirmarem as suas regiões como nichos de excelência científica ou liderança industrial, tendo de investir elevados montantes nas áreas em causa para se afirmarem internacionalmente;

— As RUP possuem um elevado potencial na área das energias renováveis, sendo espaços territoriais apropriados para se aprofundar o conhecimento científico e realizar testes-piloto que poderão posteriormente originar novos produtos e serviços;

Pergunta-se à Comissão:

| Quais as atividades e medidas que irá empreender para colmatar as ₫circunstâncias específicas₻ que as RUP sentem diariamente? |
| --- |

Quais as atividades e medidas que irá empreender para colmatar as ₫circunstâncias específicas₻ que as RUP sentem diariamente?

| No sentido de colmatar as dificuldades das RUP e de estas reforçarem o seu potencial científico e industrial, está a ponderar criar algum mecanismo de financiamento especificamente direcionado para este conjunto de regiões europeias à semelhança dos já existentes para a agricultura ou pescas? |
| --- |

No sentido de colmatar as dificuldades das RUP e de estas reforçarem o seu potencial científico e industrial, está a ponderar criar algum mecanismo de financiamento especificamente direcionado para este conjunto de regiões europeias à semelhança dos já existentes para a agricultura ou pescas?

| Sabendo o potencial das RUP na área da energia e as suas fragilidades de desenvolvimento económico, considera possível que estas regiões tenham uma maior taxa de cofinanciamento nos projetos que apresentem à Comissão? |
| --- |

Sabendo o potencial das RUP na área da energia e as suas fragilidades de desenvolvimento económico, considera possível que estas regiões tenham uma maior taxa de cofinanciamento nos projetos que apresentem à Comissão?

Resposta dada por Máire Geoghegan-Quinn em nome da Comissão

(31 de maio de 2012)

A Comissão está bem ciente das limitações e das oportunidades que se colocam às regiões ultraperiféricas no domínio da investigação e da inovação. Para reforçar o intercâmbio de informações e conhecimentos neste domínio, a Comissão organizou três seminários de sensibilização nessas regiões. Várias organizações de investigação de regiões ultraperiféricas apresentaram propostas no âmbito dos Programas ₫Cooperação₻ e ₫Capacidades₻ do Sétimo Programa-Quadro de Investigação e Desenvolvimento Tecnológico (7.° PQ 2007/2013), em especial no quadro do Programa ₫Potencial de investigação nas regiões de convergência e ultraperiféricas₻ (103). O mais recente convite à apresentação de propostas relativo a este programa conta com um orçamento de mais de 66 milhões de euros que será afetado em apoio a projetos apresentados por intervenientes em investigação de regiões ultraperiféricas e de convergência.

No período de 2014 a 2020, as organizações de investigação das regiões ultraperiféricas têm também a possibilidade de beneficiar da futura política de coesão. O reforço da investigação e inovação foi reconhecido como uma das maiores prioridades do Fundo Europeu de Desenvolvimento Regional através da concentração temática proposta. O documento de trabalho dos serviços da Comissão ₫Elementos para um Quadro Estratégico Comum₻, publicado em março de 2012, salienta o modo como poderiam ser organizadas as sinergias com a iniciativa Horizonte 2020 graças ao reforço das capacidades e ao estabelecimento de uma ₫escala de excelência₻ em conformidade com a Estratégia Europa 2020 e as respetivas iniciativas emblemáticas, em especial a iniciativa ₫União da Inovação₻.

A iniciativa Horizonte 2020 irá colocar a tónica na excelência na investigação e inovação e contribuirá também para reduzir o fosso de investigação e inovação na Europa no âmbito do desafio específico ₫Sociedades inclusivas, inovadoras e seguras₻, graças a uma série de medidas como a geminação, a ligação em rede, o intercâmbio de informações e o apoio a políticas.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003424/12

to the Commission

Nuno Teixeira (PPE)

(29 March 2012)

Subject: Support for the outermost regions under the Horizon 2020 Framework Programme

— On 30 November 2011, the European Commission presented the Horizon 2020 Framework Programme, which is intended to stimulate research, innovation and competitiveness in Europe.

— Máire Geoghegan‐Quinn, Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science, said: ‘We need a new vision for European research and innovation in a dramatically changed economic environment.’

— Point 8 of the Commission communication refers to ‘the drive for excellence that is a hallmark of Horizon 2020 combined with the capacity-building elements of the Structural Funds will allow pockets of excellence to emerge and grow in developing regions. These will raise the international attractiveness of the regions concerned and act as focal points for their further economic development. In this respect, the specific circumstances of the outermost regions should also be taken into account.’

— The outermost regions consist of eight territories of three countries that experience great difficulties in proving they are pockets of scientific excellence or industrial leadership and have to invest large sums in these areas to prove themselves internationally.

— The outermost regions have high potential in the area of renewable energy, being suitable territorial areas for deepening scientific knowledge and conducting pilot studies that could lead to new products and services.

I ask the Commission:

| What are the activities and measures that will be taken to overcome the ‘specific circumstances’ that are part of the daily reality of the outermost regions? |
| --- |

What are the activities and measures that will be taken to overcome the ‘specific circumstances’ that are part of the daily reality of the outermost regions?

| To overcome the difficulties of the outermost regions and enable these to strengthen their scientific and industrial potential, is consideration being given to creating a funding mechanism specifically directed towards this group of European regions similar to those existing for agriculture and fisheries? |
| --- |

To overcome the difficulties of the outermost regions and enable these to strengthen their scientific and industrial potential, is consideration being given to creating a funding mechanism specifically directed towards this group of European regions similar to those existing for agriculture and fisheries?

| In view of the potential of the outermost regions in the area of energy and the weakness of their economic development, could these regions have a higher rate of co‐financing for the projects they present to the Commission? |
| --- |

In view of the potential of the outermost regions in the area of energy and the weakness of their economic development, could these regions have a higher rate of co‐financing for the projects they present to the Commission?

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

(31 May 2012)

The Commission is well aware of the constraints and opportunities which the outermost regions (OR) are facing in the field of research and innovation. To enhance information and expertise exchange in this field the Commission organised three awareness-raising seminars in these regions. Several OR's research organisations indeed applied to the Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (FP7, 2007-2013) programmes ‘Cooperation’ and ‘Capacities’, in particular to the ‘Research potential in convergence and outermost regions’ (104) programme. The last call of this programme has a budget of more than EUR 66 million that will be allocated to sustain projects submitted by research actors from the outermost and convergence regions.

For the period 2014-2020, OR research organisations also have the potential to benefit from future cohesion policy. Strengthening research and innovation has been earmarked as one of the highest priorities for the European Regional Development Fund through the proposed thematic concentration. The Commission Staff Working Document on elements for a Common Strategic Framework published in March 2012 highlights how synergies with Horizon 2020 could be organised through capacity building and by setting-up a ‘staircase to excellence’ in accordance with the EUROPE 2020 strategy and its flagship initiatives, especially the Innovation Union.

While Horizon 2020 will focus on excellence in research and innovation, it will also contribute to closing the research and innovation divide in Europe under the specific challenge on ‘Inclusive, innovative and secure societies’ through a range of measures, such as twinning, networking, information exchange and policy support.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-003426/12

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(29 de março de 2012)

Assunto: Massacre em Toulouse

Os assassinatos recentes de polícias e crianças judias em França por um elemento com alegadas ligações a organizações terroristas alarmaram justificadamente a Europa.

Pergunto à Comissão:

| — | Tem razões para crer tratar-se de um ato isolado, ou de ação concertada e planeada, que poderá ter réplicas futuras dentro do Espaço Europeu? |
| --- | --- |

—

Tem razões para crer tratar-se de um ato isolado, ou de ação concertada e planeada, que poderá ter réplicas futuras dentro do Espaço Europeu?

Resposta dada por Cecilia Malmström em nome da Comissão

(30 de maio de 2012)

Como foi referido na resposta às perguntas escritas 009410/11, 011087/11, 011307/11 e 03294/12, a Comissão não controla as atividades dos grupos e indivíduos extremistas nem avalia a ameaça proveniente de tais atividades. Todo o trabalho operacional, como a recolha de informações, a avaliação das ameaças, o policiamento e as ações penais contra os suspeitos, é levado a cabo pelas autoridades competentes dos Estados-Membros.

A Comissão baseia-se nos instrumentos disponíveis a nível da União Europeia, como o Relatório sobre a Situação e as Tendências do Terrorismo na Europa (TE-SAT) da Europol, que é elaborado com base nas informações prestadas pelos Estados-Membros.

Nem o terrorismo em geral, nem a tática de ataques isolados são específicos de uma determinada convicção política ou ideológica. A Comissão insiste na necessidade de prevenir todas as formas de terrorismo e está atenta a todos os comportamentos radicais e ao extremismo violento, independentemente da sua motivação e modus operandi, considerando essa prevenção prioritária para a segurança interna da UE. Para o efeito, a Comissão criou a Rede de Sensibilização para o Radicalismo na Europa, que visa interligar os principais grupos de interessados na luta contra a radicalização violenta e o extremismo. A utilização da Internet no processo de radicalização será certamente uma das questões mais importantes a ser analisadas neste âmbito. O Senhor Deputado pode encontrar mais informações sobre esta rede e as outras iniciativas da Comissão nas respostas que foram formuladas às perguntas escritas E‐008264/11 e 4510/10.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003426/12

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(29 March 2012)

Subject: The massacre in Toulouse

The recent murder of police officers and Jewish children in France by an individual with alleged connections to terrorist organisations has caused justified alarm in Europe.

I ask the Commission:

| — | Does it have reason to believe this was an isolated act, or a concerted and planned action that might be repeated in future within the European area? |
| --- | --- |

—

Does it have reason to believe this was an isolated act, or a concerted and planned action that might be repeated in future within the European area?

Answer given by Ms Malmström on behalf of the Commission

(30 May 2012)

As explained in response to Written Questions 009410/11, 011087/11, 011307/11 and 03294/12 the Commission does not monitor activities of extremist groups and individuals and does not assess the threat emanating from such activities. All operational work, such as intelligence gathering, threat assessment, policing and prosecution of suspected individuals is carried out by the competent authorities of the Member States.

The Commission relies on tools available at the EU level, such as the EU Terrorism Situation and Trend Report (Te-Sat) produced by Europol on the basis of information provided by Member States.

Neither terrorism in general nor the tactic of lone attacks is specific to one set of political or ideological conviction. The Commission has strongly emphasised the need to prevent terrorism by addressing all forms of radicalisation and violent extremism regardless of their motivation and modus operandi as one of the priorities for the internal security. To this end, the Commission has launched the EU Radicalisation Awareness Network (RAN) which will connect key stakeholder groups involved in countering violent radicalisation and extremism. The use of the Internet in the process of radicalisation will certainly be one of the important issues to be examined by the Network. Details on the RAN and past initiatives from the Commission have been given in its answers to Written Questions E‐008264/11 and 4510/10.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-003427/12

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(29 de março de 2012)

Assunto: Medição dos caudais do Tejo

Tendo sida defendida, relativamente ao rio Tejo, a necessidade de ₫uniformizar₻ a rede de monitorização de toda a bacia hidrográfica daquele que é o maior rio ibérico e considerando que o sistema existente não garante medições fiáveis de caudais, pergunto à Comissão:

| — | Como avalia esta pretensão e os seus motivos? |
| --- | --- |

—

Como avalia esta pretensão e os seus motivos?

Resposta dada por Janez Potočnik em nome da Comissão

(8 de maio de 2012)

A Comissão considera que a medição fiável dos caudais é fundamental para a gestão adequada da água.

A Diretiva‐Quadro Água (105) estabelece que os Estados-Membros com bacias hidrográficas comuns devem elaborar um plano de gestão de bacia hidrográfica internacional que abranja a totalidade do território da bacia. Se tal não for possível, devem elaborar planos para a parte da região hidrográfica internacional situada no seu território. Os Estados-Membros devem coordenar a suas ações de forma a garantir o cumprimento dos objetivos da Diretiva. Os planos deviam ser apresentados até dezembro de 2009.

O rio Tejo constitui uma região hidrográfica internacional. Os relatórios apresentados pela Espanha e por Portugal em conformidade com o artigo 3.°, n.° 8, da Diretiva‐Quadro Água referem que a cooperação entre ambos os países é regida por um acordo internacional (Convenção de Albufeira).

Dado que nem Portugal nem a Espanha apresentaram os planos de gestão das suas bacias hidrográficas, a Comissão não pode avaliar devidamente a situação nas bacias conjuntas nem o âmbito da coordenação existente entre ambos os países. A Comissão intentou uma ação contra a Espanha e Portugal no Tribunal de Justiça por não terem adotado e comunicado os seus planos de gestão de bacias hidrográficas em conformidade com a Diretiva‐Quadro Água (106).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003427/12

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(29 March 2012)

Subject: Flow measurement for the Tagus

As it has been argued that there is a need to ‘standardise’ the network for monitoring the entire hydrographic basin of the River Tagus, which is the longest river in Iberia, and given that the existing system does not guarantee reliable flow measurements, I would ask the Commission:

| — | What is its assessment of this intention and the reasons behind it? |
| --- | --- |

—

What is its assessment of this intention and the reasons behind it?

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(8 May 2012)

The Commission is of the opinion that a reliable measurement of flow is essential for a proper water management.

The Water Framework Directive (107) requires Member States sharing river basins to produce an international river basin management plan covering the whole territory of the river basin district. If this is not possible, the Member States have to produce plans for the part of the international river basin district lying in its territory. The Member States are required to coordinate their actions to ensure that the objectives of the directive are fulfilled. The plans were due in December 2009.

The Tagus is an international river basin district. According to the reports submitted by Spain and Portugal according to Article 3(8) of the Water Framework Directive, the cooperation between the two countries is governed by an international agreement (the Albufeira Convention).

Given that neither Portugal nor Spain have submitted their river basin management plans, the Commission is not able to properly assess the situation in the shared basins, and the extent of coordination taking place between both countries. The Commission has taken Spain and Portugal before the Court of Justice for failing to adopt and report the river basin management plans as required by the Water Framework Directive (108).

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-003428/12

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(29 de março de 2012)

Assunto: Medição dos caudais do Guadiana

Tendo sido relatado publicamente que a quantidade de água que a Espanha diz passar para a barragem de Alqueva é muitas vezes inferior ao que é medido em Portugal, podendo a diferença chegar aos 50 por cento, pergunto à Comissão:

| — | Como avalia esta diferença? |
| --- | --- |

—

Como avalia esta diferença?

| — | Que explicação possui a esse propósito? |
| --- | --- |

—

Que explicação possui a esse propósito?

Resposta dada por Janez Potočnik em nome da Comissão

(30 de maio de 2012)

A Comissão não tem conhecimento da questão referida pelo Senhor Deputado. Considera, contudo, que a medição fiável dos caudais é fundamental para uma gestão adequada da água.

A Diretiva‐Quadro Água (109) estabelece que os Estados-Membros com bacias hidrográficas comuns devem elaborar um plano de gestão de bacia hidrográfica internacional que abranja a totalidade do território da bacia. Se tal não for possível, devem elaborar planos para a parte da região hidrográfica internacional situada no seu território. Em qualquer caso, os Estados-Membros devem coordenar a suas ações de forma a garantir o cumprimento dos objetivos da Diretiva. Os planos deviam ser apresentados até dezembro de 2009.

O rio Guadiana constitui uma região hidrográfica internacional. Os relatórios apresentados pela Espanha e por Portugal em conformidade com o artigo 3.°, n.° 8, da Diretiva‐Quadro Água referem que a cooperação entre ambos os países é regida por um acordo internacional (Convenção de Albufeira).

Dado que nem Portugal nem a Espanha apresentaram os planos de gestão das suas bacias hidrográficas, a Comissão não pode avaliar devidamente a situação nas bacias conjuntas nem o âmbito da coordenação existente entre ambos os países. A Comissão intentou uma ação contra a Espanha e Portugal no Tribunal de Justiça por não terem adotado e comunicado os seus planos de gestão de bacias hidrográficas em conformidade com a Diretiva‐Quadro Água (processos C-403/2011 e C-223/2011, respetivamente).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003428/12

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(29 March 2012)

Subject: Guadiana River flow measurement

Noting public reports that the volume of water that Spain reports passing through the Alqueva dam is often lower than that measured in Portugal, and this difference can be as much as 50%, I ask the Commission:

| — | What is its view of this difference? |
| --- | --- |

—

What is its view of this difference?

| — | What explanation does it have for this situation? |
| --- | --- |

—

What explanation does it have for this situation?

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(30 May 2012)

The Commission is not aware of the issue raised by the Honourable Member. However, the Commission is of the opinion that a reliable measurement of flow is essential for a proper water management.

The Water Framework Directive (110) requires Member States sharing river basins to produce an international river basin management plan covering the whole territory of the river basin district. If this is not possible, the Member States have to produce plans for the part of the international river basin district lying in its territory. The Member States are in any case required to coordinate their actions to ensure that the objectives of the directive are fulfilled. The plans were due in December 2009.

The Guadiana is an international river basin district. According to the reports submitted by Spain and Portugal according to Article 3(8) of the Water Framework Directive, the cooperation between the two countries is governed by an international agreement (the Albufeira Convention).

Given that neither Portugal nor Spain have submitted their river basin management plans, the Commission is not able to properly assess the situation in the shared basins, and the extent of coordination taking place between both countries. The Commission has taken Spain and Portugal before the Court of Justice for failing to adopt and report the river basin management plans as required by the Water Framework Directive (Cases C-403/2011 and C-223/2011 respectively).

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-003430/12

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(29 de março de 2012)

Assunto: Alerta para o Egito

O Ministério das Relações Exteriores brasileiro reforçou, recentemente, o alerta para os turistas e para as companhias de turismo que viajam para o Egito, após o sequestro de duas brasileiras neste país. O alerta inicial foi lançado em fevereiro, quando um autocarro de turistas de várias nacionalidades foi atacado.

Pergunto à Comissão:

| — | Terá a Comissão prevista alguma ação preventiva relativa aos turistas europeus que decidam viajar para o Egito? |
| --- | --- |

—

Terá a Comissão prevista alguma ação preventiva relativa aos turistas europeus que decidam viajar para o Egito?

Resposta dada por Štefan Füle em nome da Comissão

(8 de junho de 2012)

A emissão de alertas de viagem é da competência dos Estados-Membros. Em geral, os Estados-Membros não se coordenam para atualizar ou redigir alertas no Conselho. No entanto, através da página de assistência consular em linha do Centro de Situação da UE os Estados-Membros trocam regularmente informações sobre a avaliação das ameaças para os cidadãos da UE em certas regiões ou países do mundo, nomeadamente o Egito.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003430/12

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(29 March 2012)

Subject: Warnings about Egypt

The Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently upgraded its warning to tourists and tour companies travelling to Egypt after two Brazilian women were kidnapped in that country. A warning was first issued in February, when a coach with tourists of various nationalities was attacked.

Can the Commission answer the following question:

| — | Has the Commission planned preventive action of any kind with regard to European tourists who intend to visit Egypt? |
| --- | --- |

—

Has the Commission planned preventive action of any kind with regard to European tourists who intend to visit Egypt?

Answer given by Mr Füle on behalf of the Commission

(8 June 2012)

The issuing of travel warnings is a competence of Member States. They normally do not coordinate the upgrade or wording of warnings in the Council. However, through the EU Situation Centre's consular online webpage they regularly exchange information on their assessment of threats to EU citizens in certain world regions or countries, including Egypt.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-003431/12

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(29 de março de 2012)

Assunto: Têxteis portugueses perdem 600 milhões com livre entrada do Paquistão

Segundo cálculos da Associação do Têxtil e Vestuário de Portugal (ATP), o impacto da entrada no mercado comunitário dos têxteis oriundos do Paquistão nas exportações das empresas portuguesas para a UE pode atingir os 600 milhões de euros.

Os empresários queixam-se de que a UE ₫não está a proteger a indústria₻, que mais uma vez está a ceder à ₫pressão do lobby das distribuidoras₻ e a esquecer-se da falta de uniformidade nas ₫regras da legislação laboral e ambiental₻.

A opinião prende-se com a evidência de que os empresários europeus terão de competir com empresas que praticam o dumping salarial, laboral, ambiental, recorrem a produtos proibidos na UE e não combatem o trabalho infantil.

Pergunto à Comissão:

| — | Está em condições de confirmar as perdas enumeradas pela ATP? |
| --- | --- |

—

Está em condições de confirmar as perdas enumeradas pela ATP?

| — | Como avalia as preocupações dos empresários têxteis portugueses? |
| --- | --- |

—

Como avalia as preocupações dos empresários têxteis portugueses?

| — | Como é que é possível defender a economia de mercado na União Europeia, se se abre esse mercado a empresas que praticam a concorrência desleal, o dumping salarial, laboral e ambiental e vendem abaixo do preço de custo possível às empresas da Europa? |
| --- | --- |

—

Como é que é possível defender a economia de mercado na União Europeia, se se abre esse mercado a empresas que praticam a concorrência desleal, o dumping salarial, laboral e ambiental e vendem abaixo do preço de custo possível às empresas da Europa?

Resposta dada por Karel De Gucht em nome da Comissão

(11 de maio de 2012)

As preferências comerciais propostas a que o Senhor Deputado se refere são parte de um pacote de medidas solicitado pelo Conselho Europeu em setembro de 2010, em resposta às inundações que atingiram o Paquistão no verão do mesmo ano. Esse pacote era composto por uma ajuda humanitária substancial a curto prazo, ao passo que as preferências comerciais previstas devem ser encaradas como um método de médio prazo tendente a ajudar o Paquistão a recuperar a sua economia. As inundações de 2010, bem como as inundações mais recentes de 2011, continuam a ter um impacto importante no país, que continua a necessitar de assistência para recuperar de tais catástrofes naturais.

A Comissão respeitou os parâmetros estabelecidos pelo Conselho Europeu ao propor preferências comerciais suscetíveis de terem um impacto positivo na economia do Paquistão, limitando, ao mesmo tempo, o efeito sobre a indústria da UE. Uma vez que os principais produtos de exportação do Paquistão são os têxteis e o vestuário, era inevitável incluir certos produtos têxteis e de vestuário nas preferências pautais propostas.

O potencial aumento das importações da UE (100 milhões de euros), em consequência das referidas preferências, corresponde a menos de 0,5 % do valor da produção da UE. No entanto, a seleção de apenas um número limitado de produtos, alguns dos quais estarão sujeitos a contingentes pautais e não a uma plena liberalização, combinada com a duração limitada das preferências comerciais a um máximo de dois anos, deve assegurar que o seu impacto sobre a indústria da UE não seja significativo.

No que se refere a alegadas práticas ilícitas por parte de empresas paquistanesas, a Comissão está disposta a examinar quaisquer casos concretos de tal comportamento.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003431/12

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(29 March 2012)

Subject: Free entry of textiles from Pakistan loses Portuguese textiles EUR 600 million

According to calculations by the Textile and Clothing Association of Portugal (ATP), the entry of textiles from Pakistan into the European Union could impact on exports from Portuguese companies to the EU by as much as EUR 600 million.

Business owners complain that the EU ‘is not protecting the industry’, is once again giving in to ‘lobbying pressure from distributors’ and is ignoring the lack of a level playing field in ‘employment and environmental regulations’.

This opinion is based on evidence that European businesses have to compete with businesses that practise wage, employment and environmental dumping, make use of products that are banned in the EU and fail to combat child labour.

I ask the Commission:

| — | Can it confirm the losses listed by the ATP? |
| --- | --- |

—

Can it confirm the losses listed by the ATP?

| — | What is its view of the concerns expressed by business owners in the Portuguese textile industry? |
| --- | --- |

—

What is its view of the concerns expressed by business owners in the Portuguese textile industry?

| — | How is it possible to protect the market economy of the European Union if this market is opened up to companies that practise unfair competition, wage, employment and environmental dumping and sell below the cost price achievable by European companies? |
| --- | --- |

—

How is it possible to protect the market economy of the European Union if this market is opened up to companies that practise unfair competition, wage, employment and environmental dumping and sell below the cost price achievable by European companies?

Answer given by Mr De Gucht on behalf of the Commission

(11 May 2012)

The proposed trade preferences referred to by the Honourable Member are part of a package of measures called for by the European Council in September 2010 in response to the floods that hit Pakistan during summer of that year. This package consisted of substantial humanitarian aid in the short term, whereas the envisaged trade preferences should be seen as a medium term method of assisting Pakistan's economy recovery. The 2010 floods as well as the more recent floods in 2011 are still having a major impact on the country which continues to require assistance to recover from these natural catastrophes.

The Commission respected the parameters set by the European Council in proposing trade preferences that could have a positive impact on Pakistan's economy while limiting the effect on EU industry. Given that Pakistan's major export items are textiles and clothing, it was unavoidable to include certain textile and clothing products in the proposed tariff preferences.

The potential increase in EU imports (EUR 100 million) as a result of these preferences corresponds to less than 0.5% of EU production value. However, the selection of only a limited number of products, some of which will be subject to tariff rate quotas rather than full liberalisation, combined with the limited duration of the trade preferences of maximum of two years, should ensure that their impact on the EU industry is not substantial.

As regards alleged malpractices by Pakistani companies, the Commission is ready to examine any concrete cases of such behaviour.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-003432/12

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(29 de março de 2012)

Assunto: Comércio entre os Estados-Membros e a China

Recentemente, o Eurostat divulgou um relatório sobre o comércio entre os Estados-Membros e a China.

Depois de analisar o referido relatório, chegamos à conclusão que, com a exceção da Finlândia, a totalidade dos Estados-Membros apresenta um valor de importações superior ao das exportações para a China.

No que respeita a Portugal, e tendo também em conta o mesmo relatório, este país importa mais do quádruplo daquilo que exporta para a China.

Pergunto à Comissão:

| — | Possui a Comissão algum estudo de impacto desta relação das balanças comerciais nos aparelhos produtivos da UE? |
| --- | --- |

—

Possui a Comissão algum estudo de impacto desta relação das balanças comerciais nos aparelhos produtivos da UE?

Resposta dada por Karel De Gucht em nome da Comissão

(16 de maio de 2012)

A Comissão não possui qualquer estudo que avalie o impacto dos desequilíbrios comerciais bilaterais nos aparelhos produtivos da UE.

O aumento das cadeias de abastecimento internacionais tem tornado cada vez mais difícil distinguir nas estatísticas de comércio oficiais (tradicionais) precisamente quem produz o quê, sobretudo no caso da Europa, que tem um mercado único que funciona bem e onde os produtos exportados para fora da UE por um Estado-Membro contêm, de modo geral, inputs provenientes de um ou mais Estados-Membros. Tirar conclusões acerca do desempenho comercial de um determinado Estado-Membro unicamente através da análise das respetivas exportações finais para um determinado parceiro comercial não permite uma perspetiva global sobre as balanças comerciais bilaterais, podendo mesmo induzir em erro, em alguns casos. Além disso, a Comissão está particularmente empenhada em melhorar as fontes de dados que irão permitir uma análise mais profunda das ligações de abastecimento intra-UE que estão associadas às vendas para o resto do mundo.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003432/12

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(29 March 2012)

Subject: Trade between the Member States and China

Recently, Eurostat published a report on trade between the Member States and China.

After analysing the aforementioned report, we have come to the conclusion that, with the exception of Finland, all the Member States import more from China than they export there.

This same report shows that Portugal imports from China more than four times what it exports there.

Can the Commission answer the following question:

| — | Does the Commission have any study of the impact of this balance of trade on the EU’s manufacturing base? |
| --- | --- |

—

Does the Commission have any study of the impact of this balance of trade on the EU’s manufacturing base?

Answer given by Mr De Gucht on behalf of the Commission

(16 May 2012)

The Commission does not have a study that assesses the impact of bilateral trade imbalances on the EU manufacturing base.

The rise of international supply chains has made it increasingly difficult to disentangle in official (traditional) trade statistics precisely who produces what, and especially so in the case of Europe, where we have a well functioning single market, and where products exported outside the EU from one Member State usually contain inputs from one or several Member States. Drawing conclusions about individual Member States' trade performance by looking only at their final exports to any given trade partner would not give a complete picture on bilateral trade balances and could even be misleading in some cases. In addition, the Commission is closely engaged in ongoing efforts to improve the data sources that will eventually allow a more in-depth investigation of the intra-EU supply linkages that are associated with sales to the rest of the world.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-003435/12

προς την Επιτροπή

Nikolaos Salavrakos (EFD)

(29 Μαρτίου 2012)

Θέμα: Η επικίνδυνη αύξηση της θερμοκρασίας του πλανήτη

Υπολογίζεται ότι η μέση αύξηση της θερμοκρασίας του πλανήτη τα επόμενα 50 χρόνια θα ξεπεράσει τους 2,5 βαθμούς κελσίου, κάτι που θα οδηγήσει στην ένταση των κλιματικών αλλαγών. Στελέχη της διεύθυνσης περιβάλλοντος του ΟΗΕ υποστηρίζουν ότι οι δεσμεύσεις των αρχηγών κρατών κατά τη σύνοδο κορυφής της Κοπεγχάγης το Δεκέμβριο του 2009, δηλαδή να περιοριστεί η υπερθέρμανση του πλανήτη στους 2 βαθμούς κελσίου, δεν έχει επιτευχθεί.

Ερωτάται η Επιτροπή:

| Γνωρίζει αυτήν την πληροφορία, και ποια μέτρα προτίθεται να λάβει στα επόμενα έτη ως προς το θέμα της κλιματικής αλλαγής που επίκειται λόγο της αύξησης της θερμοκρασίας; |
| --- |

Γνωρίζει αυτήν την πληροφορία, και ποια μέτρα προτίθεται να λάβει στα επόμενα έτη ως προς το θέμα της κλιματικής αλλαγής που επίκειται λόγο της αύξησης της θερμοκρασίας;

| Δεδομένο ότι οι επιστήμονες και οι κυβερνήσεις παγκοσμίως συμφωνούν ότι οι κλιματικές αλλαγές έχουν προκληθεί, κατά κύριο λόγο, από ανθρώπινες δραστηριότητες, ποια συγκεκριμένα μέτρα προτίθεται να λάβει η Επιτροπή για να αλλαχθεί ο τρόπος με τον οποίο παράγουμε και καταναλώνουμε; |
| --- |

Δεδομένο ότι οι επιστήμονες και οι κυβερνήσεις παγκοσμίως συμφωνούν ότι οι κλιματικές αλλαγές έχουν προκληθεί, κατά κύριο λόγο, από ανθρώπινες δραστηριότητες, ποια συγκεκριμένα μέτρα προτίθεται να λάβει η Επιτροπή για να αλλαχθεί ο τρόπος με τον οποίο παράγουμε και καταναλώνουμε;

Απάντηση της κας Hedegaard εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(16 Μαΐου 2012)

| 1. | Η ΕΕ, όπως και όλα τα συμβαλλόμενα μέρη της σύμβασης-πλαισίου των ΗΕ για την Κλιματική Αλλαγή, επεσήμανε με βαθιά ανησυχία τον Δεκέμβριο 2011 ότι οι υφιστάμενες δεσμεύσεις για την άμβλυνση του φαινομένου δεν αρκούσαν για να μην ξεπεράσει η αύξηση της θερμοκρασίας τους 2 |
| --- | --- |

1.

Η ΕΕ, όπως και όλα τα συμβαλλόμενα μέρη της σύμβασης-πλαισίου των ΗΕ για την Κλιματική Αλλαγή, επεσήμανε με βαθιά ανησυχία τον Δεκέμβριο 2011 ότι οι υφιστάμενες δεσμεύσεις για την άμβλυνση του φαινομένου δεν αρκούσαν για να μην ξεπεράσει η αύξηση της θερμοκρασίας τους 2

°C. Έχοντας ενημερωθεί για τις εργασίες του UNEP, η ΕΕ έχει δεσμευθεί πλήρως να εφαρμόσει τις υπάρχουσες δεσμεύσεις, και να διερευνήσει συμπληρωματικές δράσεις για την ενίσχυση των παγκόσμιων προσπαθειών μετριασμού, όπως την ανάπτυξη, αμελλητί, ενός παγκόσμιου πλαισίου άσκησης πολιτικής για την αντιμετώπιση των εκπομπών από τις διεθνείς αεροπορικές και θαλάσσιες μεταφορές, τη σταδιακή κατάργηση των επιδοτήσεων για τα ορυκτά καύσιμα, αξιοποιώντας τις εργασίες της G20, την προώθηση των ανανεώσιμων πηγών ενέργειας και της ενεργειακής απόδοσης, κ.λπ.

| 2. | Η στρατηγική |
| --- | --- |

2.

Η στρατηγική

₫Ευρώπη 2020₻ τάσσει την αειφόρο ανάπτυξη ως μία από τις τρεις καίριες προτεραιότητές της, τους δε ενωσιακούς στόχους για το κλίμα και την ενέργεια ως μία από τις πέντε πρωταρχικές επιδιώξεις της. Η Επιτροπή αναφέρει στο Συμβούλιο και το Ευρωπαϊκό Κοινοβούλιο ότι σημειώνεται πρόοδος προς τους ανωτέρω στόχους και διατυπώνει συστάσεις ανά επιμέρους χώρα ενθαρρύνοντας, για παράδειγμα, τα κράτη μέλη να προχωρήσουν στην επιβολή ₫πράσινων₻ φόρων. Η Επιτροπή παρακολουθεί εκ του σύνεγγυς την πλήρη και έγκαιρη εφαρμογή της δέσμης μέτρων για το κλίμα και την ενέργεια. Η Επιτροπή παρουσίασε επίσης νέες προτάσεις, όπως την οδηγία για την ενεργειακή απόδοση, ή την αύξηση των σχετικών με το κλίμα ενωσιακών δαπανών σε τουλάχιστον 20 % του προϋπολογισμού της ΕΕ την περίοδο 2014-2020. Η Επιτροπή θα επανεξετάσει επίσης τα πρότυπα επιδόσεων για τις εκπομπές που προβλέπονται για τα οχήματα με ορίζοντα το 2020. Αυτά τα υφιστάμενα και επικείμενα μέτρα επιτρέπουν την βιώσιμη και χαμηλών ανθρακούχων εκπομπών κατανάλωση και παραγωγή στην Ευρωπαϊκή Ένωση. Οι εταίροι μας τα αξιοποιούν για να καταστρώσουν τις αναπτυξιακές τους στρατηγικές χαμηλών εκπομπών.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003435/12

to the Commission

Nikolaos Salavrakos (EFD)

(29 March 2012)

Subject: Dangerous global warming

It is estimated that the global average temperature increase in the next 50 years will exceed 2.5 degrees Celsius, leading to severe climate change. Agents from the UN Environment Programme claim that the commitments made by the Heads of State during the Copenhagen Summit in December 2009 to reduce global warming by 2 degrees, have not been successful.

Will the Commission answer the following:

| Is it aware of this information and what measures does it intend to take in the coming years regarding the issue of climate change brought about by global warming? |
| --- |

Is it aware of this information and what measures does it intend to take in the coming years regarding the issue of climate change brought about by global warming?

| Given that scientists and governments worldwide agree that climate change has been caused mainly by human activities, what specific measures does it intend to take in order to change the way we produce and the way we consume? |
| --- |

Given that scientists and governments worldwide agree that climate change has been caused mainly by human activities, what specific measures does it intend to take in order to change the way we produce and the way we consume?

Answer given by Ms Hedegaard on behalf of the Commission

(16 May 2012)

| 1. | The EU, as all parties to the UN framework convention on Climate Change, noted with grave concern in December 2011 that the existing mitigation pledges are insufficient to stay below 2°C. Informed by UNEP work, the EU is fully committed to implementing the existing pledges, and to exploring complementary actions to enhance global mitigation efforts, like: developing without delay a global policy framework to address emissions from international aviation and maritime transport; to phase out subsidies for fossil fuels, building on work in the G20; to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency, etc. |
| --- | --- |

1.

The EU, as all parties to the UN framework convention on Climate Change, noted with grave concern in December 2011 that the existing mitigation pledges are insufficient to stay below 2°C. Informed by UNEP work, the EU is fully committed to implementing the existing pledges, and to exploring complementary actions to enhance global mitigation efforts, like: developing without delay a global policy framework to address emissions from international aviation and maritime transport; to phase out subsidies for fossil fuels, building on work in the G20; to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency, etc.

| 2. | The Europe 2020 strategy sets sustainable growth as one of its three key priorities, and the EU climate and energy targets as one of its five headline targets. The Commission reports progress towards these targets to the Council and the Parliament and provides country-specific recommendations, for instance encouraging Member States to advance on green taxation. The Commission is closely monitoring the full and timely application of the Climate and Energy Package. The Commission also presented new proposals, like the Energy Efficiency Directive, or the increase of EU climate-related expenditure to at least 20% of the 2014-2020 EU budget. The Commission will also review the emission performance standards set for 2020 for vehicles. These existing and forthcoming measures enable sustainable and low-carbon consumption and production in the EU. Our partners build on them to develop their low-emission development strategies. |
| --- | --- |

2.

The Europe 2020 strategy sets sustainable growth as one of its three key priorities, and the EU climate and energy targets as one of its five headline targets. The Commission reports progress towards these targets to the Council and the Parliament and provides country-specific recommendations, for instance encouraging Member States to advance on green taxation. The Commission is closely monitoring the full and timely application of the Climate and Energy Package. The Commission also presented new proposals, like the Energy Efficiency Directive, or the increase of EU climate-related expenditure to at least 20% of the 2014-2020 EU budget. The Commission will also review the emission performance standards set for 2020 for vehicles. These existing and forthcoming measures enable sustainable and low-carbon consumption and production in the EU. Our partners build on them to develop their low-emission development strategies.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-003436/12

προς την Επιτροπή

Marietta Giannakou (PPE)

(29 Μαρτίου 2012)

Θέμα: Χρηματοδότηση Μικρών και Μεσαίων Επιχειρήσεων

Σύμφωνα με την πρόσφατη ειδική έκθεση του Ευρωπαϊκού Ελεγκτικού Συνεδρίου, το κανονιστικό πλαίσιο των διαρθρωτικών ταμείων, το οποίο χρησιμοποιήθηκε για τη στήριξη των Μικρομεσαίων Επιχειρήσεων μέσω χρηματοπιστωτικών μέσων, ήταν ακατάλληλο καθώς δεν ελήφθησαν υπόψη τα ειδικά χαρακτηριστικά των μέσων χρηματοδότησης και του μετοχικού κεφαλαίου που χρησιμοποιήθηκαν.

Επειδή οι Μικρές και Μεσαίες επιχειρήσεις απειλούνται περισσότερο από την οικονομική κρίση σε εθνικό και ευρωπαϊκό επίπεδο, ερωτάται η Επιτροπή:

| Σκοπεύει να απλουστεύσει το κανονιστικό πλαίσιο των διαρθρωτικών ταμείων, προκειμένου να παρέχονται στα κράτη μέλη απλουστευμένες δομές και μέσα; |
| --- |

Σκοπεύει να απλουστεύσει το κανονιστικό πλαίσιο των διαρθρωτικών ταμείων, προκειμένου να παρέχονται στα κράτη μέλη απλουστευμένες δομές και μέσα;

| Προτίθεται να θεσπίσει κατευθυντήριες γραμμές για τους χρηματοπιστωτικούς διαμεσολαβητές, καθώς παρατηρήθηκε ότι χρέωσαν αδικαιολόγητα έξοδα διαχείρισης σε ορισμένες μικρομεσαίες επιχειρήσεις αποδέκτες; |
| --- |

Προτίθεται να θεσπίσει κατευθυντήριες γραμμές για τους χρηματοπιστωτικούς διαμεσολαβητές, καθώς παρατηρήθηκε ότι χρέωσαν αδικαιολόγητα έξοδα διαχείρισης σε ορισμένες μικρομεσαίες επιχειρήσεις αποδέκτες;

Απάντηση του κ. Hahn εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(25 Μαΐου 2012)

| 1. | H πρόταση της Επιτροπής για τη μελλοντική πολιτική συνοχής καθορίζει σαφείς κανόνες σχετικά με τα χρηματοδοτικά μέσα. Προσφέρει ένα ευρύ φάσμα επιλογών υλοποίησης. Τα κράτη μέλη ή οι περιφέρειες δύνανται να συνεχίσουν με τα υφιστάμενα χρηματοδοτικά μέσα ή μπορούν να καταρτίσουν νέα μέσα, είτε εφαρμόζοντας μια προσέγγιση ταμείου χαρτοφυλακίου (holding fund) είτε απευθείας χωρίς ταμείο χαρτοφυλακίου. Οι διαχειριστικές αρχές θα μπορούν προβαίνουν στην άμεση υλοποίηση των χρηματοδοτικών μέσων. Για τα κράτη μέλη που διαθέτουν μικρότερη πείρα, θα διατίθενται τυποποιημένα χρηματοδοτικά μέσα με προκαθορισμένους όρους και προϋποθέσεις. Μετά το 2013 οι διαχειριστικές αρχές μπορούν να συμβάλλουν επίσης με κονδύλια κλειστής διάρθρωσης της πολιτικής για τη συνοχή στα μέσα στο επίπεδο της ΕΕ. |
| --- | --- |

1.

H πρόταση της Επιτροπής για τη μελλοντική πολιτική συνοχής καθορίζει σαφείς κανόνες σχετικά με τα χρηματοδοτικά μέσα. Προσφέρει ένα ευρύ φάσμα επιλογών υλοποίησης. Τα κράτη μέλη ή οι περιφέρειες δύνανται να συνεχίσουν με τα υφιστάμενα χρηματοδοτικά μέσα ή μπορούν να καταρτίσουν νέα μέσα, είτε εφαρμόζοντας μια προσέγγιση ταμείου χαρτοφυλακίου (holding fund) είτε απευθείας χωρίς ταμείο χαρτοφυλακίου. Οι διαχειριστικές αρχές θα μπορούν προβαίνουν στην άμεση υλοποίηση των χρηματοδοτικών μέσων. Για τα κράτη μέλη που διαθέτουν μικρότερη πείρα, θα διατίθενται τυποποιημένα χρηματοδοτικά μέσα με προκαθορισμένους όρους και προϋποθέσεις. Μετά το 2013 οι διαχειριστικές αρχές μπορούν να συμβάλλουν επίσης με κονδύλια κλειστής διάρθρωσης της πολιτικής για τη συνοχή στα μέσα στο επίπεδο της ΕΕ.

| 2. | Η πρόταση της Επιτροπής δίνει τη δυνατότητα στους φορείς υλοποίησης των χρηματοδοτικών μέσων να μετακυλίουν το κόστος διαχείρισης στα κονδύλια της ΕΕ. Η Επιτροπή θα προτείνει, με κατ’ εξουσιοδότηση πράξη, μια απλουστευμένη μεθοδολογία που θα βασίζεται στις επιδόσεις για τον υπολογισμό των δαπανών διαχείρισης. Το νομικό πλαίσιο θα περιλαμβάνει επίσης διατάξεις που θα αποτρέπουν τις αλληλεπικαλύψεις μεταξύ δαπανών και τελών που χρεώνονται στους τελικούς δικαιούχους (π.χ. ΜΜΕ), αφενός, και όσων δηλώνονται ως επιλέξιμες για να καλυφθούν από τα κονδύλια της ΕΕ, αφετέρου. Η καταλληλότητα των προτεινόμενου χρηματοδοτικού προϊόντος, συμπεριλαμβανομένων των τυχόν επιβαρύνσεων για τους τελικούς δικαιούχους, θα αναλύεται με την εκ των προτέρων αξιολόγησή του στο επίπεδο του ειδικού χρηματοδοτικού μέσου (η οποία θα καταστεί υποχρεωτική για την περίοδο 2014-2020). Πριν από τη σύσταση του χρηματοδοτικού μέσου το επίπεδο του διαχειριστικού κόστους και των τελών θα ρυθμίζεται στη συμφωνία χρηματοδότησης, η οποία θα υπογράφεται από την αντίστοιχη διαχειριστική αρχή και τον φορέα εφαρμογής του χρηματοδοτικού μέσου. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Η πρόταση της Επιτροπής δίνει τη δυνατότητα στους φορείς υλοποίησης των χρηματοδοτικών μέσων να μετακυλίουν το κόστος διαχείρισης στα κονδύλια της ΕΕ. Η Επιτροπή θα προτείνει, με κατ’ εξουσιοδότηση πράξη, μια απλουστευμένη μεθοδολογία που θα βασίζεται στις επιδόσεις για τον υπολογισμό των δαπανών διαχείρισης. Το νομικό πλαίσιο θα περιλαμβάνει επίσης διατάξεις που θα αποτρέπουν τις αλληλεπικαλύψεις μεταξύ δαπανών και τελών που χρεώνονται στους τελικούς δικαιούχους (π.χ. ΜΜΕ), αφενός, και όσων δηλώνονται ως επιλέξιμες για να καλυφθούν από τα κονδύλια της ΕΕ, αφετέρου. Η καταλληλότητα των προτεινόμενου χρηματοδοτικού προϊόντος, συμπεριλαμβανομένων των τυχόν επιβαρύνσεων για τους τελικούς δικαιούχους, θα αναλύεται με την εκ των προτέρων αξιολόγησή του στο επίπεδο του ειδικού χρηματοδοτικού μέσου (η οποία θα καταστεί υποχρεωτική για την περίοδο 2014-2020). Πριν από τη σύσταση του χρηματοδοτικού μέσου το επίπεδο του διαχειριστικού κόστους και των τελών θα ρυθμίζεται στη συμφωνία χρηματοδότησης, η οποία θα υπογράφεται από την αντίστοιχη διαχειριστική αρχή και τον φορέα εφαρμογής του χρηματοδοτικού μέσου.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003436/12

to the Commission

Marietta Giannakou (PPE)

(29 March 2012)

Subject: Financing SMEs

According to the recent European Court of Auditors’ special report, the Structural Funds' regulatory framework which was used to support small and medium-sized enterprises through financial instruments was inappropriate, as it failed to take into account the special characteristics of the financial instruments and the share capital used.

As small and medium-sized enterprises are most at risk from the economic crisis on a national and on a European level, will the Commission say:

| Does it intend to simplify the Structural Funds' regulatory framework in order to provide Member States with simplified structures and instruments? |
| --- |

Does it intend to simplify the Structural Funds' regulatory framework in order to provide Member States with simplified structures and instruments?

| Does it intend to adopt guidelines for financial intermediaries, who have been found to have been charging some small and medium-sized enterprises unjustified management fees? |
| --- |

Does it intend to adopt guidelines for financial intermediaries, who have been found to have been charging some small and medium-sized enterprises unjustified management fees?

Answer given by Mr Hahn on behalf of the Commission

(25 May 2012)

| 1. | The Commission proposal for future cohesion policy provides clear rules regarding financial instruments. It offers a broad range of implementation options. The Member States or regions may continue with existing financial instruments or they may set up new instruments either using a holding fund approach, or directly without a holding fund. Managing authorities will be able to directly implement financial instruments. For less experienced Member States, standardised financial instruments with pre-defined terms and conditions will be offered. After 2013, managing authorities may also contribute with cohesion policy ring-fenced allocations to EU level instruments. |
| --- | --- |

1.

The Commission proposal for future cohesion policy provides clear rules regarding financial instruments. It offers a broad range of implementation options. The Member States or regions may continue with existing financial instruments or they may set up new instruments either using a holding fund approach, or directly without a holding fund. Managing authorities will be able to directly implement financial instruments. For less experienced Member States, standardised financial instruments with pre-defined terms and conditions will be offered. After 2013, managing authorities may also contribute with cohesion policy ring-fenced allocations to EU level instruments.

| 2. | The Commission proposal allows bodies implementing financial instruments to charge their management costs to EU funding. The Commission will propose, in a delegated act, a simplified and performance-driven methodology for the calculation of management costs. The legal framework will also include provisions ensuring no overlap between costs and fees charged to final recipients (e.g. SMEs) and those declared as eligible for reimbursement from EU funding. At the level of a specific financial instrument, its |
| --- | --- |

2.

The Commission proposal allows bodies implementing financial instruments to charge their management costs to EU funding. The Commission will propose, in a delegated act, a simplified and performance-driven methodology for the calculation of management costs. The legal framework will also include provisions ensuring no overlap between costs and fees charged to final recipients (e.g. SMEs) and those declared as eligible for reimbursement from EU funding. At the level of a specific financial instrument, its

assessment (to be obligatory in 2014-2020) will analyse the appropriateness of the proposed financial product, including any charges to final recipients. Before the financial instrument is set up, the level of management cost and fees will be regulated in the funding agreement signed between the respective managing authority and the body implementing the financial instrument.

(българска версия)

Въпрос с искане за писмен отговор E-003438/12

до Комисията

Евгени Кирилов (S&D)

(29 март 2012 г.)

Относно: Хората с увреждания и достъпността на обществените уебсайтове, както и на уебсайтовете, които предоставят основни услуги на гражданите на ЕС

Обществените уебсайтове са източник на важна информация и услуги за европейските граждани, но за хората с увреждания е все още трудно да се възползват изцяло от тях заради функционалните им ограничения. Това поставя хората с увреждания в неизгодно положение и затруднява социалното им приобщаване. Новият краен срок за постигане на целите за пълна достъпност на уебсайтовете от обществения сектор, както и на уебсайтовете, които предоставят основни услуги на гражданите, е 2015 г. Най-вероятно ще е необходимо да се определи известен период от време, през който трябва да се изпълнят изискванията за достъпност. Във връзка с това:

| — | Комисията планира ли да изготви предложение за законодателен акт или за незаконодателни мерки, за да гарантира, че всички обществени уебсайтове, както и уебсайтовете, които предоставят основни услуги на гражданите на ЕС, са напълно достъпни за хора, ползващи помощни технологии? |
| --- | --- |

—

Комисията планира ли да изготви предложение за законодателен акт или за незаконодателни мерки, за да гарантира, че всички обществени уебсайтове, както и уебсайтовете, които предоставят основни услуги на гражданите на ЕС, са напълно достъпни за хора, ползващи помощни технологии?

| — | Ако това е така, кога? |
| --- | --- |

—

Ако това е така, кога?

Отговор, даден от г-жа Крус от името на Комисията

(7 май 2012 г.)

По предложението за инициатива на Европейския съюз във връзка с достъпността на уебсайтовете е постигнат напредък. Понастоящем предложението за евентуална законодателна инициатива с оглед осигуряване на ефикасността на усилията чрез избягване на разпокъсаността на европейския пазар за продукти и услуги в областта на достъпността на уебсайтовете е в процес на изготвяне в сътрудничество с различни служби на Комисията.

Представянето му за одобрение от Комисията се очаква в рамките на второто тримесечие на 2012 г.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003438/12

to the Commission

Evgeni Kirilov (S&D)

(29 March 2012)

Subject: People with disabilities and accessibility of public websites and websites providing basic services to citizens in the EU

Public websites are a source of essential information and services to European citizens, but it is still difficult for people with disabilities to benefit fully from them because of the functional limitations of the websites. This puts people with disabilities at a disadvantage and does not facilitate their social inclusion. The new deadline for achieving the aim of fully accessible public sector websites and websites providing basic services to citizens is 2015. There will most probably be a need for a certain period to be defined during which accessibility requirements will need to be met. In this context:

| — | Is the Commission planning to make a proposal for a legislative act or for non-legislative measures to ensure that all public websites and websites providing basic services to citizens in the EU are fully accessible to people using assistive technology? |
| --- | --- |

—

Is the Commission planning to make a proposal for a legislative act or for non-legislative measures to ensure that all public websites and websites providing basic services to citizens in the EU are fully accessible to people using assistive technology?

| — | If so, when? |
| --- | --- |

—

If so, when?

Answer given by Ms Kroes on behalf of the Commission

(7 May 2012)

The proposal for a European Union intervention on web-accessibility is progressing. Currently the proposal for a possible legislative intervention in order to ensure efficiency of efforts by avoiding fragmentation of the European market for web-accessibility products and services is being prepared in cooperation with different Commission services.

The submission to Commission adoption is expected within the second quarter of 2012.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-003439/12

alla Commissione

Lorenzo Fontana (EFD)

(29 marzo 2012)

Oggetto: Discriminazioni nei confronti dei cristiani in Bosnia Erzegovina

Secondo quanto riportato da Human Rights Without Frontiers, il sig. Anton Maric, prete e direttore finanziario diocesano a Banja Luka, e la sig.ra Ivanka Mihaljevic, superiora provinciale bosniaca delle Suore francescane di Cristo Re, hanno espresso, durante le loro rispettive visite all'Organizzazione internazionale di carità pastorale cattolica ₫Aid to the Church in need₻, le loro preoccupazioni relativamente alla situazione dei cristiani in Bosnia Erzegovina. Secondo quanto affermato dai religiosi, la vita, sia delle famiglie di fede cattolica che degli appartenenti al clero, sta diventando sempre più difficile a causa delle ripetute discriminazioni ed umiliazioni cui gli stessi sono sottoposti nell'affrontare le basilari necessità quotidiane. Si denunciano, ad esempio, la mancata prestazione di cure mediche ai preti, l'impossibilità da parte delle suore cattoliche di acquistare beni di prima necessità in svariati esercizi commerciali, la confisca e la mancata restituzione di beni immobili alla Chiesa cattolica ed il trattamento preferenziale accordato alle famiglie non cattoliche al momento della richiesta di allacciamento alla corrente elettrica per le proprie case, trattamento che si concretizza, in ultima analisi, in anni di attesa da parte dei cattolici per ottenere lo stesso servizio.

La Bosnia Erzegovina gode dello status di potenziale candidato ad essere membro dell'UE e con la stessa ha sottoscritto un accordo interno sul commercio e le questioni ad esso correlate, un accordo di associazione e stabilizzazione, accordi di riammissione e di liberalizzazione dei visti ed un accordo per il finanziamento degli strumenti di assistenza pre-annessione (IPA).

Considerando quanto sopra esposto e considerando il preambolo, nonché gli articoli 2 e 3 del trattato sull'Unione europea, può dire la Commissione se sia a conoscenza della situazione descritta? Intende porre in essere misure volte a tutelare la minoranza cattolica in Bosnia Erzegovina? In caso affermativo, quali?

Risposta data da Štefan Füle a nome della Commissione

(23 maggio 2012)

La Commissione prende atto delle informazioni fornite dall'on. parlamentare sulle notizie provenienti dall'Organizzazione internazionale di carità pastorale cattolica ₫Aid to the Church in need₻. La Commissione, che attribuisce grande rilevanza al tema della libertà religiosa in Bosnia-Erzegovina, è consapevole, come risulta anche dalla relazione 2011 sui progressi compiuti dalla Bosnia-Erzegovina (111), che, pur essendo il principio della libertà religiosa garantito giuridicamente e in generale rispettato, nell'ultimo anno il paese ha compiuto ben pochi progressi al riguardo. Si sono registrati ancora casi di discriminazione per motivi religiosi e gli incidenti riguardanti simboli religiosi, ecclesiastici, credenti e proprietà hanno coinvolto soprattutto quanti costituiscono una minoranza religiosa in talune comunità.

Per quanto riguarda le misure volte a garantire la libertà religiosa in Bosnia-Erzegovina, la Commissione ha sottolineato l'importanza di questa libertà fondamentale durante gli incontri con le autorità nazionali nel quadro del processo di stabilizzazione e associazione (comitato e sottocomitati interinali) nonché in altre occasioni, tra cui incontri con dirigenti dei partiti politici e leader religiosi.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003439/12

to the Commission

Lorenzo Fontana (EFD)

(29 March 2012)

Subject: Discrimination against Christians in Bosnia and Herzegovina

According to reports by Human Rights Without Frontiers, Mr Anton Maric, priest and chief financial officer in the Banja Luka diocese and Ms Ivanka Mihaljevic, Bosnian provincial Mother Superior of the Franciscan Sisters of Christ the King, expressed their concerns about the situation of Christians in Bosnia Herzegovina during their respective visits to the International Catholic pastoral charity Aid to the Church in Need. According to these church representatives, the lives of both Roman Catholic families and members of the clergy is becoming increasingly difficult due to the repeated discrimination and humiliation to which they are subjected while fulfilling their basic daily requirements. They complain, for example, of the lack of medical care provided to priests, the refusal to sell basic necessities to Roman Catholic nuns in a variety of shops, the confiscation and failure to return property to the Roman Catholic Church and the preferential treatment granted to non‐Roman Catholic families when requesting electricity connections for their homes, which has resulted in Roman Catholics waiting years for the service in question.

Bosnia and Herzegovina is currently a potential candidate for membership of the EU and has therefore signed an internal agreement on trade and related issues, a Stabilisation and Association Agreement, agreements on re-admission and visa liberalisation, and the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA) Agreement.

In view of the above, and of the preamble and Articles 2 and 3 of the Treaty on European Union, can the Commission say whether it is aware of the situation described? Does it intend to implement measures to protect the Roman Catholic minority in Bosnia Herzegovina? If so, which ones?

Answer given by Mr Füle on behalf of the Commission

(23 May 2012)

The Commission takes note of the information provided by the Honourable Member regarding the reports from the International Catholic Pastoral Charity Aid to the Church in Need. The Commission attaches high importance to freedom of religion in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Commission is aware, as also stated in the Bosnia and Herzegovina 2011 Progress Report (112), that while freedom of religion is legally guaranteed and generally respected, very little progress was made over the past year by Bosnia and Herzegovina as regards freedom of religion. Cases of discrimination on religious grounds continued and incidents aimed at religious symbols, clerics, believers and property affected in particular those who constitute a religious minority in certain communities.

As regards measures to guarantee freedom of religion in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Commission has been underlining the importance of this fundamental freedom during its meetings with the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina, in the framework of the Stabilisation and Association Process (Interim Committee and sub-committees) as well as on other occasions, including during meetings with political party leaders and religious leaders.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-003441/12

alla Commissione (Vicepresidente/Alto Rappresentante)

Lorenzo Fontana (EFD)

(29 marzo 2012)

Oggetto: VP/HR — Tutela della dignità delle donne in Egitto: il caso di Ahmed Adel El-Mogy

L'11 marzo 2012, un tribunale militare del Cairo (Egitto), ha assolto il Dr. Ahmed Adel El-Mogy dall'accusa di aver sottoposto diverse donne al cosiddetto ₫test della verginità₻ nei commissariati di polizia, dopo che le stesse erano state fermate durante gli scontri tra attivisti e forze dell'ordine nel marzo e nell'aprile 2011, in quanto non vi sono, secondo la Corte, testimonianze univoche sul caso e, conseguentemente, non può essere provato che i test siano stati effettivamente posti in essere.

Le attiviste, i loro avvocati e gli esponenti di diverse organizzazioni per i diritti umani hanno dichiarato che si trattava di un verdetto prevedibile in quanto la sentenza è stata emessa da un tribunale militare sottoposto al controllo del Consiglio Supremo delle Forze Armate (SCAF), che di fatto governa il paese dalla caduta di Mubarak e di cui fanno parte le persone coinvolte nel caso. L'obiettivo primario dell'accusa, infatti, non era di colpire solo e direttamente il Dr. Ahmed Adel El-Mogy, ma anche coloro che hanno dato l'ordine al medico di sottoporre le donne ai test.

Le attiviste dichiarano di essere state sottoposte, nella stessa occasione, anche a torture ed umiliazioni.

Considerando la sentenza della State Council Administrative Court egiziana del 27 dicembre 2011, che vieta la pratica della sottoposizione delle donne al test di verginità, considerando il Piano d'azione UE-Egitto, entrato in vigore nel 2007 nell'ambito dell'ENP, e le priorità in esso descritte, e considerando l'Accordo di associazione UE-Egitto, in vigore dal 2004, avendo particolare riguardo al suo preambolo e ai rapporti dell'EU-Association Council, può dire la Vicepresidente/Alto Rappresentante:

| se siano stati intrattenuti colloqui con la controparte egiziana al fine di fare luce sull'episodio; |
| --- |

se siano stati intrattenuti colloqui con la controparte egiziana al fine di fare luce sull'episodio;

| come valuti la sentenza in oggetto e l'attuale sistema giudiziario egiziano nel suo complesso, avendo particolare riguardo al diritto al giusto processo e all'indipendenza del sistema giudiziario, e come intenda intervenire a tale riguardo; |
| --- |

come valuti la sentenza in oggetto e l'attuale sistema giudiziario egiziano nel suo complesso, avendo particolare riguardo al diritto al giusto processo e all'indipendenza del sistema giudiziario, e come intenda intervenire a tale riguardo;

| se ritenga che le pressioni esercitate dai settori più oltranzisti del fondamentalismo islamico possano rappresentare una minaccia per i diritti fondamentali della popolazione femminile egiziana. |
| --- |

se ritenga che le pressioni esercitate dai settori più oltranzisti del fondamentalismo islamico possano rappresentare una minaccia per i diritti fondamentali della popolazione femminile egiziana.

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

(5 giugno 2012)

In tutti i contatti con le autorità di transizione egiziane, l'Alta Rappresentante/Vicepresidente (AR/VP) ha sottolineato l'importanza della protezione dei diritti umani per tutti gli egiziani, indipendentemente dal loro sesso. Durante la sua visita al Cairo del 14 aprile 2011, l'AR/VP ha incontrato le rappresentanti di alcune associazioni femminili, dando ascolto alle loro preoccupazioni.

La Commissione intende favorire la parità di genere in Egitto sostenendo l'impegno delle autorità per la promozione dei diritti delle donne, integrando la questione di genere nel dialogo politico con le autorità egiziane e appoggiando in modo proattivo le iniziative della società civile in tal senso. A questo scopo, nel 2010 è stata approvata una strategia locale dell'UE.

Il caso del dott. Ahmed Adel El-Mogy mette in evidenza il fatto che i tribunali militari non garantiscono processi equi secondo gli standard internazionali. L'AR/VP ha ripetutamente sollecitato le autorità egiziane a porre fine ai processi di civili da parte di tribunali militari, ribadendo che la legge e l'ordine pubblico vanno garantiti nel pieno rispetto dei diritti fondamentali dell'imputato ma anche di quelli della parte ricorrente.

La realizzazione di un sistema giudiziario indipendente ed efficiente, in grado di garantire il rispetto dello Stato di diritto e dei diritti fondamentali, è uno dei parametri chiave rispetto ai quali saranno valutati i progressi compiuti dall'Egitto nel quadro dell'approccio ₫more for more₻ relativo alla nuova politica di vicinato. L'UE continuerà nel suo impegno nei confronti della nuova leadership egiziana per assicurare il rispetto dei diritti umani, compresi quelli delle donne, e lo sviluppo di un sistema giudiziario indipendente.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003441/12

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Lorenzo Fontana (EFD)

(29 March 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — Protecting the dignity of women in Egypt: the case of Ahmed Adel El-Mogy

On 11 March 2012, a military court in Cairo (Egypt) acquitted Dr Ahmed Adel El-Mogy of the charge of having subjected several women to so-called ‘virginity tests’ in police stations, after they had been detained during clashes between activists and the police in March and April 2011. The court ruled that the evidence was inconclusive and, consequently, it was impossible to prove that the tests were actually carried out.

The activists, their lawyers and representatives of several human rights organisations have said that the verdict was expected since the judgment was issued by a military court under the supervision of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF), which is effectively governing the country since the fall of Mubarak and to which the people involved in the case belong. The primary objective of the prosecution was not only to strike out against Dr Ahmed Adel El-Mogy directly, but also those who ordered the doctor to subject the women to the test.

The activists claim that they were also submitted to torture and humiliation.

In view of the ruling of the Egyptian State Council Administrative Court of 27 December 2011, which prohibits the practice of subjecting women to virginity tests, in view of the EU‐Egypt Action Plan, which entered into force in 2007 as part of the European Neighbourhood Policy and the priorities described therein, and considering the EU‐Egypt Association Agreement, in force since 2004, having particular regard to the preamble and the reports of the EU Association Council, can the Vice-President/High Representative state:

| whether she has held talks with her Egyptian counterpart in order to shed light on the episode? |
| --- |

whether she has held talks with her Egyptian counterpart in order to shed light on the episode?

| how she views the judgment in question and the current Egyptian judicial system as a whole, having particular regard to the right to due process and the impartiality of the judiciary, and what action she intends to take in this regard? |
| --- |

how she views the judgment in question and the current Egyptian judicial system as a whole, having particular regard to the right to due process and the impartiality of the judiciary, and what action she intends to take in this regard?

| whether she believes that the pressure exerted by the more extremist Islamic fundamentalists could threaten the fundamental rights of women in Egypt? |
| --- |

whether she believes that the pressure exerted by the more extremist Islamic fundamentalists could threaten the fundamental rights of women in Egypt?

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

(5 June 2012)

In all her contacts with the interim Egyptian authorities, the High Representative/Vice-President (HR/VP) has emphasised the importance of protecting the human rights of all Egyptians, regardless of their gender. She met with women representatives during her visit to Cairo on 14 April 2011 and took careful note of their concerns.

The EU seeks to advance gender equality in Egypt by supporting the authorities' efforts to promote women's rights, by mainstreaming gender equality in its political dialogue with the Egyptian authorities and by proactively supporting civil society organisations, promoting women's rights. In 2010, an EU local strategy was approved to this effect.

The case of Dr Ahmed Adel El-Mogy shows that military tribunals do not guarantee fair trials in accordance with international standards. The HR/VP has repeatedly urged Egyptian authorities to end the trials of civilians by military courts. She reiterated that law and order must be ensured in a manner respectful of the fundamental rights of the accused but also of the plaintiffs.

The existence of an independent and functioning civilian justice system, ensuring the rule of law and the protection of fundamental rights, will be one of the key benchmarks that will be used to assess the progress made by Egypt in the framework of the ‘more for more approach’ inherent to the new neighbourhood policy. The EU will continue to engage with the new Egyptian leadership to ensure the respect for human rights, including women's rights, and the development of an independent judiciary.

(Wersja polska)

Pytanie wymagające odpowiedzi pisemnej E-003442/12

do Komisji

Paweł Zalewski (PPE)

(29 marca 2012 r.)

Przedmiot: Ważność wiz obywateli Ukrainy na terytorium UE

Jak informują internetowe wydania czołowych ukraińskich mediów (m.in.: TSN – 12.3.2012, UNIAN – 13.3.2012, Deutsche Welle – edycja ukraińska – 15.3.2012, Radio Svoboda – 22.3.2012), w dniu 10 marca 2012 r. niemiecka policja z graniczącego z Polską Görlitz skontrolowała jeden z autokarów turystycznych z Ukrainy, podróżujący przez terytorium Polski i Niemiec. W wyniku tej kontroli sześciu ukraińskich turystów zostało zatrzymanych, a następnie zmuszonych do natychmiastowego opuszczenia Niemiec, pomimo tego, że wszyscy posiadali ważne wizy Schengen uprawniające do podróżowania po terytorium Unii Europejskiej. Wizy długoterminowe w celach biznesowych wydał jeden z polskich konsulatów na Ukrainie.

W oficjalnym stanowisku ambasada Niemiec w Kijowie uzasadniła zachowanie policjantów, powołując się na przepisy, które wskazują, że obywatel danego kraju spoza Unii Europejskiej, posiadający wizę Schengen wydaną przez inny kraj członkowski, może korzystać z prawa do swobodnego poruszania się po terytorium RFN wyłącznie w celach określonych w wizie. Typ wizy oraz cel podróży powinien być udowodniony i udokumentowany przez jej posiadacza. Wydaje się zatem, że pojawia się niebezpieczny precedens, który stwarza realne zagrożenie dla ponad 300 tysięcy Ukraińców posiadających multiwizy Schengen.

W świetle przytoczonych faktów chciałbym zapytać Komisję:

| Czy ukraińscy biznesmeni podróżujący do Niemiec jako turyści złamali prawo strefy Schengen, posługując się ważnymi wizami biznesowymi? |
| --- |

Czy ukraińscy biznesmeni podróżujący do Niemiec jako turyści złamali prawo strefy Schengen, posługując się ważnymi wizami biznesowymi?

| Jeśli złamali prawo, to na mocy których konkretnie przepisów? |
| --- |

Jeśli złamali prawo, to na mocy których konkretnie przepisów?

| Czy posiadanie ważnej wizy biznesowej wydanej przez dany kraj członkowski uniemożliwia swobodne poruszanie się po terytorium całej UE w celu innym niż biznesowym? |
| --- |

Czy posiadanie ważnej wizy biznesowej wydanej przez dany kraj członkowski uniemożliwia swobodne poruszanie się po terytorium całej UE w celu innym niż biznesowym?

| Czy Komisja planuje zmiany w procedurach, które pozwolą na jednoczesne posiadanie wiz biznesowych i turystycznych, bez konieczności uprzedniego anulowania jednego z typów? |
| --- |

Czy Komisja planuje zmiany w procedurach, które pozwolą na jednoczesne posiadanie wiz biznesowych i turystycznych, bez konieczności uprzedniego anulowania jednego z typów?

Odpowiedź udzielona przez komisarz Cecilię Malmström w imieniu Komisji

(16 maja 2012 r.)

Wizy Schengen nie są uwarunkowane konkretnymi celami: jeżeli dana osoba otrzymała wizę wielokrotnego wjazdu o długim okresie ważności, w tym przypadku – przedsiębiorca o zweryfikowanej uczciwości i wiarygodności oraz uzasadnionej potrzebie częstych podróży – osoba ta może korzystać z tej wizy w celach turystycznych w strefie Schengen. Organy państw członkowskich innych niż państwo wydające wizę powinny zaakceptować fakt, że ten rodzaj wizy wykorzystywany jest również w celach turystycznych.

Należy jednak zauważyć, że osoba ubiegająca się o wizę musi przestrzegać zasad odnośnego państwa członkowskiego odpowiedzialnego za rozpatrzenie wniosku wizowego i podejmującego decyzję w jego sprawie (113). Zgodnie z tymi zasadami, osoba ubiegająca się o wizę nie ma wolnego wyboru co do państwa członkowskiego w momencie ubiegania się o wizę; wniosek należy złożyć w konsulacie państwa członkowskiego, którego terytorium stanowi jedyny cel wizyty, lub w przypadku, gdy przewidywane są wizyty w większej liczbie państw członkowskich, w konsulacie państwa członkowskiego, którego terytorium stanowi główny cel wizyty, jeśli chodzi o długość pobytu lub jego cel.

Wiza zostaje unieważniona, w przypadku gdy oczywistym jest, że warunki będące podstawą jej wydania nie były spełnione w momencie wydania wiz, w szczególności jeśli istnieją wyraźne przesłanki, na podstawie których można stwierdzić, że wiza została wydana z naruszeniem prawa (114). Jeśli w momencie złożenia wniosku o wizę wnioskodawca, w celu obejścia zasad dotyczących określenia państwa członkowskiego dla celów rozpatrzenia wniosku wizowego, składa oświadczenie lub przedkłada dokumenty, które nie pokrywają się z jego rzeczywistymi intencjami dotyczącymi podróży, można uznać, że istnieją przesłanki, aby stwierdzić, że wiza została wydana z naruszeniem prawa i z tego powodu należy ją unieważnić.

Komisja nie może zająć żadnego stanowiska w przywołanej sprawie, ponieważ nie dysponuje żadnymi informacjami na temat odnośnego stanu faktycznego, lecz postara się uzyskać informacje od władz niemieckich i polskich.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003442/12

to the Commission

Paweł Zalewski (PPE)

(29 March 2012)

Subject: EU‐wide validity of visas held by Ukrainian citizens

According to the Internet editions of leading Ukrainian media sources — including TSN of 12 March 2012, UNIAN of 13 March 2012, Deutsche Welle Ukrainian edition of 15 March 2012, and Radio Svoboda of 22 March 2012 — on 10 March 2012, German police from the border town of Görlitz carried out an inspection of a tourist coach from Ukraine which was travelling through Poland and Germany. This inspection resulted in the detention of six Ukrainian tourists, who were immediately forced to leave Germany, though all of them had valid Schengen visas entitling them to travel throughout the European Union. Their long‐stay business visas were issued by one of Poland’s consulates in Ukraine.

The German Embassy in Kiev officially justified the police’s conduct by referring to regulations stipulating that a citizen of a given non‐EU country who has a Schengen visa issued by another Member State may move freely within the territory of the Federal Republic of Germany only for the purposes stipulated in the visa. The visa holder should prove and document the visa’s type and the purpose of travel. It therefore seems that a dangerous precedent is being set, posing a real threat to over 300 000 Ukrainians who have multiple‐entry Schengen visas.

In this connection:

| Did the Ukrainian businessmen who travelled to Germany as tourists break the law of the Schengen Area by using valid business visas? |
| --- |

Did the Ukrainian businessmen who travelled to Germany as tourists break the law of the Schengen Area by using valid business visas?

| If they did indeed break the law, what specific provisions were violated? |
| --- |

If they did indeed break the law, what specific provisions were violated?

| Does possessing a valid business visa issued by a given Member State make it impossible to move freely throughout the EU for reasons other than business? |
| --- |

Does possessing a valid business visa issued by a given Member State make it impossible to move freely throughout the EU for reasons other than business?

| Does the Commission intend to change procedures in order to allow for the simultaneous possession of business and tourist visas, with no need for the prior cancellation one of the types of visa? |
| --- |

Does the Commission intend to change procedures in order to allow for the simultaneous possession of business and tourist visas, with no need for the prior cancellation one of the types of visa?

Answer given by Ms Malmström on behalf of the Commission

(16 May 2012)

Schengen visa are not purpose bound: if a person has received a multiple-entry visa with a long validity period, i.e. a businessman with proven integrity and reliability and a justified need to travel frequently, he is allowed to use this visa for a tourist trip in the Schengen area. Authorities of other Member States than the issuing one should accept that this type of visa is used also for such tourist trips.

However, it should be noted that a visa applicant must respect the rules of the competent Member State for examining and deciding on a visa application (115). According to these rules, a visa applicant does not have a free choice between Member States' consulates when applying for a visa; their application should be lodged with the consulate of the Member State whose territory constitutes the sole destination of the visit or, if more than one destination is foreseen, the Member State whose territory constitutes the main destination of the visit in terms of length or purpose of the stay.

A visa must be annulled where it is evident that the conditions for issuing the visa were not met at the time when the visa was issued, especially if there are serious grounds for believing that the visa was fraudulently obtained (116) . If, when lodging his visa application, the applicant, in order to circumvent the rules on the determination of the Member State for processing the visa application, makes statements or submits supporting documents which do not match his real travel intentions, it might be considered that there are grounds for believing that the visa was fraudulently obtained and would thus have to be annulled.

The Commission cannot take a position on the case mentioned, as it has no information on the relevant facts, but will seek information from the German and Polish authorities.

(Wersja polska)

Pytanie wymagające odpowiedzi pisemnej E-003443/12

do Komisji

Filip Kaczmarek (PPE)

(29 marca 2012 r.)

Przedmiot: Sytuacja kobiet oblanych kwasem

W krajach muzułmańskich coraz bardziej powszechnym procederem „karania” kobiet jest ich trwałe okaleczenie poprzez oblanie kwasem. Rocznie dochodzi do tysięcy ataków kwasem w wyniku których skóra, tkanka mięśniowa, kości zostają dogłębnie zniszczone. Na skutek urazów większość pokrzywdzonych traci wzrok. Kwas to najpopularniejszy środek wykorzystywany do wymierzania sprawiedliwości na własną rękę przede wszystkim w Pakistanie, Afganistanie i Bangladeszu. Podobne ataki zdarzają się również m.in. w Indiach, Kambodży, Malezji czy Ugandzie. Większość mężczyzn w tych krajach nie ponosi odpowiedzialności za swoje postępowanie. Często nie są nawet ścigani przez organy sprawiedliwości. Takie pobłażanie przestępcom odbija się na psychice skrzywdzonych kobiet.

W związku z powyższym zwracam się z zapytaniem:

| — | Czy Komisja posiada statystki pokazujące skalę tego zjawiska? |
| --- | --- |

—

Czy Komisja posiada statystki pokazujące skalę tego zjawiska?

| — | Czy Komisja podejmuje działania w celu ochrony kobiet przed tak okrutnym procederem? |
| --- | --- |

—

Czy Komisja podejmuje działania w celu ochrony kobiet przed tak okrutnym procederem?

| — | Czy Komisja współpracuje z organizacjami, które mają na celu pomoc kobietom okaleczonym w wyniku oblania ich kwasem? |
| --- | --- |

—

Czy Komisja współpracuje z organizacjami, które mają na celu pomoc kobietom okaleczonym w wyniku oblania ich kwasem?

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

(18 czerwca 2012 r.)

Wysoka Przedstawiciel/Wiceprzewodnicząca Catherine Ashton zdecydowanie potępia ataki z użyciem kwasu, których ofiarami są kobiety. Skutki tych ataków są bardzo destrukcyjne.

Nie prowadzi się statystyk dotyczących przypadków polewania kwasem, ale delegacje UE z uwagą i zaniepokojeniem śledzą informacje na temat aktów przemocy wymierzonych przeciwko kobietom, w tym na temat ataków przy użyciu kwasu.

W 2008 r. UE przyjęła wytyczne w sprawie przemocy wobec kobiet i dziewcząt oraz ich dyskryminacji; w wytycznych wyraźnie określono, że głównym celem zewnętrznej polityki UE w zakresie praw człowieka jest zwalczanie przemocy wobec kobiet i ich dyskryminacji. Ponad 80 delegatur UE na świecie uznało prawa kobiet i zwalczanie przemocy wobec kobiet za obszar priorytetowy w krajowych strategiach w dziedzinie praw człowieka; większość z nich ustaliło także konkretne działania, które zostaną podjęte w państwach przyjmujących. Ponadto zgodnie z tymi wytycznymi UE zobowiązała się reagować w trybie pilnym na poszczególne przypadki stosowania przemocy, głównie w drodze interwencji dyplomatycznych.

Co więcej, UE jest czynnie zaangażowana w promowanie praw kobiet poprzez rozpowszechnianie praw człowieka oraz prowadzenie dialogu politycznego i konsultacji z krajami partnerskimi. UE będzie w dalszym ciągu zabierać głos w celu zwiększania wiedzy na temat przemocy przy użyciu kwasu, a także opracuje skuteczne metody reagowania zarówno na szczeblu krajowym, jak i międzynarodowym oraz nie będzie ustawać w wysiłkach podejmowanych w tym obszarze.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003443/12

to the Commission

Filip Kaczmarek (PPE)

(29 March 2012)

Subject: Situation of women who have had acid thrown in their faces

Throwing acid in women’s faces resulting in permanent injury is an increasingly common method of ‘punishing’ women in Muslim countries. There are thousands of acid attacks every year in which lasting damage is inflicted on skin, muscular tissue and bones. As a result of injuries most of the victims lose their sight. Acid is the most popular substance used to ‘do justice’ as a private individual, above all in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh. Similar attacks also take place in India, Cambodia, Malaysia and Uganda. In those countries most men are not held to account for their actions. They are often even not pursued by the judicial authorities. Such leniency towards offenders has a negative effect on the psychological state of the harmed women.

I would therefore like to pose the following questions:

| — | Is the Commission in possession of statistics showing the scale of this phenomenon? |
| --- | --- |

—

Is the Commission in possession of statistics showing the scale of this phenomenon?

| — | Is the Commission taking action to protect women against this inhuman procedure? |
| --- | --- |

—

Is the Commission taking action to protect women against this inhuman procedure?

| — | Is the Commission collaborating with organisations that aim at helping women injured as a result of acid being thrown at their faces? |
| --- | --- |

—

Is the Commission collaborating with organisations that aim at helping women injured as a result of acid being thrown at their faces?

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

(18 June 2012)

The HR/VP strongly condemns acid attacks on women, the effects of which are particularly destructive.

Statistics about acid throwing cases are not collected but, EU Delegations do follow closely and with concern, cases of violence against women, including acid attacks.

In 2008, the EU adopted Guidelines on violence and discrimination against women and girls, which clearly set the fight against violence and discrimination against women as a key objective of the EU's external human rights policy. More than 80 EU Delegations around the world had identified rights of women and fighting violence against women a as priority area in the human rights country strategies, the majority also identifying concrete actions to be implemented in their host countries. In addition, under the Guidelines, the EU is committed to reacting urgently to individual violations, mainly through diplomatic demarches.

Moreover, the EU actively promotes the human rights of women through its human rights and other political dialogues and consultations with partner countries. The EU will remain vocal in increasing awareness of acid violence and develop effective responses at the national and international level and will continue its efforts in this area.

(Wersja polska)

Pytanie wymagające odpowiedzi pisemnej E-003444/12

do Komisji

Joanna Senyszyn (S&D)

(29 marca 2012 r.)

Przedmiot: Otwarte Fundusze Emerytalne

Miliony obywateli w Polsce jest ustawowo zobowiązanych do gromadzenia środków na swą przyszłą emeryturę na rachunkach otwartych funduszy emerytalnych (OFE).

Zgodnie z dyrektywą 2004/39/WE PE i Rady z dnia 21 kwietnia 2004 r. w sprawie rynków instrumentów finansowych – art. 19 ust. 3, OFE powinny były udzielić swoim potencjalnym klientom kompleksowych informacji dotyczących m.in. instrumentów finansowych, strategii inwestycyjnych, tak aby mogli oni zrozumieć charakter oraz ryzyko związane z usługą inwestycyjną, a co za tym idzie, mogli podjąć świadome decyzje inwestycyjne. Na podstawie tych informacji, zgodnie z ww. dyrektywą, Polacy mogliby podjąć decyzję o przynależności do OFE. Tymczasem nie zostali poinformowani o niczym. Przeciwnie, opinii publicznej obiecywano, dzięki OFE, bogate życia i wakacje pod palmami. Jednakże, nawet gdyby informacja była prawdziwa, niczego by to nie zmieniło, gdyż przynależność do prywatnych OFE jest obowiązkowa dla wszystkich osób czynnych zawodowo, urodzonych po 1968 r.

Fundusze, których celem miało być pomnażanie składek przyszłych emerytów, głównie je tracą. Tylko w 2011 r. OFE straciły około 12 mld zł z 15 mld zł otrzymanych składek! I nie jest to pierwsza tego typu strata. W 2008 r. straciły ponad 30 mld zł. W efekcie, zgromadzone w OFE środki wzrosły mniej niż gdyby były złożone na jakimkolwiek rachunku bankowym. Podczas gdy OFE tracą nasze pieniądze, właściciele PTE zarabiają rocznie 600‐800 mln zł.

Żaden wysoko rozwinięty kraj – np. Niemcy, Francja czy Włochy – nie wprowadził takich przymusowych OFE jak Polska. Węgry już zmieniły przynależność do OFE z obowiązkowej na dobrowolną.

Zwracam się do Komisji z pytaniem:

| — | Kiedy i jakie środki zastosuje wobec rządu RP, aby przymusić Polskę do implementacji Dyrektywy 2004/39/WE? |
| --- | --- |

—

Kiedy i jakie środki zastosuje wobec rządu RP, aby przymusić Polskę do implementacji Dyrektywy 2004/39/WE?

Odpowiedź udzielona przez komisarza Michela Barniera w imieniu Komisji

(25 maja 2012 r.)

Wspomniana przez Szanowną Panią Poseł dyrektywa 2004/39/WE (tzw. MiFID) reguluje świadczenie w UE usług inwestycyjnych związanych z instrumentami finansowymi wyszczególnionymi w dyrektywie. Obszar usług inwestycyjnych obejmuje szereg różnych usług, takich jak doradztwo inwestycyjne, wykonywanie zleceń w imieniu klientów, zarządzanie portfelem w odniesieniu do instrumentów finansowych (np. akcji, obligacji, instrumentów pochodnych i innych). Fundusze emerytalne nie są uznane w MiFID jako instrumenty finansowe, w związku z tym ich dystrybucja nie jest objęta przepisami tej dyrektywy.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003444/12

to the Commission

Joanna Senyszyn (S&D)

(29 March 2012)

Subject: Open pension funds

Millions of Polish citizens are legally obliged to accumulate funds for their future pensions in open pension fund accounts (OPF).

Pursuant to Article 19(3) of Directive 2004/39/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 April 2004 on markets in financial instruments, the OPFs should have provided their potential customers with comprehensive information on financial instruments and investment strategies to enable them to understand the nature and risks of the investment service and, consequently, to take informed investment decisions. On the basis of this information, pursuant to the abovementioned Directive, Poles would be able to decide whether to join an OPF or not. However, they received no information whatsoever. On the contrary, the general public was promised a wealthy lifestyle and exotic holidays thanks to the OPF system. Yet even if the information had been correct, it would not have made any difference, since participation in private OPFs is compulsory for all individuals active in the labour market born after 1968.

Funds that were intended to produce a return on future pensioners’ contributions mainly lose them. In 2011 alone, the OPFs lost some PLN 12 billion out of PLN 15 billion of contributions received. Furthermore, this is not the first such loss. In 2008, the OPFs lost over PLN 30 billion. As a result, the funds accumulated in the OPF increased at a lesser rate than they would have had they been deposited in any bank account. While the OPFs are losing our money, the owners of private pension fund companies are earning between PLN 600 million and 800 million annually.

None of the highly developed countries, such as Germany, France or Italy, have introduced obligatory OPFs as Poland has. Hungary has already abolished compulsory OPF contributions, which can now be made on a voluntary basis.

I would like to ask the Commission the following question:

| — | What measures will the Commission apply against the Polish Government, and within what timeframe, in order to force Poland to implement Directive 2004/39/EC? |
| --- | --- |

—

What measures will the Commission apply against the Polish Government, and within what timeframe, in order to force Poland to implement Directive 2004/39/EC?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(25 May 2012)

Directive 2004/39/EC (so called MiFID), mentioned by the Honorable Member, regulates the provision of investment services related to the financial instruments listed in the directive in the EU. The area of investment services includes a number of different services such as investment advice, execution of orders on behalf of clients, portfolio management relating to financial instruments (such as shares, bonds, derivatives and others). Pension funds are not recognised as financial instruments in the MiFID; therefore their distribution is not covered under MiFID.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-003445/12

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(29 de março de 2012)

Assunto: Desnutrição

O Grupo de Estudo da Desnutrição da Associação Portuguesa de Nutrição Entérica e Parentérica, alerta para o facto de a desnutrição poder ser uma doença, bem como a causa ou consequência de outras patologias.

É previsível que, mediante a atual conjuntura, os custos da desnutrição na Europa aumentem nos próximos anos.

A desnutrição é uma doença evitável, pelo que devem ser implementadas estratégias preventivas a nível comunitário. Tais estratégias irão permitir alcançar potenciais benefícios diretos e indiretos.

Pergunto à Comissão:

| — | Que estratégias estão previstas a este propósito na UE? |
| --- | --- |

—

Que estratégias estão previstas a este propósito na UE?

Resposta dada por John Dalli em nome da Comissão

(22 de maio de 2012)

Em 2007, a Comissão adotou a comunicação ₫Uma estratégia para a Europa em matéria de problemas de saúde ligados à nutrição, ao excesso de peso e à obesidade₻ (117) que, para além de se debruçar sobre a obesidade, também contribui para a redução dos riscos associados à má alimentação e à falta de exercício físico em sentido lato (118). A avaliação final da estratégia está em curso e o respetivo relatório estará disponível no início de 2013.

Além disso, no âmbito da estratégia Europa 2020, a iniciativa emblemática ₫Plataforma europeia contra a pobreza e a exclusão social₻ (119) prevê medidas para reduzir estes dois fenómenos, precursores da desnutrição.

A Comissão está também a atuar no sentido de corrigir as desigualdades no domínio da saúde, tal como referido na Comunicação da Comissão ₫Solidariedade na saúde₻ (120). Aqui se incluem a promoção de boas práticas e o intercâmbio das mesmas entre os Estados-Membros, nomeadamente através de projetos financiados ao abrigo do Programa de Saúde e do 7.° Programa-Quadro de Investigação da UE.

Ademais, a Comissão apoia também medidas concretas com vista a corrigir situações de fragilidade fisiológica e desnutrição, que constituem uma das três prioridades em matéria de prevenção, despistagem e diagnóstico precoce contempladas no plano estratégico da parceria europeia de inovação no domínio do envelhecimento ativo e saudável (121).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003445/12

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(29 March 2012)

Subject: Malnutrition

The Malnutrition Study Group of the Portuguese Association of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition warns that malnutrition can be a disease, as well as a cause or a consequence of other pathologies.

It is predicted from the current situation that the costs of malnutrition in Europe will increase over the coming years.

Malnutrition is a preventable disease, for which preventive strategies must be implemented at Community level. Such strategies will entail potential direct and indirect benefits.

Can the Commission answer the following question:

| — | What strategies are foreseen for this purpose in the EU? |
| --- | --- |

—

What strategies are foreseen for this purpose in the EU?

Answer given by Mr Dalli on behalf of the Commission

(22 May 2012)

In 2007, the Commission adopted ‘A Strategy for Europe on Nutrition, Overweight and Obesity-related health issues’ (122) which focuses on addressing obesity and also contributes to reducing the risks associated with poor nutrition and limited physical activity in a wider sense (123). Currently, the strategy is undergoing its final evaluation and an evaluation report will be available in early 2013.

In addition, within the Europe 2020 strategy, the flagship initiative ‘European platform against poverty and social exclusion’ (124) sets out actions to reduce poverty and social exclusion, precursors of malnutrition.

The Commission is also taking action to address health inequalities as outlined in the communication ‘Solidarity in Health: Reducing Health Inequalities in the EU’ (125). This includes facilitating the development and exchange of good practice among Member States for example through projects funded under the EU Health Programme and the 7th Research Framework Programme.

Furthermore, the Commission is also encouraging concrete action to address physiological frailty and malnutrition, as one of the three priorities for action under ‘Prevention, screening and early diagnostics’ of the Strategic Implementation Plan of the European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing (126).

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-003446/12

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(29 de março de 2012)

Assunto: PIF 4 — Gene que pode ajudar na luta contra as alterações climáticas

Um artigo publicado na revista Nature revelou a descoberta de um gene denominado PIF 4, que faz as plantas florirem quando o tempo aquece.

Esta descoberta pode ajudar a perceber como é que os ecossistemas vão evoluir com o aumento das temperaturas, e porque estes processos são importantes para a proteção das culturas agrícolas.

Pergunto à Comissão:

| — | Tem conhecimento da recente descoberta do gene PIF 4? Como a avalia? |
| --- | --- |

—

Tem conhecimento da recente descoberta do gene PIF 4? Como a avalia?

Resposta dada por Máire Goghegan-Quinn em nome da Comissão

(25 de maio de 2012)

Um artigo recente da Nature refere a possibilidade de o fator de transcrição PIF 4 das plantas estar implicado no controlo da ativação termossensorial da floração da Arabidopsis thaliana. O responsável pelo projeto, no grupo que efetua os trabalhos, foi apoiado parcialmente pelo programa ₫Ideias₻ do 7.° Programa‐Quadro de Investigação e Desenvolvimento Tecnológico (2007/2013). A Comissão regista esta interessante descoberta e as suas potencialidades para melhorar a adaptação das plantas às alterações climáticas, caso venha a ser confirmada em culturas agrícolas.

Vários projetos ao abrigo do 7.° Programa‐Quadro (nomeadamente os projetos Rootopower (127), EURoot (128), Abstress (129), Aeneas (130), Adaptawheat (131)) investigam, com base em modelos (de plantas e culturas), a adaptação das plantas às alterações climáticas. Estes projetos estudam os mecanismos subjacentes à resposta das plantas aos fatores de stress abiótico e proporcionam aos produtores instrumentos para minimizar os efeitos das alterações climáticas no aprovisionamento sustentável de alimentos para consumo humano e animal. O projeto Aeneas focaliza‐se nos mecanismos epigenéticos de regulação da Arabidopsis thaliana, incluindo o controlo do desencadeamento da floração, a interação com sinais ambientais e a transposição dos conhecimentos adquiridos para plantas utilizadas na produção agrícola, como o milho. Por seu turno, o projeto Adaptawheat tem por objetivo modular os principais genes implicados na floração, alguns dos quais se inscrevem no mecanismo de sinalização descrito no artigo da Nature, por forma a conferir às plantas vantagens adaptativas.

A investigação sobre os mecanismos de adaptação das plantas é considerada de grande importância para o desenvolvimento da agricultura e da bioeconomia e será apoiada pela Comissão ao abrigo do último convite à apresentação de propostas do 7.° Programa‐Quadro e da iniciativa Horizonte 2020.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003446/12

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(29 March 2012)

Subject: PIF 4 — The gene that could help in the fight against climate change

An article published in the journal Nature has announced the discovery of a gene called PIF 4, which causes plants to flower when the temperature rises.

This discovery could help in understanding how ecosystems will develop as temperatures rise and why these processes are important for crop protection.

Can the Commission answer the following questions:

| — | Is it aware of the recent discovery of the PIF 4 gene? What is its opinion of it? |
| --- | --- |

—

Is it aware of the recent discovery of the PIF 4 gene? What is its opinion of it?

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

(25 May 2012)

A recent paper in Nature implicated the plant transcription factor PIF4 in the control of thermosensory activation of flowering in Arabidopsis thaliana. The project leader of the group performing the work was partially supported by the Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (FP7, 2007-2013) Ideas programme. The Commission takes note of this interesting discovery and its potential for improving adaptation of plants to climate change, if confirmed in agricultural crops.

A number of FP7 research projects investigate plant (model plants and crops) adaptation to climate change (e.g. ROOTOPOWER (132), EURoot (133), ABSTRESS (134), Aeneas (135), ADAPTAWHEAT (136)). These projects study the mechanisms underlying plant response to abiotic stresses and create tools for breeders to alleviate the effect of climate change on sustainable food/feed supply. The Aeneas project is focusing on the epigenetic regulatory pathways in Arabidopsis thaliana, including the control of flowering time, interacting with environmental signals and transferring this knowledge to arable crop plants, such as maize. The ADAPTAWHEAT project aims at modulating key flowering genes, some of which are part of the signalling pathway described in the Nature paper, and conferring adaptive advantages.

Research into plant adaptation mechanisms is considered of high importance for the development of agriculture and the bioeconomy, and will be supported by the Commission under the last call of FP7 and under Horizon 2020.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-003447/12

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(29 de março de 2012)

Assunto: Bactéria mortal encontrada numa unidade pediátrica britânica

Uma epidemia causada por uma bactéria mortal já matou quatro bebés na Irlanda do Norte, nos últimos meses. A mesma bactéria já foi detetada numa unidade de cuidados intensivos neonatais em Inglaterra.

Pergunto à Comissão:

| — | Tem conhecimento desta situação? |
| --- | --- |

—

Tem conhecimento desta situação?

| — | Que informação possui até ao momento acerca da referida bactéria? |
| --- | --- |

—

Que informação possui até ao momento acerca da referida bactéria?

| — | Que grau de perigosidade e de propagação atribui à mesma? |
| --- | --- |

—

Que grau de perigosidade e de propagação atribui à mesma?

| — | Até à data, em que países da UE há registos da sua presença? |
| --- | --- |

—

Até à data, em que países da UE há registos da sua presença?

Resposta dada por John Dalli em nome da Comissão

(16 de maio de 2012)

A Comissão está ao corrente das mortes trágicas de um bebé num hospital de Londonderry em dezembro de 2011 e de três bebés numa unidade neonatal em Belfast em janeiro de 2012 devido a uma infeção pela Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

A Pseudomonas aeruginosa está frequentemente presente no solo e nas águas estagnadas. Não ataca habitualmente as pessoas saudáveis, mas provoca infeções graves se as defesas normais estiverem enfraquecidas. A Pseudomonas aeruginosa é, por conseguinte, uma importante causa de infeção nos doentes hospitalizados mais vulneráveis, na maioria dos casos os doentes em unidades de cuidados intensivos, os imunocomprometidos, por exemplo, os doentes cancerosos, os grandes queimados e os prematuros em unidades neonatais.

O Centro Europeu para a Prevenção e Controlo das Doenças refere no seu último relatório (137) que a alta resistência a vários agentes antimicrobianos em isolados de Pseudomonas aeruginosa tem sido notificada por muitos Estados-Membros, especialmente nos países do Sul e do Leste europeus. A resistência múltipla é frequente e a resistência aos carbapenemes (um dos antibióticos de último recurso para muitas infeções bacterianas) é superior a 10 % em mais de metade dos países declarantes.

Ciente do grave problema de saúde pública causado pelas infeções associadas aos cuidados de saúde, a Comissão elaborou, em 2008, uma proposta de recomendação do Conselho sobre a segurança dos doentes, incluindo a prevenção e o controlo de infeções associadas aos cuidados de saúde. O Conselho adotou a recomendação em junho de 2009 (138) e a Comissão apresentará um relatório sobre a aplicação desta recomendação em junho de 2012. Além disso, a Comissão adotou recentemente um plano de ação que contempla iniciativas destinadas a combater a resistência antimicrobiana.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003447/12

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(29 March 2012)

Subject: Deadly bacterium found in a British paediatric unit

In recent months, an epidemic caused by a deadly bacterium has killed four babies in Northern Ireland. The same bacterium has also been detected in a British neonatal intensive care unit.

Can the Commission answer the following questions:

| — | Is it aware of this situation? |
| --- | --- |

—

Is it aware of this situation?

| — | What information does it currently have about this bacterium? |
| --- | --- |

—

What information does it currently have about this bacterium?

| — | What is the degree of danger and propagation accorded it? |
| --- | --- |

—

What is the degree of danger and propagation accorded it?

| — | In which EU countries has its presence been recorded to date? |
| --- | --- |

—

In which EU countries has its presence been recorded to date?

Answer given by Mr Dalli on behalf of the Commission

(16 May 2012)

The Commission is aware of the tragic death of a baby at a Londonderry hospital in December 2011 and of three babies that died at a neo-natal unit in Belfast in January 2012, following an infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is found widely in soil and stagnant water. It does not usually cause illness in healthy people, but causes serious infection when normal defences are weakened. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is therefore an important cause of infection in the most vulnerable hospital patients: most commonly intensive care patients, those with depleted immune systems such as cancer patients, people with severe burns and premature babies in neonatal units.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control states in its latest report (139) that high resistance to several antimicrobials in Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates have been reported by many Member States, especially in southern and eastern Europe. Multidrug resistance is frequent and resistance to carbapenems (one of the antibiotics of last resort for many bacterial infections) is above 10% in more than half of the reporting countries.

Recognising the serious public health problem caused by healthcare associated infections, the Commission developed in 2008 a proposal for a Council Recommendation on patient safety, including the prevention and control of healthcare associated infections. The Council adopted the recommendation in June 2009 (140) and the Commission will report on the implementation of this recommendation in June 2012. The Commission has also recently adopted an Action Plan putting forward initiatives to fight anti microbial resistance.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-003448/12

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(29 de março de 2012)

Assunto: Abusos laborais a emigrantes portugueses

Segundo o jornal português Diário de Notícias, estima-se que em Portugal tenham emigrado 150 mil pessoas no ano passado, o que significa que o país está muito perto da maior vaga de emigração de sempre, que diz respeito a 1970.

O aumento do desemprego registado faz com que, infelizmente, muitos jovens recém‐licenciados sejam obrigados a emigrar e a começar uma vida quase do zero.

Contudo, a Secretaria de Estado das Comunidades tem recebido nos últimos tempos muitas denúncias de emigrantes portugueses que se prendem com abusos laborais. Entre eles: salários inferiores ao prometido, empresas que deixam de pagar e emigrantes desempregados que veem os seus apoios sociais serem negados.

Pergunto à Comissão:

| — | Tem conhecimento de abusos laborais a emigrantes portugueses? Qual ou quais? |
| --- | --- |

—

Tem conhecimento de abusos laborais a emigrantes portugueses? Qual ou quais?

| — | De que forma pondera a Comissão intervir no sentido de dar apoio aos cidadãos da UE que sejam alvo de abusos laborais dentro e fora do espaço europeu? |
| --- | --- |

—

De que forma pondera a Comissão intervir no sentido de dar apoio aos cidadãos da UE que sejam alvo de abusos laborais dentro e fora do espaço europeu?

Resposta dada por László Andor em nome da Comissão

(25 de maio de 2012)

A legislação da UE em matéria de livre circulação dos trabalhadores proíbe qualquer discriminação baseada na nacionalidade entre trabalhadores dos Estados-Membros no que se refere ao emprego, à remuneração e outras condições de trabalho e emprego. O artigo 45.° do TFUE e o Regulamento (UE) n.° 492/2011 (141), em especial, produzem efeito direto, pelo que os trabalhadores migrantes que são alvo de discriminações e abusos relacionados com o trabalho por parte de empregadores privados noutro Estado-Membro podem invocar essa legislação da UE perante as autoridades nacionais.

A Comissão está empenhada em desenvolver as iniciativas necessárias para prestar assistência (em termos de informação e de aconselhamento) aos trabalhadores migrantes da UE no exercício dos seus direitos de livre circulação. Tendo isso em conta, a Comissão prevê apresentar uma nova iniciativa até ao final de 2012, com vista a sensibilizar os cidadãos da UE e seus familiares que se deslocam no interior da UE para os seus direitos ao abrigo da legislação da UE e para os meios disponíveis para aplicar esses direitos.

A Comissão tomou conhecimento de várias situações de abusos relacionados com o trabalho que afetaram trabalhadores destacados de várias nacionalidades. Em 21 de março de 2012, adotou uma proposta (142) respeitante à execução da Diretiva relativa ao destacamento de trabalhadores que tem por objetivo prevenir e sancionar esses abusos e melhorar a proteção dos trabalhadores destacados na UE. Além disso, a Comissão promove ativamente iniciativas, como a Agenda para o Trabalho Digno, e coopera com organizações internacionais e países terceiros com vista a implementar normas laborais a nível mundial.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003448/12

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(29 March 2012)

Subject: Work-related abuses of Portuguese emigrants

According to the Portuguese newspaper Diário de Notícias, it is estimated that 150 000 people have emigrated from Portugal in the last year, meaning that the country is very close to its largest wave of emigration ever, which was in 1970.

Unfortunately, increasing unemployment means that many recently graduated young people are obliged to emigrate and to start their lives almost from scratch.

However, the Secretariat of State for Portuguese Communities has recently received many reports of Portuguese emigrants being caught up in work-related abuses. These include lower wages than were promised, companies failing to pay and unemployed emigrants being denied their benefits.

Can the Commission say:

| — | Is it aware of Portuguese emigrants suffering work-related abuses and what are they? |
| --- | --- |

—

Is it aware of Portuguese emigrants suffering work-related abuses and what are they?

| — | What intervention is the Commission considering in support of EU citizens subjected to work-related abuses inside and outside the Union? |
| --- | --- |

—

What intervention is the Commission considering in support of EU citizens subjected to work-related abuses inside and outside the Union?

Answer given by Mr Andor on behalf of the Commission

(25 May 2012)

EC law on the free movement of workers prohibits any discrimination based on nationality between workers of the Member States as regards employment, remuneration and other conditions of work and employment. Article 45 TFEU and Regulation (EU) No 492/2011 (143), in particular, have direct effect and migrant workers who suffer from discrimination and work-related abuse by private employers in another Member State could therefore invoke such EU legislation before the national authorities.

The Commission is committed to developing appropriate initiatives to provide support (both information and advice) for EU migrant workers in exercising their right of free movement. In view of this, it plans to present a new initiative by the end of 2012 to help EU citizens and their family members moving within the EU to be more aware of their rights under EC law and of the remedies available to enforce them.

The Commission has become aware of several situations of work-related abuse concerning posted workers of various nationalities. On 21 March 2012 it adopted a proposal (144) for an enforcement directive on the posting of workers to prevent and penalise such abuse and to improve the protection of posted workers in the EU. In addition, the Commission actively promotes initiatives such as the Decent Work Agenda and works with international organisations and third countries to implement labour standards worldwide.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-003449/12

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(29 de março de 2012)

Assunto: Declarações do Comissário do Emprego

O comissário europeu do Emprego, Assuntos Sociais e Inclusão, László Andor, defende o aumento da idade da reforma nos países europeus como forma de responder ao envelhecimento da população e ao maior peso das reformas. László Andor refere ainda que ₫devemos trabalhar mais tempo, porque vivemos mais tempo.₻

Estas declarações foram recentemente proferidas numa conferência realizada em Bruxelas onde o comissário explicou que ₫Se as pessoas trabalharem até aí (70 anos) ainda podem esperar viver mais 14 anos e a maioria refere que depois dos 65 ainda se sente com energia₻.

Pergunto à Comissão:

| — | Existem dados estatísticos que comprovem os números referidos? |
| --- | --- |

—

Existem dados estatísticos que comprovem os números referidos?

| — | Tem conhecimento de estudos realizados que permitam estabelecer uma relação entre estes dois vetores? |
| --- | --- |

—

Tem conhecimento de estudos realizados que permitam estabelecer uma relação entre estes dois vetores?

| — | Em caso afirmativo, se esses mesmos estudos indicam que o facto de vivermos mais tempo pressupõe manter a mesma qualidade de vida de quando se é jovem? |
| --- | --- |

—

Em caso afirmativo, se esses mesmos estudos indicam que o facto de vivermos mais tempo pressupõe manter a mesma qualidade de vida de quando se é jovem?

Resposta dada por László Andor em nome da Comissão

(15 de maio de 2012)

Nas Análises Anuais do Crescimento para 2011 e 2012 e no Livro Branco (145) sobre pensões, a Comissão sublinhou a necessidade de se permanecer no mundo laboral durante mais tempo para manter um equilíbrio adequado entre o tempo passado a trabalhar e o tempo na reforma, dado que as pessoas, de um modo geral, têm uma maior longevidade do que no passado. O Ano Europeu do Envelhecimento Ativo e da Solidariedade entre Gerações (2012) salienta este aspeto e apoia as políticas destinadas a facilitar o envelhecimento ativo e saudável.

O Eurostat compilou recentemente dados estatísticos sobre o envelhecimento, na brochura ₫Active ageing and solidarity between generations
  ₻ (146). Esta publicação torna evidente a necessidade das várias iniciativas que a Comissão Europeia está a desenvolver nesta área, designadamente a Parceria Europeia de Inovação para o Envelhecimento Ativo e Saudável (147) que se centra na prevenção, despistagem e diagnóstico precoce; cuidados de saúde e tratamentos; bem como envelhecimento ativo e autonomia. O seu objetivo principal é acrescentar, até 2020, dois anos ao tempo médio de vida saudável na UE27.

O Eurobarómetro especial sobre o envelhecimento ativo (148) recolheu informações sobre as atitudes da população no que se refere ao envelhecimento ativo e saudável tendo verificado, em particular, que um terço dos inquiridos deseja continuar a trabalhar para além da idade da reforma e que a possibilidade de combinar trabalho a tempo parcial e uma pensão parcial é atrativa para a maioria dos cidadãos (65 %).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003449/12

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(29 March 2012)

Subject: Statements by the Commissioner for Employment

The Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, László Andor, advocates increasing the retirement age in European countries in response to population ageing and the increased burden on pensions. László Andor also said, ‘we must work longer because we live longer’.

These statements were made at a recent conference held in Brussels where the Commissioner explained that, ‘If people work until then (70 years of age) they can still expect to live for a further 14 years and the majority state that they still feel full of life after 65’.

I ask the Commission:

| — | Are these claims substantiated by statistical data? |
| --- | --- |

—

Are these claims substantiated by statistical data?

| — | Is it aware of any studies that establish a relationship between these two vectors? |
| --- | --- |

—

Is it aware of any studies that establish a relationship between these two vectors?

| — | If so, do these studies indicate that living longer presupposes maintaining the same quality of life as when young? |
| --- | --- |

—

If so, do these studies indicate that living longer presupposes maintaining the same quality of life as when young?

Answer given by Mr Andor on behalf of the Commission

(15 May 2012)

In the Annual Growth Surveys for 2011 and 2012 and the White Paper (149) on pensions, the Commission stressed the need to work longer to maintain an appropriate balance between time spent in work and time spent in retirement, given that people are on average living longer than in the past. The 2012 European Year for active ageing and solidarity between the generations highlights this and supports policies aimed at facilitating active and healthy ageing.

Statistical evidence on ageing has recently been compiled by Eurostat in the booklet ‘Active ageing and solidarity between generations’ (150). This publication makes clear the need for various initiatives the European Commission is taking forward in this area, notably the European Innovation Partnership for active and healthy ageing (151) which is focused on prevention, screening and early diagnosis; care and cure; and active ageing and independent living. Its overarching target is to increase by two years the average number of healthy lifespan within the EU‐27 population by 2020.

The Special Eurobarometer on Active Ageing (152) gathered information on people's attitudes to active and healthy ageing and found in particular that a third of respondents want to continue working past retirement age and that the option to combine part-time work and a partial pension is appealing to the majority of citizens (65%).

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-003451/12

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(29 de março de 2012)

Assunto: Orçamento Europeu para 2013

Foi veiculado recentemente que o orçamento da União Europeia se encontra numa situação crítica. A Comissão Europeia confirmou estar com dificuldades em encontrar 11 mil milhões de euros para reembolsar as faturas apresentadas pelos Estados em finais de 2011, admitindo estar a negociar um orçamento retificativo para, pelo menos, metade dessa quantia.

Enquanto a Europa tenta salvar a Grécia e o euro, o orçamento comunitário está em vias de entrar em colapso de pagamentos, com um problema político evidente: os grandes contribuintes, solicitados para salvar o euro, mostram-se relutantes em fazer um aumento dos seus contributos nacionais.

Pergunto à Comissão:

| — | Quais as razões apresentadas pela Comissão para as complicações verificadas no reembolso de valores apresentados pelos Estados em finais de 2011? |
| --- | --- |

—

Quais as razões apresentadas pela Comissão para as complicações verificadas no reembolso de valores apresentados pelos Estados em finais de 2011?

| — | Com dificuldades em reforçar o orçamento comunitário, equaciona a possibilidade de, no futuro, dotar o orçamento europeu de recursos próprios? |
| --- | --- |

—

Com dificuldades em reforçar o orçamento comunitário, equaciona a possibilidade de, no futuro, dotar o orçamento europeu de recursos próprios?

Resposta dada por Janusz Lewandowski em nome da Comissão

(24 de maio de 2012)

| 1. | A Comissão remete o Senhor Deputado para as respostas dadas às perguntas escritas E‐001679/2012, P-002587/2012 e E-2497/2012. |
| --- | --- |

1.

A Comissão remete o Senhor Deputado para as respostas dadas às perguntas escritas E‐001679/2012, P-002587/2012 e E-2497/2012.

| 2. | No seu projeto de decisão relativa aos recursos próprios, a Comissão propôs a introdução de dois novos recursos próprios para o período que se inicia em 2014. Na medida em que os novos fluxos de receitas podem ser considerados |
| --- | --- |

2.

No seu projeto de decisão relativa aos recursos próprios, a Comissão propôs a introdução de dois novos recursos próprios para o período que se inicia em 2014. Na medida em que os novos fluxos de receitas podem ser considerados

₫verdadeiros recursos próprios₻, tal como o que tem por base o imposto sobre as transações financeiras, o financiamento do orçamento da UE tornar-se-á menos dependente das receitas baseadas no RNB dos Estados-Membros, obtendo-se assim, um certo grau de autonomia.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003451/12

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(29 March 2012)

Subject: 2013 European budget

It has recently emerged that the European Union budget is in a critical situation. The European Commission has confirmed that it is having difficulties finding EUR 11 billion to pay invoices submitted by Member States in late 2011 and admits to being in the process of negotiating an amended budget for at least half that sum.

As Europe attempts to save Greece and the euro, the EU budget is close to its payments collapsing, and there is a clear political problem: the major contributors, called on to save the euro, are showing their reluctance to increase their national contributions.

Can the Commission answer the following questions:

| — | What are the reasons given by the Commission for difficulties repaying the sums provided by the Member States in late 2011? |
| --- | --- |

—

What are the reasons given by the Commission for difficulties repaying the sums provided by the Member States in late 2011?

| — | Do the problems with increasing the EU budget mean it is considering the possibility of equipping the European budget with own resources in the future? |
| --- | --- |

—

Do the problems with increasing the EU budget mean it is considering the possibility of equipping the European budget with own resources in the future?

Answer given by Mr Lewandowski on behalf of the Commission

(24 May 2012)

| 1. | The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answers to Written Questions E‐001679/2012, P‐002587/2012 and E‐2497/2012. |
| --- | --- |

1.

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answers to Written Questions E‐001679/2012, P‐002587/2012 and E‐2497/2012.

| 2. | In its draft Own Resource Decision, the Commission has proposed the introduction of two new own resources for the period starting in 2014. In as far as new revenue streams can be considered |
| --- | --- |

2.

In its draft Own Resource Decision, the Commission has proposed the introduction of two new own resources for the period starting in 2014. In as far as new revenue streams can be considered

‘genuine own resources’, such as the one based on the Financial Transaction Tax, the financing of the EU budget would become less dependent on Member States' national GNI-based revenues and thus gain a certain degree of autonomy.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-003452/12

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(29 de março de 2012)

Assunto: Prestação de serviço universal

Portugal poderá ser penalizado com uma multa superior a 4 milhões de euros por ter ignorado um acórdão emitido em 2010 pelo Tribunal de Justiça relativo ao exclusivo da Portugal Telecom na prestação do serviço universal.

Segundo a Diretiva Serviço Universal (Diretiva 2002/22/CE) a que os Estados-Membros estão vinculados, Portugal estava obrigado a designar as empresas responsáveis pelo fornecimento dos serviços básicos de telecomunicações através de um procedimento de seleção aberto que não excluísse, a priori, qualquer empresa — como exigem as regras comunitárias das telecomunicações.

As regras de serviço universal determinam que devem estar disponíveis em todo o país serviços básicos como a ligação a uma rede telefónica a um preço razoável, postos públicos e números de emergência gratuitos. Além disso, a seleção de qualquer prestador do serviço universal deve basear-se num procedimento eficiente, objetivo, transparente e não discriminatório, significando que todas as empresas interessadas devem poder participar, não devendo excluir-se nenhuma do concurso, o que justamente terá ocorrido em Portugal.

Pouco tempo antes do final do prazo para a entrada em vigor da diretiva, o Estado atribuiu à Portugal Telecom uma concessão por 30 anos, até 2025.

A Comissão Europeia propôs uma multa diária de 7 571 euros (cada dia que passa em que o Estado não reveja os termos da concessão oferecida até 2025 do serviço universal), depois de Portugal não ter respeitado a ordem do Tribunal de Justiça de 7 de outubro de 2010 e agora pede ao Tribunal que valide esta sanção. A multa diária de 38 984 euros seria aplicada a partir da data do segundo acórdão, caso o Tribunal dê provimento ao pedido da Comissão Europeia, até que Portugal cumpra a decisão original do Tribunal.

Pergunto à Comissão:

| — | Tendo em conta a situação económica e financeira de Portugal, considerando todos quanto se sacrificam para que Portugal possa honrar os seus compromissos, sabendo que nos últimos meses se lançou uma consulta pública com a proposta de regulamento de concurso, não admite rever a situação de Portugal? |
| --- | --- |

—

Tendo em conta a situação económica e financeira de Portugal, considerando todos quanto se sacrificam para que Portugal possa honrar os seus compromissos, sabendo que nos últimos meses se lançou uma consulta pública com a proposta de regulamento de concurso, não admite rever a situação de Portugal?

Resposta dada por Neelie Kroes em nome da Comissão

(21 de maio de 2012)

Em 7 de outubro de 2010, o Tribunal de Justiça da UE decidiu que Portugal não tinha cumprido a sua obrigação, nos termos da Diretiva Serviço Universal, de designar as empresas responsáveis pelo fornecimento dos serviços básicos de telecomunicações através de um procedimento de seleção adequado. Para dar cumprimento à legislação da UE, a seleção de qualquer prestador do serviço universal deve basear-se num procedimento de designação eficiente, transparente e não discriminatório, que não exclua, a priori, nenhuma empresa da possibilidade de ser designada. Tal tem como objetivo garantir a prestação do serviço universal mais eficiente, limitando simultaneamente as distorções de mercado. Uma falha nesta área pode afetar os interesses dos consumidores e dos operadores económicos, bem como os dos potenciais operadores de telecomunicações que pretendam prestar tais serviços.

Desde que o acórdão do Tribunal foi proferido, os serviços da Comissão têm solicitado repetidamente às autoridades portuguesas que tomem as medidas necessárias para dar cumprimento ao acórdão, tendo-as informado de que, na ausência das medidas necessárias, a Comissão remeteria o caso para o Tribunal de Justiça, pedindo a aplicação de sanções financeiras. Contudo, embora o governo português tenha comunicado à Comissão que estavam a ser adotadas medidas para cumprir na íntegra o acórdão do Tribunal de Justiça, ainda não foi realizada, até à data, a seleção do prestador do serviço universal em conformidade com a Diretiva Serviço Universal.

Por conseguinte, em 22 de março de 2012, a Comissão decidiu remeter Portugal para o Tribunal de Justiça, com a proposta de que fossem impostas sanções financeiras. No que se refere às sanções financeiras, é importante salientar que, assim que o Estado-Membro cumpra na íntegra o acórdão do Tribunal de Justiça, é posto termo ao pagamento da sanção pecuniária.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003452/12

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(29 March 2012)

Subject: Universal service provision

Portugal could be penalised with a fine in excess of EUR 4 million for ignoring a 2010 judgment by the Court of Justice of the European Union (ECJ) regarding Portugal Telecom’s exclusive provision of the universal service.

Pursuant to the Universal Service Directive (Directive 2002/22/EC), which is binding for the Member States, Portugal was obliged to appoint the companies responsible for supplying basic telecommunications services through an open selection procedure that did not, a priori, exclude any company, as required by EU telecommunications rules.

The universal service rules lay down that basic services such as connection to a reasonably priced telephone network, public pay-telephones and free emergency numbers should be available throughout the country. Moreover, the choice of universal service should be based on an efficient, objective, transparent and non-discriminatory procedure, meaning that all interested companies should be able to participate and none should be barred from tendering, which is exactly what has happened in Portugal.

Shortly before the deadline when the directive came into force, the Portuguese Government awarded Portugal Telecom a 30-year concession until 2025.

After Portugal failed to respect the ECJ judgment of 7 October 2010, the European Commission suggested a fine of EUR 7 571 per day (for every day until the Portuguese Government reviews the universal services concession offered until 2025) and is now asking the ECJ to validate this penalty. If the ECJ grants the European Commission’s request, a fine of EUR 38 984 per day will be applied from the date of the second judgment until Portugal complies with the ECJ’s original decision.

Can the Commission answer the following question?

— Taking into account Portugal’s economic and financial situation, considering all that has been sacrificed in order for Portugal to be able honour its commitments and given that a public enquiry has been launched into how the tendering process was regulated, will it not consider reviewing Portugal’s situation?

Answer given by Ms Kroes on behalf of the Commission

(21 May 2012)

On 7 October 2010, the EU Court of Justice ruled that Portugal had failed to fulfil its obligation under the Universal Service Directive to designate the companies responsible for providing basic telecom services through the appropriate selection procedure. To comply with EC law, the selection of the universal service provider(s) must be based on an efficient, transparent and non-discriminatory designation mechanism whereby no undertaking is a priori excluded from being designated. This is meant to guarantee the most cost-efficient provision of universal services while limiting undue market distortion. A failure in the domain may affect the interests of individual consumers and economic operators, as well as for the potential telecom operators that would wish to deliver such services.

Since the Court decision, the Commission services asked the Portuguese authorities several times to take the necessary steps to comply with the judgment, informing that in the absence of necessary actions, the Commission would refer the case to the ECJ, asking for financial penalties. However, while the Portuguese Government communicated to the Commission that actions were being taken to fully comply with the judgment of the ECJ, to-date the selection of the universal service provider in accordance with the Universal Service Directive had not taken place.

Consequently, on 22 March 2012, the Commission has decided to refer Portugal to the Court of Justice, with the proposal to impose financial sanctions. With regard to the financial sanctions, it is important to highlight that as soon as the Member State fully complies with the Judgment of the Court of Justice, the penalty payment will be ceased.

(Versiunea în limba română)

Întrebarea cu solicitare de răspuns scris E-003453/12

adresată Comisiei

Corina Creţu (S&D)

(29 martie 2012)

Subiect: Care e poziția Comisiei față de scandalul ACTA, în contextul refuzului Parlamentului European de a trimite acordul în fața Curții Europene de Justiție?

Prevederile ACTA reprezintă o gravă încălcare a drepturilor omului. Sub masca protejării dreptului de autor este îngustată libertatea informației, care a adus atâtea beneficii societății în ultimii ani. Circulația liberă a informației prin internet reprezintă atât o modalitate de informare a publicului larg, cât și o armă eficace împotriva oricăror metode ale cenzurii. ACTA dorește să implementeze un alt abuz deosebit de grav, prin crearea unui Big Brother menit să verifice utilizatorii suspecți de încălcarea prevederilor sale. Deși par norme cu intenții aparent onorabile, prevederile ACTA ar deschide o cutie a Pandorei, făcând loc unor grave imixtiuni în intimitatea personală.

Care este poziția Comisiei față de scandalul ACTA, în contextul respingerii de către Comisia pentru comerț internațional din Parlamentul European a propunerii de trimitere a Acordului comercial de combatere a contrafacerii (ACTA) la Curtea Europeană de Justiție, pentru a verifica eventualele incompatibilități cu Carta drepturilor fundamentale?

Răspuns dat de dl De Gucht în numele Comisiei

(25 mai 2012)

Astfel cum este menționat în răspunsul Comisiei la întrebarea scrisă E-001883/2012 (153), Comisia consideră că ACTA menține un echilibru adecvat între toate drepturile fundamentale implicate, incluzând dreptul la viață privată, dreptul la protecția datelor cu caracter personal, libertatea de exprimare și de informare, precum și dreptul la proprietate, care include proprietatea intelectuală.

Pentru a clarifica definitiv această problemă, Comisia a decis să trimită ACTA la Curtea de Justiție a Uniunii Europene pentru a obține confirmarea deplinei compatibilități a ACTA cu tratatele UE și în special cu Carta drepturilor fundamentale.

Parlamentul are dreptul de a decide dacă trimite sau nu ACTA la Curtea de Justiție, iar acesta nu este un subiect cu privire la care Comisia poate formula comentarii. Totuși, Comisia consideră că răspunsul Curții la solicitarea Comisiei va conține orientări importante care vor fi foarte relevante pentru publicul european și pentru dezbaterea democratică. Prin urmare, Comisia ar recomanda ca Parlamentul să aștepte decizia Curții înainte de a-și stabili poziția referitoare la ACTA.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003453/12

to the Commission

Corina Creţu (S&D)

(29 March 2012)

Subject: Commission position with regard to the ACTA scandal following the refusal of the European Parliament to refer the agreement to the European Court of Justice

The provisions of the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) amount to a serious infringement of human rights. Under the guise of copyright protection, restrictions are being imposed on freedom of information, which has brought so many benefits to society in recent years. The unrestricted supply of information over Internet is both a way to inform the public at large, and an effective weapon against any form of censorship. The ACTA is seeking to introduce another highly inadmissible practice in the form of a Big Brother checking up on users suspected of breaching its provisions. While apparently well intended, the ACTA standards would open a Pandora’s box, leading to serious interference with personal privacy.

What is the Commission’s position with regard to the ACTA scandal following the rejection by the European Parliament’s Committee on International Trade of the proposal to refer the agreement to the European Court of Justice for verification of any incompatibilities with the Charter of Fundamental Rights?

Answer given by Mr De Gucht on behalf of the Commission

(25 May 2012)

As stated in the Commission's reply to Written Question E‐001883/2012 (154), the Commission considers that ACTA strikes an appropriate balance between all fundamental rights at stake, including the rights to privacy, the right to protection of personal data, the freedom of expression and information and the right to property which includes intellectual property.

To definitively clarify this issue, the Commission has decided to refer ACTA to the European Court of Justice to obtain confirmation of the full compatibility of ACTA with the EU Treaties and in particular the Charter of Fundamental Rights.

The Parliament has the right to decide to refer ACTA to the Court of Justice or not and is not a matter for comment by the Commission. The Commission considers, however, that the Court's reply to the Commission referral will provide important guidance which will be righly relevant for the European public and democratic debate. Therefore, the Commission would recommend that the Parliament awaits the Court's decision before determining its own position on ACTA.

(Versiunea în limba română)

Întrebarea cu solicitare de răspuns scris E-003455/12

adresată Comisiei

Corina Creţu (S&D)

(29 martie 2012)

Subiect: Euroregiunile sărăciei: Ce măsuri de combatere a decalajelor severe între regiunile UE are în vedere Comisia?

Bulgaria și România domină prima parte a clasamentului celor mai sărace 20 de regiuni din UE. Între cele 20 de regiuni cu cel mai scăzut PIB pe cap de locuitor din UE, România este prezentă cu șase regiuni, din totalul de opt la nivelul țării, Bulgaria cu cinci din șase, Polonia cu cinci din 16, iar Ungaria cu patru din șapte.

Nord-Estul României se află pe locul al treilea, cu un PIB pe cap de locuitor reprezentând 29,5% din media UE. Potrivit ultimului raport Eurostat, pozițiile următoare sunt ocupate de trei regiuni din România, trei din Bulgaria, una din Ungaria.

Care sunt, în opinia Comisiei, modalitățile de a îmbunătăți nivelul acestor regiuni, ce resimt un puternic decalaj economic comparativ cu restul țărilor europene?

Răspuns dat de dl Hahn în numele Comisiei

(31 mai 2012)

Comisia se angajează să reducă sărăcia și să crească nivelul de dezvoltare al regiunilor rămase în urmă din acest punct de vedere. Politica de coeziune vizează în special regiunile cel mai puțin dezvoltate și oferă un buget de finanțare semnificativ pentru aceste regiuni și țări. Ea promovează o abordare integrată, la nivel local, care combină investițiile în infrastructuri fizice cu cele în infrastructuri intangibile. De exemplu, multe programe combină investițiile în infrastructura de transport cu cele în îmbunătățirea mediului de afaceri și în creșterea posibilităților de educație și formare profesională. Această abordare permite fiecărei țări și regiuni să identifice combinația de politici și investiții care corespunde cel mai bine nevoilor și posibilităților proprii, în vederea unui impact maxim.

De la aderarea la Uniunea Europeană, România și Bulgaria au reușit să îmbunătățească nivelul de dezvoltare al tuturor regiunilor lor, inclusiv al celor mai sărace. Comisia se așteaptă ca acest proces să continue și în viitor. Comisia a propus ca, în perioada următoare, politica de coeziune se continue să se concentreze pe regiunile cel mai puțin dezvoltate din UE, pentru a asigura în continuare realizarea de investiții în regiunile rămase în urmă ca dezvoltare din Europa.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003455/12

to the Commission

Corina Creţu (S&D)

(29 March 2012)

Subject: The Euro-regions of poverty: What measures does the Commission envisage to combat severe disparities between EU regions?

Bulgaria and Romania dominate the top of the ranking of the 20 poorest EU regions. Among the 20 regions with the lowest GDP per capita in the EU, Romania has 6 regions, out of a total of 8 within the country, Bulgaria has 5 out of 6, Poland has 5 out of 16 and Hungary has 4 out of 7.

The north-east of Romania ranks third, with a GDP per capita representing 29.5 % of the EU average. According to the latest Eurostat report, the following positions are occupied by three regions in Romania, three in Bulgaria and one in Hungary.

What are, in the Commission’s opinion, the ways to improve the level of these regions, which experience a strong economic disparity compared with the rest of the European countries?

Answer given by Mr Hahn on behalf of the Commission

(31 May 2012)

The Commission is committed to reducing poverty and improving the level of development in its lagging regions. Cohesion policy targets in particular the least developed regions and provides a significant amount of funding to these regions and countries. It promotes an integrated, place-based approach which combines investments in hard and soft infrastructure. For example, many programmes combine investments in transport infrastructure with improvements in the business environment and more training and education opportunities. This approach allows each country and region to identify the mix of policies and investments that corresponds most to their needs and opportunities to ensure a maximum impact.

Since joining the European Union, Romania and Bulgaria have been able to improve the level of development in all their regions including in the poorest ones. The Commission expects this process to continue also in the future. The Commission has proposed that the next period of cohesion policy maintains its focus on the least developed regions in the EU to continue to provide investments in the lagging regions of Europe.

(Versiunea în limba română)

Întrebarea cu solicitare de răspuns scris E-003456/12

adresată Comisiei

Corina Creţu (S&D)

(29 martie 2012)

Subiect: Cum înțelege Comisia să se implice în identificarea unor soluții viabile de combatere a șomajului?

Mai puțin de șase din zece români cu vârste cuprinse între 15 și 64 de ani aveau un loc de muncă în trimestrul al patrulea din 2011, după cum arată datele publicate de Institutul Național de Statistică. Mai precis, rata de ocupare a populației în vârstă de muncă (15-64 ani) a fost de 57,9%. Această pondere este cu 1,2 procente mai mică față de trimestrul anterior. Dacă ne raportăm la românii cu vârste de 20-64 de ani, rata de ocupare a fost de 62,3%, la o distanță de 7,7 puncte procentuale față de ținta națională de 70% stabilită în contextul Strategiei Europa 2020.

Rata șomajului a atins nivelul cel mai ridicat (25,4%) în rândul tinerilor cu vârste cuprinse între 15 și 24 de ani.

În ce fel înțelege Comisia să se implice în identificarea unor soluții viabile de combatere a șomajului, având în vedere că măsurile de austeritate adoptate de majoritatea guvernelor statelor membre ale UE nu fac decât să adâncească acest fenomen, iar șomajul pe termen lung devine tot mai răspândit în UE?

Răspuns dat de dl. Andor în numele Comisiei

(30 mai 2012)

Comisia Europeană a adoptat Pachetul de măsuri privind ocuparea forței de muncă, document care prezintă metode și instrumente eficiente de promovare a unei refaceri economice generatoare de noi locuri de muncă și care ar trebui să stea la baza unei viitoare Agende privind creșterea economică.

Ea subliniază necesitatea de a concentra politicile asupra cererii de pe piața muncii, de a sprijini crearea de noi locuri de muncă și de a exploata potențialul sectoarelor generatoare de noi locuri de muncă (de exemplu economia ecologică, economia digitală și sectorul sănătății). Astfel, Comisia propune statelor membre să elaboreze, până în 2013, planuri naționale privind locurile de muncă în cadrul programelor lor naționale de reformă.

Comisia Europeană prezintă, de asemenea, metode și instrumente pentru a dinamiza piața europeană a muncii, pentru a asigura reușita tranzițiilor pe piața muncii, prin stimularea flexibilității interne, stabilirea unor salarii decente și sustenabile și evitarea capcanei salariilor mici, prin rentabilizarea tranzițiilor pe piața muncii și asigurarea unor acorduri contractuale adecvate.

Comisia Europeană subliniază faptul că piețele muncii au nevoie de investiții, atât în sprijinul forței de muncă, cât și al instituțiilor de pe piața muncii. Programul operațional „Dezvoltarea resurselor umane” pentru România, din cadrul FSE, cofinanțează proiecte menite să sporească capacitatea de inserție profesională și adaptabilitatea lucrătorilor, facilitând trecerea de la școală la viața activă, întărind serviciul public de ocupare a forței de muncă și promovând măsuri active de ocupare a forței de muncă.

Inițiativa „Oportunități pentru tineret” are rolul de a accelera punerea în aplicare a cadrului actual de politici privind tineretul. În acest context, Comisia Europeană a salutat inițiativa recentă a autorităților române de a realoca fonduri FSE în valoare de 216 milioane EUR pentru a sprijini 329 000 de tineri.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003456/12

to the Commission

Corina Creţu (S&D)

(29 March 2012)

Subject: How does the Commission view its involvement in finding viable solutions to combat unemployment?

Fewer than 6 out of 10 Romanians aged between 15 and 64 had a job in the fourth quarter of 2011, as shown by the data published by the National Institute of Statistics. More specifically, the employment rate of the working age population (15‐64 years) was 57.9%.

This proportion is 1.2% lower than the previous quarter. If we consider Romanians aged between 20‐64 years, the employment rate was 62.3%, 7.7% short of the national target of 70% set in the context of the Europe 2020 strategy.

The rate of unemployment reached the highest level (25.4%) among young people aged between 15 and 24 years.

How does the Commission view its involvement in finding viable solutions to combat unemployment, taking into account that the austerity measures adopted by most governments of EU Member States merely exacerbate this phenomenon, and long-term unemployment is becoming more and more widespread in the EU?

Answer given by Mr Andor on behalf of the Commission

(30 May 2012)

The EC adopted the Employment Package which identifies effective ways and tools for a job-rich recovery, and should be at the core of a future Growth Agenda.

It emphasises the need to focus policy efforts on the demand-side of the labour market, to support job creation and to harness the potential from new job-rich sectors (e.g. green and digital economies, healthcare).In doing so, it proposes Member States to elaborate National Job Plans within their NRPs by 2013.

The EC also highlights ways and tools to make the European labour market more dynamic, to ensure successful labour market transitions by stimulating internal flexibility, establishing decent and sustainable wages and avoiding low-wage traps, making employment transitions pay, ensuring appropriate contractual arrangements.

The EC stresses that labour markets need investment both in people and in the labour market institutions. The Romanian Human Resources Development ESF OP co-finances projects aimed at increasing employability and adaptability, ensuring transition from school to active life, strengthening the Public Employment Service, and promoting active employment measures.

The ‘Youth Opportunities Initiative’ aims at speeding up the implementation of the existing youth policy framework. In this context, the EC welcomed the Romanian authorities' recent intention to reallocate ESF funds amounting to EUR 216 million to assist 329 000 young people.

(Versiunea în limba română)

Întrebarea cu solicitare de răspuns scris E-003457/12

adresată Comisiei

Corina Creţu (S&D)

(29 martie 2012)

Subiect: Ce face Comisia pentru îmbunătățirea accesului cetățenilor la servicii medicale, în condițiile în care unele guverne europene promovează politici antisociale?

Conform unor date statistice, 73,4% din români au renunțat la îngrijirile medicale de care ar fi avut nevoie în anul 2010. Principala cauză sunt costurile ridicate ale analizelor și medicamentelor. Un procent îngrijorător se regăsește în rândul reprezentantelor sexului feminin, care au evitat să meargă la medic să se trateze, procentul semnalat de statistică fiind de 74,9%. Studiile arată că fiecare 100 de români pierd 16 ani de viață activă din cauza condițiilor precare ale sistemului de sănătate. Atât sistemul medical deficitar, cât și efectele social-economice ale crizei economice reprezintă o amenințare la adresa sănătății populației.

În ce fel înțelege Comisia să se implice pentru influențarea acelor guverne ale statelor membre ce promovează politici de sănătate în detrimentul cetățenilor și pentru îmbunătățirea accesului cetățenilor la servicii medicale?

Răspuns dat de domnul Dalli în numele Comisiei

(1 iunie 2012)

În conformitate cu Tratatul privind funcționarea Uniunii Europene, definirea politicilor de sănătate și organizarea și furnizarea serviciilor de sănătate și a îngrijirilor medicale sunt, în principal, responsabilitatea statelor membre (articolul 168 din tratat).

În același timp, Comisia Europeană este pe deplin angajată în asigurarea unui nivel ridicat de protecție a sănătății umane în definirea și punerea în aplicare a tuturor politicilor și acțiunilor Uniunii, precum și în ajutorul acordat statelor membre pentru a își consolida sistemele de sănătate și a își spori eficiența în vederea sustenabilității pe termen lung.

În cadrul semestrului european, Comisia acordă atenția cuvenită rolului sistemelor de sănătate în ceea ce privește realizarea obiectivelor strategiei Europa 2020.

În urma unei invitații din partea Consiliului în iunie 2011, Comisia colaborează, de asemenea, cu statele membre la un proces de reflecție menit să identifice modalități efective de a investi în sănătate, având drept obiectiv obținerea unor sisteme de sănătate moderne, receptive și sustenabile.

Pe baza aceleiași invitații, Comisia pregătește un grup de experți cu scopul de a furniza expertiză privind sustenabilitatea sistemelor de sănătate la cererea acesteia.

În sfârșit, Comisia promovează o mai bună cooperare în domeniul evaluării tehnologiei medicale între statele membre, în vederea schimbului de informații referitoare la eficacitatea tratamentelor.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003457/12

to the Commission

Corina Creţu (S&D)

(29 March 2012)

Subject: Commission measures to improve citizens' access to medical services at a time when certain European governments are promoting policies undermining welfare standards?

According to statistical data, 73.4% of Romanians went without necessary medical care in 2010, the main reason being the high cost of medical tests and medicines. An alarmingly high percentage (74.9%) of women failed to seek treatment from a doctor. Studies show that every 100 Romanians lose 16 years of active life due to the precarious state of the healthcare system. Both the poor healthcare system and the economic and social effects of the economic crisis are endangering the population's health.

How does the Commission intend bring pressure to bear on those Member State governments that promote health policies unfavourable to citizens and improve their access to healthcare services?

Answer given by Mr Dalli on behalf of the Commission

(1 June 2012)

According to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, definition of health policies and the organisation and delivery of health services and medical care is primarily the responsibility of individual Member States (Article 168 of the Treaty).

At the same time, the European Commission is fully committed in ensuring a high level of human health protection in the definition and implementation of all Union policies and activities, and in helping Member States to strengthen their health systems and increase efficiency with a view to long term sustainability.

Within the European Semester, the Commission pays due attention to the role of health systems in achieving the Europe 2020 targets.

Following an invitation from the Council in June 2011, the Commission is also working together with Member States on a reflection process aiming to identify effective ways of investing in health, so as to pursue modern, responsive and sustainable health systems.

On the basis of the same invitation, the Commission is preparing an expert group to provide expertise on health systems sustainability on its request.

Finally, the Commission is promoting increased cooperation on Health Technology Assessment between the Member States with a view to sharing knowledge on the effectiveness of treatments.

(Suomenkielinen versio)

Kirjallisesti vastattava kysymys P-003459/12

komissiolle (Varapuheenjohtajalle/Korkealle edustajalle)

Tarja Cronberg (Verts/ALE)

(29. maaliskuuta 2012)

Aihe: VP/HR – Iranin ydinohjelma

Euroopan parlamentti toisti 2. helmikuuta 2012 Iranista ja sen ydinohjelmasta (155) antamassaan päätöslauselmassa ”EU:n johdonmukaisen kannan, jonka mukaan Iranin ydinohjelmaa koskevat ratkaisemattomat kysymykset on ratkaistava rauhanomaisesti ja jonka mukaan konfliktia ei voida ratkaista sotilaallisesti”. Israelin pääministeri Benjamin Netanjahu totesi 6. maaliskuuta 2012 Iranin ydinohjelmaan viitaten, että ”kaikki vaihtoehdot ovat pöydällä”, mukaan lukien Israelin mahdollinen sotilaallinen isku Irania vastaan. Vastaavanlaisia lausuntoja ovat antaneet myös Yhdysvaltain presidentti Barack Obama ja Yhdistyneen kuningaskunnan ulkoministeri William Hague.

Edellä esitetyn perusteella voidaan kysyä seuraavaa:

| Tuomitsisiko korkea edustaja Israelin tai muiden valtioiden mahdolliset pyrkimykset toteuttaa lähiaikoina ennalta ehkäisevän sotilaallisen iskun Irania ja sen ydinlaitoksia vastaan? |
| --- |

Tuomitsisiko korkea edustaja Israelin tai muiden valtioiden mahdolliset pyrkimykset toteuttaa lähiaikoina ennalta ehkäisevän sotilaallisen iskun Irania ja sen ydinlaitoksia vastaan?

| Onko korkea edustaja samaa mieltä siitä, että tällainen ennalta ehkäisevä isku olisi vastoin kansainvälistä lainsäädäntöä, erityisesti YK:n peruskirjan VII luvun 51 artiklaa? |
| --- |

Onko korkea edustaja samaa mieltä siitä, että tällainen ennalta ehkäisevä isku olisi vastoin kansainvälistä lainsäädäntöä, erityisesti YK:n peruskirjan VII luvun 51 artiklaa?

| Yhtyykö korkea edustaja arvioon, jonka mukaan Iranin ydinohjelmaa on käsitelty Iranin velvoitteiden yhteydessä ydinaseiden leviämisen estämistä koskevan sopimuksen (NPT) osapuolena sekä E3 + 3:n puitteissa? Onko korkea edustaja samaa mieltä siitä, että NPT:hen kuulumattoman valtion, kuten Israelin, ennalta ehkäisevä isku haittaisi NPT-prosessia ja EU:n sitoutumista joukkotuhoaseiden leviämisen estämiseen, kuten korostetaan vuonna 2004 laaditussa joukkotuhoaseiden leviämisen vastaisessa EU:n strategiassa? |
| --- |

Yhtyykö korkea edustaja arvioon, jonka mukaan Iranin ydinohjelmaa on käsitelty Iranin velvoitteiden yhteydessä ydinaseiden leviämisen estämistä koskevan sopimuksen (NPT) osapuolena sekä E3 + 3:n puitteissa? Onko korkea edustaja samaa mieltä siitä, että NPT:hen kuulumattoman valtion, kuten Israelin, ennalta ehkäisevä isku haittaisi NPT-prosessia ja EU:n sitoutumista joukkotuhoaseiden leviämisen estämiseen, kuten korostetaan vuonna 2004 laaditussa joukkotuhoaseiden leviämisen vastaisessa EU:n strategiassa?

Korkean edustajan, varapuheenjohtaja Ashtonin komission puolesta antama vastaus

(4. heinäkuuta 2012)

E3/EU+3-ryhmän puolesta Iranin kanssa maan ydinohjelmasta neuvotteleva korkea edustaja, varapuheenjohtaja Ashton on sitoutunut pyrkimään siihen, että Iranin ydinohjelmakysymys ratkaistaan diplomaattisin keinoin. Sen vuoksi hän on pyrkinyt jatkamaan vuoropuhelua Iranin kanssa E3/EU+3-ryhmän ja Iranin välisissä neuvotteluissa 14. huhtikuuta 2012 Istanbulissa, 23. ja 24. toukokuuta 2012 Bagdadissa ja 18. ja 19. kesäkuuta 2012 Moskovassa. Vuoropuhelu jatkuu teknisen tason kokouksessa Istanbulissa 3. heinäkuuta sekä muissa korkean edustajan, varapuheenjohtaja Ashtonin ja Saeed Jalilin välisissä tapaamisissa. Yhteydenpitoa jatketaan myös sijaisten tasolla tavoitteena saada Iran aloittamaan neuvottelut konkreettisista luottamusta lisäävistä toimista.

E3/EU+3-ryhmän tavoitteena on luottamuksen lisääminen ja diplomaattisen lähestymistapansa mukaisesti se edellyttää Iranilta ydinsulkusopimuksen ja Iranin kansainvälisen atomienergiajärjestön kanssa tekemän valvontasopimuksen mukaisten velvoitteiden täyttämistä sekä Yhdistyneiden Kansakuntien turvallisuusneuvoston ja kansainvälisen atomienergiajärjestön hallintoneuvoston asiaa koskevien päätöslauselmien täysimääräistä täytäntöönpanemista. Tämä edistää kyseisten kansainvälisten sopimusten ja instituutioiden aseman vahvistumista.

(English version)

Question for written answer P-003459/12

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Tarja Cronberg (Verts/ALE)

(29 March 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — Iran and the nuclear issue

In its resolution on ‘Iran and its nuclear programme’ (156) adopted on 2 February 2012 the European Parliament reiterated ‘the EU’s long-held position that the outstanding issues with Iran over its nuclear programme must be solved peacefully and that there is no military solution to the conflict’. On 6 March 2012, Israel’s Prime Minister, Binyamin Netanyahu, stated that ‘all options were on the table’ regarding Iran’s nuclear programme including the possibility of a military strike by Israel against Iran. Similar statements were made by the US President, Barack Obama, and the UK Foreign Secretary, William Hague.

Against this background the following questions arise:

| In the event that Israel or any other state should attempt a pre-emptive military strike against Iran and its nuclear facilities in the near future, would this step be condemned by the HR? |
| --- |

In the event that Israel or any other state should attempt a pre-emptive military strike against Iran and its nuclear facilities in the near future, would this step be condemned by the HR?

| Would the HR agree that such a pre-emptive strike would be in violation of international law, in particular Chapter VII, Article 51 of the UN Charter? |
| --- |

Would the HR agree that such a pre-emptive strike would be in violation of international law, in particular Chapter VII, Article 51 of the UN Charter?

| Would the HR share the analysis that the issue of Iran’s nuclear programme has been dealt with in the context of Iran’s obligations as a party to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and in the framework of the E3+3? Would the HR agree that a pre-emptive strike by a non-party to the NPT, such as Israel, would be detrimental to the NPT process and the EU’s commitment to WMD non-proliferation as underlined by the EU Strategy against the Proliferation of WMD of 2004? |
| --- |

Would the HR share the analysis that the issue of Iran’s nuclear programme has been dealt with in the context of Iran’s obligations as a party to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and in the framework of the E3+3? Would the HR agree that a pre-emptive strike by a non-party to the NPT, such as Israel, would be detrimental to the NPT process and the EU’s commitment to WMD non-proliferation as underlined by the EU Strategy against the Proliferation of WMD of 2004?

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

(4 July 2012)

The High Representative/Vice‐President, acting on behalf of the E3/EU+3 group in negotiating with Iran over its nuclear programme, remains committed to efforts aimed at a diplomatic solution of the Iranian nuclear issue. Therefore, the High Representative/Vice‐President has been engaged in efforts to revive a serious dialogue with Iran resulting in meetings between the E3/EU+3 and Iran on 14 April 2012 in Istanbul, on 23 and 24 May 2012 in Baghdad and on 18 and 19 June 2012 in Moscow. These efforts will be continued in a technical-level meeting in Istanbul on 3 July and more contacts between the High Representative/Vice‐President and Dr Jalili as well as on deputy-level with the aim of convincing Iran to engage in substantial negotiations aimed at reaching an agreement on concrete confidence-building steps.

With a view to building confidence, the E3/EU+3's diplomatic approach requires Iran to comply with its obligations under the Non-Proliferation Treaty and its safeguards agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and to fully implement the relevant resolutions of the United Nations' Security Council and of the IAEA Board of Governors. It thus contributes towards strengthening these international treaties and institutions.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-003461/12

an die Kommission

Hans-Peter Martin (NI)

(29. März 2012)

Betrifft: Kosten für Druck und Lieferung von Dokumenten

Die Europäische Kommission, einige Unterorganisationen der Kommission sowie mehrere andere EU-Organisationen senden gedruckte Versionen von Dokumenten an Entscheidungsträger, wie zum Beispiel Mitglieder des Europäischen Parlaments. Druck und Versand verursachen Kosten, welche durch eine digitale Lieferung möglicherweise vermieden werden könnten. Die EU sollte wann immer möglich unnötige Ausgaben vermeiden und regelmäßig bisherige Prozesse auf ihre Effizienz und Notwendigkeit untersuchen.

| 1. | Welche Personengruppen erhalten die von der Kommission und anderen EU-Institutionen versandten Broschüren und Dokumente in der Regel? Wie viele Kopien werden insgesamt versandt? Falls der Empfängerkreis von dem spezifischen Dokument abhängt, welche Personengruppen bzw. welche Kopienanzahl sind es jeweils für a) Kommissions-Jahresberichte wie den europäischen Wettbewerbsbericht, b) Monatsberichte der EZB und c) statistische Bücher der europäischen Statistikbehörde Eurostat? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Welche Personengruppen erhalten die von der Kommission und anderen EU-Institutionen versandten Broschüren und Dokumente in der Regel? Wie viele Kopien werden insgesamt versandt? Falls der Empfängerkreis von dem spezifischen Dokument abhängt, welche Personengruppen bzw. welche Kopienanzahl sind es jeweils für a) Kommissions-Jahresberichte wie den europäischen Wettbewerbsbericht, b) Monatsberichte der EZB und c) statistische Bücher der europäischen Statistikbehörde Eurostat?

| 2. | Welche Kosten entstehen pro Jahr für den Druck und Versand von Kommissionsdokumenten an Entscheidungsträger? |
| --- | --- |

2.

Welche Kosten entstehen pro Jahr für den Druck und Versand von Kommissionsdokumenten an Entscheidungsträger?

Welche Kosten entstehen spezifisch für die unter a) bis c) genannten Beispiele?

| 3. | Ist die Kommission in irgendeiner Form zur Lieferung von gedruckten Versionen an bestimmte Personengruppen verpflichtet? Wenn ja, um welche Dokumente für welche Personengruppen handelt es sich? |
| --- | --- |

3.

Ist die Kommission in irgendeiner Form zur Lieferung von gedruckten Versionen an bestimmte Personengruppen verpflichtet? Wenn ja, um welche Dokumente für welche Personengruppen handelt es sich?

| 4. | Bietet die Kommission den Empfängern eine Möglichkeit zum |
| --- | --- |

4.

Bietet die Kommission den Empfängern eine Möglichkeit zum

„opt-out“ aus dem Erhalt von Druckversionen?

| 5. | Hat die Kommission untersucht, wie viele der Empfänger die Dokumente tatsächlich in gedruckter Form benötigen? Wenn nicht, wird eine solche Untersuchung durchgeführt werden? |
| --- | --- |

5.

Hat die Kommission untersucht, wie viele der Empfänger die Dokumente tatsächlich in gedruckter Form benötigen? Wenn nicht, wird eine solche Untersuchung durchgeführt werden?

| 6. | Hat die Kommission untersucht oder verfügt sie über Schätzungen darüber, ob eine digitale Lieferung an dieselben Empfänger langfristig kosteneffizienter wäre? Wenn ja, welche Geldsumme könnte jährlich eingespart werden? |
| --- | --- |

6.

Hat die Kommission untersucht oder verfügt sie über Schätzungen darüber, ob eine digitale Lieferung an dieselben Empfänger langfristig kosteneffizienter wäre? Wenn ja, welche Geldsumme könnte jährlich eingespart werden?

Antwort von Frau Reding im Namen der Kommission

(29. Mai 2012)

Wie dem Europäischen Parlament 2010 angekündigt wurde (157), hat die Kommission 2011 ihre Verwendung von Veröffentlichungen in Papierform untersucht. Auf der Grundlage dieser Untersuchung hat die Kommission beschlossen, ihre Kommunikation zu modernisieren, Ressourcen durch eine Reduzierung der Veröffentlichungen auf Papier um 25 % zu sparen und vorzugsweise elektronische Kommunikationsmittel zu verwenden. Bei dieser Gelegenheit hat die Kommission jedoch auch festgestellt, dass weiterhin Nachfrage nach Veröffentlichungen auf Papier besteht.

Im Jahr 2010 hat das Amt für Veröffentlichungen 27,1 Mio. Exemplare amtlicher Veröffentlichungen herausgegeben. Der Kommission entstanden dadurch Kosten in Höhe von 16 Mio. EUR. Die neue Publikationspolitik wird derzeit in den Kommissionsdienststellen implementiert. So wurden beispielsweise noch 30 000 Papierexemplare des Gesamtberichts über die Tätigkeit der Europäischen Union 2010 gedruckt; für den Bericht über das Jahr 2011 waren es dagegen nur noch 5 000 Papierexemplare, die auf individuelle Anfragen hin gedruckt wurden. So erhielten zum Beispiel die Mitglieder des Europäischen Parlaments eine elektronische Fassung des Berichts 2011.

Die Veröffentlichungen der Kommission richten sich an unterschiedliche Zielgruppen, von der breiten Öffentlichkeit bis hin zu einzelnen Interessenträgern. Im Allgemeinen werden die Veröffentlichungen auf der Grundlage von Erhebungen des Bedarfs pro Sprache in jedem Mitgliedstaat oder auf Nachfrage geliefert. Die Zahl der Exemplare ist also je nach Thema und Zielpublikum unterschiedlich.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003461/12

to the Commission

Hans-Peter Martin (NI)

(29 March 2012)

Subject: The cost of printing and distributing documents

The European Commission, a number of subsidiary organisations of the Commission, and several other EU organisations distribute printed copies of documents to decision-makers, such as Members of the European Parliament. Printing and distribution entail costs that could possibly be avoided through digital distribution. Whenever possible, the EU should avoid unnecessary expenditure and should regularly examine existing processes in terms of their efficiency and necessity.

| 1. | Which groups receive the brochures and documents distributed by the Commission and other EU institutions as a rule? How many copies are distributed in total? If the recipients vary, depending on the specific document, which groups receive (a) annual reports from the Commission, such as the European competition report, (b) the monthly reports from the European Central Bank and (c) statistical publications of the European statistics agency, Eurostat, and how many copies are involved in each case? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Which groups receive the brochures and documents distributed by the Commission and other EU institutions as a rule? How many copies are distributed in total? If the recipients vary, depending on the specific document, which groups receive (a) annual reports from the Commission, such as the European competition report, (b) the monthly reports from the European Central Bank and (c) statistical publications of the European statistics agency, Eurostat, and how many copies are involved in each case?

| 2. | What are the annual costs associated with the printing and distribution of Commission documents to decision-makers? What are the costs associated with the specific examples mentioned in (a) to (c)? |
| --- | --- |

2.

What are the annual costs associated with the printing and distribution of Commission documents to decision-makers? What are the costs associated with the specific examples mentioned in (a) to (c)?

| 3. | Is the Commission in any way obliged to supply printed versions to particular groups? If so, which particular documents and which particular groups? |
| --- | --- |

3.

Is the Commission in any way obliged to supply printed versions to particular groups? If so, which particular documents and which particular groups?

| 4. | Does the Commission offer recipients the chance to opt out of receiving the printed versions? |
| --- | --- |

4.

Does the Commission offer recipients the chance to opt out of receiving the printed versions?

| 5. | Has the Commission investigated how many of the recipients actually need the documents in printed form? If not, is such an investigation to be conducted? |
| --- | --- |

5.

Has the Commission investigated how many of the recipients actually need the documents in printed form? If not, is such an investigation to be conducted?

| 6. | Has the Commission investigated, or does it have estimates indicating whether the digital delivery to these recipients would be more cost effective in the long term? If so, what would be the annual monetary saving that could be achieved? |
| --- | --- |

6.

Has the Commission investigated, or does it have estimates indicating whether the digital delivery to these recipients would be more cost effective in the long term? If so, what would be the annual monetary saving that could be achieved?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(29 May 2012)

As announced to the European Parliament in 2010 (158), the Commission analysed in 2011 its use of paper publications. Following this analysis, it decided to modernise its communication and save resources by reducing the use of paper publications by 25% and give priority to electronic means of communication. At the same time, the Commission noted that there remains a demand for paper publications.

In 2010 the EU Publications Office distributed a total of 27.1 million copies of official publications. The cost for the Commission in 2010 was about EUR 16 million. The new policy is currently being implemented across the Commission's services. For instance, while 30 000 paper copies of the 2010 ‘General Report on the Activities of the Union’ were produced, only 5 000 paper copies of the 2011 Report were produced to cater for individual requests. As an example, the Members of the European Parliament received digital versions of the 2011 General Report.

Commission publications are addressed to different target groups ranging from the general public to specific stakeholders. As a general rule publications are distributed on the basis of surveys of needs per language in each Member State or on demand. The number of copies thus differs according to the subject and target audience.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-003462/12

an die Kommission (Vizepräsidentin / Hohe Vertreterin)

Hans-Peter Martin (NI)

(29. März 2012)

Betrifft: VP/HR — Darlegung von Gebietsansprüchen im Südchinesischen Meer

In ihrer Antwort auf die Anfrage E-012381/2011 von Hans-Peter Martin schreibt die Hohe Vertreterin über die widersprüchlichen Gebietsansprüche im Südchinesischen Meer: „Außerdem hat die EU alle Streitparteien dazu angehalten, die Grundlage ihrer Gebietsansprüche darzulegen“.

| 1. | Wann hat die Hohe Vertreterin im Namen der EU eine solche Aufforderung vermittelt? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Wann hat die Hohe Vertreterin im Namen der EU eine solche Aufforderung vermittelt?

| 2. | Welche der Länder, die Ansprüche auf Gebiete im Südchinesischen Meer erheben, haben nach Auffassung der Hohen Vertreterin bis zum jetzigen Zeitpunkt die Grundlage für ihre Gebietsansprüche klar dargelegt? |
| --- | --- |

2.

Welche der Länder, die Ansprüche auf Gebiete im Südchinesischen Meer erheben, haben nach Auffassung der Hohen Vertreterin bis zum jetzigen Zeitpunkt die Grundlage für ihre Gebietsansprüche klar dargelegt?

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

(29. Juni 2012)

Die Hohe Vertreterin/Vizepräsidentin Catherine Ashton hat den Standpunkt der EU zu den Gebietsstreitigkeiten im südchinesischen Meer auf dem letzten ASEM-Außenministertreffen im Juni 2011 in Budapest dargelegt. Die polnische Ministerin für Regionalentwicklung Elżbieta Bieńkowska, Vertreterin der EU auf dem letzten Ministertreffen des ASEAN-Regionalforums im Juli 2011, hat ebenfalls die Sicht der EU zu diesem Thema zum Ausdruck gebracht.

Die EU ergreift, wie andere Partner, nicht Partei hinsichtlich der jeweiligen Gebietsansprüche im südchinesischen Meer. Sie ist jedoch der Auffassung, dass es Raum dafür gebe, dass einige der Beteiligten die Rechtsgrundlage ihrer Ansprüche erläutern.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003462/12

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Hans-Peter Martin (NI)

(29 March 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — Explanation of territorial claims in the South China Sea

In her reply to Question E‐012381/2011 from Hans-Peter Martin, the High Representative writes about the conflicting territorial claims in the South China Sea: ‘The EU has also encouraged all parties to clarify the basis of their claims’.

| 1. | When did the High Representative make such a request in the name of the EU? |
| --- | --- |

1.

When did the High Representative make such a request in the name of the EU?

| 2. | In the High Representative’s opinion, which of the countries claiming territories in the South China Sea have clearly explained the basis for their claims to date? |
| --- | --- |

2.

In the High Representative’s opinion, which of the countries claiming territories in the South China Sea have clearly explained the basis for their claims to date?

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

(29 June 2012)

EU High Representative/Vice-President Ashton made the position of the EU on territorial disputes in the South China Sea known on the occasion of the last ASEM Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, in June 2011 in Budapest. The representative of the EU at the last ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial Meeting in July 2011, Polish Minister of Regional Development Elzbieta Bienkowska, also expressed the views of the EU on the issue.

The EU, as other partners, does not take sides on the respective sovereignty claims in the South China Sea. However, it takes the view that there may be room for some of those involved to clarify the legal basis for their claims.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-003463/12

an die Kommission (Vizepräsidentin / Hohe Vertreterin)

Hans-Peter Martin (NI)

(29. März 2012)

Betrifft: VP/HR — Entwicklungen in Myanmar

Am 1. April 2012 findet in Myanmar eine Wahl statt. In ihrer Pressemeldung vom 28. März 2012 merkt die Hohe Vertreterin außerdem an, dass das Land derzeit ein „bemerkenswertes politisches Reformprogramm“ durchläuft. Auf Grundlage der drei Ratsentscheidungen 2010/232/GASP, 2011/504/GASP und 2011/239/GASP hat die EU restriktive Maßnahmen gegen Myanmar erlassen. Am Anfang dieses Jahres setzte der Rat einige dieser Maßnahmen aufgrund von Fortschritten im myanmarischen Reformprogramm aus. Die Hohe Vertreterin will das Land im April 2012 besuchen.

| 1. | Kann die Hohe Vertreterin einen Überblick darüber geben, welche humanitären, politischen, administrativen, technischen oder sonstigen Programme die EU derzeit in Myanmar betreibt? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Kann die Hohe Vertreterin einen Überblick darüber geben, welche humanitären, politischen, administrativen, technischen oder sonstigen Programme die EU derzeit in Myanmar betreibt?

| 2. | Welchen Zweck hat der Besuch der Hohen Vertreterin in Myanmar? |
| --- | --- |

2.

Welchen Zweck hat der Besuch der Hohen Vertreterin in Myanmar?

| 3. | Wen wird die Hohe Vertreterin in Myanmar treffen und welche Themen will sie ansprechen? |
| --- | --- |

3.

Wen wird die Hohe Vertreterin in Myanmar treffen und welche Themen will sie ansprechen?

| 4. | Wird die Hohe Vertreterin der myanmarischen Regierung weitere Hilfsprogramme, finanzielle Unterstützung, technische Unterstützung oder Kooperationsmöglichkeiten anbieten? |
| --- | --- |

4.

Wird die Hohe Vertreterin der myanmarischen Regierung weitere Hilfsprogramme, finanzielle Unterstützung, technische Unterstützung oder Kooperationsmöglichkeiten anbieten?

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

(5. Juli 2012)

Solange die restriktiven Maßnahmen in Kraft waren, beschränkten sich die Hilfsprogramme auf bestimmte Bereiche: Menschenrechte, Demokratie, verantwortungsvolle Staatsführung, Konfliktverhütung, Zivilgesellschaft, Gesundheit und Bildung, Armutsbekämpfung und Umweltschutz. Nach heutigem Stand werden 53 Programme im Umfang von 104 Mio. EUR durch Organisationen der Vereinten Nationen und Nichtregierungsorganisationen (NRO) umgesetzt, welche die Existenz‐ und Ernährungssicherung, Gesundheit und Bildung abdecken.

Im Januar 2012 wurde ein neues Entwicklungshilfepaket im Umfang von 150 Mio. EUR angekündigt. Es umfasst Hilfe für entwurzelte Bevölkerungsgruppen, verstärkte Unterstützung in den Bereichen Gesundheit, Bildung und Existenzsicherung sowie Kapazitätsaufbau in den Bereichen, in denen Reformen vorangetrieben werden, darunter Planung, verantwortungsvolle Umweltpolitik und Statistik.

Ziel des offiziellen Besuchs der Hohen Vertreterin/Vizepräsidentin in Myanmar war es, die bisherigen politischen Reformen anzuerkennen und die Regierung Myanmars dazu aufzufordern, die Reformen fortzusetzen. Die Hohe Vertreterin/Vizepräsidentin traf den Präsidenten Myanmars, den Sprecher des Unterhauses, verschiedene Minister, Vertreter der Zivilgesellschaft und andere Akteure, einschließlich Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. In den Gesprächen wurde erörtert, wie die positiven Veränderungen im Land vorangetrieben werden können und wie die EU diesen Prozess unterstützen kann.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003463/12

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Hans-Peter Martin (NI)

(29 March 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — Developments in Myanmar

Elections will take place in Myanmar on 1 April 2012. In her press release of 28 March 2012, the High Representative also remarked that the country is currently undergoing a ‘remarkable programme of political reform’. Based on the three Council Decisions 2010/232/GASP, 2011/504/GASP and 2011/239/GASP, the EU has imposed restrictive measures against Myanmar. At the beginning of this year, the Council suspended some of these measures due to progress in the Myanmar Reform Programme. The High Representative wishes to visit the country in April 2012.

| 1. | Can the High Representative present an overview of which humanitarian, political, administrative, technical or other programmes the EU is currently running in Myanmar? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Can the High Representative present an overview of which humanitarian, political, administrative, technical or other programmes the EU is currently running in Myanmar?

| 2. | What is the purpose of the High Representative’s visit to Myanmar? |
| --- | --- |

2.

What is the purpose of the High Representative’s visit to Myanmar?

| 3. | Whom will the High Representative meet in Myanmar and what topics does she intend to discuss? |
| --- | --- |

3.

Whom will the High Representative meet in Myanmar and what topics does she intend to discuss?

| 4. | Will the High Representative offer the Government of Myanmar additional aid programmes, financial support, technical support or opportunities for cooperation? |
| --- | --- |

4.

Will the High Representative offer the Government of Myanmar additional aid programmes, financial support, technical support or opportunities for cooperation?

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

(5 July 2012)

While restrictive measures were in force, the scope of aid was restricted to specific areas — human rights, democracy, governance, conflict prevention, civil society, health and education, poverty alleviation and environmental protection. As of today, 53 programmes worth EUR 104 million are being delivered via United Nations (UN) organisations and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), covering livelihoods and food security, health and education.

A new EUR 150 million development aid package was announced in January 2012 — this foresees help to uprooted people, increased assistance in the areas of health and education and livelihoods and capacity building in the areas that reinforce reform, including improved planning, environmental governance and statistics.

The purpose of the High Representative/Vice-President’s official visit to Myanmar was to acknowledge political reform so far and to encourage the Government of Myanmar to continue. She metthe President of Myanmar, the Speaker of the Lower House, ministers, civil society representatives and other stakeholders, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. She discussed how to bring forward the positive changes in the country and how the EU could support that process.

(Nederlandse versie)

Vraag met verzoek om schriftelijk antwoord E-003464/12

aan de Commissie

Derk Jan Eppink (ECR)

(29 maart 2012)

Betreft: Concurrentie in de Europese suikersector

De suikerproducerende industrie vertoont in diverse lidstaten in toenemende mate tekenen van mogelijke anticoncurrerende praktijken. Vorig jaar werd op de meeste Europese markten melding gemaakt van eenzijdige prijsverhogingen, waarbij ondanks het bestaan van contractuele overeenkomsten gedreigd werd de levering te staken. Bovendien zijn er aanwijzingen dat er minder aanbestedingen zijn uitgeschreven en dat er onder leveranciers sprake was van parallel gedrag. De belangrijkste oorzaak voor deze praktijken is de hoge mate van concentratie van de Europese suikervoorziening, evenals de huidige marktordening voor suiker in de EU, die de nationale markten in wezen onder een beperkt aantal belangrijke spelers verdeelt. De productiequotaregeling in de EU belemmert tevens een vrije en eerlijke concurrentie en een goede werking van een Europese interne markt voor suiker.

Ten aanzien van vrije en eerlijke concurrentie in de Europese suikersector zou ik derhalve het volgende willen vragen:

| Heeft de Commissie onderzoek gedaan naar mogelijke anticoncurrerende praktijken in de Europese suikersector, zoals misbruik van machtsposities dan wel stilzwijgende collusie? Indien niet, is de Commissie voornemens onderzoek hiernaar te verrichten en op welke wijze? |
| --- |

Heeft de Commissie onderzoek gedaan naar mogelijke anticoncurrerende praktijken in de Europese suikersector, zoals misbruik van machtsposities dan wel stilzwijgende collusie? Indien niet, is de Commissie voornemens onderzoek hiernaar te verrichten en op welke wijze?

| Is de Commissie het ermee eens dat het huidige systeem van nationale productiequota de concurrentie binnen de EU verstoort? Indien niet, waarom niet? |
| --- |

Is de Commissie het ermee eens dat het huidige systeem van nationale productiequota de concurrentie binnen de EU verstoort? Indien niet, waarom niet?

| Is de Commissie van mening dat de kans op anticoncurrerende praktijken groter is in een situatie waarin vier ondernemingen twee derde van alle Europese productierechten in zorgvuldig verdeelde markten in handen hebben? Indien ja, welke maatregelen denkt de Commissie hiertegen te nemen? Indien niet, waarom niet? |
| --- |

Is de Commissie van mening dat de kans op anticoncurrerende praktijken groter is in een situatie waarin vier ondernemingen twee derde van alle Europese productierechten in zorgvuldig verdeelde markten in handen hebben? Indien ja, welke maatregelen denkt de Commissie hiertegen te nemen? Indien niet, waarom niet?

Antwoord van de heer Almunia namens de Commissie

(16 mei 2012)

| 1. | De Commissie heeft in de afgelopen veertig jaar meermaals onderzoek gedaan naar concurrentieverstorend gedrag binnen de suikersector in de EU. Na de eerste zaak in 1976 (159), waarbij een in heel Europa verbreid kartel voor prijsafspraken en marktverdeling werd beboet, heeft de Commissie een onderzoek gevoerd en British Sugar beboet voor misbruik van een machtspositie op de Britse markt (160), en vervolgens Irish Sugar voor misbruik van een machtspositie op de Ierse markt in 1997 (161). In 1999 ten slotte heeft de Commissie British Sugar en andere ondernemingen (162) schuldig bevonden aan een prijskartel, dat door het EU-gerecht werd bevestigd. |
| --- | --- |

1.

De Commissie heeft in de afgelopen veertig jaar meermaals onderzoek gedaan naar concurrentieverstorend gedrag binnen de suikersector in de EU. Na de eerste zaak in 1976 (159), waarbij een in heel Europa verbreid kartel voor prijsafspraken en marktverdeling werd beboet, heeft de Commissie een onderzoek gevoerd en British Sugar beboet voor misbruik van een machtspositie op de Britse markt (160), en vervolgens Irish Sugar voor misbruik van een machtspositie op de Ierse markt in 1997 (161). In 1999 ten slotte heeft de Commissie British Sugar en andere ondernemingen (162) schuldig bevonden aan een prijskartel, dat door het EU-gerecht werd bevestigd.

Ook concentraties in de suikersector werden en worden in detail onderzocht. Momenteel wordt de fusie van Suedzucker/ED&F MAN (163) onder de loep genomen om te beoordelen of die de daadwerkelijke concurrentie op de interne markt aanzienlijk zou belemmeren, in het bijzonder als gevolg van het in het leven roepen of versterken van een machtspositie in de suikersector in Italië.

| 2. | Productiequota beperken per definitie de productie en creëren een marktsituatie die verschilt van die zonder productiebeperkingen waarbij producenten vrij zouden zijn om hun leveringen uit te breiden en grotere of nieuwe marktaandelen te verwerven. De Commissie heeft niet voorgesteld om het quotasysteem na 2015 te verlengen. Indien de Raad en het Parlement daarmee instemmen, zullen de suikerquota in 2015 aflopen. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Productiequota beperken per definitie de productie en creëren een marktsituatie die verschilt van die zonder productiebeperkingen waarbij producenten vrij zouden zijn om hun leveringen uit te breiden en grotere of nieuwe marktaandelen te verwerven. De Commissie heeft niet voorgesteld om het quotasysteem na 2015 te verlengen. Indien de Raad en het Parlement daarmee instemmen, zullen de suikerquota in 2015 aflopen.

| 3. | De Commissie kan het huidige toewijzingssysteem voor productiequota niet wijzigen. Wat de waarschijnlijkheid van concurrentieverstorend gedrag betreft, zal de Commissie de opmerking van het geachte Parlementslid als marktinformatie behandelen. De Commissie is bereid deze markten te onderzoeken indien er concrete aanwijzingen zijn van mogelijk concurrentieverstorend gedrag dat verder gaat dan loutere concentratie op deze markten. |
| --- | --- |

3.

De Commissie kan het huidige toewijzingssysteem voor productiequota niet wijzigen. Wat de waarschijnlijkheid van concurrentieverstorend gedrag betreft, zal de Commissie de opmerking van het geachte Parlementslid als marktinformatie behandelen. De Commissie is bereid deze markten te onderzoeken indien er concrete aanwijzingen zijn van mogelijk concurrentieverstorend gedrag dat verder gaat dan loutere concentratie op deze markten.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003464/12

to the Commission

Derk Jan Eppink (ECR)

(29 March 2012)

Subject: Competition in the EU sugar sector

In several Member States, the sugar-producing industry is increasingly displaying signs of possible anti-competitive behaviour. Unilateral price increases with the threat of non-delivery, despite existing contractual agreements, were reported last year in most European markets. There has also been evidence of fewer invitations to tender and parallel behaviour among suppliers. The root cause of such behaviour is the high degree of concentration of the European sugar supply, as well as the current EU sugar regime, which in essence divides up national markets among a few key players. The EU production quota system also hinders free and fair competition and the effective functioning of a European single market for sugar.

On the issue of free and fair competition in the EU sugar sector:

| Has the Commission investigated possible anti-competitive behaviour in the EU sugar sector, such as abuse of dominant positions or tacit collusion? If not, is the Commission planning to conduct such an investigation, and in what form? |
| --- |

Has the Commission investigated possible anti-competitive behaviour in the EU sugar sector, such as abuse of dominant positions or tacit collusion? If not, is the Commission planning to conduct such an investigation, and in what form?

| Does the Commission agree that the current system of national production quotas distorts intra-EU competition? If not, why not? |
| --- |

Does the Commission agree that the current system of national production quotas distorts intra-EU competition? If not, why not?

| Does the Commission believe that a situation where four companies hold two thirds of all EU production rights in carefully divided markets is more susceptible to anti-competitive behaviour? If so, what does the Commission intend to do about it? If not, why not? |
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Does the Commission believe that a situation where four companies hold two thirds of all EU production rights in carefully divided markets is more susceptible to anti-competitive behaviour? If so, what does the Commission intend to do about it? If not, why not?

Answer given by Mr Almunia on behalf of the Commission

(16 May 2012)

1.

| 1. | The Commission has investigated anticompetitive behaviour in the sugar sector in the EU several times during the last forty years. After the first case in 1976 |
| --- | --- |

The Commission has investigated anticompetitive behaviour in the sugar sector in the EU several times during the last forty years. After the first case in 1976

| 1. | The Commission has investigated anticompetitive behaviour in the sugar sector in the EU several times during the last forty years. After the first case in 1976 |
| --- | --- |

1.

The Commission has investigated anticompetitive behaviour in the sugar sector in the EU several times during the last forty years. After the first case in 1976

Mergers in the sugar sector have also been carefully scrutinised, currently that of Suedzucker/ED&F MAN (168), in order to assess whether the merger would significantly impede effective competition in the common market, in particular as a result of the creation or strengthening of a dominant position in the sugar sector in Italy.

| 2. | Production quotas, by definition, limit production and create a different market situation to one without production limitations where producers would be free to expand their supply to capture larger or new market shares. The Commission has not proposed prolonging the quota system beyond 2015. Provided the Council and Parliament agree, the sugar quota will end in 2015. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Production quotas, by definition, limit production and create a different market situation to one without production limitations where producers would be free to expand their supply to capture larger or new market shares. The Commission has not proposed prolonging the quota system beyond 2015. Provided the Council and Parliament agree, the sugar quota will end in 2015.

| 3. | The Commission cannot modify the current allocation system of production quotas. As for the likelihood of anticompetitive behaviour, the Commission will take note of the Honourable Member's remark as market information. The Commission is ready to investigate these markets if there are concrete indications of possible anti-competitive behaviour beyond the mere fact of concentration in those markets. |
| --- | --- |

3.

The Commission cannot modify the current allocation system of production quotas. As for the likelihood of anticompetitive behaviour, the Commission will take note of the Honourable Member's remark as market information. The Commission is ready to investigate these markets if there are concrete indications of possible anti-competitive behaviour beyond the mere fact of concentration in those markets.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-003465/12

à la Commission

Marietje Schaake (ALDE), Norica Nicolai (ALDE), Marielle de Sarnez (ALDE), Edward McMillan-Scott (ALDE) et Ivo Vajgl (ALDE)

(29 mars 2012)

Objet: VP/HR — Participation de Omar el-Béchir au sommet de la ligue des États arabes sur la Syrie

Il paraît (169) que le président soudanais, Omar Hassan el-Béchir, se rendra en Iraq cette semaine en vue de participer au sommet de la ligue des États arabes, au cours duquel il sera question, entre autres, des troubles actuels en Syrie. La Cour pénale internationale (CPI) a délivré deux mandats d'arrêt (170) contre M. el-Béchir, accusé de crimes contre l'humanité (meurtres, exterminations, transferts forcés, tortures et viols), de crimes de guerre (pillages et attaques intentionnellement dirigées contre les civils) et de génocide. Les États parties au Statut de Rome de la Cour pénale internationale (Statut de Rome) ont l'obligation de coopérer avec la CPI en arrêtant et en extradant les personnes qui font l'objet d'un mandat d'arrêt délivré par cette dernière. À l'heure actuelle, quatre membres seulement de la ligue des États arabes (la Jordanie, Djibouti, les Comores et, récemment, la Tunisie) reconnaissent la CPI. Il paraît (171) par ailleurs que l'organisation internationale de police criminelle (Interpol) a signifié officiellement aux autorités iraquiennes son intention d'arrêter M. el-Béchir, dans l'hypothèse où celui-ci participerait au sommet de la ligue des États arabes. Le groupe d'experts des Nations unies en matière de Droits de l'homme a conclu à l'existence de preuves que des officiers supérieurs et des hauts fonctionnaires syriens sont responsables de crimes contre l'humanité et d'autres formes de violations massives des Droits de l'homme contre la population syrienne. De ce fait, la présence de M. el-Béchir au sommet de la ligue des États arabes est tout à fait indésirable, elle nécessite une réaction de l'UE et suscite les questions suivantes:

| La Vice-présidente/Haute Représentante peut-elle confirmer la participation de M. el-Béchir au sommet de la ligue des États arabes en Iraq? |
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La Vice-présidente/Haute Représentante peut-elle confirmer la participation de M. el-Béchir au sommet de la ligue des États arabes en Iraq?

| L'UE ou ses États membres participeront-ils au sommet de la ligue des États arabes, et plus particulièrement aux discussions sur la Syrie? Dans l'affirmative, maintiendront-ils cette décision, malgré la présence éventuelle de M. el-Béchir et sa participation au débat? |
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L'UE ou ses États membres participeront-ils au sommet de la ligue des États arabes, et plus particulièrement aux discussions sur la Syrie? Dans l'affirmative, maintiendront-ils cette décision, malgré la présence éventuelle de M. el-Béchir et sa participation au débat?

| La Vice-présidente/Haute Représentante a-t-elle fait part des préoccupations de l'UE, concernant la participation de M. el-Béchir au sommet de la ligue des États arabes, au général Nabil Elaraby? Dans le cas contraire, pour quel motif? |
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La Vice-présidente/Haute Représentante a-t-elle fait part des préoccupations de l'UE, concernant la participation de M. el-Béchir au sommet de la ligue des États arabes, au général Nabil Elaraby? Dans le cas contraire, pour quel motif?

| La Vice-présidente/Haute Représentante reconnaît-elle que la participation de M. el-Béchir au sommet de la ligue des États arabes préjudicie sérieusement la crédibilité de ceux-ci en tant qu'₫amis de la Syrie₻ et les appels de cette dernière à la démission du président al-Assad? |
| --- |

La Vice-présidente/Haute Représentante reconnaît-elle que la participation de M. el-Béchir au sommet de la ligue des États arabes préjudicie sérieusement la crédibilité de ceux-ci en tant qu'₫amis de la Syrie₻ et les appels de cette dernière à la démission du président al-Assad?

| Quelles mesures concrètes la Vice-présidente/Haute Représentante peut-elle, et va-t-elle, prendre pour inciter la ligue des États arabes et/ou les autorités iraquiennes à empêcher la participation de M. el-Béchir aux discussions sur la Syrie? |
| --- |

Quelles mesures concrètes la Vice-présidente/Haute Représentante peut-elle, et va-t-elle, prendre pour inciter la ligue des États arabes et/ou les autorités iraquiennes à empêcher la participation de M. el-Béchir aux discussions sur la Syrie?

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

(7 août 2012)

La Vice-présidente/Haute Représentante a fait part de ses préoccupations concernant la participation d'Omar el-Béchir au sommet de la ligue des États arabes par l'intermédiaire de la délégation de l'UE à Bagdad. L'UE a réitéré son soutien aux décisions de la Cour pénale internationale en ce qui concerne le président soudanais. La CPI est un instrument précieux dont la communauté internationale s'est dotée pour veiller à ce que les crimes les plus graves, et qui la préoccupent particulièrement, ne puissent bénéficier d'une quelconque impunité; les génocides, les crimes contre l'humanité et les crimes de guerre ne doivent pas rester impunis et il faut garantir par des mesures prises au niveau tant national qu'international que leurs auteurs soient poursuivis. En conséquence, le chef de la délégation de l'UE à Bagdad a participé à la ligue des États arabes conformément à la politique de l'UE qui consiste à limiter les contacts avec les personnes inculpées par la CPI.

Malheureusement, l'Iraq n'est pas, à l'heure actuelle, partie au Statut de Rome de la cour pénale internationale et, par conséquent, n'est pas tenu de respecter ses décisions. Néanmoins, l'UE a insisté de manière systématique auprès de tous les États membres des Nations unies pour qu'ils respectent et mettent en œuvre les résolutions adoptées par le Conseil de sécurité au titre du chapitre 7 de la charte des Nations unies (en l'espèce, la résolution 1593 du Conseil de sécurité des Nations unies). En outre, l'Iraq a indiqué récemment qu'il pourrait adhérer au Statut ultérieurement.

Dans son dialogue avec la ligue des États arabes, l'UE a soulevé la question de la ratification du Statut de Rome par ses États membres. Au niveau bilatéral, l'UE encourage tous les États membres de la Ligue arabe à devenir parties à ce document.

(Nederlandse versie)

Vraag met verzoek om schriftelijk antwoord E-003465/12

aan de Commissie

Marietje Schaake (ALDE), Norica Nicolai (ALDE), Marielle de Sarnez (ALDE), Edward McMillan-Scott (ALDE) en Ivo Vajgl (ALDE)

(29 maart 2012)

Betreft: VP/HR — Deelname van Omar al-Bashir aan de top van de Arabische Liga over Syrië

Volgens diverse berichten (172) zal de Sudanese president Omar Hassan al-Bashir deze week naar Irak afreizen om deel te nemen aan de top van de Liga van Arabische Staten (LAS), waar onder andere het voortdurende geweld in Syrië op de agenda zal staan. Het Internationaal Strafhof (ICC) heeft twee aanhoudingsbevelen tegen president al-Bashir uitgevaardigd (173) wegens misdaden tegen de menselijkheid (moord, uitroeiing, deportatie, marteling en verkrachting), oorlogsmisdrijven (plundering en opzettelijk aanvallen van burgers) en genocide. Staten die partij zijn in het Statuut van Rome van het ICC (Rome-Statuut) hebben de plicht om samen te werken met het ICC en om individuen te arresteren en uit te leveren tegen wie een aanhoudingsbevel is uitgevaardigd door het ICC. Op dit moment erkennen slechts vier leden van de LAS (Jordanië, Djibouti, de Comoren en sinds kort ook Tunesië) het ICC. Er is ook gemeld (174) dat de Internationale Politieorganisatie (Interpol) de Iraakse autoriteiten officieel heeft geïnformeerd over haar voornemen om president al-Bashir te arresteren indien hij de top van de LAS bijwoont. Gelet op het feit dat een panel van VN-mensenrechtendeskundigen heeft vastgesteld dat er bewijs is dat Syrische commandanten en regeringsfunctionarissen op het hoogste niveau verantwoordelijk zijn voor misdaden tegen de menselijkheid en andere ernstige schendingen van de mensenrechten jegens de Syrische bevolking, is de aanwezigheid van president al-Bashir op de LAS-top uiterst onwenselijk, en daar moet de EU tegen in actie komen. In het licht daarvan zou ik het volgende willen vragen:

| Kan de HV/VV bevestigen dat president al-Bashir de top van de LAS in Irak zal bijwonen? |
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Kan de HV/VV bevestigen dat president al-Bashir de top van de LAS in Irak zal bijwonen?

| Zal de EU of zullen haar lidstaten deelnemen aan de top van de LAS, in het bijzonder aan de besprekingen over Syrië? Indien ja, zullen zij ook daaraan deelnemen als president al-Bashir de top eveneens bijwoont en deelneemt aan de besprekingen? |
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Zal de EU of zullen haar lidstaten deelnemen aan de top van de LAS, in het bijzonder aan de besprekingen over Syrië? Indien ja, zullen zij ook daaraan deelnemen als president al-Bashir de top eveneens bijwoont en deelneemt aan de besprekingen?

| Heeft de HV/VV secretaris-generaal Nabil Elaraby te kennen gegeven dat de EU zich zorgen maakt over deelname van president al-Bashir aan de top van de LAS? Indien niet, waarom niet? |
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Heeft de HV/VV secretaris-generaal Nabil Elaraby te kennen gegeven dat de EU zich zorgen maakt over deelname van president al-Bashir aan de top van de LAS? Indien niet, waarom niet?

| Is de HV/VV het ermee eens dat deelname van president al-Bashir aan de top van de LAS de geloofwaardigheid van de LAS als „Vrienden van Syrië” evenals haar oproep aan president Assad om af te treden, ondermijnt? |
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Is de HV/VV het ermee eens dat deelname van president al-Bashir aan de top van de LAS de geloofwaardigheid van de LAS als „Vrienden van Syrië” evenals haar oproep aan president Assad om af te treden, ondermijnt?

| Welke concrete maatregelen kan en zal de HV/VV nemen, teneinde er bij de LAS en/of de Iraakse autoriteiten op aan te dringen om te voorkomen dat president al-Bashir deelneemt aan de besprekingen over Syrië? |
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Welke concrete maatregelen kan en zal de HV/VV nemen, teneinde er bij de LAS en/of de Iraakse autoriteiten op aan te dringen om te voorkomen dat president al-Bashir deelneemt aan de besprekingen over Syrië?

Antwoord van hoge vertegenwoordiger/vicevoorzitter Ashton namens de Commissie

(7 augustus 2012)

De hoge vertegenwoordiger/vicevoorzitter heeft via de EU-delegatie in Bagdad haar bezorgdheid geuit over de deelname van de Sudanese president Omar Al-Bashir aan de top van de Arabische Liga. De EU heeft nogmaals haar steun uitgesproken aan de besluiten van het Internationaal Strafhof (ICC) ten aanzien van de Sudanese president. Het ICC is voor de internationale gemeenschap een waardevol instrument om te voorkomen dat zeer ernstige misdrijven van internationaal belang onbestraft blijven; genocide, misdaden tegen de menselijkheid en oorlogsmisdaden moeten worden bestraft en de vervolging ervan moet door maatregelen op zowel binnenlands als internationaal niveau worden gewaarborgd. Het hoofd van de EU-delegatie in Bagdad heeft de top bijgewoond overeenkomstig het EU-beleid inzake beperkt contact met individuen die door het ICC in staat van beschuldiging zijn gesteld.

Helaas is Irak voorlopig geen partij bij het Statuut van Rome en derhalve niet gebonden door de besluiten van het ICC. Desalniettemin dringt de EU er systematisch bij alle lidstaten van de Verenigde Naties op aan om resoluties van de Veiligheidsraad op grond van hoofdstuk 7 van het Handvest van de Verenigde Naties (in dit geval Resolutie 1593) na te komen en ten uitvoer te leggen. Voorts heeft Irak onlangs aangekondigd dat het mogelijk in de toekomst tot het Statuut van Rome zal toetreden.

In haar dialoog met de Arabische Liga heeft de EU de kwestie van de ratificatie van het Statuut van Rome door de lidstaten van de Arabische Liga aan de orde gesteld. Op bilateraal niveau moedigt de EU alle lidstaten van de Arabische Liga aan om partij te worden bij dit document.

(Versiunea în limba română)

Întrebarea cu solicitare de răspuns scris E-003465/12

adresată Comisiei

Marietje Schaake (ALDE), Norica Nicolai (ALDE), Marielle de Sarnez (ALDE), Edward McMillan-Scott (ALDE) şi Ivo Vajgl (ALDE)

(29 martie 2012)

Subiect: VP/HR — Participarea lui Omar al-Bashir la summitul Ligii Arabe privind Siria

A fost raportat (175) faptul că președintele Sudanului, Omar Hassan al-Bashir, va călători în Irak săptămâna aceasta pentru a participa la summitul Ligii Statelor Arabe (LSA) pe perioada căruia se va discuta, printre altele, despre violențele în desfășurare din Siria. Curtea Penală Internațională (CPI) a emis două mandate de arestare (176) pe numele dlui al-Bashir, acuzându-l de crime împotriva umanității (ucidere, exterminare, transfer forțat, tortură și viol), de crime de război (jefuire și atacuri direcționate intenționat asupra civililor) și de genocid. Statele părți la Statutul de la Roma al Curții Penale Internaționale (Statutul de la Roma) au obligația de a coopera cu CPI, arestând și restituind persoane împotriva cărora CPI a emis un mandat de arestare. CPI este recunoscută actualmente doar de patru membri ai LSA (Iordania, Djibouti, Comore și, de curând, Tunisia). De asemenea, s-a raportat (177) faptul că Organizația Internațională de Poliție Criminală (INTERPOL) a notificat în mod oficial autoritățile irakiene cu privire la intenția sa de a-l aresta pe dl al-Bashir în cazul în care acesta participă la summitul LSA. Având în vedere faptul că un grup de experți ONU în drepturile omului a concluzionat că există dovezi cu privire la responsabilitatea pe care o poartă comandanții sirieni și oficialii de la cele mai înalte niveluri ale guvernului pentru crime împotriva umanității și alte încălcări grave ale drepturilor omului împotriva populației siriene, prezența dlui al‐Bashir la summitul LSA este extrem de nedorită, impune măsuri din partea UE și ridică următoarele întrebări:

| Poate ÎR/VP să confirme faptul că dl al-Bashir va participa la summitul LSA din Irak? |
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Poate ÎR/VP să confirme faptul că dl al-Bashir va participa la summitul LSA din Irak?

| Vor participa statele membre sau UE la summitul LSA, în special la discuțiile privind Siria? Dacă da, acestea vor participa totuși dacă dl al-Bashir va fi prezent, de asemenea, și va participa la discuție? |
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Vor participa statele membre sau UE la summitul LSA, în special la discuțiile privind Siria? Dacă da, acestea vor participa totuși dacă dl al-Bashir va fi prezent, de asemenea, și va participa la discuție?

| Și-a exprimat ÎR/VP preocuparea cu privire la participarea dlui al-Bashir la summitul LSA către secretarul general Nabil Elaraby? Dacă nu, de ce? |
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Și-a exprimat ÎR/VP preocuparea cu privire la participarea dlui al-Bashir la summitul LSA către secretarul general Nabil Elaraby? Dacă nu, de ce?

| Este de acord ÎR/VP că participarea dlui al-Bashir la summitul LSA subminează în mod grav credibilitatea LSA în calitate de „prieteni ai Siriei” și a solicitărilor sale privind retragerea președintelui al‐Assad? |
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Este de acord ÎR/VP că participarea dlui al-Bashir la summitul LSA subminează în mod grav credibilitatea LSA în calitate de „prieteni ai Siriei” și a solicitărilor sale privind retragerea președintelui al‐Assad?

| Ce măsuri concrete poate ÎR/VP să adopte și va adopta pentru a obliga LSA și/sau autoritățile irakiene să împiedice participarea dlui al-Bashir la discuțiile privind Siria? |
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Ce măsuri concrete poate ÎR/VP să adopte și va adopta pentru a obliga LSA și/sau autoritățile irakiene să împiedice participarea dlui al-Bashir la discuțiile privind Siria?

Răspuns dat de dna Ashton în numele Comisiei

(7 august 2012)

ÎR/VP și-a exprimat îngrijorarea în legătură cu participarea președintelui Sudanului, Omar al‐Bashir, la reuniunea la nivel înalt a Ligii Statelor Arabe, prin intermediul delegației UE la Bagdad. UE și-a reiterat sprijinul față de deciziile Curții Penale Internaționale privind președintele Sudanului. Curtea reprezintă un instrument valoros al comunității internaționale pentru a se asigura că nu există niciun fel de impunitate pentru cele mai grave crime de interes internațional; actele de genocid, crimele împotriva umanității și crimele de război nu trebuie să rămână nepedepsite, iar urmărirea acestora trebuie să fie asigurată prin măsuri atât la nivel intern, cât și la nivel internațional. În consecință, șeful delegației UE la Bagdad a participat la reuniunea Ligii Statelor Arabe, în conformitate cu politica UE de contact limitat cu persoanele puse sub acuzare de CPI.

Din păcate, pentru moment, Irakul nu este stat parte la Statutul de la Roma al Curții Penale Internaționale și, prin urmare, nu este obligat să respecte deciziile acesteia. UE a îndemnat totuși în mod sistematic toate statele membre ale Organizației Națiunilor Unite să respecte și să pună în aplicare rezoluțiile adoptate de Consiliul de Securitate, în temeiul capitolului 7 din Carta ONU (în acest caz, Rezoluția 1593 a Consiliul de Securitate al Organizației Națiunilor Unite). Mai mult, Irakul a menționat, recent, că ar putea adera la acest statut la o dată ulterioară.

În dialogul său cu Liga Statelor Arabe, UE a ridicat problema ratificării Statutului de la Roma de către statele sale membre. La nivel bilateral, Uniunea Europeană încurajează toate statele membre ale Ligii Arabe să devină stat parte la acest document.

(Slovenska različica)

Vprašanje za pisni odgovor E-003465/12

za Komisijo

Marietje Schaake (ALDE), Norica Nicolai (ALDE), Marielle de Sarnez (ALDE), Edward McMillan-Scott (ALDE) in Ivo Vajgl (ALDE)

(29. marec 2012)

Zadeva: VP/HR – Sodelovanje Omarja al-Baširja na vrhu Arabske lige o Siriji

Poročano je bilo (178), da bo sudanski predsednik Omar Hassan al-Bašir ta teden odpotoval v Irak, kjer bo sodeloval na vrhu Arabske lige, na katerem se bo med drugim razpravljalo tudi o nadaljevanju nasilja v Siriji. Mednarodno kazensko sodišče je za al-Baširja izdalo dva naloga za prijetje (179) in ga obtožilo zločinov proti človeštvu (umor, iztrebljanje, prisilne selitve, mučenje in posilstvo), vojnih zločinov (plenjenje in naklepni napadi na civilno prebivalstvo) ter genocida. Države podpisnice Rimskega statuta Mednarodnega kazenskega sodišča (Rimski statut) so dolžne sodelovati z Mednarodnim kazenskim sodiščem ter aretirati in predati posameznike, proti katerim je Mednarodno kazensko sodišče izdalo nalog za prijetje. Trenutno Mednarodno kazensko sodišče priznavajo le štiri države članice Arabske lige (Jordanija, Džibuti, Komori in od nedavnega Tunizija). Prav tako je bilo poročano (180), da je Mednarodna organizacija kriminalistične policije (INTERPOL) uradno obvestila iraške oblasti, da bo al-Baširja aretirala, če se bo udeležil vrha Arabske lige. Glede na to, da je skupina strokovnjakov ZN za človekove pravice prišla do zaključka, da obstajajo dokazi, da so sirski poveljujoči častniki in najvišji vladni uradniki odgovorni za zločine proti človeštvu in za druge hude kršitve človekovih pravic proti sirskemu prebivalstvu, prisotnost al Baširja na vrhu Arabske lige ni zaželena, nujno pa je ukrepanje EU, pri čemer se zastavljajo naslednja vprašanja:

| Ali lahko visoka predstavnica/podpredsednica potrdi, da se bo al-Bašir udeležil vrha Arabske lige v Iraku? |
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Ali lahko visoka predstavnica/podpredsednica potrdi, da se bo al-Bašir udeležil vrha Arabske lige v Iraku?

| Ali se bo EU ali njene države članice udeležile vrha Arabske lige, zlasti razprav o Siriji? Če da, se bodo vrha udeležile tudi, če se ga bo udeležil al-Bašir in sodeloval v razpravi? |
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Ali se bo EU ali njene države članice udeležile vrha Arabske lige, zlasti razprav o Siriji? Če da, se bodo vrha udeležile tudi, če se ga bo udeležil al-Bašir in sodeloval v razpravi?

| Ali je visoka predstavnica/podpredsednica izrazila pomisleke EU glede al-Baširjeve udeležbe na vrhu Arabske lige in o tem obvestila generalnega sekretarja Nabila Elarabyja? Če ne, zakaj ne? |
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Ali je visoka predstavnica/podpredsednica izrazila pomisleke EU glede al-Baširjeve udeležbe na vrhu Arabske lige in o tem obvestila generalnega sekretarja Nabila Elarabyja? Če ne, zakaj ne?

| Ali se visoka predstavnica/podpredsednica strinja, da al-Baširjeva udeležba na vrhu Arabske lige spodkopava verodostojnost slednje kot „prijateljice Sirije“ in pri njenih pozivih predsedniku al-Asadu, naj odstopi? |
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Ali se visoka predstavnica/podpredsednica strinja, da al-Baširjeva udeležba na vrhu Arabske lige spodkopava verodostojnost slednje kot „prijateljice Sirije“ in pri njenih pozivih predsedniku al-Asadu, naj odstopi?

| Kakšne ukrepe lahko visoka predstavnica/podpredsednica sprejme in jih tudi bo sprejela, da bi Arabsko ligo in iraške oblasti prepričala, da al-Baširju preprečijo udeležbo v razpravah o Siriji? |
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Kakšne ukrepe lahko visoka predstavnica/podpredsednica sprejme in jih tudi bo sprejela, da bi Arabsko ligo in iraške oblasti prepričala, da al-Baširju preprečijo udeležbo v razpravah o Siriji?

Odgovor visoke predstavnice in podpredsednice Catherine Ashton v imenu Komisije

(7. avgust 2012)

Visoka predstavnica in podpredsednica je prek delegacije EU v Bagdadu izrazila svojo zaskrbljenost glede udeležbe predsednika Sudana Omarja al-Baširja na vrhu Arabske lige. EU je ponovno poudarila svojo podporo odločitvam Mednarodnega kazenskega sodišča v zvezi s sudanskim predsednikom. Sodišče je dragocen instrument mednarodne skupnosti za zagotovitev, da najhujša kazniva dejanja, ki zadevajo mednarodno skupnost, ne ostanejo nekaznovana. Genocid, zločini zoper človeštvo in vojni zločini ne smejo ostati nekaznovani, njihov pregon pa je treba zagotoviti z ukrepi na nacionalni in mednarodni ravni. Zato se je vodja delegacije EU v Bagdadu udeležil vrha Arabske lige v skladu s politiko EU o omejenih stikih s posamezniki, obtoženimi pred Mednarodnim kazenskim sodiščem.

Žal Irak še ni država podpisnica Rimskega statuta Mednarodnega kazenskega sodišča in ga njegove odločitve posledično ne zavezujejo. Kljub temu je EU sistematično pozvala vse države članice Združenih narodov, naj spoštujejo in izvajajo resolucije, ki jih sprejme Varnostni svet Združenih narodov v skladu s poglavjem 7 Ustanovne listine ZN (v tem primeru Resolucijo Varnostnega sveta Združenih narodov št. 1593). Poleg tega je Irak pred kratkim izrazil pripravljenost, da bo pristopil k Rimskemu statutu.

Evropska unija je v dialogu z Arabsko ligo odprla vprašanje ratifikacije Rimskega statuta s strani držav članic Arabske lige. EU na dvostranski ravni spodbuja vse države članice Arabske lige, naj postanejo podpisnice tega statuta.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003465/12

to the Commission

Marietje Schaake (ALDE), Norica Nicolai (ALDE), Marielle de Sarnez (ALDE), Edward McMillan-Scott (ALDE) and Ivo Vajgl (ALDE)

(29 March 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — Participation of Omar al-Bashir in Arab League Summit on Syria

It has been reported (181) that the Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir will travel to Iraq this week to participate in the League of Arab States (LAS) Summit during which, among other things, the ongoing violence in Syria will be discussed. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued two arrest warrants (182) for Mr al-Bashir, indicting him on crimes against humanity (murder, extermination, forcible transfer, torture and rape), war crimes (pillaging and intentionally directing attacks against civilians) and genocide. State parties to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (Rome Statute) have the obligation to cooperate with the ICC by arresting and surrendering individuals against whom an arrest warrant has been issued by the ICC. Currently only four members of the LAS (Jordan, Djibouti, Comoros and, recently, Tunisia) recognise the ICC. It has also been reported (183) that the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL) has officially notified the Iraqi authorities of its intention to arrest Mr al-Bashir should he attend the summit of the LAS. Given that a panel of UN human rights experts has concluded that evidence exists that Syrian commanding officers and officials at the highest levels of government bear responsibility for crimes against humanity and other gross human rights violations against the Syrian population, Mr al‐Bashir’s presence at the LAS summit is highly undesirable, requires EU action and raises the following questions:

| Can the HR/VP confirm that Mr al-Bashir will attend the LAS Summit in Iraq? |
| --- |

Can the HR/VP confirm that Mr al-Bashir will attend the LAS Summit in Iraq?

| Will the EU or its Member States participate in the LAS Summit, in particular the discussions on Syria? If so, will they still be participating if Mr al-Bashir will also be attending and participating in the discussion? |
| --- |

Will the EU or its Member States participate in the LAS Summit, in particular the discussions on Syria? If so, will they still be participating if Mr al-Bashir will also be attending and participating in the discussion?

| Has the HR/VP expressed the EU’s concern about Mr al-Bashir’s participation in the LAS Summit to Secretary-General Nabil Elaraby? If not, why not? |
| --- |

Has the HR/VP expressed the EU’s concern about Mr al-Bashir’s participation in the LAS Summit to Secretary-General Nabil Elaraby? If not, why not?

| Does the HR/VP agree that Mr al-Bashir’s participation in the LAS Summit seriously undermines the LAS’s credibility as ‘Friends of Syria’ and in its calls for President al‐Assad to step down? |
| --- |

Does the HR/VP agree that Mr al-Bashir’s participation in the LAS Summit seriously undermines the LAS’s credibility as ‘Friends of Syria’ and in its calls for President al‐Assad to step down?

| What concrete actions can and will the HR/VP take to press the LAS and/or the Iraqi authorities to prevent Mr al-Bashir from participating in the discussions on Syria? |
| --- |

What concrete actions can and will the HR/VP take to press the LAS and/or the Iraqi authorities to prevent Mr al-Bashir from participating in the discussions on Syria?

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

(7 August 2012)

The HR/VP expressed her concern over the participation of the President of Sudan Omar Al-Bashir in the League of Arab States Summit through the EU Delegation to Baghdad. The EU re-iterated its support to the the decisions of the International Criminal Court concerning the Sudanese president. The Court is a valuable instrument of the international community to ensure that there is no impunity for the most serious crimes of international concern; genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes must not go unpunished and their prosecution must be ensured by measures at both domestic and international level. Accordingly, the Head of the EU Delegation to Bagdad attended the League of Arab States in line with EU's policy of limited contact with individuals indicted by the ICC.

Regretably, for the time being Iraq is not a state party to the Rome Statue of the International Criminal Court and consequently not held by its decisions. Nonetheless, the EU systematically urged all the Member States of the United Nations to abide by and implement resolutions adopted by the Security Council under Chapter 7 of the UN Charter (in this case, the UNSC Resolution 1593). Moreover, Iraq has recently indicated that it may accede to the Statute at a later date.

In its dialogue with the League of Arab States, the EU has raised the issue of the ratification of the Rome Statute by its member states. At bilateral level, the EU encourages all the member states of the Arab League to become state party to this document.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003466/12

to the Commission

Diane Dodds (NI)

(29 March 2012)

Subject: TB vaccinations

Currently there is no effective vaccination to reduce the devastation that tuberculosis (TB) causes in communities across the world. Through the Tuberculosis Vaccine Initiative, what progress is being made on developing new vaccines?

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

(22 May 2012)

The Tuberculosis Vaccine Initiative (TBVI) was established in 2008 with the support of the Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (FP7, 2007-2013) project ESI-TBVI (184). TBVI has contributed in a variety of ways to the development of new candidate vaccines against tuberculosis.

TBVI is coordinating the ongoing FP7 EUR 12 million project NEWTBVAC (185) for ‘Identification and preclinical testing of new vaccine candidates for tuberculosis’. NEWTBVAC focuses on the discovery of new vaccines and on understanding the reasons for the success or failure of vaccine candidates currently undergoing clinical testing. TBVI is also managing clinical development of a number of vaccine candidates which have emerged from the Sixth Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (FP6, 2002-2006) project TB-VAC (186), ‘An integrated project for new vaccines against tuberculosis’. TBVI is also working on developing an adequate business model to attract financial support from governments and the private sector. This is because the full-scale development of new tuberculosis vaccines is a lengthy and costly endeavour, as is the process for any new drug or vaccine entity.

The EU is currently funding the clinical trial of a promising candidate vaccine against TB (MVA85A) through the European and Developing Countries clinical Trial Partnership (EDCTP) (187).

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-003467/12

alla Commissione

Andrea Zanoni (ALDE)

(29 marzo 2012)

Oggetto: Inclusione delle zone Risorgive e Canneto del Lisert nelle reti Natura 2000 «Carso triestino e goriziano» e «Aree carsiche della Venezia Giulia»

Le Risorgive del Lisert e il Canneto del Lisert, adiacenti la foce del fiume Timavo, nel Comune di Monfalcone (Gorizia), si contraddistinguono per il pregio avifaunistico e ambientale. Come attestato dal censimento sugli uccelli svernanti 2011-2012 appena concluso (188), quest'area di transizione tra la pianura e il Carso si pone come 2° sito italiano per numero di specie osservate (228 tra il 2010 e il 2012), 3° quadrante per ricchezza di specie svernanti nel 2012 (108) e 1o in Italia per i nidificanti con ben 112 specie.

Presso le Risorgive del Lisert è stata individuata una popolazione di Grillastro palustre Zeuneriana marmorata, di cui si conosce solo un'altra popolazione in Slovenia. Questo ortottero endemico dell'Alto Adriatico, ritenuto estinto nel 1987 fino al ritrovamento (189) di un migliaio di individui, è una delle specie di invertebrati più minacciate a livello europeo.

Il Canneto del Lisert presenta, invece, uno dei pochi fragmiteti di ampia estensione e non soggetti a marea del Nord Adriatico. Nel 2004 si è probabilmente riprodotto il Tarabuso Botaurus stellaris, che sverna regolarmente. Il Falco di palude Circus aeruginosus nidifica regolarmente, mentre nel passato si riproduceva anche il Tarabusino Ixobrychus minutus. Durante la migrazione è presente Moretta tabaccata Aythya nyroca, specie molto rara in Italia, anche con consistenze superiori ai 10 soggetti. Tutte le specie citate sono comprese nell'Allegato I della direttiva Uccelli 2009/147/CE.

Nonostante il Canneto del Lisert sia stato individuato nel 1996 come sito d'importanza nazionale (SIN) del ₫Programma BioItaly₻, rispondendo ai requisiti di ₫Natura 2000₻, la Provincia di Gorizia lo scorso 8 novembre 2011 ha presentato lo ₫Studio di fattibilità — Il porto di Monfalcone come attrattore di sviluppo₻, che prevede l'ampliamento dei piazzali portuali e la realizzazione di un grande terminal ferroviario.

Alla luce di quanto esposto, ritiene la Commissione che, se tale progetto fosse realizzato, i siti in questione verrebbero irreversibilmente compromessi e che perciò andrebbero urgentemente inseriti nella limitrofa area protetta SIC IT3340006 ₫Carso triestino e goriziano₻ (190) e ZPS IT3341002 ₫Aree carsiche della Venezia Giulia₻ (191) , che sono adiacenti alle aree di cui si chiede l'inserimento? Inoltre, ritiene che, come già proposto dal mondo scientifico (192) , il Grillastro palustre Zeuneriana marmorata, dovrebbe essere urgentemente aggiunto alla lista degli invertebrati da tutelare secondo la direttiva Habitat e la Convenzione di Berna?

Risposta data da Janez Potočnik a nome della Commissione

(21 maggio 2012)

Per quanto riguarda la prima domanda, relativa alla modifica di siti Natura 2000, la Commissione rinvia l'onorevole parlamentare alla propria risposta all'interrogazione P-3468/2012 (193).

Per quanto concerne il Grillastro palustre (Zeuneriana marmorata), non è attualmente prevista alcuna revisione riguardo all’eventuale inclusione di tale specie negli allegati della direttiva Habitat (194).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003467/12

to the Commission

Andrea Zanoni (ALDE)

(29 March 2012)

Subject: Inclusion of the areas of Risorgive del Lisert and Canneto del Lisert in the Natura 2000 networks ‘Carso triestino e goriziano’ and ‘Aree carsiche della Venezia Giulia’

The Risorgive del Lisert and Canneto del Lisert areas, adjacent to the mouth of the river Timavo in the municipality of Monfalcone (province of Gorizia), are renowned for the richness of their birdlife and the quality of their environment. As confirmed by the recently completed 2011-2012 census of wintering birds (195), this transitional area between the plain and the Carso ranks second in Italy in terms of the number of observed species (228 between 2010 and 2012), third in this part of Europe in terms of the abundance of wintering species in 2012 (108) and first in Italy in terms of nesting species (112).

A population of bush crickets (Zeuneriana marmorata), of which there is only one other known population, in Slovenia, has been identified at Risorgive del Lisert. This orthopteran, which is endemic to the Upper Adriatic region and was declared extinct in 1987 until around 1 000 individuals were discovered (196), is one of the most threatened invertebrate species in Europe.

Canneto del Lisert has one of the few extensive reed beds not affected by the North Adriatic tides. It is likely that the great bittern (Botaurus stellaris), which regularly winters in the area, bred there in 2004. The marsh harrier (Circus aeruginosus) regularly nests there, while in the past even the little bittern (Ixobrychus minutus) has bred there. During migration, the ferruginous duck (Aythya nyroca), a very rare species in Italy, is present there in numbers in excess of 10. All the aforementioned species are included in Annex I to the Birds Directive 2009/147/EC.

Although Canneto del Lisert was identified in 1996 as a site of national importance by the BioItaly programme and meets the requirements of Natura 2000, on 8 November 2011 the province of Gorizia presented a feasibility study on the port of Monfalcone as a means of attracting investment, which provides for the expansion of the quays and the construction of a large rail terminal.

In view of the above, does the Commission believe that, were this project to be carried out, the sites in question would be irreversibly compromised and that they should therefore be incorporated as a matter of urgency into the neighbouring protected site SCI IT3340006 ‘Carso triestino e goriziano’ (197) and neighbouring special protection area SPA IT3341002 ‘Aree carsiche della Venezia Giulia’ (198)? Moreover, does it believe that, as already proposed by the scientific community (199), the bush cricket Zeuneriana marmorata should be added as a matter of urgency to the list of protected invertebrates, in accordance with the Habitats Directive and the Berne Convention?

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(21 May 2012)

As regards the first question, concerning modifications of Natura 2000 sites, the Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its reply to Question P‐3468/2012 (200).

As far as Zeuneriana marmorata is concerned and its possible inclusion in the annexes of the Habitats Directive (201), such a revision is not envisaged at the moment.

(Dansk udgave)

Forespørgsel til skriftlig besvarelse E-003469/12

til Kommissionen

Morten Messerschmidt (EFD)

(30. marts 2012)

Om: Notarialarbejde i forbindelse med ejendomshandler

Spørgeren er blevet gjort opmærksom på en konkret sag om en ejendomshandel i Frankrig, hvor den franske notar krævede samtlige fransksprogede dokumenter i sagen oversat til dansk med translatørpåtegning, alene fordi den ene part i handlen er dansk. Dette forsinker og besværliggør naturligvis handlen, ligesom det medfører store omkostninger henset til dokumenternes omfang. Notaren har i øvrigt ikke kendskab til, om den danske part i handlen forstår fransk.

— Vil Kommissionen oplyse, om notarialarbejde og advokatbistand i forbindelse med ejendomshandler er reguleret ved direktiv/forordning og i givet fald hvilket/hvilken?

— Vil Kommissionen tillige også oplyse, om notarialarbejde og advokatbistand i forbindelse med ejendomshandler er omfattet af TEUF’s artikel 57, herunder specielt litra d)?

— Finder Kommissionen, at det beskrevne sagsforløb lever op til intentionerne i TEUF’s artikel 56?

— Finder Kommissionen endvidere, at en fransk notar har ret til at fremsætte et sådant krav, eller ser Kommissionen, som spørgeren, det som diskrimination af den danske part?

Svar afgivet på Kommissionens vegne af Michel Barnier

(14. juni 2012)

Det ærede medlems forespørgsel vedrører oversættelse af dokumenter fra fransk til dansk i forbindelse med en ejendomshandel i Frankrig, hvor en af parterne er dansk.

Kommissionen påpeger, at notarerhvervet, herunder de betingelser, der omhandler foranstaltninger, der skal sikre kvalitet inden for notarialtjenester, falder ind under medlemsstaternes kompetenceområde. Når der lovgives om dette erhverv, skal medlemsstaterne dog respektere EU‐lovgivningen (f.eks. kan medlemsstaterne ikke opstille nationalitetskrav for notarer, eftersom dette strider mod etableringsfriheden i medfør af TEUF artikel 49).

Ydermere falder lovgivning vedrørende ejendomshandler, der udføres af en notar, ind under national lovgivning, og dette gælder også spørgsmålet om oversættelse af dokumenter i forbindelse med sådanne transaktioner. Dette henhører således ikke under EU‐lovgivningen.

Som konsekvens heraf meddeles det hermed det ærede medlem, at Kommissionen ikke finder, at der foreligger diskrimination i medfør af traktaterne i den fremførte sag.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003469/12

to the Commission

Morten Messerschmidt (EFD)

(30 March 2012)

Subject: Notarial work in connection with estate agents

The questioner has been made aware of a specific case relating to a property transaction in France, where the French notary demanded that all the French language documents for the case be translated into Danish and certified, simply because one of the parties to the transaction is Danish. This naturally delays and complicates the transaction as well as causing significant costs in view of the scope of documentation. The notary does not know whether the Danish party to the transaction understands French.

— Will the Commission advise whether notarial work and legal services in connection with estate agents are regulated by directive/regulation and if so which directive/regulation?

— Will the Commission also advise whether notarial work and legal services in connection with estate agents are covered by Article 57 TFEU, in particular (d)?

— Does the Commission consider that the case described meets the intentions of Article 56 TFEU?

— Does the Commission further consider that the French notary is entitled to make such a requirement or does the Commission, like the questioner, consider this to be discrimination against the Danish party?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(14 June 2012)

The Honourable Member enquires on the translation of documents, from French to Danish, related to a property transaction in France in which one of the parties to the transaction was Danish.

The Commission points out that the profession of notary, including terms laying down measures to ensure the quality of notary services, falls under the competence of Member States. However when regulating this profession, Member States have to respect Union law (e.g. the Member States can not set a nationality requirement in order to become a notary, since this is contrary to the freedom of establishment provided for in Article 49 of TFEU).

Furthermore, the regulation of property transactions dealt with by notaries falls under national law of the Member States, including the question of translation of documents related to such transactions that is thus not covered by Union law.

Consequently, the Commission would like to inform the Honourable Member that it does not find any discrimination that would be against the Treaties in the case presented.

(Dansk udgave)

Forespørgsel til skriftlig besvarelse E-003471/12

til Kommissionen

Morten Messerschmidt (EFD)

(30. marts 2012)

Om: GPS-udstyr og fartradarer i Frankrig

Kan Europa-Kommissionen bekræfte, at Frankrig ved dekret af 3. januar 2012 har indført en regel om, at GPS-navigationsudstyr til biler ikke længere må omfatte en funktion, som advarer om tilstedeværelsen af faste eller mobile hastighedsradarer?

Finder Kommissionen i bekræftende fald, at dette er i overensstemmelse med EU‐reglerne?

Svar afgivet på Kommissionens vegne af Siim Kallas

(31. maj 2012)

Kommissionen er bekendt med ændringerne af trafiksikkerhedsreglerne, der for nylig blev vedtaget i Frankrig, som det ærede medlem refererer til. Ændringerne vedrører besiddelse af alkoholtests til engangsbrug og anvendelse af apparater til advarsel om opstillede fartkontrolsystemer, som begge på nuværende tidspunkt ikke reguleres af EU‐lovgivningen.

Kommissionen undersøger i øjeblikket, om indholdet af de pågældende lovbestemmelser er i overensstemmelse med traktaten og tager, om nødvendigt, kontakt til de franske myndigheder for at få klarhed herom.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003471/12

to the Commission

Morten Messerschmidt (EFD)

(30 March 2012)

Subject: GPS equipment and speed cameras in France

Can the European Commission confirm that France introduced Decree No 2012-3 on 3 January 2012: it is a law that GPS navigation equipment in cars may no longer include a function that detects the presence of fixed or mobile speed cameras?

If this is the case, does the Commission consider that this is in accordance with EU rules?

Answer given by Mr Kallas on behalf of the Commission

(31 May 2012)

The Commission is aware of the amendments to the road safety regulations recently adopted by France referred to by the Honourable Member. They concern the possession of disposable breath alcohol tests and the use of devices that warn the driver about the presence of speed detection systems, neither of which is currently regulated under EC law.

The Commission is examining the content of these legal provisions to see their compatability with the Treaty and will get in contact with the French authorities for clarification if this is necessary.

(Dansk udgave)

Forespørgsel til skriftlig besvarelse E-003472/12

til Kommissionen

Morten Messerschmidt (EFD)

(30. marts 2012)

Om: Kritik af FN's klimapanel

I svaret på forespørgsel E‐011432/11 (Morten Messerschmidt) skriver Europa-Kommissionen, at FN's klimapanel (IPCC) har gennemgået sine procedurer efter undersøgelsen foretaget af InterAcademy Council (IAC), og at IPCC's rapporter godkendes af alle regeringer.

Regeringernes evaluering af rapporterne er imidlertid nærmest ikke‐eksisterende. En nylig kritisk rapport ₻What is wrong with the IPCC₫ har vist, at 90 % af landene ikke har indsendt kommentarer til den seneste rapport fra klimapanelet, og halvdelen af alle kommentarerne kom fra blot to lande. Samme rapport viser også, at selektiv udvælgelse af forfattere til IPCC's rapporter er reelt og fortsat eksisterende. IPCC's bestyrelse kan i praksis frit vælge de forfattere, de ønsker, og tidligere medforfattere til rapporterne har selv kritiseret, at udvælgelsen er domineret af politiske hensyn. Sammen med alvorlige mangler i peer review-processen (forfatterne kan frit vælge, om de vil tage hensyn til kommentarerne, og er i øvrigt ofte inhabile i omtalen af deres egne arbejder) betyder det, at bestyrelsen i princippet kan bestemme konklusionerne i rapporten via valget af forfattere.

— Giver den nævnte rapport og dens konklusioner (se resumé s. 4‐6) Kommissionen anledning til at kvalificere eller ændre sit svar på spørgsmål E‐011432/11?

— Nærer Kommissionen på baggrund af rapporten fortsat tillid til IPCC og dets anbefalinger, og agter Kommissionen fortsat ensidigt at basere sin klimapolitik på IPCC's anbefalinger trods de åbenlyse videnskabelige svagheder, der er påvist i rapporten fra The Global Warming Policy Foundation (GWPF) (202)?

Forespørgsel til skriftlig besvarelse E-003474/12

til Kommissionen

Morten Messerschmidt (EFD)

(30. marts 2012)

Om: Kritisk rapport om FN's klimapanel

The Global Warming Policy Foundation (GWPF) fremfører i sin rapport nr. 4 (203)₻What is wrong with the IPCC₫ alvorlig kritik af FN's klimapanel (IPCC).

GWPF anfører i rapporten, 1) at udvælgelsen af forfattere (alle typer) af IPCC's rapporter sker på en uigennemskuelig måde, 2) at IPCC ikke stiller bindende krav om, at alle synspunkter tilgodeses i rapporterne, 3) at ledende forfattere ofte er inhabile, og 4) at peer review-processen indeholder adskillige omgåelsesmuligheder og huller.

— Vil Kommissionen kommentere den nævnte rapport, og er Kommissionen enig i dens konklusioner?

— Er Kommissionen enig i de 11 anbefalinger, der fremsættes i rapporten (side 6)?

— Agter Kommissionen via Rådet eller på en for den på anden vis tilgængelig måde at søge disse anbefalinger indarbejdet i IPCC's arbejdsgrundlag og procedurer?

Samlet svar afgivet på Kommissionens vegne af Máire Geoghegan-Quinn

(23. maj 2012)

Europa-Kommissionen har intet at tilføje og ønsker heller ikke at ændre sit svar på forespørgsel E‐011432/2011.

Rapporten ₻What is wrong with the IPCC?₫, som det ærede medlem henviser til, er udgivet af Global Warming Policy Foundation (GWPF) og affattet af professor Ross McKitrick. Den gør rede for forfatterens holdninger til spørgsmål relateret til ledelsen af Det Mellemstatslige Panel om Klimaændringer (IPCC). En ansvarsfraskrivelse gør således opmærksom på, at de synspunkter, der kommer til udtryk i rapporten, er forfatterens og ikke Global Warming Policy Foundation's synspunkter. Europa-Kommissionen kan ikke tage stilling til enkeltpersoners rapporter.

Rapporten omhandler ikke de beslutninger, der blev taget på IPCC's 34. plenarmøde (afholdt den 18.‐19. november 2011 i Kampala, Uganda). På anbefaling af InterAcademy Council blev revisionen af IPCC's praksis og procedurer afsluttet og vedtaget — med omgående virkning — af alle regeringsrepræsentanterne i IPCC.

Kommissionen baserer sin klimapolitik på de bedste tilgængelige videnskabelige resultater og på den videnskabelige enighed blandt eksperter inden for klimaforandringer. Der er fortsat samstemmende enighed blandt tusinder af forskere på verdensplan om IPCC's vurderinger, der er baseret på fagfællebedømt forskning samt en lang række forskellige analysemetoder og datasæt.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003472/12

to the Commission

Morten Messerschmidt (EFD)

(30 March 2012)

Subject: Criticism of the UN climate panel

In the answer to Question E‐011432/11 (Morten Messerschmidt) the European Commission writes that the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has reviewed its processes and procedures after the review undertaken by the InterAcademy Council (IAC), and that the IPCC’s reports are approved by all governments.

Yet an evaluation of the reports by the governments is almost non-existent. A recent critical report, ‘What is wrong with the IPCC?’, has shown that 90% of countries have not submitted review comments on the latest climate panel report and that half of all the comments came from just two countries. The same report also shows that selective appointment of authors of IPCC’s reports has taken place and continues to take place. The IPCC Bureau can, in practice, freely select the authors it wants and earlier co-authors of reports have themselves voiced concern that the selection procedure is dominated by political considerations. Together with serious gaps in the peer review procedure (authors can choose whether to consider review comments and are otherwise often not qualified to discuss their own work) this means that the Bureau can in principle determine the conclusions of the report through its choice of authors.

— Do the abovementioned report and its conclusions (see summary on pages 4-6) give the Commission cause to add to or amend its answer to Question E‐011432/11?

— In view of the report, does the Commission still have confidence in the IPCC and its recommendations and does the Commission still intend to base its climate policy solely on the IPCC’s recommendations despite the obvious scientific weaknesses identified by the Global Warming Policy Foundation (GWPF) in its report (204)?

Question for written answer E-003474/12

to the Commission

Morten Messerschmidt (EFD)

(30 March 2012)

Subject: Report criticising the UN climate panel

The Global Warming Policy Foundation (GWPF) has raised some serious criticism of the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in its report No 4 (205)‘What is wrong with the IPCC?’.

In the report, the GWPF asserts (1) that the process for selecting authors (all types) of the IPCC’s reports is opaque, (2) that the IPCC does not have a binding requirement for incorporating the full range of views, (3) that lead authors are often biased and therefore not qualified and (4) that the peer review process has a great many loopholes and gaps.

— Will the Commission comment on the above report and does the Commission agree with its conclusions?

— Does the Commission agree with the 11 recommendations of the report (page 6)?

— Does the Commission intend, via the Council or by other means, to seek to incorporate these recommendations in the IPCC’s working basis and procedures?

Joint answer given by Ms Geoghegan-Quinn on behalf of the Commission

(23 May 2012)

The European Commission does not have anything to add nor does it wish to amend the reply to Question E‐011432/2011.

The report ‘What is wrong with the IPCC?’ published by the Global Warming Policy Foundation (GWPF), which the Honourable Member refers to, outlines the views of its author, Prof. Ross McKitrick, on issues related to the governance of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). A disclaimer states that views expressed in the report are those of the author and not those of the GWFP. It is not the role of the European Commission to take position on reports of individuals.

The report published by the GWPF does not address the decisions taken during the 34th Plenary Session of the IPCC (18-19 November 2011, Kampala, Uganda), in which the revision of the IPCC processes and procedures, following the recommendations of the Inter-Academy Council, was finalised and adopted — with immediate effect — by all governments-members of the IPCC Panel.

The Commission bases its climate policies on the best available current science and on the scientific consensus of experts in the field of climate change. The assessments of the IPCC continue to represent the consensus of thousands of scientists worldwide, based on peer-reviewed research and multiple lines of analysis and datasets.

(Dansk udgave)

Forespørgsel til skriftlig besvarelse E-003473/12

til Rådet

Morten Messerschmidt (EFD)

(30. marts 2012)

Om: Kritisk rapport om FN's klimapanel

The Global Warming Policy Foundation (GWPF) fremfører i sin rapport nr. 4 (206)₻What is wrong with the IPCC₫ alvorlig kritik af FN's klimapanel (IPCC).

GWPF anfører i rapporten, 1) at udvælgelsen af forfattere (alle typer) af IPCC's rapporter sker på en uigennemskuelig måde, 2) at IPCC ikke stiller bindende krav om, at alle synspunkter tilgodeses i rapporterne, 3) at ledende forfattere ofte er inhabile, og 4) at peer review-processen indeholder adskillige omgåelsesmuligheder og huller.

— Vil Rådet kommentere den nævnte rapport, og er Rådet enig i dens konklusioner?

— Er Rådet enig i de 11 anbefalinger, der fremsættes i rapporten (side 6)?

— Agter Rådet at søge disse anbefalinger indarbejdet i IPCC's arbejdsgrundlag og procedurer?

Svar

(6. juni 2012)

Rådet betonede i sine konklusioner af 14. oktober 2010 (207) den afgørende rolle, som Det Mellemstatslige Panel om Klimaændringer (IPCC) spiller for at uddybe vores forståelse af klimaændringer gennem dets holdbare og solide videnskabelige vurderinger. Det så også med tilfredshed på den rapport, som et udvalg under InterAcademy Council havde udarbejdet vedrørende vurderingen af IPCC's procedurer og praksis, og anerkendte de igangværende bestræbelser i IPCC med samme formål. Rådet er fortsat overbevist om, at IPCC tilbyder den mest autoritative og omfattende vurderingsproces vedrørende den eksisterende videnskabelige viden om klimaændringer, og det ser i den forbindelse frem til IPCC's femte vurderingsrapport (208).

Rådet har ikke udtrykt nogen synspunkter vedrørende den rapport, som det ærede medlem omtaler.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003473/12

to the Council

Morten Messerschmidt (EFD)

(30 March 2012)

Subject: Report criticising the UN climate panel

The Global Warming Policy Foundation (GWPF) has raised some serious criticism of the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in its report No 4 (209)


  ‘
  What is wrong with the IPCC’?

In the report, the GWPF asserts (1) that the process for selecting authors (all types) of IPCC reports is opaque, (2) that the IPCC does not have a binding requirement for incorporating the full range of views, (3) that lead authors are often biased and therefore not qualified and (4) that the peer review process has a great many loopholes and gaps.

— Will the Council comment on the above report and does the Council agree with its conclusions?

— Does the Council agree with the 11 recommendations of the report (page 6)?

— Does the Council intend to seek the incorporation of these recommendations in the IPCC’s working basis and procedures?

Reply

(6 June 2012)

In the conclusions it adopted on 14 October 2010 (210), the Council emphasised the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's (IPCC) crucial role in deepening our understanding of climate change through its robust and solid scientific assessments. It also welcomed the report made by a committee of the InterAcademy Council related to the review of the processes and procedures of the IPCC and recognised ongoing efforts within the IPCC to the same ends. The Council remains convinced that the IPCC offers the most authoritative and comprehensive assessment process on the existing science of climate change and, in this context, it looks forward to its Fifth Assessment Report
   (211).

The Council has not expressed any views on the report referred to by the Honourable Member.

(Dansk udgave)

Forespørgsel til skriftlig besvarelse E-003475/12

til Kommissionen

Morten Messerschmidt (EFD)

(30. marts 2012)

Om: Drab og vold begået af indvandrere i Tyskland

Kan Europa-Kommissionen bekræfte oplysningerne om, at indvandrere har stået bag 7 500 drab og tre millioner voldelige overfald i Tyskland siden genforeningen i 1990, som det fremgår af vedlagte kilde (212)?

Spørgeren er opmærksom på, at Kommissionen ikke uden videre kan besvare spørgsmål om tyske forhold, men finder dog, at der som følge af EU's åbne grænser (og Kommissionens stærke fastholden heraf) er tale om et generelt problem for EU‐borgerne, og at Kommissionen som følge heraf må have oplysninger om problemets omfang samt have gjort sig sin stilling klar.

Svar afgivet på Kommissionens vegne af Cecilia Malmström

(25. maj 2012)

Det er Kommissionens politik ikke at kommentere artikler i pressen.

Det ærede medlems opmærksomhed henledes imidlertid på, at oprettelsen af Schengenområdet uden indre grænsekontrol flankeres af ledsageforanstaltninger på forskellige områder, inklusive et effektivt politi‐ og retssamarbejde mellem medlemsstaterne. EU's retshåndhævende myndigheder, såsom Europol og Eurojust er blevet oprettet med dette for øje, og en række retsakter er blevet vedtaget for at give medlemsstaterne mulighed for på effektiv vis at bekæmpe kriminalitet. Desuden har medlemsstaternes kompetente myndigheder bemyndigelse til at kontrollere personer, når de udøver deres politimæssige beføjelser indenfor deres område, hvilket også omfatter grænseområder, for så vidt udøvelsen af disse beføjelser ikke har en virkning, der svarer til grænsekontrol.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003475/12

to the Commission

Morten Messerschmidt (EFD)

(30 March 2012)

Subject: Homicide and violence committed by immigrants in Germany

Can the European Commission confirm the data on immigrants having committed 7 500 instances of homicide and 3 million violent assaults in Germany since reunification in 1990, as stated in the attached source (213)?

The questioner is aware that the Commission cannot directly answer questions on the situation in Germany but considers that, as a result of the EU’s open borders (and the Commission’s strong adherence to this policy), this is a general problem for EU citizens and that the Commission consequently must have information on the extent of the problem and must have formed a position in this regard.

Answer given by Ms Malmström on behalf of the Commission

(25 May 2012)

It is Commission policy not to comment on articles appearing in the press.

However, the attention of the Honourable Member is drawn to the fact that the creation of the Schengen area without internal border control is flanked by accompanying measures in various areas, including effective police and judicial cooperation between Member States. With this in mind, EC law enforcement agencies such as Europol and Eurojust have been created and a number of legal instruments have been adopted to allow Member States to effectively fight crime. Also, the competent authorities of the Member States are allowed to do checks on persons in the exercise of police powers throughout their territory, including in border areas, insofar as the exercise of those powers does not have an effect equivalent to border checks.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-003476/12

an die Kommission

Hans-Peter Mayer (PPE)

(30. März 2012)

Betrifft: Gewerbesteuerausfälle durch Unternehmen aus dem europäischen Ausland

Durch die EU-Dienstleistungsrichtlinie kommt es zum Einsatz von Subunternehmern innerhalb nationaler Unternehmen, primär aus den osteuropäischen Mitgliedstaaten. Diese Subunternehmen werden durch die Tätigkeit vor Ort auch steuerpflichtig. Die von den Kommunen festgesetzte Gewerbesteuer geht jedoch häufig nicht mehr ein, weil die Subunternehmer ihre Tätigkeit bereits beendet haben und wieder in ihr Herkunftsland verzogen sind.

Da die Verordnung (EG) Nr. 44/2001 nur die gerichtliche Zuständigkeit und die Anerkennung und Vollstreckung von Entscheidungen in Zivil‐ und Handelssachen betrifft und die Verordnung (EU) Nr. 24/2010 zwar die Amtshilfe in Hinblick auf Steuern und Abgaben regelt, dann jedoch ausdrücklich nur Geldstrafen, Geldbußen, Gebühren und Zuschläge einschließt, bleibt die Möglichkeit der Eintreibung der Gewerbesteuer im EU-Ausland außen vor.

| 1. | Ist der Kommission dieses Problem, insbesondere in Hinblick auf die Dienstleistungsrichtlinie, bekannt? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Ist der Kommission dieses Problem, insbesondere in Hinblick auf die Dienstleistungsrichtlinie, bekannt?

| 2. | Besteht eine europäische Regelung, nach der die Gemeinden Forderungen eintreiben können, die sich aus Verwaltungssteuern, hier vor allem der Gewerbesteuer, ergeben? |
| --- | --- |

2.

Besteht eine europäische Regelung, nach der die Gemeinden Forderungen eintreiben können, die sich aus Verwaltungssteuern, hier vor allem der Gewerbesteuer, ergeben?

| 3. | Beabsichtigt die Kommission in dieser Thematik aktiv zu werden? |
| --- | --- |

3.

Beabsichtigt die Kommission in dieser Thematik aktiv zu werden?

Antwort von Herrn Šemeta im Namen der Kommission

(30. Mai 2012)

| 1. | Es kann vorkommen, dass Personen oder Unternehmen aufgrund von unternehmerischen Tätigkeiten in einem anderen Mitgliedstaat (unabhängig davon, ob diese Tätigkeiten von der Dienstleistungsrichtlinie abgedeckt werden) vor Ort steuerpflichtig werden und in ihr Herkunftsland zurückkehren, ohne diese Steuern entrichtet zu haben. |
| --- | --- |

1.

Es kann vorkommen, dass Personen oder Unternehmen aufgrund von unternehmerischen Tätigkeiten in einem anderen Mitgliedstaat (unabhängig davon, ob diese Tätigkeiten von der Dienstleistungsrichtlinie abgedeckt werden) vor Ort steuerpflichtig werden und in ihr Herkunftsland zurückkehren, ohne diese Steuern entrichtet zu haben.

| 2. | Zum Schutz der finanziellen Interessen der lokalen Behörden und der Neutralität des Binnenmarktes wurde mit der Richtlinie 2010/24/EU des Rates vom 16. März 2010 über die Amtshilfe bei der Beitreibung von Forderungen in Bezug auf bestimmte Steuern, Abgaben und sonstige Maßnahmen der Anwendungsbereich der Amtshilfe bei der Beitreibung zwischen den Mitgliedstaaten auf Steuern und Abgaben aller Art ausgeweitet, die von einem Mitgliedstaat oder dessen gebiets‐ oder verwaltungsmäßigen Gliederungseinheiten, einschließlich der lokalen Behörden, oder für diesen oder diese oder für die Union erhoben werden (Artikel 2 Absatz 1 Buchstabe a). Dies bedeutet, dass davon auch die Gewerbesteuern der Kommunen betroffen sind. Der Anwendungsbereich dieser Richtlinie umfasst Geldstrafen, Geldbußen, Gebühren und Zuschläge in Bezug auf Forderungen, für deren Beitreibung um Amtshilfe ersucht werden kann (Artikel 2 Absatz 2 Buchstabe a). |
| --- | --- |

2.

Zum Schutz der finanziellen Interessen der lokalen Behörden und der Neutralität des Binnenmarktes wurde mit der Richtlinie 2010/24/EU des Rates vom 16. März 2010 über die Amtshilfe bei der Beitreibung von Forderungen in Bezug auf bestimmte Steuern, Abgaben und sonstige Maßnahmen der Anwendungsbereich der Amtshilfe bei der Beitreibung zwischen den Mitgliedstaaten auf Steuern und Abgaben aller Art ausgeweitet, die von einem Mitgliedstaat oder dessen gebiets‐ oder verwaltungsmäßigen Gliederungseinheiten, einschließlich der lokalen Behörden, oder für diesen oder diese oder für die Union erhoben werden (Artikel 2 Absatz 1 Buchstabe a). Dies bedeutet, dass davon auch die Gewerbesteuern der Kommunen betroffen sind. Der Anwendungsbereich dieser Richtlinie umfasst Geldstrafen, Geldbußen, Gebühren und Zuschläge in Bezug auf Forderungen, für deren Beitreibung um Amtshilfe ersucht werden kann (Artikel 2 Absatz 2 Buchstabe a).

| 3. | Die Mitgliedstaaten müssen ihre einzelstaatlichen Vorschriften zur Umsetzung dieser Richtlinie seit 1. Januar 2012 anwenden. Die Kommission wird ein besonderes Augenmerk auf die Umsetzung und wirksame Durchführung dieser Richtlinie legen, die dazu beitragen dürfte, das von dem Herrn Abgeordneten angesprochene Problem zu lösen. Unter diesen Umständen beabsichtigt die Kommission gegenwärtig, keine weiteren Schritte zu unternehmen. |
| --- | --- |

3.

Die Mitgliedstaaten müssen ihre einzelstaatlichen Vorschriften zur Umsetzung dieser Richtlinie seit 1. Januar 2012 anwenden. Die Kommission wird ein besonderes Augenmerk auf die Umsetzung und wirksame Durchführung dieser Richtlinie legen, die dazu beitragen dürfte, das von dem Herrn Abgeordneten angesprochene Problem zu lösen. Unter diesen Umständen beabsichtigt die Kommission gegenwärtig, keine weiteren Schritte zu unternehmen.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003476/12

to the Commission

Hans-Peter Mayer (PPE)

(30 March 2012)

Subject: Shortfalls in business tax receipts from businesses from another European Union Member State

The EU Services Directive means that sub-contractors, primarily from Eastern European Member States, are used within national business operations. These sub-contractors also become liable for tax through their work at the local level. However, the business tax fixed by the local authorities often goes unpaid because the sub-contractors have already finished their work and returned to their country of origin.

As Council Regulation (EC) No 44/2001 only relates to jurisdiction and the recognition and enforcement of judgments in civil and commercial matters, and Council Regulation (EC) No 24/2010 regulates administrative cooperation in relation to taxes and charges, but only expressly encompasses financial penalties, fines, charges and surcharges, the possibility of collecting business taxes from businesses from another European Union Member State is ignored.

| 1. | Is the Commission aware of this problem, in particular in relation to the Services Directive? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Is the Commission aware of this problem, in particular in relation to the Services Directive?

| 2. | Does a European regulation exist according to which the local authorities can collect debts arising from administrative taxes, in this case in particular, business taxes? |
| --- | --- |

2.

Does a European regulation exist according to which the local authorities can collect debts arising from administrative taxes, in this case in particular, business taxes?

| 3. | Does the Commission intend to take any action in this matter? |
| --- | --- |

3.

Does the Commission intend to take any action in this matter?

Answer given by Mr Šemeta on behalf of the Commission

(30 May 2012)

| 1. | It may happen that persons or companies, through business activities in other Member States (that are or are not covered by the Services Directive, this is not relevant), become liable for local taxes there, and return to their country of origin without paying these local taxes. |
| --- | --- |

1.

It may happen that persons or companies, through business activities in other Member States (that are or are not covered by the Services Directive, this is not relevant), become liable for local taxes there, and return to their country of origin without paying these local taxes.

| 2. | In order to safeguard the financial interests of the local authorities and the neutrality of the internal market, Council Directive 2010/24/EU of 16 March 2010 concerning mutual assistance for the recovery of claims relating to taxes, duties and other measures has extended the scope of mutual recovery assistance between the Member States to all taxes and duties of any kind levied by or on behalf of a Member State or its territorial or administrative subdivisions, including the local authorities (Art. 2(1)(a)). This implies that local business taxes are also covered. The scope of this directive also includes administrative penalties, fines, charges and surcharges relating to the tax claims for which mutual assistance may be requested (Art. 2(2)(a)). |
| --- | --- |

2.

In order to safeguard the financial interests of the local authorities and the neutrality of the internal market, Council Directive 2010/24/EU of 16 March 2010 concerning mutual assistance for the recovery of claims relating to taxes, duties and other measures has extended the scope of mutual recovery assistance between the Member States to all taxes and duties of any kind levied by or on behalf of a Member State or its territorial or administrative subdivisions, including the local authorities (Art. 2(1)(a)). This implies that local business taxes are also covered. The scope of this directive also includes administrative penalties, fines, charges and surcharges relating to the tax claims for which mutual assistance may be requested (Art. 2(2)(a)).

| 3. | Member States have to apply their national provisions transposing this directive from 1 January 2012. The Commission will pay particular attention to the transposition and effective implementation of this directive, which should help to solve the problem raised by the Honourable Member. Under these circumstances, the Commission does not intend to take any further action in this matter now. |
| --- | --- |

3.

Member States have to apply their national provisions transposing this directive from 1 January 2012. The Commission will pay particular attention to the transposition and effective implementation of this directive, which should help to solve the problem raised by the Honourable Member. Under these circumstances, the Commission does not intend to take any further action in this matter now.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-003478/12

an die Kommission

Hans-Peter Martin (NI)

(30. März 2012)

Betrifft: Artikel 36 des ACTA und Vertretung der Bürger der EU

Artikel 36 Absatz 1 des Abkommens zur Bekämpfung von Produkt‐ und Markenpiraterie (ACTA) lautet:

„Die Vertragsparteien setzen den ACTA-Ausschuss ein. Jede Vertragspartei ist im Ausschuss vertreten“.

Bedeutet dies, dass jedes der Mitgliedsländer sowie die EU als Ganzes in diesem ACTA-Ausschuss vertreten sein würden? Oder würde der EU-Vertreter diese Rolle in Vertretung aller Mitgliedstaaten wahrnehmen? Würde der EU-Vertreter von der Kommission, vom Parlament oder vom Rat ernannt? In den nachfolgenden Fragen wird davon ausgegangen, dass der EU-Vertreter von der Kommission gestellt würde:

Bevor der Kommissionsvertreter autorisiert würde im Namen der EU bzw. der EU und ihrer Mitgliedsländer abzustimmen, würde die Kommission in jedem Fall sicherstellen, dass

a) die möglichen Entscheidungen samt Beschlussentwürfen im Voraus veröffentlicht würden;

b) das Parlament, eines seiner Ausschüsse oder eine Vertretung des Parlaments das Stimmverhalten des EU-Vertreters entscheiden könnte?

Da alle Entscheidungen des in Artikel 36 definierten ACTA-Ausschusses einstimmig getroffen werden müssten, hätte der Vertreter der EU ein effektives Vetorecht. Würde die Kommission durch ein Veto gegen jede mögliche anderslautende Bestimmung der Geschäftsordnung des ACTA-Ausschusses oder gegen entsprechende Änderungsvorschläge sicherstellen,

| 1. | dass das Einstimmigkeitsprinzip nicht aufgehoben würde, |
| --- | --- |

1.

dass das Einstimmigkeitsprinzip nicht aufgehoben würde,

| 2. | dass alle Treffen des ACTA-Ausschusses immer und grundsätzlich öffentlich wären, |
| --- | --- |

2.

dass alle Treffen des ACTA-Ausschusses immer und grundsätzlich öffentlich wären,

| 3. | dass alle im ACTA-Ausschuss diskutierten, entworfenen oder verabschiedeten Dokumente veröffentlicht würden, |
| --- | --- |

3.

dass alle im ACTA-Ausschuss diskutierten, entworfenen oder verabschiedeten Dokumente veröffentlicht würden,

| 4. | dass alle im ACTA-Ausschuss angerufenen oder befragten Personen namentlich genannt würden |
| --- | --- |

4.

dass alle im ACTA-Ausschuss angerufenen oder befragten Personen namentlich genannt würden

| 5. | sowie dass unzensierte wörtliche Protokolle oder Videoaufnahmen jedes Treffens des ACTA-Ausschusses veröffentlicht würden? |
| --- | --- |

5.

sowie dass unzensierte wörtliche Protokolle oder Videoaufnahmen jedes Treffens des ACTA-Ausschusses veröffentlicht würden?

Antwort von Herrn De Gucht im Namen der Kommission

(25. Mai 2012)

Wie in Artikel 36 Absatz 5 des ACTA-Abkommens festgehalten, wird die Geschäftsordnung des ACTA-Ausschusses erst nach Inkrafttreten des Abkommens verabschiedet. Daher hält es die Kommission für verfrüht, sich bereits jetzt zu den Standpunkten zu äußern, die sie bei der Erörterung der Geschäftsordnung des ACTA-Ausschusses vertreten wird.

Was die Beziehungen zwischen der Kommission und dem Parlament im Hinblick auf die Mitwirkung im ACTA-Ausschuss anbelangt, gelten in jedem Fall die im Vertrag von Lissabon für handelsbezogene Angelegenheiten vorgesehenen Regeln sowie die Regeln der überarbeiteten Rahmenvereinbarung über die Beziehungen zwischen dem Europäischen Parlament und der Kommission.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003478/12

to the Commission

Hans-Peter Martin (NI)

(30 March 2012)

Subject: Article 36 of the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) and the representation of EU citizens

Article 36(1) of the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) states:

‘The Parties hereby establish the ACTA Committee. Each Party shall be represented on the Committee.’

Does this mean that each of the Member States, as well as the EU as a whole, would be represented in this ACTA Committee? Or would the EU representative assume this role on behalf of all Member States? Would the EU representative be appointed by the Commission, Parliament, or the Council? The following questions assume that the EU representative would be appointed by the Commission.

Before the Commission’s representative is authorised to vote on behalf of the EU or the EU and its Member States, would the Commission always ensure that:

| the possible decisions, including all draft decisions, are published in advance; |
| --- |

the possible decisions, including all draft decisions, are published in advance;

| Parliament, one of its committees or a body representing Parliament is able to decide on how the EU representative should vote? |
| --- |

Parliament, one of its committees or a body representing Parliament is able to decide on how the EU representative should vote?

Because all decisions of the ACTA Committee defined in Article 36 would have to be unanimous, the EU representative would effectively have a veto. Would the Commission use a veto against any possible divergent provision in the ACTA Committee’s rules and procedures or against any relevant amendments in order to ensure:

| that the principle of unanimity is not abandoned, |
| --- |

that the principle of unanimity is not abandoned,

| that all meetings of the ACTA Committee are always open and public, |
| --- |

that all meetings of the ACTA Committee are always open and public,

| that all documents discussed, drawn up or agreed upon in the ACTA Committee are published, |
| --- |

that all documents discussed, drawn up or agreed upon in the ACTA Committee are published,

| that all persons called in or consulted by the ACTA Committee are identified by name, |
| --- |

that all persons called in or consulted by the ACTA Committee are identified by name,

| and that uncensored verbatim records or video recordings of every meeting of the ACTA Committee are published? |
| --- |

and that uncensored verbatim records or video recordings of every meeting of the ACTA Committee are published?

Answer given by Mr De Gucht on behalf of the Commission

(25 May 2012)

As stated in Article 36.5 of ACTA, the rules and procedures on the functioning of the ACTA Committee will only be adopted after the entry into force of the agreement. With that consideration in mind, at this stage the Commission considers it premature to prejudge on the positions that it would take at the moment of the discussion on the rules and procedures on the functioning of the ACTA Committee.

In any event, the relation between the Commission and the Parliament with regard to the participation in the ACTA Committee will be covered by the rules foreseen in the Lisbon Treaty regarding trade related matters, as well as by the rules established by the revised Framework Agreement on relations between the European Parliament and the Commission.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-003479/12

an die Kommission

Hans-Peter Martin (NI)

(30. März 2012)

Betrifft: Kommissionsmitarbeiter bei ACTA-Verhandlungen

Die Kommission hat im Namen der Europäischen Union und ihrer Mitgliedstaaten an den zwischenstaatlichen Verhandlungen über das Abkommen zur Bekämpfung von Produkt‐ und Markenpiraterie (ACTA) teilgenommen. Nach Meinung des Fragestellers rechtfertigen die Brisanz des Abkommens sowie das bestehende öffentliche Interesse daran auch den zusätzlichen Aufwand, den die Kommission zur Beantwortung der folgenden Fragen möglicherweise aufbringen muss.

| 1. | Welche Generaldirektionen der Kommission waren an den Verhandlungen beteiligt? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Welche Generaldirektionen der Kommission waren an den Verhandlungen beteiligt?

| 2. | Wie viele Mitarbeiter aus jeder dieser Generaldirektionen waren an den Verhandlungen beteiligt? |
| --- | --- |

2.

Wie viele Mitarbeiter aus jeder dieser Generaldirektionen waren an den Verhandlungen beteiligt?

| 3. | Wie viele dieser Mitarbeiter waren vor ihrem Wechsel zur Kommission bei einem Industrieverband oder einer Lobbyorganisation angestellt? |
| --- | --- |

3.

Wie viele dieser Mitarbeiter waren vor ihrem Wechsel zur Kommission bei einem Industrieverband oder einer Lobbyorganisation angestellt?

| 4. | Wie viele Mitarbeiter, die an der Arbeit am ACTA beteiligt waren, wechselten seit Beginn der Verhandlungen zu einer Lobbygruppe oder einem Industrieverband? Wenn diese Daten nicht verfügbar sind: Wie viele der beteiligten Mitarbeiter schieden seit Beginn der Verhandlungen bei der Kommission aus? |
| --- | --- |

4.

Wie viele Mitarbeiter, die an der Arbeit am ACTA beteiligt waren, wechselten seit Beginn der Verhandlungen zu einer Lobbygruppe oder einem Industrieverband? Wenn diese Daten nicht verfügbar sind: Wie viele der beteiligten Mitarbeiter schieden seit Beginn der Verhandlungen bei der Kommission aus?

Antwort von Karel De Gucht im Namen der Kommission

(15. Mai 2012)

An den Verhandlungen über das Handelsabkommen zur Bekämpfung von Produkt‐ und Markenpiraterie (ACTA) waren folgende Generaldirektionen direkt beteiligt: die GD Handel, die GD Binnenmarkt und Dienstleistungen, die GD Informationsgesellschaft und Medien, die GD Steuern und Zollunion sowie die ehemalige Generaldirektion Justiz, Freiheit und Sicherheit (die später in der GD Justiz und der GD Inneres aufgegangen ist). Darüber hinaus waren an unterschiedlichen Verhandlungsphasen noch andere Kommissionsdienststellen beteiligt, darunter der Juristische Dienst, das Generalsekretariat, die GD Gesundheit und Verbraucher sowie die ehemalige Generaldirektion Außenbeziehungen (heute Europäischer Auswärtiger Dienst).

Die Kommission hat bereits einen Bericht vorgelegt, in dem sie ausführlich darlegt, wie viele Mitarbeiter für die ACTA-Verhandlungen abgestellt wurden. Dieser Bericht ist im Internet-Auftritt der GD Handel abrufbar (214).

Soweit der Kommission bekannt ist, waren weder Beamte noch sonstige Mitarbeiter der Kommission, die an den ACTA-Verhandlungen beteiligt waren, vor ihrem Wechsel zur Kommission bei einem Industrieverband oder einer Lobbyorganisation beschäftigt.

Soweit der Kommission weiter bekannt ist, wechselten auch keine Kommissionsbeamten, die an der Arbeit am ACTA beteiligt waren, seit Beginn der Verhandlungen zu einem Industrieverband oder einer Lobbygruppe.

Hingegen ist der Kommission bekannt, dass ein abgeordneter nationaler Sachverständiger und ein Vertragsbediensteter, die im Rahmen von Zeitverträgen bei der Kommission beschäftigt und an unterschiedlichen Phasen der ACTA-Verhandlungen beteiligt waren, nach ihrem Ausscheiden bei der Kommission zu Industrieverbänden gewechselt sind, die ein Interesse am ACTA haben. Die erste Person wurde von einem Industrieverband unter Vertrag genommen, der das ACTA öffentlich unterstützt; die zweite Person ist inzwischen bei einem Verband von Anbietern öffentlicher Kommunikationsdienste beschäftigt, der sich öffentlich gegen das ACTA ausspricht.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003479/12

to the Commission

Hans-Peter Martin (NI)

(30 March 2012)

Subject: Commission staff at the ACTA negotiations

The Commission has taken part in the intergovernmental negotiations on the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) on behalf of the European Union and its Member States. In the author’s opinion, the sensitive nature of the agreement and the high level of public interest justify the additional effort the Commission may need to expend in answering the following questions.

| 1. | Which of the Commission’s Directorates-General were involved in the negotiations? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Which of the Commission’s Directorates-General were involved in the negotiations?

| 2. | How many staff from each of these Directorates-General were involved in the negotiations? |
| --- | --- |

2.

How many staff from each of these Directorates-General were involved in the negotiations?

| 3. | How many of these members of staff had been employed by an industrial association or lobbying organisation prior to joining the Commission? |
| --- | --- |

3.

How many of these members of staff had been employed by an industrial association or lobbying organisation prior to joining the Commission?

| 4. | How many of these members of staff engaged in working on ACTA have taken up employment with an industrial association or lobbying organisation since the negotiations began? If this data is not available: how many of the staff involved have left the Commission since the start of negotiations? |
| --- | --- |

4.

How many of these members of staff engaged in working on ACTA have taken up employment with an industrial association or lobbying organisation since the negotiations began? If this data is not available: how many of the staff involved have left the Commission since the start of negotiations?

Answer given by Mr De Gucht on behalf of the Commission

(15 May 2012)

The Directorates-General (DGs) directly involved in the negotiations of the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) were DG Trade, DG Internal Market and Services, DG Information Society and Media, DG Taxation and Customs Union and the ex-DG Justice, Liberty and Security (later divided into DG Justice and DG Home Affairs). Other Commission services, including the Legal Service, the Secretariat General, DG Health and Consumers, and ex-DG External Relations (currently the European External Action Service (EEAS)) also contributed at different stages of the negotiation.

The Commission has made available a detailed report of the resources allocated for the negotiation of ACTA, which is available on DG Trade's website (215).

As far as the Commission is aware, no Commission officials or other staff who participated in the ACTA negotiations had been employed by an industrial association or lobbying organisation prior to joining the Commission.

Also as far as the Commission is aware, no Commission officials working on ACTA have taken up employment with an industrial association or lobbying organisation since the negotiations began.

However, the Commission is aware that one detached national expert and one contractual agent that had temporary contracts with the Commission and have been involved at different stages of the ACTA negotiations have joined industrial associations with a stake on ACTA after they concluded their link with the Commission. The first has been hired by an industry association that has publicly supported ACTA and the second one has been hired by an association of electronic communication service providers that has publicly opposed ACTA.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-003481/12

an die Kommission

Hans-Peter Martin (NI)

(30. März 2012)

Betrifft: Entscheidungen zur Beteiligung an ACTA-Verhandlungen

Die Kommission hat im Namen der Europäischen Union und ihrer Mitgliedstaaten an den zwischenstaatlichen Verhandlungen über das Abkommen zur Bekämpfung von Produkt‐ und Markenpiraterie (ACTA) teilgenommen. Nach Meinung des Fragestellers rechtfertigen die Brisanz des Abkommens sowie das bestehende öffentliche Interesse daran auch den zusätzlichen Aufwand, den die Kommission zur Beantwortung der folgenden Fragen möglicherweise aufbringen muss.

| 1. | Wer entschied, dass sich die Kommission an den Verhandlungen über das ACTA würde? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Wer entschied, dass sich die Kommission an den Verhandlungen über das ACTA würde?

| 2. | Wann wurde entschieden, dass die Kommission an den Verhandlungen über das ACTA teilnehmen würde? |
| --- | --- |

2.

Wann wurde entschieden, dass die Kommission an den Verhandlungen über das ACTA teilnehmen würde?

| 3. | Wie wurden die Mitarbeiter ausgewählt, die die Kommission bei den Verhandlungen über das ACTA vertraten? |
| --- | --- |

3.

Wie wurden die Mitarbeiter ausgewählt, die die Kommission bei den Verhandlungen über das ACTA vertraten?

| 4. | Wie viele Verhandlungstreffen gab es nach Kenntnis der Kommission und an wie vielen davon nahmen Kommissionsvertreter teil? Wie viele zusätzliche informelle Treffen gab es und an wie vielen davon nahmen Kommissionsvertreter teil? |
| --- | --- |

4.

Wie viele Verhandlungstreffen gab es nach Kenntnis der Kommission und an wie vielen davon nahmen Kommissionsvertreter teil? Wie viele zusätzliche informelle Treffen gab es und an wie vielen davon nahmen Kommissionsvertreter teil?

Antwort von Herrn De Gucht im Namen der Kommission

(21. Mai 2012)

Der Rat ermächtigte die Kommission am 14. April 2008, das Handelsabkommen zur Bekämpfung von Produkt‐ und Markenpiraterie (ACTA) auszuhandeln.

Da ACTA einen thematischen Bezug zu Handelsfragen aufweist, war die Generaldirektion Handel bei den Verhandlungen federführend. Chefverhandler war der Leiter des für Rechte des geistigen Eigentums zuständigen Referats. Bei den übrigen Kommissionsbediensteten handelte es sich um die für die Durchsetzung der Rechte des geistigen Eigentums im Kompetenzbereich ihrer jeweiligen Generaldirektion damals verantwortlichen Beamten.

Die übrigen vom Herrn Abgeordneten angeforderten Informationen finden sich in dem auf der Website der GD Handel abrufbaren Dokument „Transparency of ACTA negotiations“ (216).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003481/12

to the Commission

Hans-Peter Martin (NI)

(30 March 2012)

Subject: Decisions on participation in ACTA negotiations

The Commission has taken part in the intergovernmental negotiations on the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) on behalf of the European Union and its Member States. In the author’s opinion, the sensitive nature of the agreement and the high level of public interest justify the additional effort the Commission may need to expend in answering the following questions.

| 1. | Who decided that the Commission should become involved in the ACTA negotiations? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Who decided that the Commission should become involved in the ACTA negotiations?

| 2. | When was it decided that the Commission should become involved in the ACTA negotiations? |
| --- | --- |

2.

When was it decided that the Commission should become involved in the ACTA negotiations?

| 3. | How were the personnel who represented the Commission during the ACTA negotiations chosen? |
| --- | --- |

3.

How were the personnel who represented the Commission during the ACTA negotiations chosen?

| 4. | To the Commission’s knowledge, how many negotiation meetings were held, and how many of these were attended by representatives of the Commission? How many additional informal meetings were held and how many of these were attended by representatives of the Commission? |
| --- | --- |

4.

To the Commission’s knowledge, how many negotiation meetings were held, and how many of these were attended by representatives of the Commission? How many additional informal meetings were held and how many of these were attended by representatives of the Commission?

Answer given by Mr De Gucht on behalf of the Commission

(21 May 2012)

The Council authorised the Commission to negotiate the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) on 14 April 2008.

Due to the trade-related nature of ACTA, the lead service in the negotiations of ACTA was the Directorate-General (DG) for Trade. The chief negotiator was the Head of Unit responsible for Intellectual Property Rights in DG Trade. The other Commission services’ officials were the officials in the DGs concerned that, at the time, were responsible for the respective areas of intellectual property enforcement for which such DGs were responsible.

The remaining information requested by the Honourable Member is available on DG Trade's website, in a document called ‘Transparency of ACTA negotiations’ (217).

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-003482/12

an die Kommission (Vizepräsidentin / Hohe Vertreterin)

Peter Simon (S&D)

(30. März 2012)

Betrifft: VP/HR — Aktuelle Sicherheitslage, humanitäre Situation und EU-Hilfe in Nordmali

Laut Medienberichten gerät die Situation in Mali zunehmend außer Kontrolle. Neben wieder aufgeflammten Kämpfen zwischen Tuareg-Rebellen und dem Militär im Norden des Landes bedroht der jüngste Staatsstreich in Bamako die Sicherheit und die Versorgung der Zivilbevölkerung. Trockenheit und die prekäre Sicherheitslage haben zu Ernteausfällen geführt. Deshalb erreichen uns Berichte über eine drohende Hungerkatastrophe in Mali, möglicherweise sogar in der ganzen Sahelzone. Tausende Menschen sind angeblich bereits aus den betroffenen Regionen geflohen, um in Flüchtlingslagern der benachbarten Staaten Zuflucht zu suchen.

Über diese Entwicklungen zeigen sich zunehmend auch Städte, die offizielle Partnerschaften zu Städten in Nordmali pflegen, wie z. B. die baden-württembergische Stadt Heubach, die seit 2008 eine Partnerschaft zu der malischen Stadt Anderamboukane unterhält, besorgt.

Daher möchte ich die Vizepräsidentin / Hohe Vertreterin, bitten, folgende Fragen zu beantworten:

| — | Wie ist die aktuelle politische Lage in Mali und im Besonderen in der Stadt Anderamboukane? |
| --- | --- |

—

Wie ist die aktuelle politische Lage in Mali und im Besonderen in der Stadt Anderamboukane?

| — | Besteht die Gefahr eines Bürgerkriegs? |
| --- | --- |

—

Besteht die Gefahr eines Bürgerkriegs?

| — | Wie engagiert sich die EU kurzfristig, um zu einer schnellen Lösung des Konflikts mit beizutragen? |
| --- | --- |

—

Wie engagiert sich die EU kurzfristig, um zu einer schnellen Lösung des Konflikts mit beizutragen?

| — | Zieht die EU eine Entsendung von unabhängigen Beobachtern in die Region in Erwägung? |
| --- | --- |

—

Zieht die EU eine Entsendung von unabhängigen Beobachtern in die Region in Erwägung?

| — | Wie ist der Situation der Flüchtlinge und wie versucht die Europäische Union sie zu unterstützen? |
| --- | --- |

—

Wie ist der Situation der Flüchtlinge und wie versucht die Europäische Union sie zu unterstützen?

| — | Welche Möglichkeiten sieht die Hohe Vertreterin, durch langfristiges Engagement in der Region zu Stabilität und Frieden beizutragen? |
| --- | --- |

—

Welche Möglichkeiten sieht die Hohe Vertreterin, durch langfristiges Engagement in der Region zu Stabilität und Frieden beizutragen?

| — | Wird diesbezüglich bereits an konkreten Projekten und Maßnahmen gearbeitet? |
| --- | --- |

—

Wird diesbezüglich bereits an konkreten Projekten und Maßnahmen gearbeitet?

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

(19. Juli 2012)

Die EU begrüßt das mit der Ecowas unterzeichnete Abkommen, ist aber besorgt über die noch offenen Fragen in Bezug auf die Rolle des Militärs und den Fahrplan für den Übergang.

Nachdem Anderamboukane an die MNLA gefallen ist, verließen viele Einwohner, lokale Behörden und NRO die Stadt, wie es auch in anderen Teilen Malis, die von der MNLA, den Islamisten oder anderen Akteuren kontrolliert werden, der Fall war. Es ist schwer, an Informationen zu kommen, aber angesichts der Lage Malis sind wahrscheinlich viele Einwohner zu Verwandten nach Niger geflüchtet.

Die Situation ist instabil, aber die meisten Parteien behaupten, der Gewalt den Dialog vorzuziehen, und beginnen Kontakt zueinander aufzunehmen.

Die EU hat den Putsch verurteilt und die Bemühungen der Ecowas um die Wiedereinsetzung einer Zivilregierung unterstützt, indem sie an Gesprächen auf regionaler Ebene teilnahm und die Ecowas aufforderte, mit internationalen Partnern einschließlich Mauretanien und Algerien zusammenzuarbeiten. Derzeit prüft sie eine mögliche finanzielle Unterstützung des Übergangs und der Ecowas-Truppe und arbeitet an der Entsendung einer zivilen GSVP-Mission nach Niger.

Die Entwicklungshilfe (mit Ausnahme der humanitären und direkten Hilfe) wurde ausgesetzt. Wenn, voraussichtlich für 2013, Wahlen angesetzt werden, kann der Einsatz von Wahlbeobachtern in Betracht gezogen werden.

Vor der Krise waren Mittel von mehr als 288 Mio. EUR für humanitäre Hilfe und Entwicklung bereitgestellt worden. Im Jahr 2012 wurde die humanitäre Hilfe für die Sahelzone von 45 Mio. EUR auf 123,5 Mio. EUR erhöht. Weitere 164,5 Mio. EUR sind für die Entwicklung vorgesehen, um die Ernährungssicherheit in der Region zu verbessern. Zudem wurden als direkte Reaktion auf die Krise in Mali 9 Mio. EUR bereitgestellt. Ziel ist es nun, den am meisten betroffenen und bedürftigsten Bevölkerungsgruppen zu helfen.

Auf Grundlage der vier Aktionsbereiche, die im Rahmen der Strategie der EU für die Sicherheit und die Entwicklung in der Sahelzone (218) geplant sind, hat die EU einen Aktionsplan entwickelt und arbeitet mit der Zivilgesellschaft sowie mit regionalen und internationalen Einrichtungen zusammen, um die Länder der Region bei der Bewältigung ihrer Herausforderungen zu unterstützen.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003482/12

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Peter Simon (S&D)

(30 March 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — Current security position, humanitarian situation and EU aid in Northern Mali

According to reports in the media, the situation in Mali is becoming increasingly out of control. In addition to rekindled fighting between Tuareg rebels and the military in the north of the country, the recent coup d’état in Bamako is threatening the security and welfare of the civilian population. Drought and the precarious security situation have led to crop failures. This is why we are receiving reports of threatened famine in Mali, possibly enveloping the entire Sahel zone. Reports indicate that thousands of people have already fled the relevant regions, seeking refuge in refugee camps in neighbouring states.

Concern is also growing among towns that are officially twinned with towns in Northern Mali, such as the town of Heubach in Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany, which has been twinned with the Malian town of Anderamboukane since 2008.

For this reason I would like to ask the Vice-President/High Representative to answer the following questions:

| — | What is the current political situation in Mali, in particular in the town of Anderamboukane? |
| --- | --- |

—

What is the current political situation in Mali, in particular in the town of Anderamboukane?

| — | Is there a danger of civil war? |
| --- | --- |

—

Is there a danger of civil war?

| — | What is the EU doing in the short term to help find a swift solution to the conflict? |
| --- | --- |

—

What is the EU doing in the short term to help find a swift solution to the conflict?

| — | Is the EU considering sending a team of independent observers to the region? |
| --- | --- |

—

Is the EU considering sending a team of independent observers to the region?

| — | What is the situation of the refugees and how is the European Union trying to support them? |
| --- | --- |

—

What is the situation of the refugees and how is the European Union trying to support them?

| — | What opportunities does the High Representative identify to contribute to stability and peace in the region through long-term involvement? |
| --- | --- |

—

What opportunities does the High Representative identify to contribute to stability and peace in the region through long-term involvement?

| — | Is work already under way on specific projects and measures in this regard? |
| --- | --- |

—

Is work already under way on specific projects and measures in this regard?

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

(19 July 2012)

The EU welcomes the agreement signed with Ecowas but is concerned by questions remaining open about the role of the military and the road map for transition.

The fall of Anderamboucane to the MNLA led to an exodus of inhabitants, local authorities and NGOs, as in other parts of Mali controlled by the MNLA, Islamists and others. Access to information is difficult but given its location many inhabitants are likely to have gone to relations in Niger.

The situation is fragile but most parties claim to prefer dialogue to force, and contacts are beginning.

The EU has condemned the coup and supported Ecowas efforts to restore civilian rule, participating in regional discussions and urging Ecowas to work with international partners including Mauritania and Algeria. It is also looking into financial support to the transition and an Ecowas force and is working to deploy a civilian CSDP mission to Niger.

Development aid (except humanitarian and direct aid) has been suspended. When elections are scheduled, likely in 2013, election observers may be considered.

Over EUR 288 million in EU humanitarian and development funds had been allocated before the crisis. For 2012 humanitarian aid for the Sahel was increased from EUR 45 million to EUR 123.5 million. A further EUR 164.5 million have been earmarked for development to improve regional food security. EUR 9 million was also allocated in direct response to the Mali crisis. The aim now is relief to the most affected and vulnerable populations.

On the basis of the four Lines of action proposed in the EU Strategy for Security and Development in the Sahel (219), the EU has developed an Action Plan and is working with civil society, regional and international bodies to help the countries of the region to tackle its challenges.

(Slovenské znenie)

Otázka na písomné zodpovedanie E-003483/12

Komisii

Peter Šťastný (PPE)

(30. marca 2012)

Vec: Presadzovanie práv duševného vlastníctva v rokovaniach medzi EÚ a Kanadou o komplexnej hospodárskej a obchodnej dohode

Presadzovanie práv duševného vlastníctva je mimoriadne dôležité na podporu investovania v oblasti výskumných činností a zabezpečenie toho, aby inovácie viedli k vývoju nových výrobkov a služieb, a zároveň na podporu hospodárskeho rastu a tvorby pracovných miest.

Presadzovanie práv duševného vlastníctva patrí medzi priority programu Európskej komisie. Je to zrejmé aj z oznámenia komisára De Guchta o obchode, raste a svetových záležitostiach, v ktorom je zdôraznená potreba zabezpečiť, aby sa náležite presadzovali práva duševného vlastníctva EÚ.

V tejto súvislosti môže rokovanie o komplexnej hospodárskej a obchodnej dohode s kanadskou vládou zohrávať významnú úlohu pri opätovnom potvrdení ambícií EÚ. Stanoví dôležitý precedens, pokiaľ ide o vykonávanie vlastných politických smerovaní Európskou komisiou.

Jedným z výrazných rozdielov medzi EÚ a Kanadou je režim presadzovania pre patenty v sektore vied o živote. Chýbajúce účinné právo odvolať sa pre novátorov v Kanade znamená, že jednotlivé strany nemajú rovnaký spravodlivý opravný prostriedok v tomto sektore.

V Kanade vytvárajú právne predpisy týkajúce sa oznámenia o súlade patentovaných liekov nečestnú situáciu v rámci kanadského regulačného rámca, ktorý pozbavuje novátorov základnej procesnej spravodlivosti a už mal škodlivý vplyv na investície spoločností z EÚ. V EÚ režim zabezpečuje, že obidve strany stoja na rovnakom právnom základe.

| — | Súhlasí Komisia s tým, že to vedie k diskriminácii spoločností vykonávajúcich činnosť v Kanade vrátane spoločností z EÚ? |
| --- | --- |

—

Súhlasí Komisia s tým, že to vedie k diskriminácii spoločností vykonávajúcich činnosť v Kanade vrátane spoločností z EÚ?

| — | Zaoberá sa Komisia touto nerovnomernosťou a diskrimináciou vo svojich rokovaniach s kanadskou vládou? |
| --- | --- |

—

Zaoberá sa Komisia touto nerovnomernosťou a diskrimináciou vo svojich rokovaniach s kanadskou vládou?

| — | Aké kroky Komisia prijíma na zabezpečenie toho, aby rokovania o komplexnej hospodárskej a obchodnej dohode viedli k uspokojivému výsledku a obidve strany mali rovnaký prístup k účinnému mechanizmu odvolania v konaniach týkajúcich sa neplatnosti patentu? |
| --- | --- |

—

Aké kroky Komisia prijíma na zabezpečenie toho, aby rokovania o komplexnej hospodárskej a obchodnej dohode viedli k uspokojivému výsledku a obidve strany mali rovnaký prístup k účinnému mechanizmu odvolania v konaniach týkajúcich sa neplatnosti patentu?

Odpoveď pána De Guchta v mene Komisie

(11. mája 2012)

Ako zdôraznil vážený pán poslanec, Komisia je presvedčená o dôležitosti zabezpečenia účinnej ochrany a presadzovania práv duševného vlastníctva v tretích krajinách.

Komisia si je plne vedomá množstva problémov v súvislosti so systémom duševného vlastníctva uplatňovanom v Kanade a zaoberá sa nimi v kontexte prebiehajúceho rokovania o komplexnej hospodárskej a obchodnej dohode (CETA). To sa týka najmä problému práva odvolať sa v rámci kanadského postupu „oznámenia o zhode“ uplatňovanom pri generických liekoch, ktoré sa v skutočnosti zdá byť oveľa výhodnejšie pre výrobcov generických liekov než pre inovatívne farmaceutické spoločnosti. Toto je jeden z troch problémov vo farmaceutickej oblasti (220), ktoré sú stále nevyriešené a opakovane na ne upozorňujú vyjednávači Komisie. Tá pokračuje vo svojej snahe dosiahnuť v tejto oblasti pokrok, ale Kanada ešte stále neurobila žiadne ústupky napriek skutočnosti, že hlavný úžitok z účinného práva odvolať sa by mali kanadské odvetvia vied o živote.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003483/12

to the Commission

Peter Šťastný (PPE)

(30 March 2012)

Subject: Intellectual property rights enforcement in the EU‐Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement negotiations

The enforcement of intellectual property rights (IPR) is vital to fostering investment in research activities and ensuring that innovation leads to the development of new products and services, while contributing to economic growth and job creation.

IPR enforcement is high on the agenda of the European Commission. This is also clear from Commissioner De Gucht’s Communication on ‘Trade, Growth and World Affairs’, which emphasised the need to make sure that EU IPR are properly enforced.

In this context, the negotiation of a Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) with the Government of Canada can play an important role in reaffirming the EU’s ambitions. It will set an important precedent with regard to the European Commission implementing its own policy orientations.

One of the considerable differences between the EU and Canada is the enforcement regime for patents in the life sciences sector. The lack of an effective right of appeal for innovators in Canada means that the different parties do not have the same fair recourse in this sector.

In Canada, the Patented Medicines Notice of Compliance Regulations create an unfair situation within the Canadian regulatory framework, which deprives innovators of basic procedural fairness and has already had detrimental effects on investments by EU companies. In the EU, the regime ensures that both sides stand on an equal legal footing.

| — | Does the Commission agree that this has led to discrimination against companies operating in Canada, including EU companies? |
| --- | --- |

—

Does the Commission agree that this has led to discrimination against companies operating in Canada, including EU companies?

| — | Is the Commission addressing this asymmetry and discrimination in its negotiations with the Government of Canada? |
| --- | --- |

—

Is the Commission addressing this asymmetry and discrimination in its negotiations with the Government of Canada?

| — | What steps is the Commission taking to ensure that the CETA negotiations will lead to a satisfactory outcome so that both parties have equal access to an effective appeal mechanism in patent invalidity proceedings? |
| --- | --- |

—

What steps is the Commission taking to ensure that the CETA negotiations will lead to a satisfactory outcome so that both parties have equal access to an effective appeal mechanism in patent invalidity proceedings?

Answer given by Mr De Gucht on behalf of the Commission

(11 May 2012)

As underlined by the Honourable Member, the Commission is convinced of the importance of ensuring effective protection and enforcement of Intellectual Property (IP) rights in third countries.

The Commission is well aware of a number of issues regarding the IP regime applicable in Canada, and is addressing them in the context of the ongoing Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) negotiation. This applies in particular to the issue of the right of appeal under Canada's ‘notice of compliance’ procedure applicable to generic medicines, which indeed appears to be much more beneficial to generics manufacturers than to innovative pharmaceutical companies. This is one of the three pharmaceutical issues (221) which are still on the table and are continuously raised by the Commission negotiators. The Commission remains committed to achieving progress on this front, but Canada has not yet accepted to make any concessions despite the fact that the main beneficiary of an effective right of appeal would be the Canadian life-science industry.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-003484/12

à la Commission

Nathalie Griesbeck (ALDE)

(30 mars 2012)

Objet: Stratégie européenne pour l'épilepsie

Six millions de personnes en Europe souffrent d'épilepsie. On estime que 70 % des personnes atteintes d'épilepsie pourraient ne pas subir d'attaque grâce à un traitement approprié.

En mars 2011 et en juin 2011, en réponse à plusieurs questions écrites, la Commission a indiqué qu'il n'existait pas à l'heure actuelle, dans l'Union européenne, de stratégie globale spécialement consacrée à l'épilepsie et qu'elle ne prévoyait pas de proposer une telle stratégie.

Le 15 septembre 2011, le Parlement européen a adopté une déclaration écrite sur l'épilepsie dans laquelle il demande à la Commission d'encourager la recherche et l'innovation dans le domaine de la prévention ainsi que du diagnostic et du traitement précoce de l'épilepsie, d'accorder la priorité à l'épilepsie au titre de grave maladie, de prendre des initiatives visant à encourager les États membres à garantir une qualité de vie égale, y compris en matière d'emploi, de transport, d'éducation, de soins de santé publique aux personnes atteintes d'épilepsie et enfin d'encourager des évaluations efficaces de l'incidence sur la santé de l'ensemble des grandes politiques européennes et nationales.

— La Commission peut‐elle indiquer quelles mesures et quelles actions ont été prises depuis l'adoption de cette déclaration écrite?

— La Commission peut‐elle indiquer quelles mesures et quelles actions elle entend proposer prochainement afin de donner suite au vote des parlementaires européens?

— La Commission a‐t‐elle proposé, ou entend‐elle proposer, une stratégie spécifique pour l'épilepsie afin d'assurer un meilleur traitement aux neuf millions de citoyens de l'Union souffrant d'épilepsie?

— N'est‐il pas temps que la Commission et les États membres de l'Union européenne adoptent une stratégie commune et cohérente pour le traitement de cette maladie?

Réponse donnée par M. Dalli au nom de la Commission

(7 mai 2012)

La Commission sait que l'épilepsie touche environ six millions de personnes en Europe. Toutefois, elle n'est compétente ni pour gérer les systèmes de soins de santé, ni pour traiter cette maladie; la responsabilité en revient aux États membres.

Comme elle l'a indiqué dans sa réponse à la question écrite E-008321/2011 (222), la Commission a engagé avec les États membres un processus de réflexion sur la base des conclusions du Conseil de décembre 2010 intitulées ₫Approches novatrices à l'égard des maladies chroniques dans le cadre de la santé publique et des systèmes de soins de santé₻.

Ce processus tient compte de certains des éléments clés de la déclaration du Parlement sur l'épilepsie adoptée le 15 septembre 2011, comme celui qui consiste à favoriser la recherche et l'innovation dans le domaine de la prévention, du diagnostic et du traitement rapide des maladies chroniques.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003484/12

to the Commission

Nathalie Griesbeck (ALDE)

(30 March 2012)

Subject: European strategy for epilepsy

Six million people in Europe suffer from epilepsy. It is estimated that 70% of those with epilepsy could be free of attacks if they were to be given the right treatment.

In March and June 2011, in response to a number of written questions, the Commission pointed out that the European Union did not currently have a specific common strategy for epilepsy and that there were no plans to propose such a strategy.

On 15 September 2011, the European Parliament adopted a written declaration on epilepsy in which it calls on the Commission to encourage research and innovation in the area of the prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy, to prioritise epilepsy as a major disease, to take initiatives to encourage Member States to ensure equal quality of life, including in education, employment, transport and public healthcare, for people with epilepsy and to encourage effective assessments of the impact on health of all major EU and national policies.

Can the Commission outline what measures have been taken since the written declaration was adopted?

Can the Commission outline what measures it intends to propose in the near future in response to the vote by MEPs?

Has the Commission proposed, or does it intend to propose, a specific strategy for epilepsy to ensure better treatment for the nine million EU citizens with epilepsy?

Is it not time that the Commission and the EU Member States adopted a common and coherent strategy for the treatment of this disease?

Answer given by Mr Dalli on behalf of the Commission

(7 May 2012)

The Commission is aware of the fact that an estimated six million people in Europe suffer from epilepsy. However, it is not in the competence of the Commission to deal with the management of healthcare systems, including treatment of epilepsy, which is under the responsibility of the Member States.

As stated in the Commission’s reply to Written Question E‐008321/2011 (223), the Commission has initiated a reflection process on Chronic Diseases with the Member States, based on Council conclusions on ‘Innovative approaches for chronic diseases in public health and healthcare systems’ adopted in December 2010.

The reflection process is addressing some of the key elements of the Parliament declaration on epilepsy adopted on 15 September 2011, such as to encourage research and innovation in the field of prevention and diagnosis and early treatment of chronic diseases.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-003486/12

à la Commission

Yannick Jadot (Verts/ALE) et Keith Taylor (Verts/ALE)

(30 mars 2012)

Objet: Zone de libre-échange approfondi et complet (DCFTA) avec la Géorgie et la Moldavie

Après deux années de préparations, l'Union européenne a officialisé le lancement de négociations, le 5 décembre 2011, ayant pour objectif l'instauration d'une ₫zone de libre-échange approfondi et complet₻ (DCFTA) avec la Géorgie ainsi qu'avec la Moldavie.

Ces zones de libre-échange s'inscriront dans le cadre d'accords d'association en cours de négociation avec la Géorgie (depuis juillet 2010) et la Moldavie (depuis janvier 2010).

Le commissaire européen en charge du commerce, M. De Gucht, a officialisé le lancement de négociations commerciales en se rendant en Moldavie le 20 février et en Géorgie le 21 février 2012. Pour chaque pays, la première des quatre séries de négociations prévues en 2012 aura lieu au printemps.

Depuis 2001, l'Union européenne réalise des évaluations de l'impact sur le développement durable (Trade Sustainability Impact Assessment — SIA) dans l'objectif de prendre en compte et d'atténuer les impacts négatifs du commerce sur les sociétés humaines et les ressources environnementales. Le consultant en charge de la réalisation de l'évaluation prévoit de présenter un rapport technique préliminaire (₫1st draft technical interim report
  ₻) le 14 avril 2012, un rapport préliminaire final (₫1st draft final report
  ₻) le 20 août 2012, et un rapport final (₫approval final report
  ₻) le 20 novembre 2012, qui sera validé par la Commission.

Le calendrier des négociations commerciales ne permet pas une prise en compte sérieuse de l'évaluation de l'impact du commerce sur les sociétés humaines et les ressources environnementales.

— Dans ce contexte, les calendriers concomitants des négociations et du SIA ne remettent-ils pas en cause la méthodologie et l'intérêt de ladite évaluation pour la Géorgie et la Moldavie?

— La Commission compte-t-elle modifier le calendrier des négociations avec la Géorgie et la Moldavie pour prendre en compte le SIA?

Réponse donnée par M. De Gucht au nom de la Commission

(2 mai 2012)

La Commission prend très au sérieux l'impact potentiel d'un accord sur une zone de libre-échange approfondi et complet (DCFTA) sur le développement économique des partenaires de l'UE, ainsi que les conséquences sociales et environnementales de ce type d'accord. L'inclusion dans cet accord d'un chapitre ₫Commerce et développement durable₻ est prévue, afin de veiller à ce que le développement économique par le commerce s'accompagne d'un niveau élevé de protection de l'environnement et de cohésion sociale.

La Commission est informée de l'impact potentiel et des problèmes à régler dans le cadre des négociations portant sur une DCFTA. Lors de la préparation de celles-ci, deux études — ₫Economic feasibility, general economic impact, and implications of a Free Trade Agreement between the European Union and Georgia
  ₻ et ₫Feasibility, impact and implications of a Free Trade Area between the European Union and the Republic of Moldova
  ₻ — ont été commandées. Ces études visaient à examiner la meilleure manière d'aborder la libéralisation des échanges avec ces pays, compte tenu de leur niveau de développement socio-économique. Leurs conclusions ont été soigneusement prises en considération dans la perspective de l'adoption des directives de négociation.

L'évaluation de l'impact du commerce sur le développement durable (EICDD) actuellement menée complète ces études. Bien que son rapport final doive être publié en fin 2012, la Commission est en contact permanent avec les consultants. Le retour d'information obtenu des rapports intermédiaires aide la Commission à mettre au point une approche informée et structurée des négociations et les conclusions et recommandations de l'EIDD seront pleinement prises en considération par les négociateurs de l'Union.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003486/12

to the Commission

Yannick Jadot (Verts/ALE) and Keith Taylor (Verts/ALE)

(30 March 2012)

Subject: Deep and comprehensive free trade area with Georgia and Moldova

On 5 December 2011, after two years of preparations, the European Union officially launched negotiations to establish a ‘deep and comprehensive free trade area’ (DCFTA) with Georgia and Moldova.

These free trade areas will be part of the Association Agreements under negotiation with Georgia (since July 2010) and Moldova (since January 2010).

The EU Trade Commissioner, Karel De Gucht, marked the official launch of trade negotiations with a visit to Moldova on 20 February and to Georgia on 21 February 2012. The first of four negotiating rounds scheduled for 2012 will take place for each country in the spring.

Since 2001, the European Union has been conducting Trade Sustainability Impact Assessments (Trade SIA) with a view to looking at and mitigating the negative impacts of trade on human societies and environmental resources. The consultant in charge of conducting the assessment plans to submit a first draft technical interim report on 14 April 2012, a first draft final report on 20 August 2012 and an approval final report on 20 November 2012, to be validated by the Commission.

The schedule for trade negotiations does not allow enough time for a calculated response to this assessment of the impact of trade on human societies and environmental resources.

— In this context, is it not the case that the schedules for negotiations and for the Trade SIA, which are running concurrently, undermine the methodology and the purpose of this assessment for Georgia and Moldova?

— Will the Commission change the schedule for negotiations with Georgia and Moldova to take the Trade SIA into account?

Answer given by Mr De Gucht on behalf of the Commission

(2 May 2012)

The Commission takes the potential impact of Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) on the EU partners' economic development, and its social and environmental consequences, very seriously. The inclusion in the agreement of a chapter on ‘trade and sustainable development’ is foreseen, aiming to ensure that economic development through trade goes hand in hand with a high level of environmental protection and social cohesion.

The Commission is informed about the potential impact and concerns to be addressed in the course of DCFTA negotiations. When preparing for them, two studies were commissioned: ‘Economic feasibility, general economic impact, and implications of a Free Trade Agreement between the European Union and Georgia’ and ‘Feasibility, impact and implications of a Free Trade Area between the European Union and the Republic of Moldova’. These studies aimed to consider the best approach to free trade with those countries, given their level of socioeconomic development. Their findings have been carefully taken into account ahead of the adoption of the negotiation guidelines.

The ‘Trade Sustainability Impact Assessment’ (SIA) currently conducted complements the abovementioned studies. Although the final report is scheduled to be published late in 2012, the Commission is in continuous contact with the consultants. The feedback received through the interim reports are helping the Commission to develop an informed and structured approach to negotiations, and the SIAs' conclusions and recommendations will be fully taken into account by EU negotiators.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-003487/12

alla Commissione

Crescenzio Rivellini (PPE)

(30 marzo 2012)

Oggetto: Violazione della direttiva 94/62/CE relativa agli imballaggi da parte dell'Italia

L'entrata in vigore in Italia del comma 1129 della legge 296 del 2006, avvenuta il 1.1.2011, ha determinato l'apertura della procedura di infrazione n. 4030/2011, da parte del Commissario all'Ambiente per violazione tanto della direttiva 94/62/CE quanto della direttiva 98/34/CE. L'infrazione in oggetto è ancora pendente e si ignora quali spiegazioni abbia addotto l'Italia.

Nonostante la pendenza di tale procedimento di infrazione, l'Italia ha di recente adottato la legge 24-03-2012 n. 28, il cui articolo 2 dà attuazione al comma 1130 della citata legge 296 del 2006. Il comma 1130 della legge 296/2006 come pure l'articolo 2 della legge 28/2012 danno piena attuazione al comma 1129 della legge 296/2006, il quale è oggetto dell'infrazione sopra indicata. Per di più, tanto con riferimento a detto comma 1129 quanto a detto comma 1130 e all'art. 2 della legge 28/2012, viene citata la norma tecnica EN 13432 non quale norma tecnica, ma come se si trattasse di una norma giuridica e per di più non quale strumento per la presunzione di conformità a tale direttiva, ma come se fosse una norma giuridica cogente, e pertanto un requisito da rispettare necessariamente. Quindi, secondo la Repubblica Italiana è possibile imporre come obbligatorio un requisito che resta di osservanza volontaria.

Può la Commissione far sapere:

| se ha emesso il parere definitivo di cui all'art. 258 del Trattato nei confronti della Repubblica Italiana per le materie oggetto dell'infrazione 4030/2011; |
| --- |

se ha emesso il parere definitivo di cui all'art. 258 del Trattato nei confronti della Repubblica Italiana per le materie oggetto dell'infrazione 4030/2011;

| se intende estendere la procedura di infrazione n. 4030/2011 anche alla legge italiana n. 28 del 24.3.2012: in caso affermativo, quando e, in caso negativo, per quale ragione; |
| --- |

se intende estendere la procedura di infrazione n. 4030/2011 anche alla legge italiana n. 28 del 24.3.2012: in caso affermativo, quando e, in caso negativo, per quale ragione;

| stante il persistere delle violazioni del diritto comunitario da parte della Repubblica Italiana, per quale ragione non ha ancora formulato il parere definitivo ed avviato la procedura di cui all'art. 258 del Trattato innanzi la Corte di giustizia? |
| --- |

stante il persistere delle violazioni del diritto comunitario da parte della Repubblica Italiana, per quale ragione non ha ancora formulato il parere definitivo ed avviato la procedura di cui all'art. 258 del Trattato innanzi la Corte di giustizia?

Risposta data da Janez Potočnik a nome della Commissione

(15 maggio 2012)

Dopo l'avvio da parte della Commissione del procedimento d'infrazione n. 2011/4030, nel febbraio 2012, l'Italia ha comunicato alla Commissione il decreto legge n. 2, del 25 gennaio 2012, adottato dal governo italiano al fine di affrontare il problema della commercializzazione dei sacchi di plastica. Nel frattempo, il decreto legge n. 2, del 25 gennaio 2012, è stato convertito, con alcune modifiche, nella legge n. 28, del 24 marzo 2012, cui fa riferimento l'onorevole parlamentare.

La Commissione sta attualmente valutando le informazioni provenienti dall’Italia per stabilire se le misure adottate dalle autorità italiane, compresa la legge n. 28, del 24 marzo 2012, siano compatibili con la normativa UE e la politica UE in questo settore. Sulla base della valutazione saranno adottate ulteriori misure, se opportuno, nell'ambito del procedimento d'infrazione in corso.

In tale contesto, si osservi che, su richiesta dei ministri dell'ambiente (durante il Consiglio Ambiente del 14 marzo 2011), la Commissione sta attualmente esaminando diverse opzioni disponibili per ridurre l'impatto ambientale dei sacchi di plastica. Le opzioni in esame includono in intervento su base volontaria e misure normative quali obiettivi di prevenzione, fissazione di prezzi o divieti. Inoltre la Commissione sta realizzando un'indagine globale sui rifiuti di plastica nell'ambiente, al fine di mettere a punto una risposta strategica per un uso della plastica ecologicamente responsabile ed efficiente dal punto di vista delle risorse, anche nella fase finale del suo ciclo di vita.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003487/12

to the Commission

Crescenzio Rivellini (PPE)

(30 March 2012)

Subject: Breach by Italy of Directive 94/62/EC on packaging

Paragraph 1129 of Law No 296 of 2006, which entered into force in Italy on 1 January 2011, has led to the opening by the Commissioner for the Environment of infringement procedure No 4030/2011 for a breach of both Directive 94/62/EC and Directive 98/34/EC. The infringement in question is still ongoing and it is not known what explanations Italy has provided.

Despite this pending infringement procedure, Italy recently adopted Law No 28 of 24 March 2012, Article 2 of which implements paragraph 1130 of the aforementioned Law No 296 of 2006. Paragraph 1130 of Law No 296/2006 and Article 2 of Law No 28/2012 fully implement paragraph 1129 of Law No 296/2006, which is the subject of the aforementioned infringement procedure. Furthermore, in the discussion of both the aforesaid paragraph 1129 and the aforesaid paragraph 1130 and Article 2 of Law No 28/2012, technical standard EN 13432 is referred to not as a technical standard, but as a legal provision, and, moreover, not as an instrument conferring presumption of conformity with the directive, but as if it were a binding legal provision, compliance with which is mandatory. In other words, according to the Republic of Italy, a requirement can be made mandatory, even if compliance with it then remains voluntary.

| 1. | Has the Commission issued to the Republic of Italy a reasoned opinion, pursuant to Article 258 of the Treaty, concerning the matters forming the subject of infringement procedure No 4030/2001? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Has the Commission issued to the Republic of Italy a reasoned opinion, pursuant to Article 258 of the Treaty, concerning the matters forming the subject of infringement procedure No 4030/2001?

| 2. | Does it intend to extend the scope of infringement procedure No 4030/2011 to cover Italian Law No 28 of 24 March 2012? If so, when, and if not, why not? |
| --- | --- |

2.

Does it intend to extend the scope of infringement procedure No 4030/2011 to cover Italian Law No 28 of 24 March 2012? If so, when, and if not, why not?

| 3. | In the light of the persistent breach of EC law by the Republic of Italy, why has it not yet drafted a reasoned opinion and initiated the procedure provided for in Article 258 of the Treaty before the Court of Justice? |
| --- | --- |

3.

In the light of the persistent breach of EC law by the Republic of Italy, why has it not yet drafted a reasoned opinion and initiated the procedure provided for in Article 258 of the Treaty before the Court of Justice?

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(15 May 2012)

Following the launch by the Commission of infringement procedure 2011/4030, in February 2012 Italy communicated to the Commission Decree Law No 2 of 25 January 2012, which the Italian Government adopted to address the issue of the marketing of plastic bags. In the meantime, Decree Law No 2 of 25 January 2012 has been converted, with modifications, into the Law No 28 of 24 March 2012 referred to by the Honourable Member.

The Commission is currently assessing the information from Italy in order to establish whether the measures taken by the Italian authorities, including Law No 28 of 24 March 2012, are compatible with EU legislation and EU policy in this sector. Based on the assessment further steps will be taken as appropriate in the framework of the ongoing infringement procedure.

In this context, it should be noted that, at the request of Environment Ministers (in the Environment Council of 14 March 2011), the Commission is currently assessing various options available to reduce the environmental impacts of plastic bags. The options under consideration include voluntary action as well as regulatory measures like prevention targets, pricing, or a ban. In addition the Commission is conducting a more comprehensive examination of plastic waste in the environment to develop a strategic response to the environmentally responsible and resource efficient use of plastic including its end of life phase.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης P-003488/12

προς την Επιτροπή

Anni Podimata (S&D)

(30 Μαρτίου 2012)

Θέμα: Αξιοπιστία ελληνικών στατιστικών στοιχείων

Το Φεβρουάριο του 2012 η ελληνική Βουλή σύστησε ₫Εξεταστική Επιτροπή για το έλλειμμα του 2009₻ ύστερα από σχετική πρόταση των βουλευτών του ΠΑΣΟΚ και έγκριση της πλειοψηφίας των βουλευτών. Κατά τη διάρκεια των εργασιών αυτής της Εξεταστικής Επιτροπής διατυπώθηκε η καταγγελία από πρώην Υπουργό Οικονομικών της ΝΔ ότι η κυβέρνηση του ΠΑΣΟΚ όταν ανέλαβε τη διακυβέρνηση της χώρας ₫φούσκωσε₻ συνειδητά το έλλειμμα του 2009 με στόχο αφενός να επιρρίψει τις ευθύνες στην προηγούμενη κυβέρνηση και αφετέρου να διευκολύνει την προσπάθεια μείωσης του ελλείμματος την επόμενη χρονιά, μη επαναλαμβάνοντας τις έκτακτες δαπάνες του 2009.

Με δεδομένο ότι τον Νοέμβριο του 2010 η Eurostat δημοσίευσε τα ελληνικά στατιστικά στοιχεία για το έτος 2009 για πρώτη φορά χωρίς επιφυλάξεις και αστερίσκους, καθώς και ότι είναι αδιαμφισβήτητο δικαίωμα του ελληνικού λαού να γνωρίζει την πλήρη αλήθεια αναφορικά με την ποιότητα των ελληνικών στατιστικών στοιχείων, ερωτάται η Επιτροπή:

| Θεωρεί βάσιμες και τεκμηριωμένες τις καταγγελίες περί ₫τεχνητής₻ διόγκωσης του ελλείμματος του 2009 από την κυβέρνηση του ΠΑΣΟΚ; |
| --- |

Θεωρεί βάσιμες και τεκμηριωμένες τις καταγγελίες περί ₫τεχνητής₻ διόγκωσης του ελλείμματος του 2009 από την κυβέρνηση του ΠΑΣΟΚ;

| Πότε και με ποιο τρόπο διαπίστωσε ότι τα Ελληνικά στατιστικά στοιχεία δεν ήταν αξιόπιστα και σε τι ενέργειες προέβη; |
| --- |

Πότε και με ποιο τρόπο διαπίστωσε ότι τα Ελληνικά στατιστικά στοιχεία δεν ήταν αξιόπιστα και σε τι ενέργειες προέβη;

| Πως αξιολογεί την ποιότητα των Ελληνικών στατιστικών στοιχείων σήμερα; |
| --- |

Πως αξιολογεί την ποιότητα των Ελληνικών στατιστικών στοιχείων σήμερα;

Απάντηση του κ. Šemeta εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(26 Απριλίου 2012)

| 1. | Οι στατιστικές για το δημόσιο έλλειμμα και το χρέος καταρτίζονται και δημοσιεύονται σύμφωνα με τους κανόνες του ΕΣΛ95. Η Επιτροπή ( |
| --- | --- |

1.

Οι στατιστικές για το δημόσιο έλλειμμα και το χρέος καταρτίζονται και δημοσιεύονται σύμφωνα με τους κανόνες του ΕΣΛ95. Η Επιτροπή (

Eurostat) επαληθεύει τα κυβερνητικά στοιχεία που διαβιβάζουν τα κράτη μέλη στους πίνακες κοινοποίησης της διαδικασίας υπερβολικού ελλείμματος (ΔΥΕ). Η Επιτροπή (Eurostat) έχει δημοσιεύσει τα ελληνικά στοιχεία για τη ΔΥΕ σε τρεις διαδοχικές περιπτώσεις, από τον Νοέμβριο του 2010 και μετά, χωρίς επιφυλάξεις, κάτι που αντικατοπτρίζει τη σημαντική βελτίωση των ελληνικών δημοσιονομικών στατιστικών και τη συμμόρφωση με τους κανόνες του ΕΣΛ95.

| 2. | Κατά το παρελθόν υπήρχαν σημαντικά προβλήματα με την κοινοποίηση της ελληνικής ΔΥΕ. Τα προβλήματα αυτά οδηγούσαν την Επιτροπή ( |
| --- | --- |

2.

Κατά το παρελθόν υπήρχαν σημαντικά προβλήματα με την κοινοποίηση της ελληνικής ΔΥΕ. Τα προβλήματα αυτά οδηγούσαν την Επιτροπή (

Eurostat), σε πολλές περιπτώσεις, να δημοσιεύει τα ελληνικά δημοσιονομικά στοιχεία με επιφυλάξεις. Ύστερα από μεγάλες δυσκολίες όσον αφορά την κοινοποίηση της ΔΥΕ τον Οκτώβριο του 2009, η Επιτροπή (Eurostat) προέβη σε μια σειρά μεθοδολογικών επισκέψεων στην Ελλάδα σχετικά με τη ΔΥΕ. Αναλυτική καταγραφή των προβλημάτων σχετικά με την ελληνική ΔΥΕ, καθώς επίσης και των ενεργειών της Επιτροπής (Eurostat), είναι διαθέσιμη στις ακόλουθες εκθέσεις και στην επιστολή του Γενικού Διευθυντή της Eurostat, του κ. Walter Radermacher, προς τον πρόεδρο της επιτροπής έρευνας.

http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/cache/ITY_PUBLIC/COM_2010_REPORT_GREEK/EN/COM_2010_REPORT_GREEK-EN.PDF

http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/portal/page/portal/government_finance_statistics/documents/Greece%20-%202010 %20methodological%20visits%20report.pdf

http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/cache/ITY_PUBLIC/GR_LETTER_26_03_2012/EN/GR_LETTER_26_03_2012-EN.PDF

| 3. | Η ποιότητα των στατιστικών για το ελληνικό δημοσιονομικό έλλειμμα και το χρέος που κοινοποιούνται από την Ελληνική Στατιστική Αρχή (ΕΛΣΤΑΤ) έχουν βελτιωθεί σημαντικά, όπως διαπιστώνεται από τα δεδομένα που αναφέρονται στο σημείο 1. |
| --- | --- |

3.

Η ποιότητα των στατιστικών για το ελληνικό δημοσιονομικό έλλειμμα και το χρέος που κοινοποιούνται από την Ελληνική Στατιστική Αρχή (ΕΛΣΤΑΤ) έχουν βελτιωθεί σημαντικά, όπως διαπιστώνεται από τα δεδομένα που αναφέρονται στο σημείο 1.

(English version)

Question for written answer P-003488/12

to the Commission

Anni Podimata (S&D)

(30 March 2012)

Subject: Reliability of Greek statistics

In February 2012, the Greek Parliament set up a committee of inquiry on the 2009 deficit following a proposal by Members of the PASOK party and a majority approval by Members of Parliament. During the investigation carried out by this committee of inquiry, an accusation was made by the former Finance Minister of the New Democracy party, who claimed that, when the PASOK government took office, it knowingly ‘inflated’ the 2009 deficit in order to, on the one hand, blame the former government and, on the other hand, to make attempts to facilitate deficit reduction for the following year, without taking into account the extraordinary expenditure incurred in 2009.

Given that in November 2010, Eurostat published Greece’s figures for 2009 for the first time without qualifications or annotations and given the unconditional right of the Greek people to know the full truth about the quality of Greek statistics, will the Commission answer the following questions.

| 1. | Does it believe that the accusations concerning the |
| --- | --- |

1.

Does it believe that the accusations concerning the

‘artificial’ inflation of the 2009 deficit by the PASOK government are well-founded and substantiated?

| 2. | When and how was it observed that the Greek figures were not reliable and what action was taken? |
| --- | --- |

2.

When and how was it observed that the Greek figures were not reliable and what action was taken?

| 3. | What is its assessment of the quality of Greek statistics today? |
| --- | --- |

3.

What is its assessment of the quality of Greek statistics today?

Answer given by Mr Šemeta on behalf of the Commission

(26 April 2012)

| 1. | Government deficit and debt statistics are compiled and reported according to the rules of ESA95. The Commission (Eurostat) verifies the government data reported by the Member States in Excessive Deficit Procedure (EDP) notification tables. The Commission (Eurostat) has published Greek EDP data on three consecutive occasions since November 2010 without reservation, and this reflects the degree of significant improvement in Greek fiscal statistics and compliance with ESA95 rules. |
| --- | --- |

1.

Government deficit and debt statistics are compiled and reported according to the rules of ESA95. The Commission (Eurostat) verifies the government data reported by the Member States in Excessive Deficit Procedure (EDP) notification tables. The Commission (Eurostat) has published Greek EDP data on three consecutive occasions since November 2010 without reservation, and this reflects the degree of significant improvement in Greek fiscal statistics and compliance with ESA95 rules.

| 2. | There were significant problems in the Greek EDP reporting in the past. These problems led the Commission (Eurostat) to publish Greek fiscal data with reservations on many occasions. Following major difficulties with the October 2009 EDP notification, The Commission (Eurostat) undertook a series of EDP Methodological visits to Greece. A detailed account of the Greek EDP problems, as well as of the actions of the Commission (Eurostat), can be found in the following reports and the letter of the Eurostat's Director General, Mr Walter Radermacher, to the Chairman of the Commission of Inquiry. |
| --- | --- |

2.

There were significant problems in the Greek EDP reporting in the past. These problems led the Commission (Eurostat) to publish Greek fiscal data with reservations on many occasions. Following major difficulties with the October 2009 EDP notification, The Commission (Eurostat) undertook a series of EDP Methodological visits to Greece. A detailed account of the Greek EDP problems, as well as of the actions of the Commission (Eurostat), can be found in the following reports and the letter of the Eurostat's Director General, Mr Walter Radermacher, to the Chairman of the Commission of Inquiry.

http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/cache/ITY_PUBLIC/COM_2010_REPORT_GREEK/EN/COM_2010_REPORT_GREEK-EN.PDF

http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/portal/page/portal/government_finance_statistics/documents/Greece%20-%202010%20methodological%20visits%20report.pdf

http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/cache/ITY_PUBLIC/GR_LETTER_26_03_2012/EN/GR_LETTER_26_03_2012-EN.PDF

| 3. | The quality of Greek Government deficit and debt statistics reported by the Greek statistical office (ELSTAT) have significantly improved, as established by the facts mentioned under point 1. |
| --- | --- |

3.

The quality of Greek Government deficit and debt statistics reported by the Greek statistical office (ELSTAT) have significantly improved, as established by the facts mentioned under point 1.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-003489/12

an die Kommission

Franz Obermayr (NI)

(30. März 2012)

Betrifft: Wildererbanden bedrängen südafrikanisches Nashorn

Zum Zwecke der künstlerischen Verarbeitung und als „Wunderheilmittel“ ist das Horn des Nashorns in Asien hoch begehrt und wird mit bis zu 65 000 US-Dollar pro Kilogramm gehandelt. Das Nashorn wird daher von Wilderern vor allem in Südafrika, wo ca. 80 % der Nashörner weltweit leben, massiv bejagt. Wie Tierschutzorganisationen melden, wurden allein 2011 mindestens 440 Nashörner in Afrika getötet. Seit dem letzten Jahr gilt bereits das asiatische Java-Nashorn als ausgestorben. Sollte es nicht gelingen, die Wilderer in Südafrika zu stoppen, wird auch das südafrikanische Nashorn an den Rand des Aussterbens gedrängt. Darüber hinaus werden die Tiere im Regelfall grausam zu Tode gebracht.

Daraus ergeben sich folgende Fragen:

| Hat die Kommission Kenntnis von der bedrohlichen Lage des Nashorns in Südafrika? |
| --- |

Hat die Kommission Kenntnis von der bedrohlichen Lage des Nashorns in Südafrika?

| Wurde dieses Thema in Gesprächen mit Vertretern Südafrikas bereits thematisiert? Wenn ja, mit welchem Ergebnis? |
| --- |

Wurde dieses Thema in Gesprächen mit Vertretern Südafrikas bereits thematisiert? Wenn ja, mit welchem Ergebnis?

| Gedenkt die Kommission zu handeln oder das Thema in Gesprächen oder internationalen Konferenzen zu thematisieren? |
| --- |

Gedenkt die Kommission zu handeln oder das Thema in Gesprächen oder internationalen Konferenzen zu thematisieren?

| Gibt es EU-Programme, die den Schutz des Nashorns sicherstellen sollen? Wenn nein, gedenkt die Kommission solche Programme zu starten? |
| --- |

Gibt es EU-Programme, die den Schutz des Nashorns sicherstellen sollen? Wenn nein, gedenkt die Kommission solche Programme zu starten?

| Gedenkt die Kommission Südafrika zu stärkeren Schutzmaßnahmen und China sowie Vietnam zu einem Importstopp zu bewegen? |
| --- |

Gedenkt die Kommission Südafrika zu stärkeren Schutzmaßnahmen und China sowie Vietnam zu einem Importstopp zu bewegen?

Antwort von Herrn Potočnik im Namen der Kommission

(21. Mai 2012)

Der Kommission ist bekannt, dass die Nashornwilderei in Südafrika ein sehr großes Ausmaß erreicht hat.

Südafrika hat wichtige Schritte im Kampf gegen dieses Übel unternommen. Dazu gehören auch bewaffnete Einsatzkräfte und strengere Vorschriften für die Ausfuhr von Jagdtrophäen und lebenden Nashörnern.

Auch internationale Zusammenarbeit ist erforderlich, da die Wilderei Teil der internationalen Geschäfte des organisierten Verbrechens ist. Diesbezüglich unterstützt die Kommission im Namen der EU die Aktivitäten des International Consortium for Combating Wildlife Crime (ICCWC), das sich aus fünf auf Strafverfolgung, illegalen Handel mit Wildtieren und Projektmanagement spezialisierten internationalen Organisationen (224) zusammensetzt. Aufgabe des ICCWC ist die Bekämpfung der Wilderei und des grenzüberschreitenden illegalen Handels mit wildlebenden Tieren.

Die Europäische Union hat sich außerdem maßgeblich an den internationalen Diskussionen über die Maßnahmen zur Bekämpfung des illegalen Handels mit Nashornhörnern im Rahmen des Übereinkommens über den internationalen Handel mit gefährdeten Arten freilebender Tiere und Pflanzen (CITES) beteiligt. Auf Anregung der EU ist der Ständige CITES-Ausschuss im Juli 2011 übereingekommen, Möglichkeiten zu prüfen, um die Nachfrage nach solchen Erzeugnissen zu verringern, Kampagnen zur Sensibilisierung für die bedrohliche Lage dieser Art zu starten und zusätzliche Maßnahmen gegen den illegalen Handel einzuleiten. Dies wird im Hinblick auf die Konferenz der CITES-Vertragsparteien im März 2013 weiter ausgearbeitet werden.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003489/12

to the Commission

Franz Obermayr (NI)

(30 March 2012)

Subject: Gangs of poachers threaten the South African rhinoceros

Rhinoceros horn is much-prized in Asia as a decorative item and a ‘miracle cure’, and is traded at prices as high as US dollar 65 000 per kilo. For this reason, the rhinoceros is intensively hunted by poachers, particularly in South Africa, where approx. 80% of the world’s rhinoceros population lives. According to reports from animal protection organisations, at least 440 rhinos were killed in Africa in 2011 alone. Within the last year, the Javan rhino is now considered extinct in Asia. If we do not succeed in stopping the poachers in South Africa, the South African rhinoceros will also be pushed to the edge of extinction. In addition, the animals are also generally killed in a horrific way.

This gives rise to the following questions:

| Is the Commission aware of the endangered status of the rhinoceros in South Africa? |
| --- |

Is the Commission aware of the endangered status of the rhinoceros in South Africa?

| Has this subject already been discussed in talks with representatives of South Africa? If so, what was the result? |
| --- |

Has this subject already been discussed in talks with representatives of South Africa? If so, what was the result?

| Is the Commission considering taking action, or raising the issue during talks or at international conferences? |
| --- |

Is the Commission considering taking action, or raising the issue during talks or at international conferences?

| Do EU programmes exist that aim to secure the safety of the rhinoceros? If not, does the Commission intend to initiate such programmes? |
| --- |

Do EU programmes exist that aim to secure the safety of the rhinoceros? If not, does the Commission intend to initiate such programmes?

| Is the Commission considering urging South Africa to strengthen its protective measures, and China and Vietnam to stop imports? |
| --- |

Is the Commission considering urging South Africa to strengthen its protective measures, and China and Vietnam to stop imports?

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(21 May 2012)

The Commission is aware that poaching for rhinoceroses has reached very high levels in South Africa.

South Africa has taken important steps against this scourge. This includes the deployment of armed forces and the tightening of the rules governing export of hunting trophies and live rhinoceroses.

International cooperation is also needed as poaching is conducted by organised crime networks as part of their international business. In that regard, the EU through the Commission is supportive of the activities by the International Consortium for Combating Wildlife Crime (ICCWC) which comprises five international organisations (225) with expertise in law enforcement, wildlife trafficking and project management and is tasked to tackle transnational wildlife crime.

The European Union has also been on the forefront of international discussions on means to address illegal trade in rhinoceros horns within the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). At the EU initiative, the CITES Standing Committee agreed in July 2011 to look into ways to reduce the demand for such products, launch awareness-raising on the threatened status of the species and adopt additional measures against illegal trade. This will be further refined in view of the next meeting of the CITES Conference of the Parties in March 2013.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-003490/12

an die Kommission

Franz Obermayr (NI)

(30. März 2012)

Betrifft: Islamistische Netzwerke in Bosnien und Herzegowina

Wie aktuellen Medien zu entnehmen ist, gibt es starke Anhaltspunkte, dass der islamische Attentäter von Toulouse Waffen aus Bosnien und Herzegowina bezog. Es heißt diesbezüglich, dass das internationale Terrornetzwerk Al-Kaida mittlerweile das organisatorische Zentrum von Nordafrika auf den Balkan verlegt hat und bereits 1992 die Entwicklung des Bürgerkriegs durch Unterstützung islamistischer Kreise befeuert haben soll. Fruchtbaren Boden könnte Al-Kaida besonders deshalb in Bosnien und Herzegowina vorfinden, weil hier ca. 45 % der Bürger moslemischen Glaubens sind. Bosnien und Herzegowina wird als potenzieller Beitrittskandidat zur EU gehandelt, nachdem ein Stabilitäts‐ und Assoziationsabkommen seit 2008 bereits besteht. Eine Visumspflicht wurde im Dezember 2010 abgeschafft.

Daraus ergeben sich folgende Fragen:

| Hat die Kommission Kenntnis von Tätigkeiten Al-Kaidas in Bosnien und Herzegowina? Wenn ja, wie aktiv ist das Terrornetzwerk dort? |
| --- |

Hat die Kommission Kenntnis von Tätigkeiten Al-Kaidas in Bosnien und Herzegowina? Wenn ja, wie aktiv ist das Terrornetzwerk dort?

| Ist sichergestellt, dass Mittel aus der EU-Heranführungshilfe nicht in islamistische Projekte fließen? |
| --- |

Ist sichergestellt, dass Mittel aus der EU-Heranführungshilfe nicht in islamistische Projekte fließen?

| Gedenkt die Kommission Bosnien und Herzegowina dazu zu bewegen, die Strukturen des Terrornetzwerks in Bosnien und Herzegowina zu bekämpfen? |
| --- |

Gedenkt die Kommission Bosnien und Herzegowina dazu zu bewegen, die Strukturen des Terrornetzwerks in Bosnien und Herzegowina zu bekämpfen?

| Gedenkt die Kommission weitere Förderungen aus dem EU-Instrument für Heranführungshilfe von Maßnahmen gegen islamistische Gruppierungen in Bosnien und Herzegowina abhängig zu machen? |
| --- |

Gedenkt die Kommission weitere Förderungen aus dem EU-Instrument für Heranführungshilfe von Maßnahmen gegen islamistische Gruppierungen in Bosnien und Herzegowina abhängig zu machen?

| Zieht die Kommission in Betracht, die Visumspflicht wieder einzuführen, bis keine nennenswerte Gefahr mehr von der ungehinderten Einreise von bosnischen Islamisten in die EU ausgeht? |
| --- |

Zieht die Kommission in Betracht, die Visumspflicht wieder einzuführen, bis keine nennenswerte Gefahr mehr von der ungehinderten Einreise von bosnischen Islamisten in die EU ausgeht?

| Wird dieses Thema, falls Bosnien und Herzegowina den Antrag auf EU-Beitritt stellt, bei den Verhandlungen eine Rolle spielen? |
| --- |

Wird dieses Thema, falls Bosnien und Herzegowina den Antrag auf EU-Beitritt stellt, bei den Verhandlungen eine Rolle spielen?

Antwort von Herrn Füle im Namen der Kommission

(5. Juni 2012)

Die Kommission beobachtet kontinuierlich die Kapazitäten von Bosnien und Herzegowina zur wirksamen Bekämpfung von organisiertem Verbrechen und Terrorismus und fordert die Behörden von Bosnien und Herzegowina zur Beschleunigung der Umsetzung der Strategie zur Verhütung und Bekämpfung des Terrorismus auf; wie im Fortschrittsbericht 2011 erwähnt, sind zudem praktische Maßnahmen für die Bekämpfung der Terrorismusfinanzierung notwendig.

Der Fahrplan für die Visaliberalisierung behandelt unter anderem die folgenden Sicherheitsfragen: Erhöhung der Grenz‐ und Dokumentensicherheit, damit diese internationalen und EU-Standards entspricht; Stärkung der Kapazitäten der Strafverfolgungs‐ und Sicherheitsbehörden zur Bekämpfung krimineller und terroristischer Netze; Annahme und Umsetzung einer Strategie für die Verhütung und Bekämpfung der Geldwäsche und der Terrorismusfinanzierung.

Entwicklungen in diesen Bereichen werden weiterhin durch regelmäßigen Dialog sowie im Rahmen des Kontrollmechanismus für die Zeit nach der Visaliberalisierung geprüft: Die Kommissionsdienststellen überprüfen unter Einbeziehung von Experten aus den EU‐Mitgliedstaaten und den einschlägigen EU-Agenturen die Kohärenz und Nachhaltigkeit aller Maßnahmen, die im Rahmen des Fahrplans für die Visaliberalisierung eingeführt werden.

Es werden weiterhin beträchtliche Finanzmittel aus dem Instrument für Heranführungshilfe (IPA) für Initiativen im Bereich der Rechtsstaatlichkeit bereitgestellt. In den Verhandlungen mit dem Begünstigten ist derzeit eine verstärkte Unterstützung des Justizwesens vorgesehen, um zu gewährleisten, dass sich an eine erfolgreiche Strafverfolgung ein effizientes Gerichtsverfahren anschließt.

Was die Wiedereinführung der Visumpflicht betrifft, wird der Vorschlag der Kommission zur Änderung der Verordnung (EG) Nr. 539/2001 des Rates (226) mit vorgesehener Suspensivklausel vom Parlament und vom Rat erörtert. Die Bedingungen ihrer Anwendung hängen vom Ergebnis dieser Verhandlungen ab. Berichte der Kommission werden alle sechs Monate eingereicht.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003490/12

to the Commission

Franz Obermayr (NI)

(30 March 2012)

Subject: Islamist networks in Bosnia and Herzegovina

According to current media reports, there are strong indications that the Islamist perpetrator of the Toulouse attack obtained weapons from Bosnia and Herzegovina. In this context, we hear that the Al-Qaeda international terrorist network has now moved its organisational stronghold from North Africa to the Balkans and it is said to have kindled the flames of the 1992 civil war in that region by supporting Islamist groups. Al-Qaeda may find fertile soil in Bosnia and Herzegovina especially because approximately 45 % of the population there is Muslim. Following the conclusion of a Stability and Association Agreement in 2008, Bosnia and Herzegovina is now a potential candidate for accession to the EU. Visa requirements were dropped in December 2010.

This gives rise to the following questions:

| Is the Commission aware of Al-Qaeda activity in Bosnia and Herzegovina? If so, how active is the terrorist network there? |
| --- |

Is the Commission aware of Al-Qaeda activity in Bosnia and Herzegovina? If so, how active is the terrorist network there?

| Are steps being taken to ensure that funds from EU pre-accession aid do not reach Islamist projects? |
| --- |

Are steps being taken to ensure that funds from EU pre-accession aid do not reach Islamist projects?

| Is the Commission considering ways to persuade Bosnia and Herzegovina to combat the terrorist network structures existing there? |
| --- |

Is the Commission considering ways to persuade Bosnia and Herzegovina to combat the terrorist network structures existing there?

| Is the Commission considering making further funding from the EU instrument for pre-accession aid conditional on measures against Islamist groups in Bosnia and Herzegovina? |
| --- |

Is the Commission considering making further funding from the EU instrument for pre-accession aid conditional on measures against Islamist groups in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

| Is the Commission considering reintroducing visa requirements until there is no longer any appreciable danger from the unimpeded entry of Bosnian Islamists into the EU? |
| --- |

Is the Commission considering reintroducing visa requirements until there is no longer any appreciable danger from the unimpeded entry of Bosnian Islamists into the EU?

| Will this subject be included in negotiations if Bosnia and Herzegovina applies for membership of the EU? |
| --- |

Will this subject be included in negotiations if Bosnia and Herzegovina applies for membership of the EU?

Answer given by Mr Füle on behalf of the Commission

(5 June 2012)

The Commission consistently monitors the capacities of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) to effectively fight organised crime and terrorism, and encourages BiH authorities to step up implementation of the strategy for preventing and combating terrorism; moreover, as mentioned in the progress report 2011, ‘practical efforts are needed in the fight against financing of terrorism’.

The visa liberalisation roadmap covered security challenges, among others: to raise border and document security to international and EU standards; strengthen capacities of law enforcement and security agencies to tackle criminal and terrorist networks; adoption and implementation of a strategy to prevent and fight money laundering and terrorism financing.

Developments in these fields continue to be assessed through regular dialogue, as well as in the framework of the Post-Visa Liberalisation Monitoring Mechanism: Commission services, involving experts from EU Member States and relevant EU agencies, review consistency and sustainability of all measures introduced for the visa roadmap.

Substantial funding under the Instrument for Pre-Accession (IPA) continues to be allocated for rule of law initiatives. At present, negotiations with the beneficiary foresee increased support to the justice sector, to guarantee that law enforcement results are matched with effective judicial follow-up.

As for reintroducing visa requirement, the Commission proposal amending Regulation 539/2001 (227) and foreseeing a suspension clause, is being discussed by the Parliament and Council. Conditions for its application depend on the outcome of this negotiation. Reports from the Commission are submitted every six months.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-003491/12

an die Kommission

Hans-Peter Martin (NI)

(30. März 2012)

Betrifft: Offener Zugang zu Forschungsergebnissen

In ihrer Antwort auf die Anfrage E-001406/2012 von Hans-Peter Martin schreibt die Kommission, sie werde „darauf hinarbeiten, den offenen Zugang zu Publikationen zu einem allgemeinen Prinzip für alle EU-finanzierten Projekte von ‚Horizont 2020‘ zu machen“.

| 1. | Hat die Kommission derzeit bereits Ideen oder Pläne, wie der offene Zugang ermöglicht werden soll? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Hat die Kommission derzeit bereits Ideen oder Pläne, wie der offene Zugang ermöglicht werden soll?

| 2. | Wird in diesem Zusammenhang die direkte Publikation durch die Kommission oder eine neu zu kreierende europäische Organisation für wissenschaftliche Publikationen — zum Beispiel eine |
| --- | --- |

2.

Wird in diesem Zusammenhang die direkte Publikation durch die Kommission oder eine neu zu kreierende europäische Organisation für wissenschaftliche Publikationen — zum Beispiel eine

„Europäische Akademie der Wissenschaften“ — in Betracht gezogen?

Antwort von Frau Geoghegan-Quinn im Namen der Kommission

(16. Mai 2012)

Die Kommission hat in ihrem Vorschlag für eine Verordnung über die Regeln für die Beteiligung am Rahmenprogramm für Forschung und Innovation „Horizont 2020“ sowie für die Verbreitung der Ergebnisse vom 30. November (228) empfohlen, dass der offene Zugang (d. h. der kostenfreie Zugang zu Forschungsergebnissen über das Internet) für gutachtergeprüfte wissenschaftliche Veröffentlichungen generell verpflichtend sein sollte (Artikel 40, S. 34) (229). Damit möchte die Kommission auf das Pilotprojekt für offenen Zugang im Zuge des Siebten Rahmenprogramms der Europäischen Gemeinschaft für Forschung, technologische Entwicklung und Demonstration (2007 bis 2013) und ähnliche Initiativen zahlreicher öffentlicher Finanzhilfegeber weltweit aufbauen.

Der offene Zugang kann entweder durch eine Vorauszahlung der Veröffentlichungskosten („Gold Open Access“) erreicht werden, wobei die Kosten für die Dauer der Finanzhilfevereinbarung voll erstattungsfähig sind, oder aber durch Autoren, welche ihre gutachtergeprüften Artikel in Verzeichnisse einstellen, wo sie offen zugänglich sind — eventuell auch erst nach einer Sperrfrist, innerhalb derer die Verleger ihre Investitionen amortisieren können („Green Open Access“).

Die Europäische Kommission hat keine Befugnis, wissenschaftliche Arbeiten zu verlegen, und plant nicht, eine Sondereinrichtung oder ‐organisation für wissenschaftliche Veröffentlichungen aufzubauen. Allerdings setzt sie sich mittels zahlreicher EU-finanzierter Projekte, insbesondere OpenAIRE (230), für den offenen Zugang ein.

Die Initiative „Horizont 2020“ soll durch weitere Maßnahmen ergänzt werden, um einen Europäischen Forschungsraum zu schaffen und Barrieren zu beseitigen, damit ein echter Binnenmarkt für Wissen, Forschung und Innovation entsteht. Insbesondere wird die Kommission 2012 dem Rat eine Mitteilung und Empfehlung zum Zugang zu wissenschaftlichen Informationen und deren Bewahrung vorlegen, um die Mitgliedstaaten zu ermutigen, Strategien für den offenen Zugang zu entwickeln und richtig anzuwenden sowie über die dabei erreichten Fortschritte zu berichten.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003491/12

to the Commission

Hans-Peter Martin (NI)

(30 March 2012)

Subject: Open access to scientific research results

In its answer to Question E‐001406/2012 from Hans-Peter Martin, the Commission writes that it ‘aims to make open access to publications the general principle for all EU funded projects in Horizon 2020’.

| 1. | Does the Commission already have ideas or plans for how to facilitate public access? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Does the Commission already have ideas or plans for how to facilitate public access?

| 2. | In this context, is consideration being given to the idea of direct publication by the Commission or a new European organisation for scientific publications — for example a |
| --- | --- |

2.

In this context, is consideration being given to the idea of direct publication by the Commission or a new European organisation for scientific publications — for example a

‘European Academy of Sciences’?

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

(16 May 2012)

For peer-reviewed scientfic publications, open access — the practice of granting free-of-charge access over the Internet to research results — is the general obligation proposed by the Commission in the regulation laying down the rules for participation and dissemination in Horizon 2020 (231) released on 30 November (Article 40, page 31). (232) With this, the Commission intends to build on the Open Access Pilot in the Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (FP7, 2007-2013) and similar initiatives from numerous public funders worldwide.

Open access can either be achieved through the upfront payment of publishing costs (‘gold open access’), in which case costs are eligible for full reimbursement during the period of the grant agreement, or through authors depositing the peer-reviewed manuscripts of their articles in repositories, to be available in open access mode, sometimes after an embargo period in order to allow publishers to recoup their investment (‘green open access’).

The European Commission does not have the compentences of a scientific publisher and does not envisage the creation of a specialised agency or organisation for scientific publications. It does however support open access through a variety of EU‐funded projects, in particular OpenAIRE (233).

Horizon 2020 will be complemented by further measures to achieve the European Research Area and break down barriers in order to create a genuine single market for knowledge, research and innovation. In particular, the Commission will release in 2012 a communication and Recommendation to the Council on access to and preservation of scientific information, with a view to encouraging Member States to develop and appropriately implement open access strategies and report on progress achieved.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-003492/12

an die Kommission

Hans-Peter Martin (NI)

(30. März 2012)

Betrifft: Kosten und Nutzen von wissenschaftlicher Publikation durch die EU

In ihrer Antwort auf die Anfrage E-001406/2012 von Hans-Peter Martin schreibt die Kommission: „Die Kommission schätzt das Fachwissen wissenschaftlicher Verlage (insbesondere im Zusammenhang mit den Peer-Review-Verfahren), verlegt aber selbst solche Publikationen nicht“.

Durch das Projekt „Open Access Infrastructure for Research in Europe“ (offene Zugangsinfrastrukturen für die Forschung in Europa — OpenAIRE) hat die Kommission bereits einen gewissen Grad an Erfahrung bei der Veröffentlichung von wissenschaftlichen Artikeln erlangt. Im Zeitalter des Internet müssen wissenschaftliche Publikationen zudem nicht mehr gedruckt werden sondern können auch ausschließlich online verlegt werden.

Hat die Kommission bisher Kosten-Nutzen Analysen vorgenommen, um die Vor‐ und Nachteile der Herausgabe von eigenen wissenschaftlichen Publikationen mit unabhängiger Begutachtung durch Fachkollegen (Peer-Review-Prozess) zu bewerten? Wenn nicht: Wird die Kommission solch eine Untersuchung starten?

Antwort von Frau Geoghegan-Quinn im Namen der Kommission

(6. Juni 2012)

Die Kommission verfolgt die Debatte über die Kosten des „Peer-Review“ seit der Veröffentlichung einer Studie über die wirtschaftliche und technische Entwicklung der Märkte für wissenschaftliche Veröffentlichungen in Europa („Study on the economic and technical evolution of the scientific publication markets in Europe“) (234) im Jahr 2006.

Bisher hat die Kommission weder eine Anfrage zur Veröffentlichung von eigenen oder aus den durch die Rahmenprogramme finanzierten Projekten hervorgehenden wissenschaftlichen Publikationen mit unabhängigem „Peer-Review“ erhalten, noch hat sie die Absicht formuliert, solche zu veröffentlichen. Die Kommission hat aus diesem Grund auch keine Kosten-Nutzen-Analyse durchgeführt.

Das EU-finanzierte Projekt „Open Access Infrastructure for Research in Europe — OpenAIRE“ bietet freien Zugang zu Peer-Review-Artikeln, organisert aber selbst keine Peer-Reviews. Alle über OpenAIRE zugänglichen Artikel werden im Auftrag von Fachzeitschriften im Peer-Review-Verfahren von Wissenschaftlern begutachtet.

Im Fall der gemeinsamen Forschungsstelle (JRC) der Kommission, die den größten Teil der wissenschaftlichen Publikationen, die von der Kommission verfasst werden, verantwortet, gibt es je nach Art der wissenschaftlichen Publikation zusätzlich zum Peer-Review durch die relevanten Fachzeitschriften noch interne Qualitätssicherungsverfahren.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003492/12

to the Commission

Hans-Peter Martin (NI)

(30 March 2012)

Subject: Cost and benefits of scientific publication by the EU

In its reply to Question E‐001406/2012 from Hans-Peter Martin, the Commission writes the following: ‘The Commission recognises the expertise of scientific publishers (in particular in the peer-review process) but is not active as a publisher of such publications.’

Through the ‘Open Access Infrastructure for Research in Europe — OpenAIRE’ project, the Commission has already gathered a certain level of experience in the publication of scientific articles. Furthermore, in the era of the Internet, scientific publications no longer need to be printed, but can also be published solely online.

Has the Commission carried out any cost/benefit analyses in order to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of publishing scientific publications itself, with independent assessment by specialist colleagues (peer review process)? If not, will the Commission initiate such an investigation?

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

(6 June 2012)

The Commission has been following the debates over the cost of peer-reviews since the publication in 2006 of a study on the economic and technical evolution of the scientific publication markets in Europe (235).

So far, the Commission has neither received the request for, nor formulated the intention of publishing its own independently peer-reviewed scientific publications or those resulting from projects financed by the framework Programmes. The Commission has therefore not carried out any cost-benefit analysis.

The ‘Open Access Infrastructure for Research in Europe — OpenAIRE’ project, funded by the EU, provides free access to peer-reviewed articles but does not organise peer-reviews. All articles accessible through OpenAIRE are peer-reviewed by scientists acting on behalf of scientific journals.

In the specific case of the Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC), which produces the majority of the scientific publications authored by the Commission, there are internal quality review mechanisms depending on the nature of the scientific publication in addition to the peer-reviews organised by the relevant scientific journals.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-003493/12

an die Kommission

Hans-Peter Martin (NI)

(30. März 2012)

Betrifft: Kosten der Verbreitung von Forschungsergebnissen

In ihrer Antwort auf die Anfrage E-001406/2012 von Hans-Peter Martin schreibt die Kommission: „Die Europäische Kommission unterstützt die Verbreitung von Forschungsergebnissen durch eine Finanzierung innerhalb der Projekte, die dazu dient, die Ergebnisse aktiv zu verbreiten“. Wissenschaftliche Verlage, die Fachzeitschriften mit Peer-Review herausgeben, verzeichnen oft hohe Gewinne.

| 1. | Verfügt die Kommission über Daten oder eine Schätzung darüber, welcher Prozentsatz der Fördergelder durchschnittlich pro Fördermaßnahme für die Verbreitung der Ergebnisse aufgewendet wird? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Verfügt die Kommission über Daten oder eine Schätzung darüber, welcher Prozentsatz der Fördergelder durchschnittlich pro Fördermaßnahme für die Verbreitung der Ergebnisse aufgewendet wird?

| 2. | Verfügt die Kommission über Daten oder eine Schätzung darüber, welcher Gesamtbetrag der EU-Forschungsförderung jährlich für die Verbreitung von Forschungsergebnissen ausgegeben wird? |
| --- | --- |

2.

Verfügt die Kommission über Daten oder eine Schätzung darüber, welcher Gesamtbetrag der EU-Forschungsförderung jährlich für die Verbreitung von Forschungsergebnissen ausgegeben wird?

| 3. | Auf welche Summe beläuft sich der Gesamtbetrag, mit dem jährlich die Publikation in wissenschaftlichen Journalen durch die EU finanziert wird? |
| --- | --- |

3.

Auf welche Summe beläuft sich der Gesamtbetrag, mit dem jährlich die Publikation in wissenschaftlichen Journalen durch die EU finanziert wird?

Antwort von Frau Geoghegan-Quinn im Namen der Kommission

(25. Mai 2012)

Die Kommission hält den freien Zugang (Open Access, OA) für ein Schlüsselinstrument zur Gewährleistung und Verbesserung des Umlaufs von wissenschaftlichen Informationen in der Europäischen Union. Die Aufwendungen für das Veröffentlichen von Peer‐Review‐Artikeln in Zeitschriften mit freiem Zugang (der sogenannnte „Gold Open Access“) sind innerhalb des Siebten Rahmenprogramms für Forschung, technologische Entwicklung und Demonstration (2007-2013) voll erstattungsfähig. Die Kommission hat mit dem Siebten Rahmenprogramm außerdem ein Pilotprojekt zum freien Zugang für das Einstellen von Artikeln in Open-Access-Verzeichnisse (der sogenannte „Green Open Access“) gestartet. Die Infrastruktur OpenAIRE, die von der EU finanziert wird, bietet freien Zugang zu Peer‐Review‐Artikeln und erleichtert so weiter die Verbreitung und die Zirkulation von wissenschaftlichen Erkenntnissen.

Der Kommission liegen keine spezifischen Zahlen zu den im Rahmen von Forschungsprojekten aufgewendeten Beträgen für die Verbreitung von Forschungsergebnissen vor, da diese nicht gesondert angegeben werden. Die für die Verbreitung aufgewendeten Beträge (einschließlich solcher für die Veröffentlichung in wissenschaftlichen Fachzeitschriften) können unter dem Posten „Andere Ausgaben“ geltend gemacht werden.

„Andere Ausgaben“ dürfen maximal 7 % des EU-Gesamtbeitrags auf Grundlage des Pauschalsatzes (bis zu 100 % der aufgewendeten Beträge) betragen. Die für die Verbreitung aufgewendeten Beträge stellen also nur einen kleinen Anteil der 7 % des EU-Gesamtbeitrags dar und können von Projekt zu Projekt variieren.

Vielmehr können unter dem Posten „Andere Ausgaben“ auch andere Arten von Ausgaben angegeben werden wie etwa Ausgaben für das Management des Konsortiums, wobei es Sache der Projektleiter ist, die effektivsten Kanäle zur Verbreitung der Forschungsergebnisse innerhalb der vorgegebenen Höchstgrenzen auszuwählen.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003493/12

to the Commission

Hans-Peter Martin (NI)

(30 March 2012)

Subject: Costs associated with the dissemination of research results

In its reply to Question E‐001406/2012 from Hans-Peter Martin, the Commission writes the following: ‘The Commission supports the dissemination of research results by providing funding within the projects to actively disseminate the results’. Academic publishers who publish journals with peer reviews often make huge profits.

| 1. | Does the Commission have data or estimates indicating the average percentage of funding spent on the dissemination of the results for each project supported? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Does the Commission have data or estimates indicating the average percentage of funding spent on the dissemination of the results for each project supported?

| 2. | Does the Commission have data or estimates indicating the total amount of EU research funding spent annually on the dissemination of the research results? |
| --- | --- |

2.

Does the Commission have data or estimates indicating the total amount of EU research funding spent annually on the dissemination of the research results?

| 3. | What is the total amount of funding provided by the EU each year for publication in scientific journals? |
| --- | --- |

3.

What is the total amount of funding provided by the EU each year for publication in scientific journals?

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

(25 May 2012)

The Commission considers open access (OA) as a key tool to ensure and improve the circulation of scientific information in the European Union. Costs for publishing peer reviewed articles in open access journals (so-called ‘gold OA’), are eligible for full reimbursement in the Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (FP7, 2007-2013). Additionally, the Commission launched the Open Access Pilot in FP7 for the deposition of articles in open access repositories (so-called ‘green OA’). The infrastructure OpenAIRE, funded by the EU, provides free access to peer-reviewed articles, which further facilitates dissemination and knowledge circulation.

The Commission cannot provide specific figures on the costs spent by projects on the dissemination of results, as dissemination costs are not reported separately. Costs incurred for dissemination (including those for publication in scientific journals) can be claimed under the cost category ‘other costs’.

‘Other costs’ can represent a maximum of 7% of the total EC contribution, on the basis of the flat rate (up to 100% of the costs incurred). The dissemination costs are therefore just a fraction of the 7% of the EC contribution and will vary from project to project.

However, in the ‘other costs’ category, there are also other types of costs that can be charged such as consortium management and it is up to the project coordinator to choose the most effective dissemination channel for results within this allowable limit.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-003494/12

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(30 mars 2012)

Objet: Dossier Apple et directives 1999/44/CE et 2005/29/CE

Onze organisations de défense des consommateurs, dont Test-Achats en Belgique, ont mis en demeure Apple Sales International en vue d'obtenir la cessation d'importants problèmes relatifs à l'information fournie aux consommateurs par Apple ainsi que par des distributeurs agréés, en ce qui concerne l'articulation entre la garantie légale, la garantie commerciale d'un an offerte par le constructeur et l'éventuelle extension de garantie ₫AppleCare Protection plan₻ de 2 ou 3 ans proposée par Apple. Il est à noter qu'Apple Sales International a déjà été condamnée pour ces mêmes pratiques douteuses par une décision de l'autorité italienne du marché, du 21 décembre 2011, confirmée en appel le 22 mars 2012.

Le problème dénoncé par les organisations de consommateurs ne se limite pas aux seuls produits Apple car, à l'occasion de la vente de beaucoup d'autres produits, la crédulité des consommateurs est abusée selon un procédé identique. Il faut souligner que le problème s'est aggravé ces dernières années avec le rôle de plus en plus important joué par l'internet. En effet, aujourd'hui, un consommateur moyen détermine souvent ses besoins sur la base de l'information mise en évidence sur le site Internet du constructeur, qui peut jouer un rôle déterminant non seulement dans sa décision d'acheter ou non le produit mais également dans sa décision de souscrire une extension contractuelle de garantie. Or, il s'agit d'une matière régie par des directives européennes (Directive 1999/44/CE et directive 2005/29/CE, article 6).

| 1. | Pour éviter de tels abus, ne serait-il pas opportun de renforcer l'article 6 de la directive 1999/44/CE en précisant que l'information fournie aux consommateurs devrait comporter une explication claire sur le contenu des droits des consommateurs découlant de la garantie légale et non une simple mention de l'existence de ceux-ci, comme c'est le cas par exemple en France et au Luxembourg? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Pour éviter de tels abus, ne serait-il pas opportun de renforcer l'article 6 de la directive 1999/44/CE en précisant que l'information fournie aux consommateurs devrait comporter une explication claire sur le contenu des droits des consommateurs découlant de la garantie légale et non une simple mention de l'existence de ceux-ci, comme c'est le cas par exemple en France et au Luxembourg?

| 2. | La Commission envisage-t-elle une action européenne conjointe avec les autorités nationales ( |
| --- | --- |

2.

La Commission envisage-t-elle une action européenne conjointe avec les autorités nationales (

₫Sweep₻) permettant de détecter d'éventuels autres abus touchant à l'articulation entre garanties légales et commerciales?

Réponse donnée par Mme Reding au nom de la Commission

(24 mai 2012)

La Commission se félicite de la récente décision de l'autorité italienne de la concurrence en ce qui concerne la présentation des garanties légales et commerciales sur les sites web d'Apple, qui est à la base de l'initiative des organisations de consommateurs à laquelle l'Honorable Parlementaire fait référence. À cet égard, la Commission renvoie à la réponse qu'elle a donnée à la question écrite F-3171/2012.

S'agissant de la première question, la Commission ne considère pas qu'il soit nécessaire de modifier l'article 6 de la directive 1999/44/CE étant donné que la lecture conjointe de cette disposition et de la directive relative aux pratiques commerciales déloyales (236), et notamment de son article 6, paragraphe 1, point g), indique clairement que les professionnels ne peuvent en aucun cas induire en erreur les consommateurs, en particulier sur leurs droits, et notamment leur droit spécifique à une ₫garantie légale₻ minimale conformément à la directive 1999/44/CE. Cela signifie qu'il incombe au professionnel de préciser dans quelle mesure les garanties commerciales supplémentaires qu'il peut offrir constituent un avantage intéressant par rapport à la garantie légale gratuite imposée par la directive 1999/44/CE. Imposer aux professionnels l'obligation d'expliquer aux consommateurs en quoi consistent leurs droits, alors que les législations nationales sont différentes dans les 27 États membres du fait qu'elles vont souvent au-delà des niveaux minimaux de protection prévus par le droit de l'Union, pourrait décourager les ventes transfrontalières.

S'agissant de la deuxième question, la Commission rappelle qu'elle a attiré l'attention du réseau de coopération pour la protection des consommateurs (237) sur cette affaire. La Commission tient à souligner que les inspections sont menées par les autorités nationales chargées de veiller à l'application de la législation en la matière dans le cadre des activités concertées du réseau précité. Le réseau de coopération détermine les thèmes des inspections sur la base des informations à la disposition tant de la Commission (par exemple, le tableau de bord des marchés de consommation) que des autorités nationales chargées de veiller à l'application de la législation en la matière (par exemple, les plaintes au niveau national). Les questions liées à la garantie pourront être prises en compte lors d'une future inspection.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003494/12

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(30 March 2012)

Subject: The Apple issue and Directives 1999/44/EC and 2005/29/EC

Eleven consumer protection organisations, including Belgium’s Test-Achats, have given formal notice to Apple Sales International to ensure the resolution of important issues relating to the information provided to consumers by Apple and authorised dealers concerning the relationship between the statutory warranty, the one-year commercial warranty offered by the manufacturer and any two‐ to three-year ‘AppleCare Protection Plan’ extended warranty offered by Apple. It must be noted that Apple Sales International has already been found guilty of these same questionable practices in a decision taken by the Italian market authority on 21 December, upheld on appeal on 22 March 2012.

The problem raised by consumer organisations is not limited only to Apple products as the gullibility of consumers is abused by an identical method when many other products are sold. It must be stressed that the problem has worsened over recent years with the increasing role being played by the Internet. In fact, today, average consumers often determine their needs on the basis of the information highlighted on the manufacturer’s website, which may play a role not only in their decision to buy the product but also in their decision to purchase an extended warranty contract. However, this is a matter governed by European directives (Directive 1999/44/EC and Directive 2005/29/EC, Article 6).

| 1. | To prevent such abuse, would it not be appropriate to strengthen Article 6 of Directive 1999/44/EC by specifying that the information provided to consumers should include a clear explanation on the substance of consumer rights under the statutory warranty rather than a simple mention of their existence, as is the case in France and Luxembourg for example? |
| --- | --- |

1.

To prevent such abuse, would it not be appropriate to strengthen Article 6 of Directive 1999/44/EC by specifying that the information provided to consumers should include a clear explanation on the substance of consumer rights under the statutory warranty rather than a simple mention of their existence, as is the case in France and Luxembourg for example?

| 2. | Does the Commission plan joint European action with national authorities ( |
| --- | --- |

2.

Does the Commission plan joint European action with national authorities (

‘Sweep’) to detect other potential abuses in the relationship between statutory and commercial warranties?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(24 May 2012)

The Commission welcomes the recent decision of the Italian Competition Authority regarding the presentation of the legal and commercial guarantees on the Apple websites, which is at the basis of the consumer organisations' initiative referred to by the Honourable Member. In this context, the Commission would refer him to its answer to Written Question E‐3171/2012.

Concerning the first question, the Commission does not consider that a change to Article 6 of the directive 1999/44/EC is necessary as, when read in conjunction with the directive on Unfair Commercial Practices (238), and in particular Article 6(1)g thereof, it clearly appears that in no way traders can mislead consumers in particular on their rights, including their specific right to a minimum ‘legal guarantee’ under Directive 1999/44/EC. This means that it is up to the trader to clarify in which way the additional, commercial warranties he may offer are a plus compared to the free statutory warranty laid down by Directive 1999/44/EC. Imposing on traders an obligation to explain to consumers the substance of their national rights, which vary across the 27 Member States, as they often go beyond the minimum protection standards laid down by EC law, might discourage cross-border sales.

In relation to the second question, the Commission would recall that it drew the attention of this case to the Consumer Protection Cooperation Network (239). The Commission would like to highlight that the sweeps are carried out by the national enforcement authorities in the framework of the concerted activities of the CPCNetwork. The CPC Network identifies the sweep themes on the basis of both information available to the Commission (e.g. Consumer Markets Scoreboard) and to the national enforcement authorities (e.g. national complaints). Guarantee related issues may be covered in a future sweep.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-003495/12

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(30 mars 2012)

Objet: Modification du règlement en matière d'indemnisation et d'assistance des passagers en cas de refus d'embarquement et d'annulation ou de retard important d'un vol

Les conclusions déposées le 22 mars 2012 par l'avocat général de la Cour de justice de l'Union européenne dans l'affaire C-12/11 McDonach/Ryanair Ltd sur les indemnités dues par les compagnies aériennes aux passagers en cas de ₫circonstances extraordinaires₻ (fermeture de l'espace aérien à la suite de l'éruption du volcan Eyjafjallajökull) indiquent clairement que la définition actuelle et les limites des indemnités prévues dans ces circonstances sont tout à fait insuffisantes.

La Commission peut-elle faire savoir si elle entend rapidement apporter des compléments d'information au règlement pour tenir compte des nombreuses imprécisions actuelles dont se servent les compagnies aériennes pour priver les voyageurs de toute indemnité alors qu'ils ont subi de graves préjudices?

Réponse donnée par M. Kallas au nom de la Commission

(15 mai 2012)

La Commission prend note des conclusions de l'avocat général dans l'affaire McDonagh contre Ryanair Ltd (C-12/11) concernant l'application du règlement (CE) no 261/2004 (240).

Bien que le règlement (CE) no 261/2004 ait apporté des avantages significatifs aux passagers depuis son entrée en vigueur, il est maintenant en place depuis un certain temps. Comme elle l'a annoncé dans sa communication du 11 avril 2011 [COM(2011)174], la Commission a lancé, en 2011, des travaux d'élaboration d'une analyse d'impact en vue d'évaluer les mesures actuelles, ce qui permettra d'éliminer les risques d'ambigüité et de tenir compte de la jurisprudence de la Cour de justice depuis l'entrée en vigueur du règlement.

Cette révision a été annoncée dans le programme de travail de la Commission pour l'année 2012.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003495/12

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(30 March 2012)

Subject: Amendment to the regulation on compensation and assistance to passengers in the event of denied boarding and of cancellation or long delay of flights

The opinion of the Advocate-General of the Court of Justice of the European Union delivered on 22 March 2012 in Case C‐12/11 McDonach v Ryanair Ltd on the compensation payable by airlines to passengers in case of ‘extraordinary circumstances’ (closure of airspace owing to the eruption of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano) clearly indicates that the current definition and compensation limits provided in these circumstances are completely inadequate.

Can the Commission state whether it intends to quickly provide additional information on the regulation to take into account the many current ambiguities exploited by airlines in order to deprive travellers of any compensation when they have been subject to a serious disservice?

Answer given by Mr Kallas on behalf of the Commission

(15 May 2012)

The Commission takes note of the opinion of the Advocate-General in the case of McDonagh v Ryanair Ltd (C-12/11) on the application of Regulation 261/2004 (241).

Whilst Regulation 261/2004 has brought significant benefits to passengers since its introduction, this legislation has now been in place for some time. As announced in its communication of 11 April 2011 (COM(2011) 174) the Commission launched in 2011 work on drafting an impact assessment to assess the current measures thereby addressing issues of ambiguity and taking into account the Court of Justice jurisprudence developed since the entry into force of the regulation.

This revision was announced in the Commission's Work Programme for 2012.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης P-003496/12

προς την Επιτροπή

Georgios Papanikolaou (PPE)

(30 Μαρτίου 2012)

Θέμα: Δυσλειτουργίες στην νέα υπηρεσία ασύλου στην Ελλάδα εξαιτίας έλλειψης προσωπικού

Η Υπηρεσία Ασύλου θεσπίστηκε με τον νόμο 3907/2011 και αποτελεί την πρώτη αυτόνομη δομή της χώρας που ασχολείται με την εξέταση των αιτημάτων ασύλου και, ευρύτερα, διεθνούς προστασίας στην Ελλάδα. Αν και αποτελεί την πιο ουσιαστική προϋπόθεση για την ομαλοποίηση των διαδικασιών κατάθεσης, εξέτασης και απόδοσης ή μη ασύλου, η λειτουργία της δεν έχει ακόμα ξεκινήσει και μάλιστα, σύμφωνα με την διεύθυνση της υπηρεσίας, δεν μπορεί να γίνει καμία πρόβλεψη για το πότε θα τεθεί σε λειτουργία εξαιτίας της έλλειψης προσωπικού.

Συγκεκριμένα, ενώ προβλέπεται προσωπικό άνω των 200 εργαζομένων για την ομαλή λειτουργία των 13 τμημάτων της υπηρεσίας (αριθμός που ούτως ή άλλως είναι υπερβολικά μικρός), μέχρι σήμερα δεν έχει καταφέρει παρά να απασχολεί λιγότερα από 15 άτομα. Αιτία, η αδυναμία της Ελλάδας να προβεί σε πρόσληψη προσωπικού για την νέα υπηρεσία ασύλου εξαιτίας των δεσμεύσεών της στο πλαίσιο του μνημονίου συνεργασίας με την τρόικα για τήρηση του κανόνα 1 πρόσληψη για κάθε 10 αποχωρήσεις από τον δημόσιο τομέα. Παράλληλα, ενώ αποφασίστηκε η στελέχωση της υπηρεσίας να γίνει με αποσπάσεις από άλλους δημόσιους φορείς, αυτό δεν καθίσταται δυνατό εξαιτίας των σοβαρών ελλείψεων σε θέσεις όλων των φορέων ως συνέπεια του παραπάνω κανόνα.

Ερωτάται η Επιτροπή:

| — | Καθώς η νέα υπηρεσία ασύλου αποτελεί απαραίτητη προϋπόθεση για την αντιμετώπιση της έκτακτης κατάστασης στην οποία βρίσκεται η Ελλάδα με τις συνεχώς αυξανόμενες παράνομες μεταναστευτικές ροές προς αυτή και ενώ η χώρα δεν διαθέτει εναλλακτικές διοικητικές δομές για την γρήγορη εξέταση των αιτήσεων ασύλου, θεωρεί η Επιτροπή ότι, ειδικά για την νέα υπηρεσία ασύλου, θα πρέπει να υπάρξουν και να προβλεφθούν ευέλικτες διαδικασίες για την επάνδρωση της; |
| --- | --- |

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Καθώς η νέα υπηρεσία ασύλου αποτελεί απαραίτητη προϋπόθεση για την αντιμετώπιση της έκτακτης κατάστασης στην οποία βρίσκεται η Ελλάδα με τις συνεχώς αυξανόμενες παράνομες μεταναστευτικές ροές προς αυτή και ενώ η χώρα δεν διαθέτει εναλλακτικές διοικητικές δομές για την γρήγορη εξέταση των αιτήσεων ασύλου, θεωρεί η Επιτροπή ότι, ειδικά για την νέα υπηρεσία ασύλου, θα πρέπει να υπάρξουν και να προβλεφθούν ευέλικτες διαδικασίες για την επάνδρωση της;

| — | Δεδομένου ότι η Ελλάδα δύναται να αξιοποιήσει δεκάδες εκατομμύρια ευρώ από τα τέσσερα κοινοτικά ταμεία για την αντιμετώπιση της παράνομης μετανάστευσης, και ενώ η ομαλή λειτουργία της νέας υπηρεσίας ασύλου αποτελεί την πιο αξιόπιστη λύση στο διογκωμένο πρόβλημα της παράνομης μετανάστευσης στην Ελλάδα και συνεπώς προς την Ευρώπη, θα ήταν θετική η Επιτροπή στην αξιοποίηση πόρων από τα ταμεία αυτά για την στελέχωση της υπηρεσίας; |
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Δεδομένου ότι η Ελλάδα δύναται να αξιοποιήσει δεκάδες εκατομμύρια ευρώ από τα τέσσερα κοινοτικά ταμεία για την αντιμετώπιση της παράνομης μετανάστευσης, και ενώ η ομαλή λειτουργία της νέας υπηρεσίας ασύλου αποτελεί την πιο αξιόπιστη λύση στο διογκωμένο πρόβλημα της παράνομης μετανάστευσης στην Ελλάδα και συνεπώς προς την Ευρώπη, θα ήταν θετική η Επιτροπή στην αξιοποίηση πόρων από τα ταμεία αυτά για την στελέχωση της υπηρεσίας;

Απάντηση της κας Malmström εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(28 Μαΐου 2012)

Η Επιτροπή είναι ενήμερη σχετικά με τα προβλήματα που αφορούν τη στελέχωση της νέας υπηρεσίας ασύλου στην Ελλάδα. Η Επιτροπή έστειλε πρόσφατα αποστολή στην Ελλάδα για να αξιολογήσει την τρέχουσα κατάσταση και να χαράξει την πορεία που πρέπει να ακολουθηθεί. Στα πορίσματά της, η Επιτροπή τόνισε ότι ₫η στελέχωση των υπηρεσιών παραμένει ένα από τα βασικά εμπόδια για την ορθή εφαρμογή στου σχεδίου δράσης₻.

Ωστόσο, οι ανάγκες στελέχωσης της νέας υπηρεσίας θα πρέπει να εξεταστούν στο πλαίσιο της προσπάθειας δημοσιονομικής εξυγίανσης.

Καταρχάς, θα πρέπει να τονιστεί ότι οι ισχύοντες κανόνες (242) επιτρέπουν κάποια ευελιξία για πρόσληψη ενός ατόμου για κάθε πέντε αποχωρήσεις, καθόσον ισχύει για ολόκληρη την κυβέρνηση και όχι για κάθε υπηρεσία χωριστά. Εναπόκειται στην Ελλάδα να καταρτίσει σχέδια στελέχωσης που να συνδυάζουν τον σεβασμό αυτού του κανόνα και την κατάλληλη στελέχωση υπηρεσιών προτεραιότητας.

Παράλληλα, η Ελλάδα θα πρέπει να διερευνήσει τη δυνατότητα αύξησης της εξωτερικής ανάθεσης δραστηριοτήτων οι οποίες δεν περιλαμβάνουν την άσκηση δημόσιας εξουσίας, υπό τον όρο ότι αυτό θα γίνει με αποδοτικό, από πλευράς κόστους, τρόπο και εντός του συνολικού προϋπολογισμού δημόσιων δαπανών, αξιοποιώντας τις ευκαιρίες που προσφέρουν οι οργανισμοί της ΕΕ και άλλοι φορείς, ακολουθώντας το παράδειγμα όσων ήδη προσφέρει η Ύπατη Αρμοστεία των Ηνωμένων Εθνών για τους Πρόσφυγες στηρίζοντας τις επιτροπές προσφύγων.

Επιπλέον, οι ελληνικές αρχές έχουν επίσης την δυνατότητα να προωθήσουν μεταρρυθμίσεις που θα διευκολύνουν την κινητικότητα μεταξύ των υπηρεσιών του δημοσίου προκειμένου να αυξηθεί γρηγορότερα η στελέχωση ως απάντηση στη τρέχουσα κρίση.

Η Επιτροπή υποστηρίζει επίσης την Ελλάδα ώστε να διασφαλιστεί η αύξηση της απορρόφησης των κονδυλίων της ΕΕ και επισημαίνει την ανάγκη για πιο στοχευμένη και στρατηγική προσέγγιση, συμπεριλαμβανομένης της πρόσληψης νέου προσωπικού εφόσον αυτή εμπίπτει στους κανόνες που έχουν θεσπιστεί για τη λειτουργία των Ταμείων.

(English version)

Question for written answer P-003496/12

to the Commission

Georgios Papanikolaou (PPE)

(30 March 2012)

Subject: Inefficiencies in the new Greek Asylum Service due to a lack of staff

The Asylum Service was set up under Law 3907/2011 and is the country’s first independent structure for the assessment of asylum applications and, on a wider scale, international protection in Greece. Even though this service is essential for regulating the procedures for application, assessment, granting or refusal of asylum, it has not yet started its work and in fact, according to the service’s management, no prediction can be made as to when it will start work, owing to a lack of staff.

Specifically, although over 200 members of staff are needed for the proper functioning of the service’s 13 departments (a number which in any case is extremely low), to date it has only managed to employ fewer than 15 people. This is due to Greece’s inability to recruit personnel for the new asylum service due to its commitments under the memorandum of understandingit signed with the Troika, in line with the rule in the public sector of one recruitment for ten departures. At the same time, although it was decided that the service would be staffed through secondments from other public bodies, this is not possible due to the serious lack of jobs in all departments as a consequence of the aforementioned rule.

Will the Commission answer the following questions.

— The new asylum service is a crucial requirement for dealing with the urgent situation in Greece with its ever-increasing illegal migration flows and the country does not have any alternative administrative structures for the rapid assessment of asylum applications. Therefore, does the Commission consider, particularly for the new asylum service, that there should be flexible procedures for staffing and that these procedures should be provided?

— Given that Greece is allowed to draw tens of millions of euros from the four Community Funds to combat illegal immigration and that the proper functioning of the new asylum service constitutes the most appropriate solution for the growing problem of illegal immigration in Greece and consequently in Europe, would the Commission favour the use of resources from these funds for the staffing of the service?

Answer given by Ms Malmström on behalf of the Commission

(28 May 2012)

The Commission is aware of the staffing problems related to the setting up of the new asylum service in Greece. A mission was recently led by the Commission to Greece to assess the current state of play and outline a way forward. Among its findings, the Commission stressed that ‘staffing of services remains one of the main obstacles to the proper implementation of the action plan’.

However, the exigencies of staffing the new service should be seen in the context of the effort of fiscal consolidation.

Firstly, it should be stressed that there is a certain degree of flexibility within current rules (243) of recruiting one staff for five exits, as it applies to the government as a whole, and not to each service. It is for Greece to prepare staffing plans that allow the respect of this rule and the appropriate staffing of priority services.

At the same time, Greece should explore the possibility to increase outsourcing of activities which do not involve the exercise of public authority, providing this is done in a cost-effective manner and within the overall envelope of public spending, harnessing the opportunities offered by EU Agencies and other stakeholders following the example of what the UNHCR is already providing by supporting the Appeal Committees.

Furthermore, the Greek authorities also have the possibility to promote reforms to facilitate the mobility between public administrations in order to increase the staffing levels more quickly in response to the current crisis.

The Commission also supports Greece to ensure an increase in the absorption of EU funding and is stressing the need for a more targeted and strategic approach, including hiring new staff when it falls within the rules established for the functioning of the Funds.

(České znění)

Otázka k písemnému zodpovězení P-003497/12

Komisi

Zuzana Roithová (PPE)

(30. března 2012)

Předmět: Moldavský návrh antidiskriminačního zákona a registrované partnerství

Moldavská vláda se zavázala přijmout antidiskriminační zákon, aby mohla vstoupit do režimu bezvízového styku s EU. Část moldavského obyvatelstva se obává, že přijetí tohoto zákona, k němuž vyzývá Komise, by pro moldavský právní řád znamenalo zavedení registrovaného partnerství. Velvyslanec EU v Moldavsku Dirk Schuebel údajně uvedl, že nepřijme-li Moldavsko takový zákon, nebude moci do režimu bezvízového styku vstoupit.

Je pravda, že Komise vyzývá k tomu, aby bylo do moldavského právního řádu zavedeno registrované partnerství? Skutečně velvyslanec vznesl takovýto požadavek?

Odpověď vysoké představitelky a místopředsedkyně Komise Ashtonové jménem Komise

(12. června 2012)

Přijetí právních předpisů zakazujících diskriminaci je jedním z referenčních bodů první fáze Akčního plánu pro bezvízový styk, který byl Moldavské republice představen v lednu 2011. Zpráva, kterou EU, a to konkrétně vedoucí delegace EU, přednesla moldavským orgánům sestávala z připomenutí skutečnosti, že přijetí takového zákona je nezbytnou podmínkou pro dokončení první fáze výše uvedeného akčního plánu.

V souvislosti se svým procesem přidružení k EU a se sbližováním práva právu EU se Moldavská republika zavázala přijmout komplexní antidiskriminační zákon, který by byl v souladu s unijním acquis. Koncept registrovaného partnerství není součástí unijního acquis, a tak zůstává na volném uvážení moldavského parlamentu, zda se rozhodne začlenit jej do právního řádu Moldavské republiky, či nikoliv.

(English version)

Question for written answer P-003497/12

to the Commission

Zuzana Roithová (PPE)

(30 March 2012)

Subject: Moldova's draft anti-discrimination law and registered partnership

The Government of Moldova has pledged to adopt an anti-discrimination law in order to enter into a visa-free regime with the EU. There is growing concern among sections of the Moldovan population that the adoption of the law being called for by the Commission would introduce the notion of a registered partnership into the Moldovan legal order. The EU ambassador to Moldova, Dirk Schuebel, has allegedly claimed that without the adoption of such a law Moldova cannot enter into a visa-free regime.

Is it true that the Commission is calling for the notion of a registered partnership to be introduced into the Moldovan legal order? Has the ambassador made such a demand?

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

(12 June 2012)

The adoption of comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation is one of the benchmarks of the first phase of the Visa liberalisation Action Plan presented to the Republic of Moldova in January 2011. The message conveyed by the EU, and in particular the Head of the EU Delegation in Chisinau, to the Moldovan authorities, has consisted in recalling that the adoption of such a law was a pre-requisite to finalise the first phase of the abovementioned Action Plan.

In the overall context of Moldova’s association process and legal approximation to the EU, the Republic of Moldova has pledged to adopt a comprehensive anti-discrimination law in line with the EU Acquis. While the Moldovan Parliament remains free to decide to include or not the concept of registered partnerships in the legal order of the Republic of Moldova, that concept is not part of the EU acquis.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite P-003498/12

à la Commission

Estelle Grelier (S&D)

(30 mars 2012)

Objet: Règlement modifiant le règlement (CE) no 1288/2009 du Conseil instituant des mesures techniques transitoires du 1er janvier 2010 au 30 juin 2011

Le mercredi 6 avril 2011, le Parlement européen adoptait une résolution législative sur la proposition de règlement du Parlement européen et du Conseil modifiant le règlement (CE) no 1288/2009 du Conseil instituant des mesures techniques transitoires du 1er janvier 2010 au 30 juin 2011.

Cette proposition visait à faire perdurer ce régime de transition pour une durée supplémentaire de 18 mois, c'est-à-dire jusqu'au 1er janvier 2013. Il s'agissait dans notre esprit de mettre à profit ce nouveau délai pour finaliser un nouvel ensemble de mesures techniques dans le cadre de la réforme en cours de la politique commune de la pêche, dont une proposition a été présentée par la Commission au cours de l'année 2011.

En ma qualité de rapporteure, j'avais négocié la non réouverture des débats sur les mesures techniques et l'adoption de la proposition en l'état, à l'exception d'un ajout sur le poisson sanglier. Cette négociation avait été fructueuse grâce à la garantie que l'on pouvait raisonnablement s'attendre à ce qu'un nouveau cadre législatif s'applique à compter du 1er janvier 2013.

Au 23 mars 2012, le Parlement européen n'a cependant pas encore été informé d'une quelconque proposition de règlement de la Commission instaurant un tel cadre législatif. Le Parlement européen a accepté la prolongation de mesures techniques transitoires une fois, mais ne se laissera certainement pas convaincre d'une nouvelle prolongation en l'absence de raison valable. Un vide juridique serait donc à craindre si la Commission ne prend pas rapidement l'initiative nécessaire.

— Pouvez-vous m'indiquer par conséquent la date à laquelle la Commission européenne compte faire une proposition de règlement instaurant de nouvelles mesures techniques applicables au 1er janvier 2013?

— Quelles sont les raisons qui expliquent que la Commission n'ait encore fait aucune proposition à ce jour?

Réponse donnée par Mme Damanaki au nom de la Commission

(2 mai 2012)

La Commission procède actuellement à une révision des règlements relatifs aux mesures techniques, englobant l'approche régionalisée proposée dans le cadre de la réforme de la PCP. Le calendrier de la proposition de la Commission dépend des progrès réalisés par le Parlement et le Conseil en ce qui concerne la réforme. À ce stade, les colégislateurs n'ont pas encore adopté de position sur la future architecture juridique qui résultera du nouveau règlement de base. Une date définitive pour l'adoption d'une proposition ne pourra être arrêtée que lorsqu'une décision aura été prise à cet égard.

Dans l'intervalle, toutes les mesures techniques actuelles resteront en vigueur. À ce propos, il convient de noter que la Commission a l'intention de présenter une proposition pour faire en sorte que les mesures techniques transitoires (244), qui viennent à expiration le 31 décembre 2012, soient maintenues jusqu'à l'adoption du nouveau cadre juridique. La suppression de ces mesures aurait une incidence négative sur les stocks concernés et d'autres conséquences sur les écosystèmes.

Dans l'attente de l'issue des négociations relatives à la réforme, des travaux sont en cours au niveau technique afin qu'une proposition puisse être présentée dans les meilleurs délais lorsqu'un accord aura été conclu.

(English version)

Question for written answer P-003498/12

to the Commission

Estelle Grelier (S&D)

(30 March 2012)

Subject: Regulation amending Council Regulation (EC) No 1288/2009 establishing transitional technical measures from 1 January 2010 to 30 June 2011

On 6 April 2011, the European Parliament adopted a legislative resolution on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Council (EC) Regulation No 1288/2009 establishing transitional technical measures from 1 January 2010 to 30 June 2011.

The purpose of this proposal was to extend these transitional arrangements for a further 18 months, i.e. until 1 January 2013 so that a new package of technical measures could be drawn up — which was the subject of a proposal submitted by the Commission in 2011 — as part of the ongoing reform of the common fisheries policy.

As rapporteur, I had negotiated the non-reopening of discussions on technical measures and the adoption of the proposal as it stands, with the exception of the insertion on boar fish. This was a fruitful negotiation because we could now reasonably expect a new legislative framework to be applied from 1 January 2013.

However, by 23 March 2012, the European Parliament had still not been informed of any proposal for a regulation by the Commission establishing such a legislative framework. Although the European Parliament has already authorised the extension of transitional technical measures on one occasion, it will certainly not authorise another extension without a valid reason. A legal vacuum is to be expected if the Commission is not quick to take the required initiative.

— Can you therefore indicate the date on which the European Commission expects to present a proposal for a regulation establishing new technical measures to be applied on 1 January 2013?

— Why has the Commission not made any proposal to date?

Answer given by Ms Damanaki on behalf of the Commission

(2 May 2012)

The Commission is working on a revision to the technical measures regulations encompassing the regionalised approach proposed under the reform of the CFP. The timing of this proposal is dependent on the progress made by the Parliament and Council with the reform. At this stage, the co-legislators have not yet taken position on the future legal architecture that will emerge from the new basic regulation. A definitive planning date for the adoption of a proposalcan only be made once those elements will have been decided.

In the meantime, the current set of technical measures will remain in place. In this regard it is worth noting that the Commission intends to come forward with a proposal to ensure that the transitional technical measures (245) that are due to expire on the 31 December 2012 are maintained until the adoption of the new legal framework. Discontinuation of these measures would have negative consequences for the stocks involved as well as other ecosystem impacts.

Pending the outcome the negotiations on the reform, work at technical level is ongoing to ensure that a proposal can be tabled swiftly once agreement have been reached.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-003499/12

a la Comisión (Vicepresidenta / Alta Representante)

Ramon Tremosa i Balcells (ALDE) y Izaskun Bilbao Barandica (ALDE)

(30 de marzo de 2012)

Asunto: VP/HR — Reconocimiento del Estado independiente de Kosovo

Hoy día 29 de marzo de 2012, el Parlamento Europeo ha mostrado una vez más su apoyo al proceso para que la República de Kosovo forme parte a largo plazo de la Unión Europea con 475 votos a favor, 97 en contra y 76 abstenciones.

Actualmente ya son 85 los Estados que reconocen oficialmente el Estado independiente de Kosovo, y 22 de ellos son miembros de la UE. España, uno de los países con mayor peso demográfico de la Unión aún no ha reconocido a Kosovo, y se niega a ello por motivos puramente de política interna tal y como ha admitido su Gobierno (246).

Esta oposición puede significar un obstáculo para la normalización de la situación política de Kosovo en el marco de la UE, a pesar que la gran mayoría de los Estados miembros ya lo reconocen oficialmente.

— ¿Cree la Vicepresidenta/Alta Representante que todos los Estados miembros de la UE deberían reconocer oficialmente el Estado de Kosovo?

— ¿Qué medidas piensa poner en marcha la Comisión en caso que España y otros cuatro Estados miembros mantengan esta posición teniendo en cuenta el carácter estratégico que tienen los Balcanes occidentales para la UE?

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

(22 de junio de 2012)

En fecha tan reciente como el 5 de diciembre de  2011, el Consejo reafirmó su compromiso inequívoco con la perspectiva europea de los Balcanes Occidentales, incluido Kosovo*.

El 28 de febrero de 2012, el Consejo recordó sus conclusiones de 5 de diciembre de  2011. Sin perjuicio de la posición de los Estados miembros con respecto a su estatuto, o a cualquier futura decisión que adopte el Consejo, este organismo tomó nota de la intención de la Comisión de iniciar un estudio de viabilidad para un Acuerdo de Estabilización y Asociación entre la Unión Europea y Kosovo.

La Comisión continuará trabajando para garantizar el seguimiento de las conclusiones del Consejo de diciembre de 2011 y de febrero de 2012 antes mencionadas.

El 18 de febrero de 2008, el Consejo tomó nota de que los Estados miembros se pronunciarían, de acuerdo con sus prácticas nacionales y el Derecho internacional, acerca de sus relaciones con Kosovo.

[* Esta denominación se realiza sin perjuicio de las posiciones sobre el estatuto, y está en consonancia con la Resolución del Consejo de Seguridad de las Naciones Unidas (RCSNU) 1244/99, y del dictamen de la Corte Internacional de Justicia (CIJ) sobre la declaración de independencia de Kosovo.]

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003499/12

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Ramon Tremosa i Balcells (ALDE) and Izaskun Bilbao Barandica (ALDE)

(30 March 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — Recognition of the independent State of Kosovo

On 29 March 2012, the European Parliament once again expressed its support for the process for the Republic of Kosovo to become part of the European Union in the long term, with 475 votes in favour, 97 against and 76 abstentions.

There are currently 85 states that officially recognise the independent State of Kosovo, and 22 of those are EU Member States. Spain, one of the most populous EU countries, has still not recognised Kosovo, and refuses to do so for purely internal political reasons, as admitted by the Spanish Government (247).

This opposition may represent a barrier to normalising the political situation in Kosovo within the framework of the EU, despite the large majority of Member States that already officially recognise it.

— Does the Vice-President/High Representative believe that all EU Member States should officially recognise the State of Kosovo?

— What measures does the Commission intend to take should Spain and the other four Member States maintain this position, bearing in mind the strategic nature of the western Balkans for the EU?

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

(22 June 2012)

As recently as 5 December 2011 the Council reaffirmed its unequivocal commitment to the European perspective of the western Balkans, including Kosovo*.

On 28 February 2012 the Council recalled its conclusions of 5 December 2011. Without prejudice to Member States' position on status, or any future decisions to be taken by the Council, the Council took note of the intention of the Commission to launch a feasibility study for a Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European Union and Kosovo.

The Commission will continue work to ensure follow-up of the aforementioned Council conclusions of December 2011 and February 2012.

On 18 February 2008 the Council noted that Member States will decide in accordance with national practice and international law on their relations with Kosovo.

[*This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1244/99 and the International Court of Justice (ICJ) Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.]

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-003500/12

an die Kommission

Franziska Katharina Brantner (Verts/ALE)

(30. März 2012)

Betrifft: Wettbewerbsverzerrung durch Beihilfen des Landes Rheinland-Pfalz und der Stadt Speyer für den Flugplatz Speyer

Seit Jahren sorgen das deutsche Bundesland Rheinland-Pfalz, die Investitions‐ und Strukturbank Rheinland-Pfalz GmbH (ISB) und die Stadt Speyer durch Subventionen in Millionenhöhe für den Erhalt des Flugplatzes Speyer. So wurden beispielsweise im Geschäftsjahr 2010 Zuschüsse in Höhe von 2,26 Millionen Euro für den Betrieb und 10,053 Millionen Euro für den Ausbau des Flugplatzes bereitgestellt. Durch diese Subventionen werden die Verluste des unrentablen Flughafens deutlich reduziert und so ein Weiterbetrieb gesichert.

Der Flugplatz hat keine öffentliche infrastrukturelle Bedeutung für die Region, da Linienflüge nicht stattfinden und für die nächsten Jahre auch nicht geplant sind. Es ist zudem nicht zu erkennen, welche „allgemeinen Interessen“ durch die Subventionierung des Flughafens erfüllt werden.

| 1. | Sind die über Jahre gezahlten und weiterhin bestehenden Beihilfen für Betrieb und Ausbau des Flugplatzes Speyer im Sinne von Art. 108 Abs. 3 Satz 1 AEUV bei der Kommission angemeldet und von ihr genehmigt worden? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Sind die über Jahre gezahlten und weiterhin bestehenden Beihilfen für Betrieb und Ausbau des Flugplatzes Speyer im Sinne von Art. 108 Abs. 3 Satz 1 AEUV bei der Kommission angemeldet und von ihr genehmigt worden?

| 2. | Wenn nein, ist die Kommission der Auffassung, dass es sich hierbei um nicht anmeldepflichtige Beihilfen im Sinne von Art. 107 AEUV handelt und warum? |
| --- | --- |

2.

Wenn nein, ist die Kommission der Auffassung, dass es sich hierbei um nicht anmeldepflichtige Beihilfen im Sinne von Art. 107 AEUV handelt und warum?

| 3. | Wenn ja, wie begründet die Kommission die Vereinbarkeit der oben genannten Beihilfen mit dem Europäischen Binnenmarkt und dem Verbot der Wettbewerbsverzerrung? Sind die Beihilfen insbesondere mit dem Grundsatz des markwirtschaftlich handelnden Kapitalgebers (MEIP) vereinbar? Sind die Beihilfen erforderlich und angemessen, an einem dem Gemeinwohl dienenden Ziel ausgerichtet und schränken sie den Handel im Binnenmarkt nicht ungebührlich ein? Handelt es sich dabei nicht um Betriebsbeihilfen, die Verzerrungen des Wettbewerbs zwischen Flughäfen weitaus wahrscheinlicher machen und daher grundsätzlich mit dem Binnenmarkt unvereinbar sind? |
| --- | --- |

3.

Wenn ja, wie begründet die Kommission die Vereinbarkeit der oben genannten Beihilfen mit dem Europäischen Binnenmarkt und dem Verbot der Wettbewerbsverzerrung? Sind die Beihilfen insbesondere mit dem Grundsatz des markwirtschaftlich handelnden Kapitalgebers (MEIP) vereinbar? Sind die Beihilfen erforderlich und angemessen, an einem dem Gemeinwohl dienenden Ziel ausgerichtet und schränken sie den Handel im Binnenmarkt nicht ungebührlich ein? Handelt es sich dabei nicht um Betriebsbeihilfen, die Verzerrungen des Wettbewerbs zwischen Flughäfen weitaus wahrscheinlicher machen und daher grundsätzlich mit dem Binnenmarkt unvereinbar sind?

| 4. | Welche konkreten Schritte unternimmt die Kommission, um in diesem Sinne zu prüfen, ob eine Verletzung des Beihilferechts vorliegt? |
| --- | --- |

4.

Welche konkreten Schritte unternimmt die Kommission, um in diesem Sinne zu prüfen, ob eine Verletzung des Beihilferechts vorliegt?

Antwort von Herrn Almunia im Namen der Kommission

(25. Mai 2012)

Die Finanzierungsmodalitäten für den Flugplatz Speyer wurden nicht gemäß Artikel 108 Absatz 3 AEUV bei der Kommission angemeldet.

Nach den übermittelten Informationen kann ein Vorliegen staatlicher Beihilfen nicht ausgeschlossen werden. Staatliche Beihilfen für Flughäfen müssen allerdings nach dem Beschluss der Kommission vom 20. Dezember 2011 über die Anwendung von Artikel 106 Absatz 2 des Vertrags über die Arbeitsweise der Europäischen Union auf staatliche Beihilfen in Form von Ausgleichsleistungen zugunsten bestimmter Unternehmen, die mit der Erbringung von Dienstleistungen von allgemeinem wirtschaftlichem Interesse betraut sind (248), nicht immer angemeldet werden.

Die Kommission wird sich an die Bundesregierung Deutschland wenden, um zu klären, in welchem Umfang die öffentliche Hand an der Finanzierung des Flugplatzes beteiligt ist und ob die in dem vorgenannten Beschluss genannten Voraussetzungen sowie die Voraussetzungen des Artikels 107 AEUV erfüllt sind.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003500/12

to the Commission

Franziska Katharina Brantner (Verts/ALE)

(30 March 2012)

Subject: Distortion of competition through subsidies by the Rhineland Palatinate and the city of Speyer for Speyer Airport

For many years, the state government of Germany’s Rhineland Palatinate, the Investitions‐ und Strukturbank Rheinland-Pfalz GmbH (ISB) and the city of Speyer have been spending millions of euros in subsidies for the retention of Speyer Airport. For example, in the 2010 financial year, subsidies of EUR 2.26 million were spent on the operation of the airport, and a further EUR 10.053 million on its expansion. These subsidies significantly reduce the losses sustained by the unprofitable airport, thereby allowing it to continue to operate.

The airport is of no public infrastructural significance for the region as there are no scheduled services and no such services are planned for the coming years. Likewise, it is not apparent what ‘general interests’ can be served by subsidising the airport.

| 1. | Have the subsidies paid over the years, and still being paid, for the operation and expansion of Speyer Airport been registered with the Commission in line with Article 108(3), first sentence, TFEU and has the Commission approved these subsidies? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Have the subsidies paid over the years, and still being paid, for the operation and expansion of Speyer Airport been registered with the Commission in line with Article 108(3), first sentence, TFEU and has the Commission approved these subsidies?

| 2. | If not, is the Commission of the view that these are non-notifiable subsidies under the terms of Article 107 TFEU and why? |
| --- | --- |

2.

If not, is the Commission of the view that these are non-notifiable subsidies under the terms of Article 107 TFEU and why?

| 3. | If so, how does the Commission explain the subsidies mentioned above in the context of the European internal market and the ban on distortion of competition? In particular, are the subsidies compatible with the market economy investor principle (MEIP)? Are the subsidies necessary and appropriate, do they serve the public interest and do they not restrict trade in the internal market in an unreasonable way? Are not these subsidies in fact operational subsidies that make a distortion of competition between airports far more probable and are therefore fundamentally incompatible with the internal market? |
| --- | --- |

3.

If so, how does the Commission explain the subsidies mentioned above in the context of the European internal market and the ban on distortion of competition? In particular, are the subsidies compatible with the market economy investor principle (MEIP)? Are the subsidies necessary and appropriate, do they serve the public interest and do they not restrict trade in the internal market in an unreasonable way? Are not these subsidies in fact operational subsidies that make a distortion of competition between airports far more probable and are therefore fundamentally incompatible with the internal market?

| 4. | What specific action is the Commission taking to investigate whether subsidy law has been breached in this case? |
| --- | --- |

4.

What specific action is the Commission taking to investigate whether subsidy law has been breached in this case?

Answer given by Mr Almunia on behalf of the Commission

(25 May 2012)

The financial arrangements concerning the Speyer Airport were not notified to the Commission under Article 108(3) TFEU.

Based on the submitted information, the presence of state aid cannot be excluded. However, state aid to an airport may be exempted from the notification obligation on the basis of the Commission decision of 20 December 2011 on the application of Article 106(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union to state aid in the form of public service compensation granted to certain undertakings entrusted with the operation of services of general economic interest (249).

The Commission will contact the German authorities to determine to what extent public financing is involved and whether the conditions of the abovementioned Decision or other conditions under Article 107 TFEU are fulfilled.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-003501/12

προς την Επιτροπή

Georgios Papanikolaou (PPE)

(30 Μαρτίου 2012)

Θέμα: Αυτοαξιολόγηση των πανεπιστημίων

Η Επιτροπή με ενημέρωσε σε προηγουμένη ερώτηση μου (Ε-000430/2012) ότι κατά την εκτίμηση της δεν έχει αξιοποιηθεί πλήρως το δυναμικό της τριτοβάθμιας εκπαίδευσης και επομένως υπάρχουν μεγάλα περιθώρια ώστε ο χώρος της ανώτατης εκπαίδευσης να συμβάλει θετικά στην ευρωπαϊκή οικονομική και κοινωνική ανάπτυξη. Ένας τρόπος ώστε να επιτευχθεί αυτό είναι, σύμφωνα με την ίδια απάντηση, η πρόβλεψη για τα ανώτατα ιδρύματα να πραγματοποιούν αυτοαξιολογήσεις προσδιορίζοντας την θέση τους σε σχέση με άλλα ανώτατα ιδρύματα.

Ερωτάται η Επιτροπή:

Με ποιο τρόπο προτείνει η Επιτροπή να πραγματοποιείται η αυτοαξιολόγηση των πανεπιστημίων ώστε αυτή να είναι αντικειμενική και επομένως τα αποτελέσματα της έγκυρα, αληθή και αξιόπιστα προς χρήση από τους ενδιαφερόμενους πολίτες;

Απάντηση της κας Βασιλείου εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(19 Ιουνίου 2012)

Η Επιτροπή συμφωνεί πλήρως ότι η αυτοαξιολόγηση των πανεπιστημίων θα πρέπει να είναι έγκυρη, αληθινή και αξιόπιστη. Τα ιδρύματα τριτοβάθμιας εκπαίδευσης θα πρέπει να αυτοαξιολογούνται σύμφωνα με τα ευρωπαϊκά πρότυπα και τις κατευθυντήριες γραμμές για τη διασφάλιση ποιότητας που εγκρίθηκαν από τους αρμόδιους για την τριτοβάθμια εκπαίδευση υπουργούς το 2005, και η εσωτερική διασφάλιση ποιότητα θα πρέπει επίσης να επαληθεύεται από εξωτερική διαδικασία διασφάλισης ποιότητας. Στη διάσκεψη της Μπολόνια τον Απρίλιο του 2012 οι υπουργοί συμφώνησαν να αναθεωρήσουν τα πρότυπα και τις κατευθυντήριες γραμμές ώστε να καταστούν σαφέστερα και χρησιμότερα, στο πλαίσιο πρωτοβουλίας για τη βελτίωση της ποιότητας της ευρωπαϊκής τριτοβάθμιας εκπαίδευσης.

Στη γραπτή μας απάντηση στην ερώτηση Ε-000430/2012 (250) η Επιτροπή υποστήριξε ότι η δυνατότητα να αυτοαξιολογούνται τα ιδρύματα τριτοβάθμιας εκπαίδευσης έναντι άλλων ιδρυμάτων αναμένεται να συμβάλλει στη βελτίωση της ποιότητας της τριτοβάθμιας εκπαίδευσης στην Ευρώπη.

Κατά συνέπεια, η Επιτροπή δημοσίευσε πρόσκληση υποβολής προσφορών για την εφαρμογή πολυδιάστατης και παγκόσμιας κατάταξης των ιδρυμάτων τριτοβάθμιας εκπαίδευσης με γνώμονα τις ανάγκες του χρήστη, και τα πρώτα αποτελέσματα αναμένονται στα τέλη του 2013. Τα ιδρύματα που συμμετέχουν θα είναι σε θέση να αξιολογήσουν τις επιδόσεις τους σε κάθε μία από τις πέντε διαστάσεις της κατάταξης, να αξιολογήσουν τη θέση τους σε σχέση με παρόμοια ιδρύματα και να χρησιμοποιήσουν τα αποτελέσματα για να σχηματίσουν μια σαφή εικόνα των πλεονεκτημάτων τους και του προφίλ τους. Η πρόσβαση στην κατάταξη θα γίνεται μέσω ενός φιλικού προς το χρήστη διαδικτυακού εργαλείου που θα παρέχει σαφείς πληροφορίες και εξηγήσεις σχετικά με το τι μετρά κάθε ένας από τους δείκτες επιδόσεων σε κάθε διάσταση. Η ανάπτυξη της κατάταξης θα συνοδεύεται από διαδικασίες διασφάλισης ποιότητας και θα εποπτεύεται από συμβουλευτική ομάδα για την παροχή συμβουλών και την υποστήριξη της Επιτροπής στην παρακολούθηση και την αξιολόγηση της ποιότητας του έργου, ώστε να διασφαλισθεί η μέγιστη δυνατή αξιοπιστία και διαφάνεια.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003501/12

to the Commission

Georgios Papanikolaou (PPE)

(30 March 2012)

Subject: Self-assessment of universities

In response to my previous written question (Ε-000430/2012), the Commission has informed me that in its view, the potential of higher education has not been fully realised and there is therefore great scope for it to contribute to European economic and social development. One way to achieve this, according to the Commission’s answer, is to provide for higher education institutions to carry out self-assessment exercises so as to determine their position vis-à-vis other universities.

Will the Commission say:

How does it propose that universities should assess themselves objectively so as to produce results that are valid, genuine and reliable for use by the citizens concerned?

Answer given by Ms Vassiliou on behalf of the Commission

(19 June 2012)

The Commission fully agrees that self-assessment by universities should be valid, genuine and reliable. Higher education institutions should assess themselves in line with the the European Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance adopted by Ministers for higher education in 2005, and internal quality assurance should also be verified by an external quality assurance process. At the Bologna Conference in April 2012 Ministers agreed to review the Standards and Guidelines to make them clearer and more useful, as part of the drive to enhance the quality of European higher education.

In our Written Answer to Ε-000430/2012 (251) the Commission argued that enabling higher education institutions to assess themselves against other institutions would help to raise the quality of higher education in Europe.

The Commission has therefore launched a call for tender for implementation of a user-driven, multi-dimensional and international ranking for higher education institutions, with first results due end 2013. Participating institutions will be able to assess their performance across the five dimensions of the ranking, benchmark themselves against similar institutions, and use the results to develop a clear picture of their profile and their strengths. The ranking will be accessible via a user-friendly web tool that will provide clear information and explanations of what is being measured by each of the performance indicators in every dimension. Development of the ranking will be accompanied by quality assurance procedures and will be overseen by an Advisory group to advise and support the Commisison in monitoring and evaluating the quality of the project, to ensure maximum reliability and transparency.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-003502/12

προς την Επιτροπή

Georgios Papanikolaou (PPE)

(30 Μαρτίου 2012)

Θέμα: Απόκλιση από τους στόχους για την μείωση της πρόωρης σχολικής εγκατάλειψης

Σύμφωνα με την κοινή έκθεση 2012 του Συμβουλίου και της Επιτροπής σχετικά με την εφαρμογή του στρατηγικού πλαισίου για την ευρωπαϊκή συνεργασία στον τομέα της εκπαίδευσης και της κατάρτισης (ΕΚ2020), ₫Εκπαίδευση και κατάρτιση σε μια έξυπνη, βιώσιμη και χωρίς αποκλεισμούς Ευρώπη₻, η Ευρώπη βρίσκεται εκτός πορείας για την επίτευξη μείωσης του πρωταρχικού στόχου της πρόωρης σχολικής εγκατάλειψης έως το 2020 στο 10 % στην ΕΕ.

Ερωτάται η Επιτροπή:

| — | Καθώς η πρόληψη και η έγκαιρη παρέμβαση είναι καίριας σημασίας για την αντιμετώπιση του προβλήματος, σε ποια κράτη μέλη διαπιστώνει ότι δεν υπάρχουν επαρκή μέτρα; Ποια είναι η περίπτωση της Ελλάδας; |
| --- | --- |

—

Καθώς η πρόληψη και η έγκαιρη παρέμβαση είναι καίριας σημασίας για την αντιμετώπιση του προβλήματος, σε ποια κράτη μέλη διαπιστώνει ότι δεν υπάρχουν επαρκή μέτρα; Ποια είναι η περίπτωση της Ελλάδας;

| — | Δεδομένου ότι τα κράτη μέλη, σύμφωνα με την Επιτροπή, δεν διαθέτουν επικαιροποιημένες πληροφορίες για την έκταση του φαινομένου της Πρόωρης Σχολικής Εγκατάλειψης με αποτέλεσμα να μην μπορούν να εφαρμοστούν και οι κατάλληλες πολιτικές αντιμετώπισης της, με ποιο τρόπο προτίθεται η Επιτροπή να συμβάλει στην προσπάθεια για την αντιμετώπιση της έλλειψης επαρκών στοιχείων; |
| --- | --- |

—

Δεδομένου ότι τα κράτη μέλη, σύμφωνα με την Επιτροπή, δεν διαθέτουν επικαιροποιημένες πληροφορίες για την έκταση του φαινομένου της Πρόωρης Σχολικής Εγκατάλειψης με αποτέλεσμα να μην μπορούν να εφαρμοστούν και οι κατάλληλες πολιτικές αντιμετώπισης της, με ποιο τρόπο προτίθεται η Επιτροπή να συμβάλει στην προσπάθεια για την αντιμετώπιση της έλλειψης επαρκών στοιχείων;

Απάντηση της κας Βασιλείου εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(11 Ιουνίου 2012)

Τα κράτη μέλη έχουν λάβει μέτρα για την καταπολέμηση της πρόωρης εγκατάλειψης του σχολείου, ενώ έχουν προγραμματίσει και πολλά άλλα μέτρα. Ωστόσο, επειδή διαπιστώθηκε ότι πρόκειται για ένα μάλλον άκρως πολύπλοκο φαινόμενο, συχνά εξακολουθεί να λείπει μια ισορροπημένη και συνεκτική προσέγγιση στην οποία θα περιλαμβάνονται και άλλοι τομείς πέραν της εκπαίδευσης.

Η πρόοδος για την επίτευξη του στόχου της ₫Ευρώπης 2020₻ όσον αφορά τη μείωση της πρόωρης εγκατάλειψης του σχολείου παρακολουθείται τακτικά. Στο πλαίσιο του τρέχοντος ₫Ευρωπαϊκού εξαμήνου₻, τα κράτη μέλη θα ενημερώσουν σχετικά με τα μέτρα που έχουν ληφθεί για την επίτευξη των εθνικών τους στόχων για την ₫Ευρώπη 2020₻, μεταξύ των οποίων συγκαταλέγεται και η μείωση του ποσοστού των μαθητών που εγκαταλείπουν πρόωρα το σχολείο.

Το 2011 το Συμβούλιο ενέκρινε τις ειδικές ανά χώρα συστάσεις (ΕΧΣ) σχετικά με την πρόωρη εγκατάλειψη του σχολείου για πεντε χώρες. Οι συστάσεις αυτές ποικίλλουν: περαιτέρω μέτρα για τη μείωση της πρόωρης εγκατάλειψης του σχολείου μέσω του προσδιορισμού, της ανάλυσης και της μέτρησης των αιτιών της· προώθηση της εκπαιδευτικής μεταρρύθμισης με τη χάραξη πολιτικών σχετικά με την προσχολική και την σχολική εκπαίδευση· και λήψη μέτρων για τη βελτίωση των εκπαιδευτικών αποτελεσμάτων, τα οποία θα πρέπει έμμεσα να καταλήγουν στη μείωση της πρόωρης εγκατάλειψης του σχολείου.

Στην Ελλάδα, έχουν καταβληθεί προσπάθειες για τη μείωση της πρόωρης εγκατάλειψης του σχολείου και για τη βελτίωση των βασικών δεξιοτήτων, μεταξύ άλλων μέσω του εθνικού προγράμματος δράσης του 2010 για την προώθηση της μεταρρύθμισης στο πεδίο της σχολικής εκπαίδευσης, αλλά χρειάζονται και άλλα μέτρα.

Για να υποστηρίξει τις προσπάθειες των κρατών μελών, η Επιτροπή δρομολόγησε διάφορες ενέργειες. Μια θεματική ομάδα εργασίας για την πρόωρη εγκατάλειψη του σχολείου συγκροτήθηκε τον Δεκέμβριο του 2011 στο πλαίσιο της ανοιχτής μεθόδου συντονισμού. Η χαρτογράφηση και η ανάλυση των υφιστάμενων συστημάτων συνεχίζεται και προβλέπεται δραστηριότητα μάθησης από ομοτίμους σχετικά με το εν λόγω θέμα πριν από το τέλος του 2012. Τα αποτελέσματα που αναμένονται είναι συστάσεις προς τους υπευθύνους χάραξης πολιτικής και ένα εγχειρίδιο ορθών πρακτικών. Η Επιτροπή σκοπεύει να ξεκινήσει την ανάλυση προκειμένου να βελτιωθούν τα στοιχεία για την πρόωρη εγκατάλειψη του σχολείου στην επαγγελματική εκπαίδευση και κατάρτιση.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003502/12

to the Commission

Georgios Papanikolaou (PPE)

(30 March 2012)

Subject: Falling short of objectives regarding measures to reduce early school leaving

According to the 2012 joint report by the Council and the Commission on implementing a strategic framework for European cooperation in education and training (ET 2020), ‘Education and training in a smart, sustainable and inclusive Europe’, Europe is not on track to achieve the primary target of reducing early school leaving to 10% by 2020 in the EU.

Will the Commission answer the following:

| — | Given that prevention and early intervention are key to tackling the problem, in which Member States have adequate measures not been taken? What is the situation regarding Greece? |
| --- | --- |

—

Given that prevention and early intervention are key to tackling the problem, in which Member States have adequate measures not been taken? What is the situation regarding Greece?

| — | Given that, according to the Commission, Member States do not have up-to-date data on the extent of the problem of early school leaving, which means that they are unable to implement appropriate policies to combat the problem, how does the Commission intend to help remedy the lack of adequate information? |
| --- | --- |

—

Given that, according to the Commission, Member States do not have up-to-date data on the extent of the problem of early school leaving, which means that they are unable to implement appropriate policies to combat the problem, how does the Commission intend to help remedy the lack of adequate information?

Answer given by Ms Vassiliou on behalf of the Commission

(11 June 2012)

Member States have taken measures to combat early school leaving (ESL), and more are in the pipeline. However, as this has been identified as a rather complex phenomenon, a balanced and coherent approach involving also sectors beyond education, is often still missing.

Progress towards the Europe 2020 objective of reducing early school leaving is monitored regularly. In the current European Semester, Member States will report on the measures taken to meet their Europe 2020 national targets, including reducing the share of early school leavers.

In 2011 the Council adopted Country Specific Recommendations (CSRs) on early school leaving for five countries. These recommend variously: further measures to reduce early school-leaving by identifying, analysing and measuring its causes; advancing educational reform by adopting policies on pre-school and school education; and taking steps to improve educational outcomes, which should indirectly lead to reducing school drop-out.

In Greece, efforts have been made to reduce early school leaving and improve basic skills, including through the 2010 national action plan to promote reform in the field of school education, but further action is needed.

To support Member States in their efforts, the Commission has put in place various actions. A Thematic Working Group on early school leaving was set up in December 2011 in the framework of the Open Method of Coordination. Mapping and analysis of existing systems is ongoing, and a peer learning activity on ESL is also foreseen before end 2012. Recommendations to policy‐makers and a compendium of good practices are the expected outcomes. The Commission is also considering launching analysis in order to improve data on ESL in vocational education and training.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-003503/12

προς την Επιτροπή

Georgios Papanikolaou (PPE)

(30 Μαρτίου 2012)

Θέμα: Εκπαίδευση διδασκόντων

Η Επιτροπή έκανε μία σειρά από προτάσεις το 2007 για την βελτίωση της ποιότητας της εκπαίδευσης των διδασκόντων στα σχολεία της ΕΕ με στόχο μεταξύ άλλων α) την διασφάλιση ότι όλοι οι εκπαιδευτικοί κατέχουν γνώση, συμπεριφορά και παιδαγωγικές δεξιότητες που είναι απαραίτητες προκειμένου να είναι αποδοτικοί, β) την διασφάλιση ότι η εκπαίδευση των διδασκάλων και η επαγγελματική τους εξέλιξη είναι συνυφασμένες, γ) την προώθηση των καλών πρακτικών και της έρευνας μεταξύ των εκπαιδευτικών.

Δεδομένου ότι η εκπαίδευση άπτεται στην αρμοδιότητα των κρατών μελών, ερωτάται η Επιτροπή:

| — | Σε ποιο βαθμό, σήμερα, τα κράτη μέλη έχουν ανταποκριθεί στις προτάσεις της Επιτροπής του 2007; Ποια κράτη μέλη παρουσιάζουν την μεγαλύτερη πρόοδο και ποια όχι; Ποια η περίπτωση της Ελλάδας; |
| --- | --- |

—

Σε ποιο βαθμό, σήμερα, τα κράτη μέλη έχουν ανταποκριθεί στις προτάσεις της Επιτροπής του 2007; Ποια κράτη μέλη παρουσιάζουν την μεγαλύτερη πρόοδο και ποια όχι; Ποια η περίπτωση της Ελλάδας;

| — | Ποια είναι τα μεγαλύτερα προβλήματα στο ζήτημα της κατάρτισης των εκπαιδευτικών που εντοπίζει σήμερα η Επιτροπή πως υπάρχουν στα κράτη μέλη; |
| --- | --- |

—

Ποια είναι τα μεγαλύτερα προβλήματα στο ζήτημα της κατάρτισης των εκπαιδευτικών που εντοπίζει σήμερα η Επιτροπή πως υπάρχουν στα κράτη μέλη;

| — | Σκέπτεται να ενδυναμώσει τα εργαλεία και τις πολιτικές που προσφέρει προς τα κράτη μέλη για αυτόν τον σκοπό; |
| --- | --- |

—

Σκέπτεται να ενδυναμώσει τα εργαλεία και τις πολιτικές που προσφέρει προς τα κράτη μέλη για αυτόν τον σκοπό;

Απάντηση της κας Βασιλείου εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(30 Μαΐου 2012)

Σύμφωνα με το άρθρο 165 της Συνθήκης, τα κράτη μέλη είναι αρμόδια για το περιεχόμενο της διδασκαλίας και την οργάνωση του εκπαιδευτικού συστήματος.

Η ανακοίνωση της Επιτροπής με τίτλο ₫Βελτίωση της ποιότητας της κατάρτισης των εκπαιδευτικών₻ (252) αναφέρει ότι πολλά κράτη μέλη αντιμετωπίζουν κοινές προκλήσεις όσον αφορά, παραδείγματος χάριν, την έλλειψη συστηματικού συντονισμού της παροχής εκπαίδευσης σε εκπαιδευτικούς σε όλη τη διάρκεια της σταδιοδρομίας τους, τις χαμηλές επενδύσεις στη συνεχή κατάρτιση και εξέλιξη των εκπαιδευτικών και τη χαμηλή ποιότητα και τις περιορισμένες ευκαιρίες επαγγελματικής ανάπτυξης. Οι υπουργοί συμφώνησαν ότι θα πρέπει να αναμορφωθούν τα εθνικά συστήματα εκπαίδευσης των εκπαιδευτικών και ότι θα πρέπει να αναληφθούν διάφορες δράσεις προτεραιότητας οι οποίες ορίζονται στα συμπεράσματα του Συμβουλίου που εγκρίθηκαν τον Νοέμβριο του 2007, τον Νοέμβριο του 2008 και τον Νοέμβριο του 2009.

Η Επιτροπή βοηθά τα κράτη μέλη να εφαρμόσουν αυτές τις δράσεις προτεραιότητας μέσω της ανοικτής μεθόδου συντονισμού (ΑΜΣ). Η Επιτροπή έχει εκπονήσει πρακτικές κατευθύνσεις πολιτικής, με βάση την καλή πρακτική και τα τελευταία ευρήματα της έρευνας, όπως είναι το εγχειρίδιο πολιτικής (253) για τη διευκόλυνση των εκπαιδευτικών στην αρχή της σταδιοδρομίας τους και πολυάριθμες εκθέσεις για τη δραστηριότητα της εκπαίδευσης από ομοτίμους (254).

Παρ’ όλο που δεν υπάρχουν πλήρη στοιχεία για την πρόοδο που έχουν σημειώσει τα επιμέρους κράτη μέλη όσον αφορά τη μεταρρύθμιση των συστημάτων τους για την εκπαίδευση των εκπαιδευτικών, υπάρχουν ενδείξεις ότι τα κράτη μέλη θεωρούν πολύ χρήσιμες τις κατευθύνσεις αυτές.

Η Επιτροπή υποστηρίζει επίσης βελτιωτικές ενέργειες της ποιότητας της εκπαίδευσης των εκπαιδευτικών μέσω του Comenius (255), που είναι υποπρόγραμμα του προγράμματος της διά βίου μάθησης.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003503/12

to the Commission

Georgios Papanikolaou (PPE)

(30 March 2012)

Subject: Teacher training

The Commission made a series of proposals in 2007 to improve the quality of teacher training in EU schools with the aim, inter alia, of (a) ensuring that all teachers have the knowledge, attitudes and pedagogic skills that they require to be effective, (b) ensuring the coordination of teacher training and career development and (c) promoting a culture of good practice and encouraging research among teachers.

Given that education is the responsibility of the Member States, will the Commission say:

| — | To what extent have Member States acted on the Commission’s proposals of 2007? Which Member States have made the most progress and which have made the least progress? What progress has been made by Greece? |
| --- | --- |

—

To what extent have Member States acted on the Commission’s proposals of 2007? Which Member States have made the most progress and which have made the least progress? What progress has been made by Greece?

| — | What are the biggest problems identified by the Commission regarding teacher training in the Member States? |
| --- | --- |

—

What are the biggest problems identified by the Commission regarding teacher training in the Member States?

| — | Is it considering strengthening the tools and policies provided to Member States for this purpose? |
| --- | --- |

—

Is it considering strengthening the tools and policies provided to Member States for this purpose?

Answer given by Ms Vassiliou on behalf of the Commission

(30 May 2012)

In accordance with Article 165 of the Treaty, the responsibility for the content and organisation of education and training systems rests with Member States.

The Commission communication ‘Improving the Quality of Teacher Education’ (256) indicates that in many Member States common challenges exist in relation to, for example, the lack of systematic coordination of career-long teacher education provision, low investment in continuous teacher training and development, and the poor quality and quantity of professional development opportunities. Ministers agreed on the need to reform their teacher education systems, as well as on a series of priority actions which are set out in the Council conclusions adopted in November 2007, November 2008 and November 2009.

The Commission helps Member States implement these priority actions through the Open Method of Coordination (OMC). The Commission has produced practical policy guidance based on good practice and latest research findings, for example the Policy handbook (257) on the induction of beginning teachers and numerous Peer Learning Activity (PLA) reports (258).

Even though no complete data is available on the progress of individual Member States towards reforming their teacher education systems, there are indications that Member States find this guidance very useful.

The Commission also supports improvements in the quality of teacher education through the Comenius (259), sub-programme of the Lifelong Learning Programme.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-003504/12

προς την Επιτροπή

Georgios Papanikolaou (PPE)

(30 Μαρτίου 2012)

Θέμα: Χρηματοδότηση που θα διατεθεί για την ίδρυση και τα τρέχοντα έξοδα των κέντρων πρώτης υποδοχής και των νέων κέντρων κράτησης στην Ελλάδα

Η ίδρυση κέντρων πρώτης υποδοχής στην Ελλάδα, όπως προβλέπεται στον νόμο 3907/2011, θα εξασφαλίσει την κάλυψη των άμεσων ανθρώπινων αναγκών υπηκόων τρίτων χωρών και θα επιτρέψει να πραγματοποιηθούν ορισμένες διαδικασίες, όπως η ταυτοποίηση, η καταγραφή, η ιατρική παρακολούθηση και η παραπομπή για τις δέουσες διατυπώσεις στις κατάλληλες υπηρεσίες, μέσα σε ένα περιβάλλον όπου θα είναι σεβαστά τα ανθρώπινα δικαιώματα και η αξιοπρέπεια των υπηκόων τρίτων χωρών. Επιπλέον, ένα άλλο βασικό σημείο της μεταρρύθμισης του συστήματος ασύλου στην Ελλάδα είναι η ίδρυση νέων κέντρων κράτησης, τα οποία θα τελούν επίσης υπό τη διοίκηση της νέας υπηρεσίας πρώτης υποδοχής, θα προσφέρουν ανθρώπινες συνθήκες κράτησης και θα προστατεύουν τα δικαιώματα των υπηκόων τρίτων χωρών οι οποίοι πρόκειται να επαναπατριστούν. Προσφάτως, ο νέος Υπουργός Προστασίας του Πολίτη ανακοίνωσε δημοσίως την ίδρυση νέων κέντρων κράτησης σε διάφορες περιοχές ανά την Ελλάδα.

Λαμβανομένου υπόψη του ζωτικού ρόλου των εν λόγω δομών, ερωτάται η Επιτροπή:

| — | Ενημερώθηκε η Επιτροπή σχετικά με τον αριθμό και την τοποθεσία των κέντρων πρώτης υποδοχής και των κέντρων κράτησης που σκοπεύει να ιδρύσει η ελληνική κυβέρνηση το 2012; |
| --- | --- |

—

Ενημερώθηκε η Επιτροπή σχετικά με τον αριθμό και την τοποθεσία των κέντρων πρώτης υποδοχής και των κέντρων κράτησης που σκοπεύει να ιδρύσει η ελληνική κυβέρνηση το 2012;

| — | Ποιο ποσό θα διατεθεί στην ελληνική κυβέρνηση για το έτος 2012 με σκοπό την κατασκευή των δύο αυτών τύπων εγκαταστάσεων και την αγορά της απαιτούμενης υποδομής, στο πλαίσιο διαφόρων δράσεων των ετήσιων προγραμμάτων του Ευρωπαϊκού Ταμείου Επιστροφής, του Ταμείου Εξωτερικών Συνόρων και του Ευρωπαϊκού Ταμείου για τους Πρόσφυγες; |
| --- | --- |

—

Ποιο ποσό θα διατεθεί στην ελληνική κυβέρνηση για το έτος 2012 με σκοπό την κατασκευή των δύο αυτών τύπων εγκαταστάσεων και την αγορά της απαιτούμενης υποδομής, στο πλαίσιο διαφόρων δράσεων των ετήσιων προγραμμάτων του Ευρωπαϊκού Ταμείου Επιστροφής, του Ταμείου Εξωτερικών Συνόρων και του Ευρωπαϊκού Ταμείου για τους Πρόσφυγες;

| — | Έχει ληφθεί μέριμνα για την κάλυψη των εξόδων προσωπικού και των τρεχόντων εξόδων των προαναφερθέντων κέντρων από τη χρηματοδότηση της ΕΕ ή αναμένεται ότι τα εν λόγω έξοδα θα βαρύνουν αποκλειστικά τον εθνικό προϋπολογισμό; |
| --- | --- |

—

Έχει ληφθεί μέριμνα για την κάλυψη των εξόδων προσωπικού και των τρεχόντων εξόδων των προαναφερθέντων κέντρων από τη χρηματοδότηση της ΕΕ ή αναμένεται ότι τα εν λόγω έξοδα θα βαρύνουν αποκλειστικά τον εθνικό προϋπολογισμό;

Απάντηση της κας Malmström εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(30 Μαΐου 2012)

| 1. | Η Επιτροπή δεν έχει λάβει ακόμη πλήρη σχεδιασμό όλων των εγκαταστάσεων τις οποίες σκοπεύουν να ιδρύσουν οι ελληνικές αρχές το 2012. Παρόλα αυτά, στο σχέδιο του ετήσιου προγράμματος του 2012 για το Ταμείο Εξωτερικών Συνόρων (ΤΕΕ), η Ελλάδα προτείνει σχέδιο δράσης που θα στηρίξει 1) |
| --- | --- |

1.

Η Επιτροπή δεν έχει λάβει ακόμη πλήρη σχεδιασμό όλων των εγκαταστάσεων τις οποίες σκοπεύουν να ιδρύσουν οι ελληνικές αρχές το 2012. Παρόλα αυτά, στο σχέδιο του ετήσιου προγράμματος του 2012 για το Ταμείο Εξωτερικών Συνόρων (ΤΕΕ), η Ελλάδα προτείνει σχέδιο δράσης που θα στηρίξει 1)

την ανακαίνιση του κέντρου κράτησης στη Χίο, 2) την ανακαίνιση των εγκαταστάσεων στη Σάμο και τη μετατροπή τους σε κέντρο πρώτης υποδοχής και 3) την ίδρυση κέντρου πρώτης υποδοχής στην Αθήνα. Σύμφωνα με το σχέδιο του ετήσιου προγράμματος του 2012 για το Ταμείο Επιστροφών, η Ελλάδα δρομολόγησε σχέδιο δράσης για την επέκταση της διαθέσιμης χωρητικότητας των ήδη υπαρχόντων κέντρων κράτησης στην περιοχή της Αττικής και τη δημιουργία νέων κέντρων κράτησης σε συγκεκριμένες περιοχές της χώρας.

Επιπλέον, η Επιτροπή έλαβε πρόσθετη αίτηση χρηματοδότησης για ένα κέντρο κράτησης στην Αμυγδαλέζα (περιοχή Αττικής)στο πλαίσιο του αναθεωρημένου ετήσιου προγράμματος του 2010 για το ΤΕΕ.

Δεδομένου ότι οι αιτήσεις υποβλήθηκαν πολύ πρόσφατα (Μάρτιο και Απρίλιο του 2012), η Επιτροπή εξακολουθεί να εξετάζει το εύρος των προτάσεων και αναμένει επιπλέον διασαφηνίσεις από την Ελλάδα. Μόνον όταν ολοκληρωθεί αυτή η διαδικασία, θα μπορέσει η Επιτροπή να αξιολογήσει την επιλεξιμότητα των προτεινόμενων δραστηριοτήτων και να λάβει τελική απόφαση σχετικά με τη χρηματοδότηση τους.

| 2. | Το συνολικό ποσό που δόθηκε στην Ελλάδα στο πλαίσιο του Ταμείου το 2012 προσδιορίζεται στην απάντηση της Επιτροπής στην κοινοβουλευτική ερώτηση E-002742/2012. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Το συνολικό ποσό που δόθηκε στην Ελλάδα στο πλαίσιο του Ταμείου το 2012 προσδιορίζεται στην απάντηση της Επιτροπής στην κοινοβουλευτική ερώτηση E-002742/2012.

| 3. | Η Επιτροπή εξετάζει το ενδεχόμενο κάλυψης ορισμένων τρεχόντων εξόδων από το Ταμείο Επιστροφής. |
| --- | --- |

3.

Η Επιτροπή εξετάζει το ενδεχόμενο κάλυψης ορισμένων τρεχόντων εξόδων από το Ταμείο Επιστροφής.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003504/12

to the Commission

Georgios Papanikolaou (PPE)

(30 March 2012)

Subject: Available financing for the establishment and running costs of initial reception centres and new detention centres in Greece

The establishment of initial reception centres in Greece as stipulated by Law 3907/2011 will ensure that the immediate humanitarian needs of third-country nationals are met and will allow certain procedures, such as identification, registration, medical screening and referral to the appropriate procedures and services to take place in an environment that respects third‐country nationals’ human rights and dignity. Moreover, the establishment of new detention facilities, also under the administration of the new Initial Reception Service, which provide humane detention conditions and safeguard the rights of third-country nationals who are referred to return is another key point of the reform of the Greek asylum system. Recently the new Minister of Citizens’ Protection publicly announced the creation of several new detention facilities in various regions of Greece.

Bearing in mind the central role of these structures, the Commission is asked the following:

| — | Has the Commission received information on the number and location of initial reception centres and detention centres that the Greek Government is planning to establish in 2012? |
| --- | --- |

—

Has the Commission received information on the number and location of initial reception centres and detention centres that the Greek Government is planning to establish in 2012?

| — | What is the amount that will be available to the Greek Government for the year 2012 for the construction of both these types of facility and the purchase of the infrastructure necessary under different actions in the Annual Programmes of the European Return Fund, the External Borders Fund and the European Refugee Fund? |
| --- | --- |

—

What is the amount that will be available to the Greek Government for the year 2012 for the construction of both these types of facility and the purchase of the infrastructure necessary under different actions in the Annual Programmes of the European Return Fund, the External Borders Fund and the European Refugee Fund?

| — | Is there any provision to cover the personnel and running costs of any type of the above facilities under EU funding or is it expected that such costs will be borne exclusively by the national budget? |
| --- | --- |

—

Is there any provision to cover the personnel and running costs of any type of the above facilities under EU funding or is it expected that such costs will be borne exclusively by the national budget?

Answer given by Ms Malmström on behalf of the Commission

(30 May 2012)

| 1. | The Commission has not yet received a complete planning for all facilities which the Greek authorities intend to establish in 2012. However, in the draft 2012 annual programme for External Borders Fund (EBF), Greece proposes an action supporting (1) the renovation of detention centre in Chios, (2) the renovation of a facility in Samos and its conversion into an initial reception centre and (3) the establishment of an initial reception centre in Athens. Under the draft 2012 annual programme for the Return Fund, Greece put forward an action expanding the available capacity of existing detention centres in the Attica region and establishing new detention centres in certain regions of the country. |
| --- | --- |

1.

The Commission has not yet received a complete planning for all facilities which the Greek authorities intend to establish in 2012. However, in the draft 2012 annual programme for External Borders Fund (EBF), Greece proposes an action supporting (1) the renovation of detention centre in Chios, (2) the renovation of a facility in Samos and its conversion into an initial reception centre and (3) the establishment of an initial reception centre in Athens. Under the draft 2012 annual programme for the Return Fund, Greece put forward an action expanding the available capacity of existing detention centres in the Attica region and establishing new detention centres in certain regions of the country.

In addition, the Commission received an additional request for the funding of a detention centre in Amigdaleza (Attica region) as part of the revised the 2010 EBF annual programme.

Given that the requests were submitted only recently (March and April 2012), the Commission is still examining the scope of the proposals and is awaiting additional clarifications from Greece. Only after this process is completed, the Commission will be able to assess the eligibility of the activities proposed and take a final decision on their funding.

| 2. | The total amounts allocated to Greece under the Funds in 2012 are indicated in the Commission reply to the Parliamentary Question E‐002742/2012. |
| --- | --- |

2.

The total amounts allocated to Greece under the Funds in 2012 are indicated in the Commission reply to the Parliamentary Question E‐002742/2012.

| 3. | The Commission is examining the possibility of covering certain categories of running costs under the Return Fund. |
| --- | --- |

3.

The Commission is examining the possibility of covering certain categories of running costs under the Return Fund.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-003506/12

à la Commission

Michèle Striffler (PPE)

(30 mars 2012)

Objet: Situation du lac Tchad

Le lac Tchad est un trésor pour la biodiversité. À titre d'exemple, avec moins de 1 500 km2, le lac Tchad dispose d'une grande diversité d'espèces de poissons nettement supérieure au lac Victoria, d'une superficie de 68 000 km2. Cette richesse permet de faire vivre plus de 75 % des 30 millions de personnes vivant des ressources du lac. De plus, la chute de cette ressource piscicole occasionne une hausse de l'insécurité due à la criminalité (ce qui s'est avéré au Nigeria). Il y a également de gros problèmes concernant l'exploitation d'autres ressources, notamment les ressources maraîchères et sylvicoles des zones qui entourent le lac. Le déboisement est également une source de désertification. Il faut aussi favoriser des cultures moins gourmandes en eau. Autour du lac Tchad, il y a par exemple des cultures de maïs, de riz et de coton. Je souligne que pour produire 1 kg de maïs, de riz et de coton, il faut respectivement 454, 5 000 et 5 263 litres d'eau.

— Dans ses programmes, la Commission compte-elle prendre ces éléments en considération?

— L'Union européenne ne devrait-elle pas encourager le Niger, le Nigeria et le Cameroun à suivre le Tchad sur la règlementation du maillage des filets de pêche, en faisant passer de 1 doigt à 1 doigt et demi la taille des mailles, permettant ainsi une meilleure régénération des stocks de poissons du lac?

— L'Union européenne compte-elle sensibiliser la population à une meilleure gestion de ses ressources (par exemple, sylvicole, maraîchère)?

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-003507/12

à la Commission

Michèle Striffler (PPE)

(30 mars 2012)

Objet: Situation du lac Tchad

Le lac Tchad a perdu plus de 90 % de sa superficie en 50 ans, passant de 25 000 km2 en 1960 à moins de 1 500 km2 aujourd'hui. Il faut ajouter que dans cette région d'Afrique sahélo-soudanaise, chaque point d'eau représente une source de vie. Le lac Tchad représente ainsi une bouée de sauvetage pour les populations. Cependant d'après de nombreuses sources scientifiques, si aucune action afin de restaurer le niveau d'eau du lac n'est entreprise d'ici une vingtaine d'années, le lac disparaîtra.

— Quelles actions la Commission européenne compte-t-elle entreprendre afin de trouver des solutions à la problématique du lac Tchad?

— La Commission peut-elle apporter des précisions concernant la réalisation du ₫Programme de gestion intégrée des bassins transfrontaliers en Afrique — cas du lac Tchad₻?

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

(25 mai 2012)

Le lac Tchad est confronté à des problèmes complexes pour lesquels il n'existe pas de solutions simples. Les principaux problèmes sont la diminution des pluies, la pénurie grandissante en eau, l'érosion, le dépôt de sédiments et la surpêche. Bien que les communautés s'adaptent en exploitant le sol fertile créé par le tarissement du lac, les ressources naturelles doivent être mieux gérées.

La Commission examinera, en tenant compte de tous ces éléments, les propositions (32 projets) présentées par le gouvernement tchadien lors du Forum mondial de l'eau organisé à Marseille. Les propositions prévoient i) une augmentation du soutien précédent pour renforcer la Commission du bassin du lac Tchad (CBLT) (afin qu'elle puisse, par exemple, mieux faire appliquer les réglementations, telle que celle sur la taille du maillage des filets de pêche), ii) une aide apportée directement aux communautés locales (afin, par exemple, que les ressources naturelles soient mieux gérées), ou iii) un soutien aux initiatives régionales. Un soutien institutionnel peut être apporté au travers de l'AMCC (Alliance mondiale contre le changement climatique) pour répondre aux problèmes climatiques et environnementaux régionaux.

Avec le 9e FED, l'Union européenne a soutenu une gestion intégrée des ressources en eau dans plusieurs bassins régionaux africains, et s'est engagée à verser 2,5 millions d'euros à la CBLT. Dans le cadre du programme, une expertise pour les aspects techniques et juridiques de la gestion de l'eau a été fournie, consistant notamment à préparer un modèle d'allocation de l'eau qui servira de base à la Charte du bassin actuellement en cours d'élaboration. À l'avenir, la CBLT déterminera la recevabilité des demandes de droits sur l'eau présentées par ses membres. Ce modèle aidera à s'assurer que les ressources disponibles sont gérées de manière durable. Il peut également prédire l'impact des différents scénarios de développement sur les niveaux du lac, notamment la construction de barrages et le transfert d'eau depuis des bassins adjacents.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003506/12

to the Commission

Michèle Striffler (PPE)

(30 March 2012)

Subject: Situation of Lake Chad

Lake Chad is a treasure trove of biodiversity. For example, with a surface area of less than 1 500 km2, Lake Chad boasts a wide variety of species of fish markedly superior to that of Lake Victoria, which has a surface area of 68 000 km2. This wealth provides a livelihood for more than 75% of the 30 million people who live off the lake’s resources. The decline of these fishing resources is causing an increase in insecurity due to crime (as has proved to be the case in Nigeria). There are also significant problems concerning the exploitation of other resources, particularly fruit and vegetables and forestry resources in the areas surrounding the lake. Deforestation is also causing desertification. In addition, cultivation that does not consume such large quantities of water should be preferred. For example, there is maize, rice and cotton cultivation around Lake Chad. I would like to highlight that 454, 5 000 and 5 263 litres of water respectively are required to produce 1 kg of maize, rice and cotton.

— Does the Commission plan to take these elements into consideration in its programmes?

— Should the European Union not encourage Niger, Nigeria and Cameroon to follow Chad in its regulation of the mesh size of fishing nets, increasing the mesh size from 1 finger width to 1 and a half finger widths in order to allow for better replenishment of fish stocks in the lake?

— Does the European Union intend to make the population aware of the need to better manage its resources (e.g. fruit and vegetables and forestry resources)?

Question for written answer E-003507/12

to the Commission

Michèle Striffler (PPE)

(30 March 2012)

Subject: State of Lake Chad

Lake Chad has lost more than 90% of its surface area in 50 years, shrinking from 25 000 km2 in 1960 to less than 1 500 km2 today. In this Sudanese-Sahel region of Africa, every source of water represents a source of life. Lake Chad is therefore a life-saver for the population. However, many scientists say that unless action is taken to restore the lake’s water level within the next 20 years, the lake will disappear completely.

— What action will the Commission take to resolve the problems affecting Lake Chad?

— Can the Commission provide details on the implementation of the EU programme for integrated management of cross-border lakes in Africa, with particular reference to Lake Chad?

Joint answer given by Mr Piebalgs on behalf of the Commission

(25 May 2012)

Lake Chad faces complex problems to which there are no simple solutions. The main issues are reduced rainfall, increased water abstraction, erosion, sediment deposition, and overfishing. Although communities are adapting by farming the fertile land created by the receding lake, the natural resources need to be better managed.

Taking all these elements into account, the Commission will examine the proposals (32 projects) presented by Chadian government at the World Water Forum in Marseille. Proposals include i) reinforcing previous support to strengthen the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) (so that it can e.g. better enforce regulations such as fishing net mesh size), ii) delivering assistance directly to local communities (e.g. to better manage the natural resources), or iii) supporting regional initiatives. Institutional support may be given through the GCCA (Global Climate Change Alliance) to respond to regional environmental and climate issues.

With the 9th EDF, the EU supported integrated water resource management in several African regional basins, and committed EUR 2.5 million to LCBC. The programme has provided expert assistance in technical and legal aspects of water management, notably preparing a water allocation model to support the basin's water charter that is currently under development. In the future, LCBC will determine requests for water rights from its members and the model will help to ensure that available resources are managed sustainably. The model can also predict the impact on lake levels of different development scenarios, including dam construction and water transfer from adjacent basins.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-003508/12

à Comissão

Nuno Teixeira (PPE)

(30 de março de 2012)

Assunto: O Mecanismo Interligar a Europa

Tendo em conta que:

| — | A Comissão lançou um novo instrumento integrado para investir nas infraestruturas prioritárias da UE, para os setores da energia, transportes e TIC, denominado Mecanismo Interligar a Europa (CEF), que pretende gerir e coordenar a política de infraestruturas prioritárias através de uma abordagem dupla e com corredores de execução; |
| --- | --- |

—

A Comissão lançou um novo instrumento integrado para investir nas infraestruturas prioritárias da UE, para os setores da energia, transportes e TIC, denominado Mecanismo Interligar a Europa (CEF), que pretende gerir e coordenar a política de infraestruturas prioritárias através de uma abordagem dupla e com corredores de execução;

| — | Os Transportes têm que ser vistos como uma fonte de investimento, e não como uma despesa, e, por isso, a política de desinvestimento a que hoje assistimos, principalmente por parte dos Estados-Membros, põe em causa a coesão territorial e a concretização plena do mercado interno e, consequentemente, o aumento da competitividade da UE como um bloco; |
| --- | --- |

—

Os Transportes têm que ser vistos como uma fonte de investimento, e não como uma despesa, e, por isso, a política de desinvestimento a que hoje assistimos, principalmente por parte dos Estados-Membros, põe em causa a coesão territorial e a concretização plena do mercado interno e, consequentemente, o aumento da competitividade da UE como um bloco;

Pergunta-se à Comissão:

| Se não considera essencial estabelecer um calendário claro e preciso para o debate do CEF, bem como os valores exatos que serão disponibilizados para criar um clima de estabilidade empresarial, atraindo o investimento privado? A Comissão apontou o valor de 50 000 milhões de euros para o período 2014/2020 para o CEF; contudo, existem Estados-Membros que se opõem. Pode a Comissão disponibilizar mais informação sobre esta questão? |
| --- |

Se não considera essencial estabelecer um calendário claro e preciso para o debate do CEF, bem como os valores exatos que serão disponibilizados para criar um clima de estabilidade empresarial, atraindo o investimento privado? A Comissão apontou o valor de 50 000 milhões de euros para o período 2014/2020 para o CEF; contudo, existem Estados-Membros que se opõem. Pode a Comissão disponibilizar mais informação sobre esta questão?

| Tendo em conta a sua resposta E-011609/2011, qual será o papel dos Estados-Membros, e mais particularmente das Regiões, na gestão e na execução do Fundo de Coesão alocado ao CEF? Caso as regiões não tenham projetos prioritários considerados na rede principal, como é o caso da Madeira e de outras regiões portuguesas, pondera a Comissão permitir o uso deste fundo noutros projetos nacionais/regionais inseridos na rede global? |
| --- |

Tendo em conta a sua resposta E-011609/2011, qual será o papel dos Estados-Membros, e mais particularmente das Regiões, na gestão e na execução do Fundo de Coesão alocado ao CEF? Caso as regiões não tenham projetos prioritários considerados na rede principal, como é o caso da Madeira e de outras regiões portuguesas, pondera a Comissão permitir o uso deste fundo noutros projetos nacionais/regionais inseridos na rede global?

| Sendo um dos objetivos do CEF a coesão territorial, não considera contraditório que as regiões com desvantagens físicas e isoladas do mercado interno, nomeadamente as Regiões Ultraperiféricas, não detenham um artigo específico que lhes possibilite apresentar projetos na rede principal que apresentem um real valor acrescentado europeu? |
| --- |

Sendo um dos objetivos do CEF a coesão territorial, não considera contraditório que as regiões com desvantagens físicas e isoladas do mercado interno, nomeadamente as Regiões Ultraperiféricas, não detenham um artigo específico que lhes possibilite apresentar projetos na rede principal que apresentem um real valor acrescentado europeu?

Resposta dada por Siim Kallas em nome da Comissão

(25 de maio de 2012)

| 1. | Os Estados-Membros estão a analisar e a discutir a proposta da Comissão relativa ao Mecanismo Interligar a Europa (CEF) ao nível do Conselho, tendo em vista a adoção de uma abordagem geral parcial no final da presidência dinamarquesa. O Parlamento Europeu também está a discutir a proposta no âmbito das respetivas comissões. De acordo com a atual agenda parlamentar, o Regulamento CEF deverá ser votado em primeira leitura em janeiro de 2013. |
| --- | --- |

1.

Os Estados-Membros estão a analisar e a discutir a proposta da Comissão relativa ao Mecanismo Interligar a Europa (CEF) ao nível do Conselho, tendo em vista a adoção de uma abordagem geral parcial no final da presidência dinamarquesa. O Parlamento Europeu também está a discutir a proposta no âmbito das respetivas comissões. De acordo com a atual agenda parlamentar, o Regulamento CEF deverá ser votado em primeira leitura em janeiro de 2013.

No que respeita ao orçamento do CEF, os debates atualmente em curso baseiam-se na proposta da Comissão para o próximo quadro financeiro plurianual (QFP). A dotação proposta para o CEF tem de ser considerada no âmbito desta negociação global do QFP.

| 2. | Quanto ao setor dos transportes, os Estados-Membros e, se for caso disso, as regiões, serão responsáveis pela apresentação de propostas de projetos para a construção das secções de rede principal que atravessam o seu território. Quando essas propostas são aprovadas para financiamento pela Comissão, os Estados-Membros e/ou as regiões passam a ser beneficiários do CEF, com base numa decisão específica de financiamento da Comissão. Quanto aos projetos da RTE-T não incluídos na rede principal, os apoios concedidos no âmbito do CEF apenas revestirão a forma de instrumentos financeiros inovadores. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Quanto ao setor dos transportes, os Estados-Membros e, se for caso disso, as regiões, serão responsáveis pela apresentação de propostas de projetos para a construção das secções de rede principal que atravessam o seu território. Quando essas propostas são aprovadas para financiamento pela Comissão, os Estados-Membros e/ou as regiões passam a ser beneficiários do CEF, com base numa decisão específica de financiamento da Comissão. Quanto aos projetos da RTE-T não incluídos na rede principal, os apoios concedidos no âmbito do CEF apenas revestirão a forma de instrumentos financeiros inovadores.

| 3. | A rede principal está concebida para transportar os maiores volumes de fluxos de transporte em toda a UE. O papel da rede global, que constitui o primeiro nível da RTE-T, é garantir a acessibilidade de todas as regiões da UE. Conforme referido, os projetos ligados à rede global serão elegíveis para apoio do CEF através de instrumentos financeiros. Além disso, as propostas de regulamentos relativas ao FEDER e ao Fundo de Coesão para o período de 2014/2020 incluem, nas prioridades de investimento, o investimento na RTE-T e o aumento da mobilidade regional, mediante a criação de ligações entre os nós secundários e terciários e a infraestrutura da RTE-T. |
| --- | --- |

3.

A rede principal está concebida para transportar os maiores volumes de fluxos de transporte em toda a UE. O papel da rede global, que constitui o primeiro nível da RTE-T, é garantir a acessibilidade de todas as regiões da UE. Conforme referido, os projetos ligados à rede global serão elegíveis para apoio do CEF através de instrumentos financeiros. Além disso, as propostas de regulamentos relativas ao FEDER e ao Fundo de Coesão para o período de 2014/2020 incluem, nas prioridades de investimento, o investimento na RTE-T e o aumento da mobilidade regional, mediante a criação de ligações entre os nós secundários e terciários e a infraestrutura da RTE-T.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003508/12

to the Commission

Nuno Teixeira (PPE)

(30 March 2012)

Subject: The Connecting Europe Facility (CEF)

Bearing in mind that:

| — | The Commission has launched the CEF, a new integrated instrument for investing in priority infrastructure in the EU for the energy, transport and ICT sectors that intends to use a dual approach and implementation corridors for managing and coordinating priority infrastructure policy; |
| --- | --- |

—

The Commission has launched the CEF, a new integrated instrument for investing in priority infrastructure in the EU for the energy, transport and ICT sectors that intends to use a dual approach and implementation corridors for managing and coordinating priority infrastructure policy;

| — | Transport must be seen as a source of investment and not as an outgoing cost, so the policy of divestment that we are currently witnessing, principally by the Member States, jeopardises territorial cohesion and the full realisation of the internal market and, consequently, the increased competitiveness of the EU as a bloc; |
| --- | --- |

—

Transport must be seen as a source of investment and not as an outgoing cost, so the policy of divestment that we are currently witnessing, principally by the Member States, jeopardises territorial cohesion and the full realisation of the internal market and, consequently, the increased competitiveness of the EU as a bloc;

I would ask the Commission:

| Does it not consider it essential to set out a clear and precise timetable for the CEF debate, as well as the exact sums that will be made available, in order to create a climate of business stability, thus attracting private investment? The Commission has suggested a total of EUR 50 billion for the CEF over the 2014‐2020 period, but some Member States are against it; can the Commission make more information available on this issue? |
| --- |

Does it not consider it essential to set out a clear and precise timetable for the CEF debate, as well as the exact sums that will be made available, in order to create a climate of business stability, thus attracting private investment? The Commission has suggested a total of EUR 50 billion for the CEF over the 2014‐2020 period, but some Member States are against it; can the Commission make more information available on this issue?

| Taking into account the Commission answer to E‐011609/2011, what role will the Member States and, in particular, the regions play in spending Cohesion Fund monies allocated to the CEF? Where regions do not have priority projects considered to be ‘core network’, such as Madeira and other Portuguese regions, is the Commission considering allowing the use of this fund for other national/regional projects that are part of the overall network? |
| --- |

Taking into account the Commission answer to E‐011609/2011, what role will the Member States and, in particular, the regions play in spending Cohesion Fund monies allocated to the CEF? Where regions do not have priority projects considered to be ‘core network’, such as Madeira and other Portuguese regions, is the Commission considering allowing the use of this fund for other national/regional projects that are part of the overall network?

| As territorial cohesion is one of the CEF’s objectives, does the Commission not consider it contradictory that regions with geographic disadvantages that are isolated from the internal market — specifically the outermost regions — do not have a specific article enabling them to submit core network projects that are of real benefit to Europe? |
| --- |

As territorial cohesion is one of the CEF’s objectives, does the Commission not consider it contradictory that regions with geographic disadvantages that are isolated from the internal market — specifically the outermost regions — do not have a specific article enabling them to submit core network projects that are of real benefit to Europe?

Answer given by Mr Kallas on behalf of the Commission

(25 May 2012)

| 1. | Within the Council, Member States have started examining and discussing the Commission proposal on the Connecting Europe Facility, aiming for the adoption of a partial general approach at the end of the Danish Presidency. The European Parliament, within the relevant committees, is also discussing the proposal. According to the Parliament's current schedule, it is expected to vote on its 1st reading on the CEF Regulation in January 2013. |
| --- | --- |

1.

Within the Council, Member States have started examining and discussing the Commission proposal on the Connecting Europe Facility, aiming for the adoption of a partial general approach at the end of the Danish Presidency. The European Parliament, within the relevant committees, is also discussing the proposal. According to the Parliament's current schedule, it is expected to vote on its 1st reading on the CEF Regulation in January 2013.

As regards the CEF budget, discussions are currently ongoing on the basis of the Commission's proposal for the next Multiannual Financial Framework. The envelope proposed for CEF has to be considered within the framework of this overall MFF negotiation.

| 2. | Concerning the transport sector, Member States and, where relevant, regions, will be responsible for submitting project proposals for the development of core network sections crossing their territory. When these proposals are accepted for financing by the Commission, Member States and/or regions will become CEF beneficiaries, on the basis of a specific funding decision by the Commission. For TEN‐T projects outside the core network, CEF support will be available only in the form of innovative financial instruments. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Concerning the transport sector, Member States and, where relevant, regions, will be responsible for submitting project proposals for the development of core network sections crossing their territory. When these proposals are accepted for financing by the Commission, Member States and/or regions will become CEF beneficiaries, on the basis of a specific funding decision by the Commission. For TEN‐T projects outside the core network, CEF support will be available only in the form of innovative financial instruments.

| 3. | The core network is designed to carry the highest volumes of transport flows across the EU. It is the role of the comprehensive network, which constitutes the basic layer of the TEN‐T, to ensure the accessibility of all EU regions. As noted, projects on the comprehensive network will be eligible for CEF support via financial instruments. In addition, the ERDF and Cohesion Fund regulations proposals for the period 2014-2020 include among investment priorities investing in TEN‐T, and enhancing regional mobility through connecting secondary and tertiary nodes to TEN‐T infrastructure. |
| --- | --- |

3.

The core network is designed to carry the highest volumes of transport flows across the EU. It is the role of the comprehensive network, which constitutes the basic layer of the TEN‐T, to ensure the accessibility of all EU regions. As noted, projects on the comprehensive network will be eligible for CEF support via financial instruments. In addition, the ERDF and Cohesion Fund regulations proposals for the period 2014-2020 include among investment priorities investing in TEN‐T, and enhancing regional mobility through connecting secondary and tertiary nodes to TEN‐T infrastructure.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-003509/12

à Comissão

Nuno Teixeira (PPE)

(30 de março de 2012)

Assunto: TGV e linhas ferroviárias de alta velocidade — Portugal

Tendo em conta que:

| — | O Livro Branco dos Transportes — Horizonte 2050 apresenta como meta a conclusão da rede ferroviária europeia de alta velocidade até 2050 e, assim, interligar as capitais da UE e outras grandes cidades através da ferrovia; |
| --- | --- |

—

O Livro Branco dos Transportes — Horizonte 2050 apresenta como meta a conclusão da rede ferroviária europeia de alta velocidade até 2050 e, assim, interligar as capitais da UE e outras grandes cidades através da ferrovia;

| — | Na sua proposta COM(2011)0650, referente às orientações para o desenvolvimento da rede transeuropeia de transportes, a Comissão inclui as linhas ferroviárias para o transporte de alta velocidade como estratégicas e, por isso, inseridas nos corredores de execução da rede principal; |
| --- | --- |

—

Na sua proposta COM(2011)0650, referente às orientações para o desenvolvimento da rede transeuropeia de transportes, a Comissão inclui as linhas ferroviárias para o transporte de alta velocidade como estratégicas e, por isso, inseridas nos corredores de execução da rede principal;

| — | O Comissário Kallas afirmou, no final do Conselho de Ministros dos Transportes do passado dia 22 de março, referindo-se em particular ao caso português, que implementar o projeto de alta velocidade em toda a Europa ₫talvez não seja muito racional₻, relativizando a prioridade da UE estabelecida no Livro Branco dos Transportes — Horizonte 2050; |
| --- | --- |

—

O Comissário Kallas afirmou, no final do Conselho de Ministros dos Transportes do passado dia 22 de março, referindo-se em particular ao caso português, que implementar o projeto de alta velocidade em toda a Europa ₫talvez não seja muito racional₻, relativizando a prioridade da UE estabelecida no Livro Branco dos Transportes — Horizonte 2050;

Pergunta-se à Comissão:

| Se houve uma alteração de estratégia quanto à implementação do TGV na Europa? Ou se estas afirmações são fruto do clima de austeridade e da dificuldade em explicar aos cidadãos europeus a importância estratégica deste projeto? |
| --- |

Se houve uma alteração de estratégia quanto à implementação do TGV na Europa? Ou se estas afirmações são fruto do clima de austeridade e da dificuldade em explicar aos cidadãos europeus a importância estratégica deste projeto?

| Se as declarações do Comissário Kallas afirmando que as ₫ligações ferroviárias de velocidade elevada nas quais deverá (Portugal) antes investir₻ pressupõem que o Estado português não irá perder as verbas para o TGV, caso execute estas linhas ferroviárias de velocidade elevada? |
| --- |

Se as declarações do Comissário Kallas afirmando que as ₫ligações ferroviárias de velocidade elevada nas quais deverá (Portugal) antes investir₻ pressupõem que o Estado português não irá perder as verbas para o TGV, caso execute estas linhas ferroviárias de velocidade elevada?

Resposta dada por Siim Kallas em nome da Comissão

(15 de maio de 2012)

| 1. | A Comissão está ciente de que a níveis de serviços e estruturas de redes diferentes correspondem normas de velocidade diferentes e de que a alta velocidade não é nenhuma tecnologia de |
| --- | --- |

1.

A Comissão está ciente de que a níveis de serviços e estruturas de redes diferentes correspondem normas de velocidade diferentes e de que a alta velocidade não é nenhuma tecnologia de

₫uma serve para tudo₻ aplicável a todas as redes.

| 2. | A Comissão aguarda a apresentação da revisão do projeto de um corredor de alto desempenho na linha Lisboa/Sines — Madrid para avaliar em que medida se podem confirmar as verbas atribuídas pelo orçamento RTE-T a este projeto internacional. |
| --- | --- |

2.

A Comissão aguarda a apresentação da revisão do projeto de um corredor de alto desempenho na linha Lisboa/Sines — Madrid para avaliar em que medida se podem confirmar as verbas atribuídas pelo orçamento RTE-T a este projeto internacional.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003509/12

to the Commission

Nuno Teixeira (PPE)

(30 March 2012)

Subject: TGV and high-speed railway lines in Portugal

Bearing in mind that:

| — | The transport White Paper looking forward to 2050 sets the target of completing the European high-speed rail network by 2050, thereby linking the EU’s capitals and other major cities by rail; |
| --- | --- |

—

The transport White Paper looking forward to 2050 sets the target of completing the European high-speed rail network by 2050, thereby linking the EU’s capitals and other major cities by rail;

| — | In its proposal COM(2011)0650 on guidelines for the development of the trans-European transport network, the Commission includes the railway lines for high-speed transport as strategic, meaning they are included in the implementation corridors of the core network; |
| --- | --- |

—

In its proposal COM(2011)0650 on guidelines for the development of the trans-European transport network, the Commission includes the railway lines for high-speed transport as strategic, meaning they are included in the implementation corridors of the core network;

| — | At the end of the Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council on 22 March 2012, Commissioner Kallas, referring specifically to the Portuguese case, said that implementing the high-speed project throughout Europe is ‘probably not very rational’, thereby watering down the EU priority set out in the transport White Paper looking forward to 2050; |
| --- | --- |

—

At the end of the Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council on 22 March 2012, Commissioner Kallas, referring specifically to the Portuguese case, said that implementing the high-speed project throughout Europe is ‘probably not very rational’, thereby watering down the EU priority set out in the transport White Paper looking forward to 2050;

I would ask the Commission:

| Has there been a strategic change in the implementation of the TGV in Europe, or are these statements the result of the climate of austerity and the difficulty of explaining the strategic importance of this project to the European public? |
| --- |

Has there been a strategic change in the implementation of the TGV in Europe, or are these statements the result of the climate of austerity and the difficulty of explaining the strategic importance of this project to the European public?

| Do Commissioner Kallas’s statements about high-speed railway lines in which the country will first have to invest presuppose that the Portuguese Government will not lose the funds for the TGV if it implements these high-speed railway lines? |
| --- |

Do Commissioner Kallas’s statements about high-speed railway lines in which the country will first have to invest presuppose that the Portuguese Government will not lose the funds for the TGV if it implements these high-speed railway lines?

Answer given by Mr Kallas on behalf of the Commission

(15 May 2012)

| 1. | The Commission is aware that different speed standards can comply with different level of services and network structures, and that High Speed is not a |
| --- | --- |

1.

The Commission is aware that different speed standards can comply with different level of services and network structures, and that High Speed is not a

‘one fits all’ technology that can be applied to every network.

| 2. | The Commission is awaiting the submission of a revised project for a high performance corridor along the Lisboa/Sines‐Madrid line to assess to what extent the funds allocated by the TEN‐T budget line to this international project can be confirmed. |
| --- | --- |

2.

The Commission is awaiting the submission of a revised project for a high performance corridor along the Lisboa/Sines‐Madrid line to assess to what extent the funds allocated by the TEN‐T budget line to this international project can be confirmed.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita P-003510/12

a la Comisión

Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE)

(30 de marzo de 2012)

Asunto: Prospecciones petroleras en la costa canaria

El pasado 7 de febrero, el Ministerio de Industria, Energía y Turismo del Gobierno español remitió a los cabildos de Lanzarote y Fuerteventura los expedientes según los cuales se abrirá un proceso para permitir las prospecciones petroleras de posibles yacimientos en las costa de Canarias. Los lugares en los que se van a autorizar las exploraciones se encuentran junto a algunas de las áreas de mayor valor ecológico de Canarias, que sufrirían graves daños por el aumento de tráfico marítimo, además de poner en situación de riesgo extremo a la zona en caso de vertidos.

Recientemente, en la respuesta a la pregunta E-010860/2011 el Sr. Oetinger en nombre de la Comisión explicaba que se está elaborando una propuesta de Reglamento (COM(2011)0688) sobre la seguridad de las actividades de prospección, exploración yt producción de petróleo y de gas mar adentro. En la propuesta se explica cómo reforzar los medios para influir en las normas de seguridad en alta mar y se prevé la obligatoriedad de los Estados miembros a informar a la Comisión, de las acciones que puedan ser susceptibles de accidentes en alta mar.

— ¿Qué opinión tiene la Comisión respecto al inicio de prospecciones petroleras en una zona de alto valor ecológico y de elevada dependencia económica del turismo como es el caso de las Islas Canarias?

— El procedimiento de otorgamiento de licencias para prospecciones iniciado recientemente por el Gobierno español sobre prospecciones en la costa de las Islas Canarias ¿cumpliría plenamente la propuesta de Reglamento que están elaborando entre la Comisión y el Parlamento Europeo?

Respuesta del Sr.Oettinger en nombre de la Comisión

(4 de mayo de 2012)

La Comisión remite a Su Señoría a la respuesta dada a la pregunta E-01568/2012 (260).

(English version)

Question for written answer P-003510/12

to the Commission

Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE)

(30 March 2012)

Subject: Oil exploration off the coast of the Canary Islands

On 7 February, the Spanish Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism notified the island councils of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura of the opening of a procedure to allow exploration of possible oil deposits off the Canary Islands. The authorised exploration sites are next to some of the Canary Islands’ areas of greatest ecological value, which would be seriously damaged by increased maritime traffic and greatly jeopardised in the event of an oil spill.

Recently, in response to Question E‐010860/2011, Mr Oettinger explained on behalf of the Commission that a proposal for a regulation (COM(2011) 0688) was being drawn up on the safety of offshore oil and gas prospection, exploration and production activities. The proposal intends to strengthen measures concerning offshore safety standards, and obliges Member States to inform the Commission of any activities that may entail a risk of offshore accidents.

— What view does the Commission take of oil exploration in the Canary Islands, an area of high ecological value and which is heavily dependent on tourism?

— Will the procedure recently initiated by the Spanish Government for granting licences for prospecting off the Canary Islands be fully compliant with the proposal for a regulation being drawn up by the Commission and the European Parliament?

Answer given by Mr Oettinger on behalf of the Commission

(4 May 2012)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to his Written Question E‐01568/2012 (261).

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta P-003511/12

alla Commissione

Mara Bizzotto (EFD)

(30 marzo 2012)

Oggetto: Commercio internazionale on-line di farmaci

Il 24 marzo 2012 una donna italiana è deceduta in seguito all'assunzione di un farmaco acquistato on-line da uno studio medico di Barletta come sorbitolo e che era invece contaminato da una quantità letale di nitrito di sodio. Secondo quanto emerso dalle indagini, il sorbitolo è stato prodotto presso la Cargill di Rovigo (Italia) e ha subito l'ultima fase di lavorazione e smistamento presso la Minstral con sede in Irlanda, paese nel quale poi è avvenuta la vendita.

Può la Commissione far sapere se è a conoscenza dei fatti sopra esposti:

in quali Stati membri, oggi, l'acquisto e la vendita di farmaci on-line è consentito a differenza di quanto accade in Italia;

poiché l'Europa ha predisposto la direttiva 2011/62/UE relativa alla contraffazione e vendita di farmaci on-line, che dovrà essere recepita dagli Stati membri solo a partire dal 2013, quale ne è lo stato di attuazione;

poiché la salute dei cittadini europei è una priorità da garantire con ogni mezzo, come intende tutelarla durante la fase transitoria che coincide con la trasposizione della direttiva nelle legislazioni nazionali;

se ritiene utile creare un sito web ufficiale che indichi i punti vendita virtuali che già rispondono ai requisiti della direttiva o che comunque possono ritenersi affidabili;

se ha definito il protocollo tecnico di attuazione delle disposizioni della direttiva in base al quale gli stati membri potranno autorizzare i punti vendita virtuali?

Risposta data da John Dalli a nome della Commissione

(25 aprile 2012)

La Commissione è perfettamente al corrente dei fatti menzionati dall'Onorevole deputata.

Una grande maggioranza degli Stati membri non vieta completamente la vendita on line di medicinali.

La direttiva 2011/62/UE del Parlamento europeo e del Consiglio che modifica la direttiva 2001/83/CE (262) recante un codice comunitario relativo ai medicinali per uso umano, al fine di impedire l'ingresso di medicinali falsificati nella catena di fornitura legale deve essere recepita nella legislazione nazionale entro il 2 gennaio 2013. Tuttavia, le disposizioni relative alla vendita a distanza di medicinali saranno applicabili soltanto un anno dopo la data di pubblicazione dell'atto di esecuzione in seguito alla definizione di un logo comune che consenta l'identificazione delle ₫farmacie on line₻ che operano legalmente. La Commissione ha iniziato i lavori preliminari per tale atto e si prevede la pubblicazione di un documento di consultazione entro la fine del 2012.

Gli Stati membri rimangono responsabili dell'autorizzazione e del monitoraggio degli operatori che vendono medicinali on line anche successivamente alla piena entrata in vigore della direttiva ed hanno la responsabilità di prendere le misure necessarie per proteggere la salute dei cittadini in questo periodo di transizione.

La direttiva prevede che ciascuno Stato membro debba creare un sito web in cui figureranno gli elenchi delle persone autorizzate ad offrire prodotti medicinali via Internet. L'Agenzia europea per i medicinali istituirà a sua volta un'apposita pagina web dedicata in cui figureranno i link agli elenchi nazionali.

(English version)

Question for written answer P-003511/12

to the Commission

Mara Bizzotto (EFD)

(30 March 2012)

Subject: International online sale of drugs

On 24 March 2012, an Italian woman died after taking a drug purchased online from a doctor’s surgery in Barletta, which was designated as sorbitol but was in fact contaminated by a lethal quantity of sodium nitrite. Investigations have revealed that the sorbitol was produced by Cargill in Rovigo (Italy) and underwent the last stage of processing and screening at Mistral, based in Ireland, the country where it was then sold.

Is the Commission aware of the above facts?

Which Member States, unlike Italy, today permit the purchase and sale of drugs online?

Since the EU has drawn up Directive 2011/62/EU on the counterfeiting and online sale of drugs, which Member States are not required to transpose until 2013, what progress has been made in its implementation?

Since the health of European citizens is a priority to be upheld at all costs, how does the Commission intend to safeguard it during the transitional phase up to the transposal of the directive into national legislations?

Does it consider it useful to create an official website indicating the online shops that already comply with the requirements of the directive or that can be considered reliable?

Has it drawn up the technical protocol to implement the provisions of the directive, on the basis of which the Member States will be able to authorise online shops?

Answer given by Mr Dalli on behalf of the Commission

(25 April 2012)

The Commission is fully aware of the events mentioned by the Honourable Member.

A large majority of Member States do not ban completely the online sale of medicines.

Directive 2011/62/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Directive 2001/83/EC (263) on the Community code relating to medicinal products for human use, as regards the prevention of the entry into the legal supply chain of falsified medicinal products has to be transposed into national legislation by 2 January 2013. However, provisions concerning the sale at a distance of medicines will only be applicable one year after the date of publication of the implementing act following the establishment of a common logo enabling the identification of legally operating ‘online pharmacies’. The Commission has initiated the preliminary work on this act and a consultation paper is planned to be published for comments by the end of 2012.

Member States remain responsible for the authorisation and the monitoring of operators selling medicines online even after the full application of the directive, and are responsible for taking the necessary measures to protect citizens' health in this transitional period.

The directive foresees that each Member State will have to set up a website providing the list of persons authorised to offer medicinal products via the Internet. The European Medicines Agency will also set up a dedicated webpage displaying links to the national lists.

(Dansk udgave)

Forespørgsel til skriftlig besvarelse P-003512/12

til Kommissionen

Søren Bo Søndergaard (GUE/NGL)

(30. marts 2012)

Om: Beregningen af det strukturelle underskud

Kan kommissionsformanden bekræfte, at det er aftalt med den danske regering, at det alene er den danske beregning af størrelsen på det strukturelle underskud, som skal ligge til grund for at afgøre, om Danmark — i henhold til Finanstraktatens bestemmelser — holder sig under et strukturelt underskud på 0,5 %? I bekræftende fald bedes kommissionsformanden oplyse, hvor mange andre underskrivere af finanstraktaten der har opnået en lignende aftale.

Svar afgivet på Kommissionens vegne af Olli Rehn

(7. maj 2012)

Kommissionen og de danske myndigheder har været i teknisk kontakt med hinanden, og parterne har i den forbindelse udvekslet synspunkter om spørgsmål, der vedrører fortolkningen af traktaten om stabilitet, samordning og styring, herunder spørgsmålet omkring beregningen af strukturelle balancer. Kommissionen er i lignende kontakt med andre undertegnende medlemsstaters nationale myndigheder.

(English version)

Question for written answer P-003512/12

to the Commission

Søren Bo Søndergaard (GUE/NGL)

(30 March 2012)

Subject: Calculation of the structural deficit

Can the President of the Commission confirm that an agreement has been reached with the Danish Government to the effect that only the Danish calculation of the size of the structural deficit is to be used as the basis for determining whether — in accordance with the provisions of the Fiscal Compact — Denmark’s structural deficit remains below 0.5%? If this is the case, can the President of the Commission provide information on how many other signatories to the Fiscal Compact have come to a similar agreement?

Answer given by Mr Rehn on behalf of the Commission

(7 May 2012)

Technical contacts have taken place between the Commission services and the Danish authorities, where both sides have exchanged views on issues pertaining to the interpretation of the Treaty on Stability, Coordination and Governance. That has included the issue of the calculation of structural balances. Similar contacts are taking place between the Commission and the national authorities of other signatory Member States.

(Dansk udgave)

Forespørgsel til skriftlig besvarelse E-003513/12

til Kommissionen

Jens Rohde (ALDE)

(2. april 2012)

Om: Implementering af telekompakken

Som følge af den danske implementering af rammedirektivet for elektroniske kommunikationsnet‐ og tjenester (2002/21/EF) og det dertilhørende adgangsdirektiv (2002/19/EF) er SMP-forpligtelsen om frit operatørvalg på detailmarkedet for fastnetabonnementer dereguleret pr. 25. maj 2011. Konsekvensen er indtil videre, at muligheden for fast operatørvalg fjernes (både for eksisterende og nye kunder), således at der genintroduceres forvalgskoder pr. 1.5.2011 for danske forbrugere, der vælger at anvende en anden operatør end TDC. Som ejer af kommunikationsnettet har TDC SMP-status. Det medfører i Danmarks tilfælde 12‐cifrede telefonnumre, i stedet for de nuværende 8‐cifrede, for forbrugere, der ikke benytter sig af TDC som leverandør af fastnettelefoni. Men på sigt er der også risiko for, at muligheden for operatørforvalg fjernes af TDC.

Finder Kommissionen, at det er i tråd med formålet om at skabe holdbar konkurrence og fordele for forbrugerne i adgangsdirektivets artikel 1, stk.1 (2002/19/EF), at TDC som SMP-udbyder med en markedsandel på 77 % af fastnetmarkedet kan vælge at fjerne muligheden for både fast operatørvalg og operatørforvalg for forbrugere af fastnettelefoni, der har abonnement hos TDC, men ønsker en anden leverandør af opkaldstrafikken?

Svar afgivet på Kommissionens vegne af Neelie Kroes

(29. maj 2012)

Artikel 16, stk. 4, i direktiv 2002/21/EF, som ændret ved direktiv 2009/140/EF (rammedirektivet), fastsætter, at når en national tilsynsmyndighed konkluderer, at der ikke er reel konkurrence på et marked, skal denne myndighed pålægge virksomheder med en stærk markedsposition på det pågældende marked specifikke regulerende forpligtelser. Hvis det derimod konkluderes, at der er reel konkurrence på et marked, må der ifølge artikel 16, stk. 3, i samme direktiv, ikke indføres eller opretholdes nogen af de specifikke regulerende forpligtelser. Medlemsstaterne skal sikre, at der på nationalt plan findes effektive mekanismer, ved hjælp af hvilke enhver bruger eller virksomhed, som berøres af en national tilsynsmyndigheds afgørelse, kan påklage afgørelsen til en klageinstans, der er uafhængig af de involverede parter.

I Danmark ophævede den nationale tilsynsmyndighed forpligtelsen for virksomheder med en stærk markedsposition til at give gratis adgang til fast operatørvalg på detailmarkedet for fastnetabonnementer med virkning fra den 25. maj 2011. Som følge heraf besluttede TDC at ophøre med at tilbyde fast operatørvalg til sine private abonnenter. Efter at have modtaget en klage fra visse operatører traf den danske nationale tilsynsmyndighed den 9. marts 2012 den afgørelse, at TDC’s beslutning ikke er i modstrid med den lovgivningsmæssige afgørelse vedrørende engrosmarkedet for fastnetoriginering (marked 2). Ifølge de oplysninger, som Kommissionen er i besiddelse af, er afgørelsen af 9. marts 2012 blevet anket til Teleankenævnet. Kommissionen vil fortsætte med at overvåge udviklingen i Danmark også på dette område.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003513/12

to the Commission

Jens Rohde (ALDE)

(2 April 2012)

Subject: Implementation of telecoms package

As a result of the Danish implementation of the framework Directive for electronic communications networks and services (2002/21/EC) and the related Access Directive (2002/19/EC), the obligation for operators with significant market power (SMP) to provide free access to carrier pre-selection in the retail market for fixed-line telephony subscriptions was deregulated as of 25 May 2011. The current consequences of this are that the possibility of carrier pre-selection has been removed — both for existing and new customers — so that call-by-call access codes will be reintroduced on 1 May 2011 for Danish consumers who choose a carrier other than TDC. As the owner of the communications network, TDC has SMP status. In Denmark this will result in 12-digit telephone numbers instead of the present 8-digit numbers for users who do not have TDC as their supplier for fixed-network telephony. But over time there is also a risk that TDC will discontinue the option of call-by-call carrier selection.

Does the Commission consider that it is compatible with the aim of creating sustainable competition and consumer benefits, as set out in Article 1(1) of the Access Directive (2002/19/EC), that TDC, as an SMP provider with a 77% share of the fixed network market, can choose to withdraw the options of both carrier pre-selection and call-by-call selection for users of fixed-network telephony who are TDC subscribers but wish to use another supplier for their telephone calls?

Answer given by Ms Kroes on behalf of the Commission

(29 May 2012)

According to Article 16, paragraph 4 of Directive 2002/21/EC as amended by Directive 2009/140/EC (‘the framework Directive’), where an NRA concludes that a market is not effectively competitive, it shall impose specific regulatory obligations on undertakings which have a significant market power on that market. According to Article 16, paragraph 3 of the same Directive, where it concludes that a market is effectively competitive, it shall not impose or maintain any of the specific regulatory obligations that were imposed. The EU regulatory framework provides that effective mechanisms must exist at national level, under which any user or undertaking affected by a decision of an NRA has the right of appeal against the decision to an appeal body that is independent of the parties involved.

In Denmark, the Danish national regulator removed the obligation for operators with significant market power (SMP) to provide free access to carrier pre-selection in the retail market for fixed-line telephony subscriptions, as of 25 May 2011. Consequently, TDC decided to cease offering Carrier Pre Selection to its private subscribers.. After receiving a complaint from certain operators, the Danish NRA issued a decision on 9 March 2012 where it concluded that TDC’s decision is not at variance with the Regulatory decision on the wholesale market for origination of fixed location subscriptions (Market 2). According to information available to the Commission, this decision has been appealed before the Telecommunications Board. The Commission monitors, and will continue to monitor developments in Denmark including on this matter.

(Dansk udgave)

Forespørgsel til skriftlig besvarelse E-003514/12

til Kommissionen

Morten Løkkegaard (ALDE)

(2. april 2012)

Om: Kinas tiltrædelse af aftalen om offentlige indkøb (GPA)

Området for offentlige indkøb i tredjelande er et særligt lukket terræn for EU‐virksomheder. Men mens EU’s markeder allerede er åbne (85 %), er vores største handelspartneres markeder langt mindre åbne.

Kina er — som EU’s vigtigste handelspartner — særligt interessant hvad angår hindringer for markedsadgang og offentlige indkøb.

I den forbindelse bedes Kommissionen redegøre for status i forhandlingerne om Kinas tiltrædelse af GPA’en samt EU's strategi for forhandlingerne.

Dertil bedes Kommissionen oplyse, om det endnu er en klar europæisk prioritet, at Kina tilslutter sig aftalen, selv om man nu har lanceret et nyt initiativ om et instrument for bedre markedsadgang for europæiske investeringer i tredjelande, der skal være med til at sikre bedre symmetri i adgangen til markederne for offentlige indkøb i tredjelande?

Svar afgivet på Kommissionens vegne af Michael Barnier

(6. juni 2012)

EU har traditionelt været fortaler for frihandel og kan tilbyde sine handelspartnere i Verdenshandelsorganisationens GPA eller sine bilaterale handelspartnere op til 85 % af markedet for offentlige udbud, som ligger over tærskelværdien. Som bekendt praktiseres denne fremgangsmåde ikke overalt i verden, og mange af vore handelspartnere er ikke tilbøjelige til at åbne deres markeder for offentlige udbud i samme grad.

Kina er en vigtig handelspartner, og den gensidige åbning af vore markeder for offentlige udbud vil ganske sikkert være en fordel for begge økonomier. Derfor er Kinas tiltrædelse til GPA'en en vigtig prioritet for EU, og det vil den blive ved med at være.

Kina lancerede sin tiltrædelsesproces til GPA'en i 2007 og indgav under forhandlingsforløbet yderligere to tilbud (Kinas andet, reviderede tilbud er fra november 2011). Hvert tilbud indeholdt forbedringer af mulighederne for markedsadgang. Ikke desto mindre skal Kina stadig gøre en betydelig indsats for at nå op på EU's ambitionsniveau i GPA'en.

Efter den netop færdiggjorte endelige revision af GPA'en, vil GPA-medlemskabet nu fokusere på tiltrædelserne til aftalen, og vi forventer derfor mærkbare fremskridt med hensyn til Kinas tiltrædelse.

Hovedformålet med udkastet til forordningen om udenlandske varer og tjenesteydelsers adgang til EU's marked for offentlige udbud er at give EU mere indflydelse i forhandlinger med henblik på at opnå en tilsvarende grad af forpligtelser, hvad angår markedsadgang. I den forbindelse kan denne foreslåede lovgivning kun have en positiv virkning på vore bestræbelser på at færdiggøre Kinas tiltrædelse til GPA'en.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003514/12

to the Commission

Morten Løkkegaard (ALDE)

(2 April 2012)

Subject: China's entry into the agreement on government procurement (GPA)

The area of public procurement in third countries is a decidedly closed one for EU businesses. Whilst EU markets are already open (85%), our main trading partners’ markets are far less open.

China — as the most important trading partner of the EU — is particularly interesting with regard to obstacles to market entry and public procurement.

Will the Commission clarify the status of negotiations on China’s entry into the GPA and the EU strategy for the negotiations?

Will the Commission also state whether it is still a clear European priority that China joins the agreement, even though a new initiative has now been launched for an instrument for better market access for European investment in third countries, which aims at improving reciprocity in access to markets for public procurement in third countries?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(6 June 2012)

The EU has been traditionally an advocate of free trade and it can indeed offer up to 85% of its above threshold procurement market to its trading partners in the WTO GPA or bilaterally. It is a known fact that this approach is not shared worldwide and many of our trading partners are not inclined to open their procurement markets to the same extent.

China is an important trading partner and the mutual opening of our procurement markets would be most certainly beneficial to both economies. That is why accession of China to the GPA has been and will remain an important priority for the EU.

China has launched its accession process to the GPA in 2007 and in the course of the negotiations has submitted two additional offers (its second revised offer dates from November 2011). Each offer contained improvements of market access opportunities. Nevertheless, an additional considerable effort must be done by China to match the EU's level of ambition in the GPA.

Following the recently finalised revision of the GPA, the GPA membership will now focus on the accessions to the Agreement and therefore we expect a tangible progress as regards the accession of China.

The draft Regulation's main objective on the access of foreign goods and services to the EU procurement market is to provide the EU with more leverage in negotiations with the view to obtaining a similar degree of market access commitments. In this respect, this proposed legislation can only have a positive effect on our efforts to finalise the accession of China to the GPA.

(Dansk udgave)

Forespørgsel til skriftlig besvarelse E-003515/12

til Kommissionen

Morten Løkkegaard (ALDE)

(2. april 2012)

Om: Europæiske investeringers markedsadgang i tredjelande

I Kommissionens forslag fra den 21. marts 2012 foreslår man at indføre et nyt handelspolitisk instrument for at tvinge tredjelande til forhandlingsbordet og styrke EU’s forhandlingsposition ved at forlange reciprocitet i forhold til markedsadgang i offentlige udbud mellem EU og tredjelande.

Baggrunden for forslaget er bl.a., at mange tredjelande ifølge Kommissionen ikke ønsker at inddrage offentlige kontrakter i deres bilaterale aftaler med EU.

— Mener Kommissionen, at mulighederne for at åbne markederne for offentlige udbud i tredjelande — bl.a. via bilaterale aftaler — er udtømt?

— Vil Kommission desuden oplyse, hvorvidt man mener, at man har udtømt samtlige af de (yderligere) alternativer, der er for at åbne tredjelandenes markeder — nærmere bestemt alternativer, som ikke inkluderer, at EU skal lukke sit marked for udenlandske investeringer og offentlige udbud?

— Kan Kommissionen desuden oplyse de eksakte tal for under-/overskuddet i den grænseoverskridende handel med tredjelande?

— Og vil Kommissionen fremlægge de tal, der dokumenterer behovet for et sådant tiltag og instrument, og som giver sikkerhed for, at instrumentet ikke vil blive brugt mod lande, der er økonomisk dårligt stillede?

Svar afgivet på Kommissionens vegne af Karel De Gucht

(15. maj 2012)

EU's marked for offentlige indkøb er et af de mest åbne i verden, men europæiske virksomheder, som møder konkurrence på det indre marked, kan ikke altid få lige adgang til markederne for offentlige indkøb uden for EU (på grund af fravær af internationale forpligtelser, protektionistiske foranstaltninger osv.).

EU arbejder aktivt for yderligere åbning af markederne for offentlige indkøb inden for rammerne af Verdenshandelsorganisationens aftale om offentlige indkøb og forhandlingerne om frihandelsaftaler. Disse bestræbelser vil fortsætte under udnyttelse af denne nye politik. I tilfælde, hvor handelspartnere drager nytte af EU's generelle åbenhed, men ikke har har til hensigt at tilbyde samme behandling, vil EU — takket være dette nye instrument — få endnu et redskab til at tilskynde disse partnere til at tiltræde aftalen om offentlige indkøb eller til at forhandle om en gensidigt gunstig aftale om offentlige indkøb.

Kommissionen ønsker at præcisere, at forslaget ikke tager sigte på at lukke EU's marked for offentlige indkøb. Generelt er Kommissionens forslag præget af åbenhed. Restriktive foranstaltninger vil kun blive vedtaget på meget bestemte betingelser. I lyset af EU's overordnede politik over for de mindst udviklede lande indeholder udkastet til en forordning desuden forslag om at behandle varer og tjenesteydelser fra disse lande på samme måde som varer og tjenesteydelser fra EU.

Endelig har dette udkast til lovgivning i lighed med alle Kommissionens lovgivningsforslag været genstand for en grundig konsekvensanalyse, som har vist, at der er behov for en sådan foranstaltning. Mens EU har tilbudt at åbne op for 85 % af sit marked for offentlige indkøb gennem internationale aftaler, skønner Kommissionen, at 50 % af alle offentlige indkøb uden for EU ikke er tilgængelige for virksomheder i EU, og at EU går glip af 12 mia. EUR om året på grund af hindringer for eksporten.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003515/12

to the Commission

Morten Løkkegaard (ALDE)

(2 April 2012)

Subject: European investment market access to third-country markets

The Commission’s proposal of 21 March 2012 puts forward the introduction of a new trade policy instrument to force third countries to the negotiating table and strengthen the EU’s negotiating position by requiring reciprocity between the EU and third countries with respect to market access in public tenders.

One of the reasons for the proposal is that, according to the Commission, many third countries do not wish to include public contracts in their bilateral agreements with the EU.

— Does the Commission believe that the possibilities for opening markets for public tenders in third countries — including by means of bilateral agreements — have been exhausted?

— Will the Commission also clarify to what extent all of the (other) alternatives have been exhausted with regard to opening third-country markets — more precisely, alternatives that do not include the stipulation that the EU must close its market for foreign investments and public tenders?

— Can the Commission give the exact figures for the deficit/surplus in cross-border trade with third countries?

— And will the Commission provide figures to document the need for such a measure and instrument and to provide assurance that the instrument will not be used against countries that are poorly positioned in economic terms?

Answer given by Mr De Gucht on behalf of the Commission

(15 May 2012)

The EU procurement market is one of the most open in the world, but European businesses, while facing competition in the single market, cannot always get equivalent access to procurement markets outside the EU (i.e. lack of international commitments, protectionist measures, etc.).

The EU is actively seeking further opening of procurement markets in the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Government Procurement Agreement (GPA) as well as in negotiations of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). These efforts will continue and will benefit from this new policy. In cases where trading partners profit from the general openness of the EU but have no intention of offering the same treatment, the EU will — thanks to this new instrument — be equipped with an additional tool to encourage these partners to accede to the GPA or to negotiate a mutually beneficial agreement on procurement.

The Commission would like to clarify that the proposal does not aim at closing the EU's public procurement market. The general rule of the Commission proposal is openness. Restrictive measures will only be adopted under very specific conditions. Also, in light of the EU's overall policy with regard to Least Developed Countries, the draft Regulation proposes to treat goods and services from these countries as EU goods and services.

Finally, as per all Commission legislative proposals, this draft legislation has been subject to a thorough impact assessment which has documented the need for such a measure. While the EU has offered to open up to 85% of its public procurement market through international agreements, the Commission estimates that 50% of all public procurement outside the EU is not accessible to EU companies and that as a result the EU loses out on EUR 12 billion of untapped exports a year.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-003519/12

an die Kommission

Ismail Ertug (S&D)

(2. April 2012)

Betrifft: Variantenunabhängige Untersuchungen zum Ausbau der Donau — Vergabe der Untersuchungen an RMD — gutachterliche Stellungnahme

— Hat die Kommission die gutachterliche Stellungnahme der Rechtsanwälte Böck, Oppler, Hering vom 12. November 2011 „Ausschreibungsfreie Kooperation des Bundes mit der RMD“ zur Kenntnis genommen und welche Schlüsse zieht die Kommission aus den Erkenntnissen der gutachterlichen Stellungnahme?

— Wie bewertet die Kommission die in der gutachterlichen Stellungnahme unter Punkt 3 (Seiten 49 und 50) dargelegten juristischen Schlussfolgerungen und welche Konsequenzen zieht die Kommission daraus?

— Welche Auswirkungen haben die unter Punkt 3 gewonnen Erkenntnisse der gutachterlichen Stellungnahme auf die laufenden Untersuchungen zum Donauausbau zwischen Straubing und Vilshofen?

— Wie bewertet die Kommission die in der gutachterlichen Stellungnahme auf Seite 19 unter Punkt II.2.a.bb.(2) dargelegte Rechtsauffassung, dass die Voraussetzungen für ein Inhouse-Geschäft nicht gegeben waren, und welche Konsequenzen zieht die Kommission daraus?

Antwort von Herrn Kallas im Namen der Kommission

(24. Mai 2012)

Als Teil des vorrangigen Projektes 18 ist die Gewährleistung einer nachhaltigen Schiffbarkeit der Donau zwischen den Städten Straubing und Vilshofen für das transeuropäische Verkehrsnetz (TEN-T) wichtig. Mit dem Projekt soll der Zugang zum Main-Donaukanal für Häfen in Österreich und bis hin zum Flussdelta gewährleistet werden.

Dieser Flussabschnitt ist aber auch in ökologischer Hinsicht bedeutsam, der Mittellauf bietet Lebensraum für verschiedene Arten in Flora und Fauna.

Das deutsche Bundesministerium für Verkehr, Bau und Stadtentwicklung hat 2007 für das TEN-T-Progamm der Europäischen Kommission gemeinsam mit dem Bayrischen Staatsministerium für Wirtschaft, Infrastruktur und Verkehr einen Vorschlag für eine Studie zur Analyse von Alternativen vorgelegt. Auf dieser Grundlage wurde der Forschungsauftrag Nr. 2007-DE-18050-S des TEN-T bewilligt.

Die Kommission ist sich der Brisanz und der Bedenken bezüglich der geplanten Arbeiten bewusst und kennt auch den juristischen Standpunkt, der von der Anwaltskanzlei Böck, Oppler und Hering dargelegt wurde. Um in angemessener Weise auf diese Bedenken einzugehen, hat die Kommission unter anderem die Einrichtung einer aus Vertretern des Wirtschaftssektors und Umweltexperten bestehenden Monitoringgruppe beantragt, die den Verlauf der Studie aufmerksam verfolgen soll.

In diesem Zusammenhang besteht die Aufgabe der Kommission darin, dafür Sorge zu tragen, dass diese Arbeiten ordnungsgemäß durchgeführt werden und eine faire Diskussion zwischen den Beteiligten im Einklang mit den einschlägigen EU-Vorschriften gewährleistet wird.

Die Kommission wird auch weiterhin sorgfältig die Entwicklungen und die Diskussion in dieser Sache verfolgen.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003519/12

to the Commission

Ismail Ertug (S&D)

(2 April 2012)

Subject: Variant independent research into improvement of the Danube — research contract awarded to RMD — expert opinion

— Has the Commission noted the expert opinion delivered by the firm of lawyers Böck, Oppler and Hering dated 12 November 2011, entitled ‘Absence of tendering procedure for collaboration between the Federal Government and RMD’, and what conclusions does the Commission draw from the information contained therein?

— What is the Commission's evaluation of the legal findings set out in Section 3 of the expert opinion (pages 49 and 50) and what conclusions does the Commission draw from this?

— What are the implications of the information contained in Section 3 of the expert opinion in relation to the ongoing research into improvement of the Danube between Straubing and Vilshofen?

— How does the Commission assess the legal findings set out on page 19 under Item II.2.a.bb.(2), of the expert opinion to the effect that the requirements for the transaction to be conducted in-house were not met, and what conclusions does the Commission draw from this?

Answer given by Mr Kallas on behalf of the Commission

(24 May 2012)

Ensuring a sustainable navigability in the section between the cities of Straubing and Vilshofen on the river Danube is important for the Transeuropean Network for Transport (TEN‐T) as it is part of priority project 18, connecting the entrance of the Main-Donau Canal to ports in Austria and further down till the river delta.

However this section of the river is also environmentally important for its living habitat hosting different fauna and flora species in the middle course of the river.

In 2007 the German Federal Ministry of Transport, together with the Bavarian Transport Ministry submitted a Study proposal to the European Commission TEN‐T Programme for the analysis of alternatives. On that basis a Study contract N° 2007-DE‐18050-S of TEN‐T was granted.

The Commission is aware of the concerns and the sensitivity surrounding the planned works as well as of the legal opinion expressed by the Law Firm Böck, Oppler and Hering. To adequately address these concerns, the Commission requested inter alia the setting up of a Monitoring Group composed by representatives of the economic sector and environment specialists with the aim to closely monitor the study process step by step.

In this context, the role of the Commission consists in making sure that works are properly performed and that a fair discussion between the interested parties is ensured in compliance with the existing frame of the EU legislation.

The Commission will continue to follow closely the developments and the discussions in this file.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-003520/12

an die Kommission

Ismail Ertug (S&D)

(2. April 2012)

Betrifft: Grenzüberschreitende Zusammenarbeit im Gesundheitswesen

Die Euregio Egrensis Arbeitsgemeinschaft Bayern e.V. hat den zweiten Teil ihrer Studie zum Ausbau der grenzüberschreitenden Zusammenarbeit im Gesundheitswesen mit dem Schwerpunkt „Der Krankenhausbereich“ vorgelegt (264). Darin wird deutlich, dass es noch etliche Defizite in der grenzüberschreitenden Inanspruchnahme von Gesundheitsdienstleistungen gibt. Probleme bereiten insbesondere die Koordinierung von Krankenhausplanung und ‐betrieb in der Grenzregion sowie die Unterschiede in der Kostenübernahme seitens der Versicherungen bei Behandlungen im jeweiligen Ausland und der bürokratische Aufwand hierfür.

Was gedenkt die Kommission zu unternehmen, um die in der Studie angesprochenen Probleme zu beheben und die Situation zu verbessern?

Antwort von Herrn Dalli im Namen der Kommission

(7. Mai 2012)

Nach der Richtlinie 2011/24/EU über die Ausübung der Patientenrechte in der grenzüberschreitenden Gesundheitsversorgung (265), deren Umsetzungsfrist am 25. Oktober 2013 abläuft, können Patienten die Erstattung der Kosten einer Behandlung im Ausland beantragen, wenn sie in ihrem Heimatsystem Anspruch auf eine solche Behandlung gehabt hätten. Erstattet werden entweder die Kosten, die bei dieser Behandlung in ihrem Heimatsystem angefallen wären, oder die tatsächlichen Behandlungskosten (je nachdem, welcher Betrag niedriger ist). Unter Umständen (z. B. bei hoch spezialisierten Leistungen) müssen die Patienten zuvor eine Genehmigung einholen.

Die Richtlinie verpflichtet die Mitgliedstaaten zur Einrichtung nationaler Kontaktstellen, die Patienten über alles informieren, was sie zur Ausübung ihrer Rechte im Bereich der grenzüberschreitenden Gesundheitsversorgung wissen müssen, darunter: Ansprüche auf Gesundheitsversorgung, Voraussetzungen für die Erteilung einer Genehmigung, Erstattungssätze, Qualitäts‐ und Sicherheitsstandards und Monitoring.

Darüber hinaus unterstützt die Kommission die Schaffung eines Pilotnetzes von Krankenhäusern in verschiedenen Mitgliedstaaten, das sich mit der Bezahlung von Dienstleistungen für Patienten aus anderen Mitgliedstaaten befasst. In diesem Rahmen werden Krankenhäuser Informationen über Verwaltungsfragen im Zusammenhang mit der Behandlung von Patienten aus anderen Mitgliedstaaten austauschen; dazu gehören auch Probleme, die mit der Bestimmung von Gebührensätzen oder mit Verzögerungen bei Kostenerstattungen für die Krankenhäuser zusammenhängen. Außerdem wird das Pilotnetz ein System zur Erfassung von Rückmeldungen seitens der Patienten zu ihren Erfahrungen mit der Erstattung der ihnen entstandenen Kosten für die grenzüberschreitende Gesundheitsversorgung einrichten, Gebührensätze für leistungsorientierte Diagnosefallgruppen (266) vergleichen, um so eine Liste gleichartiger Eingriffe zu erstellen, und Schlussfolgerungen zu allgemeinen Kostenniveaus zwischen den Mitgliedstaaten und zu Diskrepanzen zwischen relativen Kostenniveaus vorlegen. Dieses Pilotnetz soll seine Arbeit in der ersten Hälfte des Jahres 2012 aufnehmen.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003520/12

to the Commission

Ismail Ertug (S&D)

(2 April 2012)

Subject: Cross-border cooperation on public health

Euregio Egrensis Arbeitsgemeinschaft Bayern e.V. (Working Community of Bavaria) has presented the second part of its study on the expansion of cross-border cooperation on public health, focusing on ‘the hospital sector’ (267). This makes it clear that numerous shortcomings still exist in the cross-border use of healthcare services. Particular problems arise in relation to the coordination of hospital planning and operation in border regions and the differences in the way insurance companies cover costs for treatment abroad and the associated bureaucratic expenditure.

What action is the Commission considering in order to eliminate the problems referred to in the report and to improve the situation?

Answer given by Mr Dalli on behalf of the Commission

(7 May 2012)

Directive 2011/24/EU (268) on the application of patients' rights in cross-border healthcare, due to be transposed by 25 October 2013, provides that patients may claim reimbursement for a treatment abroad if that treatment is one to which they would have been entitled in their home system. They will be reimbursed up to the cost of that treatment in their home system, or the actual cost of treatment (whichever is the lower). Patients may need to seek prior authorisation in certain circumstances (e.g. for highly specialised care).

The directive will require Member States to set up National Contact Points to provide patients with information they need to exercise their rights in cross-border healthcare, including: healthcare entitlements; authorisation requirements; reimbursement tariffs; quality and safety standards and monitoring.

Moreover, the Commission supports the creation of a pilot network of hospitals in different Member States looking at payment of care for cross-border patients. In this context, hospitals will exchange information on administrative issues related to payment of care for cross-border patients, including issues related to determination of tariffs and delays in reimbursement to the hospitals. The pilot will also set up a system to receive feedback from patients on their experience related to reimbursement of their own costs for cross-border care; compare Diagnosis-Related Group (269)-based tariffs for a list of common types of surgery; and propose conclusions on general cost levels between Member States and discrepancies between relative cost levels. This pilot network is planned to start its work in the first half of 2012.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-003521/12

an die Kommission

Andreas Mölzer (NI)

(2. April 2012)

Betrifft: SWIFT-Abkommen — Datenmissbrauch kaum verhinderbar

Die politische Kontrolle des SWIFT-Abkommens wird seitens des deutschen Bundesbeauftragten für Datenschutz als völlig unzureichend bezeichnet. Ein Prüfbericht offenbart, dass der Schutz vor Missbrauch in Zusammenhang mit der Weitergabe von Bankdaten an US‐Behörden kaum möglich ist. Europol hat die Aufgabe, Anfragen der US‐Behörden im Rahmen des Bankdatenabkommens zu prüfen. So soll ein nicht eingegrenzter Massentransfer von Daten verhindert werden. In dem öffentlich zugänglichen Teil des weitgehend geheim gehaltenen Prüfberichts heißt es nun aber, es gebe Hinweise darauf, dass es nicht möglich sei, alle Schutzmaßnahmen zu erfüllen.

| 1. | Wie steht die Kommission zu diesem Problem? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Wie steht die Kommission zu diesem Problem?

| 2. | Sind weitere Nachbesserungen geplant, um den Datenschutz im Rahmen des SWIFT-Abkommens zu verbessern? |
| --- | --- |

2.

Sind weitere Nachbesserungen geplant, um den Datenschutz im Rahmen des SWIFT-Abkommens zu verbessern?

| 3. | Falls ja: welche? |
| --- | --- |

3.

Falls ja: welche?

| 4. | Falls nein: warum nicht? |
| --- | --- |

4.

Falls nein: warum nicht?

Antwort von Frau Malmström im Namen der Kommission

(28. Mai 2012)

Der Europäischen Kommission sind weder der vom Herrn Abgeordneten erwähnte Prüfbericht noch die darin enthaltene Aussage bekannt.

Was jedoch allgemein die Rolle von Europol im Rahmen des TFTP-Abkommens zwischen der EU und den Vereinigten Staaten betrifft, sei auf Folgendes hingewiesen: Gemäß dem Beschluss des Rates vom 6. April 2009 zur Errichtung von Europol hat die unabhängige gemeinsame Kontrollinstanz (GKI) die Tätigkeiten von Europol regelmäßig zu überprüfen, um sicherzustellen, dass die Rechte des Einzelnen nicht durch die Speicherung, Verarbeitung und Nutzung der von Europol erfassten Daten verletzt werden.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003521/12

to the Commission

Andreas Mölzer (NI)

(2 April 2012)

Subject: SWIFT Agreement — data abuse almost unpreventable

Germany’s Federal Privacy Commissioner has stated that the political controls provided for in the SWIFT Agreement are completely inadequate. A test report reveals that it is almost impossible to prevent abuse in connection with the sharing of banking data with US authorities. Europol is tasked with checking requests from the US authorities in the context of the banking data agreement. This is intended to prevent the unrestricted mass transfer of data. However, the publicly accessible part of the largely secret test report seems to indicate that it is not possible to fulfil all security measures.

| 1. | What is the Commission’s view of this problem? |
| --- | --- |

1.

What is the Commission’s view of this problem?

| 2. | Are further improvements planned aimed at enhancing data protection under the SWIFT Agreement? |
| --- | --- |

2.

Are further improvements planned aimed at enhancing data protection under the SWIFT Agreement?

| 3. | If so, what are they? |
| --- | --- |

3.

If so, what are they?

| 4. | If not, why not? |
| --- | --- |

4.

If not, why not?

Answer given by Ms Malmström on behalf of the Commission

(28 May 2012)

The European Commission is not aware of the statement nor the test the Honourable Member is referring to.

However, more generally on Europol's role under the EU‐US TFTP agreement, it is worth recalling that, pursuant to the Council Decision of 6 April 2009 establishing Europol, the independent Joint Supervisory Body (JSB) has the task to regularly review the activities of Europol in order to ensure that the rights of individuals are not violated by the storage, processing and use of the data held by Europol.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-003522/12

an die Kommission (Vizepräsidentin / Hohe Vertreterin)

Andreas Mölzer (NI)

(2. April 2012)

Betrifft: VP/HR — Ägypten erklärt Israel zum Staatsfeind

Ägypten erklärt Israel zu seinem Feind Nummer eins und will all seine Beziehungen und Abkommen mit Tel Aviv überarbeiten. Die Abgeordneten des neu gewählten Parlaments in Kairo drückten auf diese Art ihren Protest gegen die israelischen Angriffe auf Gaza aus und stimmten zudem für die Ausweisung des israelischen Botschafters und für den Stopp von Gasexporten.

Die Abstimmung gilt als weitgehend symbolisch, da nur der herrschende Militärrat als derzeitige Regierung solche Entscheidungen treffen kann. Die Beschlüsse sind jedoch ein Vorgeschmack darauf, was aus Ägypten zu erwarten ist, wenn das Militär die Macht an eine gewählte Regierung übergibt, wie dies derzeit vor allem die USA mit Nachdruck fordern.

Wie ist die Reaktion der Hohen Vertreterin auf diese Zuspitzung der Lage?

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

(19. Juni 2012)

Der Hohen Vertreterin/Vizepräsidentin Ashton ist der Beschluss der ägyptischen Volksversammlung vom 12. März 2012 bekannt. Da für den Abzug und/oder die Ausweisung von Botschaftern und die Beendigung internationaler Kontakte die Exekutive der Regierung zuständig ist, hat dieser Beschluss allerdings keine unmittelbare Auswirkung auf die Beziehungen Ägyptens mit Israel.

Der Oberste Rat der Streitkräfte hat zugesichert, dass alle bestehenden internationalen Abkommen einschließlich des Friedensvertrags mit Israel eingehalten werden. Wir werden auch weiterhin an die demokratisch neugewählte Regierung appellieren, an diesem Grundsatz festzuhalten. Die gegenwärtige ägyptische Regierung ist dem Friedensprozess weiterhin verpflichtet und hat beim Abschluss eines palästinensischen Versöhnungsabkommens am 4. Mai 2011 in Kairo eine maßgebliche Rolle gespielt. Wir vertrauen darauf, dass Ägypten nach wie vor bewusst ist, dass es zu den größten Gewinnern einer friedlichen Beilegung des Konflikts zwischen Israel und den Palästinensern gehören würde.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003522/12

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Andreas Mölzer (NI)

(2 April 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — Egypt declares Israel an enemy of the state

Egypt has declared Israel its public enemy number one and intends to revise all of its relations and agreements with Tel Aviv. This was how the Members of the newly elected Parliament in Cairo voiced their protest against the Israeli attacks on Gaza, also voting to expel the Israeli Ambassador and halt gas exports.

The vote is seen as largely symbolic in nature, as such decisions can only be taken by the ruling Military Council, as the current government. However, these resolutions offer a foretaste of what can be expected from Egypt once the military hand over power to an elected government, something that is being urgently demanded by the US.

What is the response of the High Representative to this deterioration in the situation?

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

(19 June 2012)

High Representative/Vice-President Ashton is aware of the People's Assembly's resolution of 12 March 2012. As the withdrawal and/or expulsion of ambassadors and the termination of international contracts are competences of the executive branch of government, this document does, however, not have any direct effect on Egypt's relations with Israel.

The Supreme Council of the Armed Forces has guaranteed that all international agreements previously concluded shall remain valid, including the Peace Treaty signed with Israel. We will continue to urge the new democratically elected authorities to stick to this principle. The current Egyptian authorities remain committed to the Peace Process and have played a major role in securing a Palestinian reconciliation agreement on 4 May 2011 in Cairo. We trust that Egypt still believes that it would be among the first benefiters of a peaceful settlement of the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-003523/12

προς την Επιτροπή

Nikos Chrysogelos (Verts/ALE)

(2 Απριλίου 2012)

Θέμα: Κίνδυνος εξαφάνισης του οικοσυστήματος των εκβολών του ποταμού Αχέροντα (Δίκτυο Natura 2000 — GR 2140001)

Στην περιοχή Βαθυπέδου Αμμουδιάς και Βαλανιδορράχης, στην Περιφέρεια Ηπείρου της Ελλάδας, προωθείται η κατασκευή ενός αποστραγγιστικού-αρδευτικού έργου έκτασης περίπου 7 000 στρεμμάτων που περιλαμβάνει σήραγγα 280 μ. και απειλεί το δέλτα του ποταμού Αχέροντα. Η περιοχή αυτή έχει ενταχθεί στο Δίκτυο NATURA 2000 (ως Τόπος Κοινοτικής Σημασίας, GR2140001), έχει θεσμοθετηθεί ως Περιοχή Προστασίας της Φύσης με Περιφερειακές Ζώνες και έχει χαρακτηριστεί ως περιοχή ΖΕΠ (GR2120008) λόγω της σημαντικότητάς της για τα πουλιά. Σε αυτή φωλιάζουν είδη πουλιών σημαντικά σε εθνικό και διεθνές επίπεδο, ενώ φιλοξενεί 11 ιθαγενή είδη ψαριών του γλυκού νερού, μερικά από αυτά εξαιρετικά σπάνια και αυστηρώς προστατευόμενα. Σύμφωνα με τις επιταγές της οδηγίας 2000/60/ΕΚ, πριν την κατασκευή ενός τέτοιου έργου σε μια οικολογικά ευαίσθητη περιοχή, πρέπει να έχει προηγηθεί ένα σχέδιο συνολικής διαχείρισης των υδάτων, που θα λαμβάνει υπόψη τις ανάγκες τόσο των ανθρώπινων κοινωνιών όσο και των οικοσυστημάτων. Επτά περιβαλλοντικές οργανώσεις καταγγέλλουν ότι οι περιβαλλοντικοί όροι δεν διασφαλίζουν ούτε την ακεραιότητα των ελάχιστων υγροτοπικών εκτάσεων που θα επιβιώσουν μετά την ολοκλήρωση των έργων αποξήρανσης, αλλά ούτε και την επιβίωση προστατευόμενων ειδών και σημαντικών βιοτόπων. Καταγγέλλουν επίσης, επιστημονικές ελλείψεις της ΜΠΕ (270) και νομικές πλημμέλειες τόσο της πράξης έγκρισης περιβαλλοντικών όρων, όσο και της γενικότερης διαδικασίας που ακολουθείται για την προώθηση του έργου (271).

Ερωτάται η Επιτροπή:

| Έχει ενημέρωση από τις ελληνικές αρχές για το συγκεκριμένο έργο; |
| --- |

Έχει ενημέρωση από τις ελληνικές αρχές για το συγκεκριμένο έργο;

| Θεωρεί πως η διεξαγωγή του είναι σύμφωνη με την ευρωπαϊκή νομοθεσία για τους οικοτόπους (92/43/ΕΟΚ), τα πουλιά (2009/147/ΕΚ) και τα νερά (2000/60/ΕΚ); Αν όχι, τι μέτρα προτίθεται να λάβει ώστε να αποτρέψει μη-αντιστρέψιμες περιβαλλοντικές βλάβες; |
| --- |

Θεωρεί πως η διεξαγωγή του είναι σύμφωνη με την ευρωπαϊκή νομοθεσία για τους οικοτόπους (92/43/ΕΟΚ), τα πουλιά (2009/147/ΕΚ) και τα νερά (2000/60/ΕΚ); Αν όχι, τι μέτρα προτίθεται να λάβει ώστε να αποτρέψει μη-αντιστρέψιμες περιβαλλοντικές βλάβες;

| Είναι πρόθυμη να συνεργαστεί με τις ελληνικές αρχές για την επεξεργασία εναλλακτικών σχεδίων που θα διασφαλίζουν την προστασία του φυσικού περιβάλλοντος και την κάλυψη των αναγκών των ανθρώπινων κοινωνιών; |
| --- |

Είναι πρόθυμη να συνεργαστεί με τις ελληνικές αρχές για την επεξεργασία εναλλακτικών σχεδίων που θα διασφαλίζουν την προστασία του φυσικού περιβάλλοντος και την κάλυψη των αναγκών των ανθρώπινων κοινωνιών;

Απάντηση του κ. Potočnik εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(29 Μαΐου 2012)

Το εν λόγω αποστραγγιστικό-αρδευτικό έργο πρέπει να υλοποιηθεί σύμφωνα με την ισχύουσα νομοθεσία της ΕΕ. Ειδικότερα, όσον αφορά τις πιθανές επιπτώσεις στην αξία διατήρησης της περιοχής του δέλτα και των εκβολών του ποταμού Αχέροντα που έχει ενταχθεί στο δίκτυο Natura 2000, η εκτίμηση επιπτώσεων και η αδειοδότηση του έργου πρέπει να τηρούν τις διατάξεις του άρθρου 6 της οδηγίας για τα ενδιαιτήματα (92/43/ΕΟΚ) (272). Επιπλέον, μια νέα μεταβολή των φυσικών χαρακτηριστικών των επιφανειακών υδάτινων συστημάτων που θα καταλήξει σε επιδείνωση της κατάστασης των επιφανειακών υδάτων μπορεί να επιτραπεί μόνον εφόσον πληρούνται οι απαιτήσεις του άρθρου 4 παράγραφοι 7 και 8 της οδηγίας-πλαισίου για τα ύδατα (2000/60/ΕΚ) (273). Επίσης, τα έργα αυτού του είδους πρέπει να περιλαμβάνονται στο σχετικό σχέδιο διαχείρισης λεκάνης απορροής ποταμού (ΣΔΛΑΠ). Η Ελλάδα αντιμετωπίζει σημαντικές καθυστερήσεις στην εφαρμογή της οδηγίας-πλαισίου για τα ύδατα και τα ελληνικά σχέδια διαχείρισης λεκάνης απορροής ποταμού δεν έχουν εγκριθεί ακόμη. Τον Απρίλιο του 2011 η Επιτροπή αποφάσισε να παραπέμψει την Ελλάδα στο Δικαστήριο για μη έγκαιρη υποβολή των σχεδίων διαχείρισης των λεκανών απορροής ποταμών. Η Επιτροπή θα ζητήσει πληροφορίες από τις ελληνικές αρχές, προκειμένου να εξακριβωθεί κατά πόσο έχουν τηρηθεί οι προαναφερόμενες διατάξεις της περιβαλλοντικής νομοθεσίας της ΕΕ.

Αποτελεί ευθύνη των ελληνικών αρμόδιων αρχών να σχεδιάζουν το έργο και να εξετάζουν τυχόν εναλλακτικές λύσεις κατά τρόπο που να διασφαλίζει την προστασία της περιοχής και την κάλυψη των κοινωνικοοικονομικών αναγκών.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003523/12

to the Commission

Nikos Chrysogelos (Verts/ALE)

(2 April 2012)

Subject: Risk of destruction of the river Acheron estuary ecosystem (Natura 2000 network — GR 2140001)

In the Vathipedo Ammoudias and Valanidorrachi area in the Epirus region of Greece, the construction of a drainage-irrigation project over some 700 hectares including a 280 m tunnel is going ahead, threatening the Acheron river delta. This area has been included in the NATURA 2 000 network (as a site of Community importance, GR2140001); it has been established as a Natural Protected Area with Regional Zones and classified as an SPA (GR2120008) due to its importance as a bird habitat. Important national and international bird species nest in this area, and it is home to 11 types of native freshwater fish, some of which are particularly rare and strictly protected. In accordance with the provisions of Directive 2000/60/EC, before the construction of such a project in an ecologically sensitive region, a global water management plan must have been drawn up, taking into account the needs of human society as well as the needs of the ecosystems. Seven environmental organisations claim that the environmental conditions will not ensure the integrity of the scarce wetlands remaining after the completion of the drainage project or the survival of the protected species and important habitats. They also blame the scientific shortcomings of environmental impact studies and legal errors in approving environmental terms as well as the general procedure followed in promoting the project.

In view of the above, will the Commission say:

| Have the Greek authorities notified it of this particular project? |
| --- |

Have the Greek authorities notified it of this particular project?

| Does it believe it is being carried out in accordance with EU legislation on natural habitats (92/43/EEC), birds (2009/147/EC) and water (2000/60/EC)? If not, what measures does it intend to take in order to prevent irreversible environmental damage? |
| --- |

Does it believe it is being carried out in accordance with EU legislation on natural habitats (92/43/EEC), birds (2009/147/EC) and water (2000/60/EC)? If not, what measures does it intend to take in order to prevent irreversible environmental damage?

| Is it prepared to work in cooperation with the Greek authorities to draw up alternative plans that will ensure the protection of the natural environment and meet the needs of the human population? |
| --- |

Is it prepared to work in cooperation with the Greek authorities to draw up alternative plans that will ensure the protection of the natural environment and meet the needs of the human population?

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(29 May 2012)

The drainage-irrigation project in question must be implemented in accordance with applicable EU legislation. In particular, as regards any impacts on the conservation values of the Natura 2000 area of the Acheron delta and estuary, the assessment and authorisation of the project have to comply with the provisions of Article 6 of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC (274). Furthermore, a new modification to the physical characteristics of surface water bodies that will result in a deterioration of the status of the surface water bodies would only be allowed if the requirements under Article 4(7) and 4(8) of the Water Framework Directive (WFD) 2000/60/EC (275) are met. This kind of project should also be included in the relevant River Basin Management Plan. Greece is facing significant delays in the implementation of the WFD and the Greek river basin management plans have not been adopted yet. In April 2011 the Commission decided to take Greece to Court for failing to submit its river basin management plans in due time. The Commission will seek information from the Greek authorities in order to verify whether the aforementioned provisions of EU environmental legislation have been complied with.

It is the responsibility of the Greek competent authorities to plan the project and any alternatives in a way to ensure the protection of the area and to meet socioeconomic needs.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-003524/12

προς την Επιτροπή

Nikolaos Chountis (GUE/NGL)

(2 Απριλίου 2012)

Θέμα: Συμμετοχή ελληνικών ασφαλιστικών ταμείων και άλλων φορέων του δημοσίου στο PSI

Σύμφωνα με τα ισχύοντα στην Ελλάδα, τα αποθεματικά των Νομικών Προσώπων Δημοσίου Δικαίου (ΝΠΔΔ) (ιδίως Νοσοκομεία και Πανεπιστήμια), αλλά και των Ασφαλιστικών Φορέων (ΑΦ), που δημιουργούνται από τις ασφαλιστικές εισφορές των εργαζομένων, τοποθετούνται υποχρεωτικά σε λογαριασμό της Τράπεζας της Ελλάδας (ΤτΕ), η οποία αμείβεται προκειμένου να έχει την ευθύνη διαχείρισης των αποθεματικών. Με το ξέσπασμα της κρίσης χρέους στην ευρωζώνη και τον αποκλεισμό της Ελλάδας από τις διεθνείς χρηματαγορές, η ΤτΕ, αγόρασε, σε μεγάλες ποσότητες, ελληνικά κρατικά ομόλογα, χρησιμοποιώντας και τα κεφάλαια που ανήκουν στα ΝΠΔΔ και τους ΑΦ, με τον ισχυρισμό ότι η ελληνική νομοθεσία την υποχρεώνει να τοποθετεί τα κεφαλαιακά διαθέσιμά τους σε κρατικά ομόλογα ελληνικού δημοσίου. Ως αποτέλεσμα αυτής της διαδικασίας, πολλά ΝΠΔΔ και ΑΦ βρίσκονται σε δραματική οικονομική θέση, αφού τα αποθεματικά επενδύθηκαν, χωρίς τη σύμφωνη γνώμη τους και χωρίς να ενημερωθούν, από την ΤτΕ, σε ελληνικά κρατικά ομόλογα, και μάλιστα σε χρονική στιγμή που υπήρχε σοβαρός κίνδυνος ₫κουρέματος₻, με αποτέλεσμα να έχει χαθεί το μεγαλύτερο μέρος της αξίας τους, λόγω της συμμετοχής αυτών των ομολόγων στη διαδικασία PSI.

Με δεδομένα τα παραπάνω, ερωτάται η Επιτροπή:

Γνωρίζει το ύψος των απωλειών των ασφαλιστικών ταμείων και των ΝΠΔΔ, μετά την ολοκλήρωση του PSI, ανά ασφαλιστικό ταμείο και νομικό πρόσωπο;

Με δεδομένο ότι κάθε φυσικό ή νομικό πρόσωπο δικαιούται να είναι σεβαστή η περιουσία του, θεωρεί νόμιμη την ύπαρξη αναγκαστικού νόμου στα κράτη μέλη που με καθολικό τρόπο υποχρεώνει την τοποθέτηση των αποθεματικών κεφαλαίων των ΝΠΔΔ και των ΑΦ μόνο στις κεντρικές τράπεζες και μόνο σε συγκεκριμένους επενδυτικούς τίτλους; Υπό ποιες προϋποθέσεις αυτό συνιστά καταχρηστική συμπεριφορά του δημοσίου ή φορέων του, σε βάρος της περιουσίας νομικών προσώπων αυτού του χαρακτήρα;

Θεωρεί ότι οι αγορές ομολόγων που πραγματοποίησε η ΤτΕ τη συγκεκριμένη κρίσιμη περίοδο, χωρίς να ενημερώσει τις Διοικήσεις των ΝΠΔΔ και των ΑΦ, αποτελούν ₫συνετή διαχείριση₻; Προστάτευσε τα συμφέροντα των υπό διαχείριση φορέων, όπως όφειλε;

Απάντηση του κ. Rehn εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(1 Αυγούστου 2012)

Σύμφωνα με τα στοιχεία που παρέχονται από την Τράπεζα της Ελλάδας κατά την έναρξη της ανταλλαγής χρέους τα ταμεία κοινωνικής ασφάλισης είχαν στην κατοχή τους ομόλογα ύψους 22 δισ. ευρώ. Οι εν λόγω συμμετοχές παρέμειναν ιδιαίτερα σταθερές από την έναρξη του προγράμματος καθ' όλη τη διάρκεια του 2010 (στα 26 δισ. ευρώ περίπου) και άρχισαν να υποχωρούν από τις αρχές του 2011. Η Επιτροπή δεν έχει στη διάθεσή της στοιχεία για τα επιμέρους ομόλογα. Μπορεί ευλόγως να υποτεθεί ότι το μεγαλύτερο μέρος αναφέρεται σε ομόλογα που εκδίδονται βάσει της ελληνικής νομοθεσίας τα οποία ανταλλάσσονται σύμφωνα με τους όρους της ανταλλαγής χρέους. Η χρηματοδότηση του προγράμματος για το 2012-14 δέχεται ότι, ως αποτέλεσμα των ζημιών ανταλλαγής χρέους για τα ταμεία κοινωνικής ασφάλισης, το κράτος ενδέχεται να απαιτηθεί αύξηση της ετήσιας επιχορήγησης των ταμείων κοινωνικής ασφάλισης εκ μέρους του κράτους.

Όσον αφορά τη θεσμοθετημένη απαίτηση ενός κράτους μέλους για τοποθέτηση των αποθεματικών των νομικών προσώπων δημοσίου δικαίου και των ασφαλιστικών φορέων αποκλειστικά στις κεντρικές τράπεζες και μόνο σε συγκεκριμένους τίτλους επένδυσης, η Επιτροπή υπενθυμίζει ότι, σύμφωνα με το άρθρο. 51 παράγραφος 1 του Χάρτη των Θεμελιωδών Δικαιωμάτων, οι διατάξεις της, συμπεριλαμβανομένου του άρθρου 17, που προστατεύει το δικαίωμα της ιδιοκτησίας, απευθύνονται στα κράτη μέλη μόνο εφόσον εφαρμόζουν το ενωσιακό δίκαιο. Με βάση τις πληροφορίες που παρέχει το Αξιότιμο Μέλος του Κοινοβουλίου, δεν προκύπτει ότι, ως προς αυτή τη νομική υποχρέωση, το εν λόγω κράτος μέλος ενήργησε στο πλαίσιο της εφαρμογής του δικαίου της ΕΕ. Συνεπώς, όσον αφορά θέματα που δεν εμπίπτουν στην εφαρμογή του δικαίου της ΕΕ, εναπόκειται στα κράτη μέλη και μόνο να εξασφαλίζουν ότι τηρούνται οι υποχρεώσεις τους σχετικά με τα θεμελιώδη δικαιώματα, όπως απορρέουν από διεθνείς συμφωνίες και από την εσωτερική νομοθεσία τους. Ως εκ τούτου, η Επιτροπή δεν είναι σε θέση να σχολιάσει περαιτέρω αυτά τα ερωτήματα.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003524/12

to the Commission

Nikolaos Chountis (GUE/NGL)

(2 April 2012)

Subject: Involvement of Greek social security funds and other public sector bodies in PSI

In accordance with practices in Greece, the reserves of Legal Persons Governed by Public Law — specifically hospitals and universities — but also Insurance Bodies created by employee insurance contributions must be deposited in a bank account in the Bank of Greece, which is paid for assuming the responsibility of managing them. When the sovereign debt crisis broke in the eurozone and Greece was excluded from the international money markets, the Bank of Greece bought large quantities of government bonds, using capital belonging to Legal Persons Governed by Public Law and Insurance Bodies, maintaining that Greek legislation required it to deposit their disposable capital in government bonds. As a result, many Legal Persons Governed by Public Law and Insurance Bodies are now in dire financial straits because, without their consent and without their being informed, their reserves were invested by the Bank of Greece in Greek Government bonds, and this at a time when there was a serious risk of a ‘haircut’. As a result, most of their value has been wiped out because of the fact that these bonds have been included in private sector involvement (PSI). In view of the above, will the Commission say:

Does it know the scale of the losses incurred by Legal Persons Governed by Public Law and Insurance Bodies, per insurance fund and legal person, after the completion of the PSI?

Given that every natural or legal person is entitled to the peaceful enjoyment of his possessions, does it regard it as admissible for there to be an all-embracing statutory requirement in a Member State for the reserves of Legal Persons Governed by Public Law and Insurance Bodies to be placed solely in central banks and solely in specific investment securities? Under what circumstances does this constitute inadmissable conduct on the part of the government or government bodies at the expense of such legal persons?

Does it consider that the bond purchases made by the Bank of Greece at this specific, critical juncture, without advising the administrations of the Legal Persons Governed by Public Law and Insurance Bodies, constitute ‘sound management’? Did it protect the interests of these bodies as it should have?

Answer given by Mr Rehn on behalf of the Commission

(1 August 2012)

According to the data provided by the Bank of Greece, EUR 22 billion of bonds were held by social security funds at the launch of the debt exchange. These holdings have been rather stable from the inception of the programme throughout 2010 (at around EUR 26 billion) and started to decline from early 2011. The Commission does not have data on individual bond holdings. It is fair to assume that the largest part referred to bonds issued under Greek law which were exchanged under the terms of the debt exchange. The programme financing for 2012-14 assumes that, as a result of the debt exchange losses for the social security funds, there may be a need for the state to increase the annual subsidy to social security funds.

Regarding the statutory requirement in a Member State for the reserves of Legal Persons Governed by Public Law and Insurance Bodies to be placed solely in central banks and solely in specific investment securities, the Commission would recall that according to Art. 51(1) of the Charter of Fundamental Rights, its provisions, including Article 17 which protects the right to property, are addressed to the Member States only when they are implementing Union law. On the basis of the information provided by the Honourable Member, it does not appear that in providing for such a statutory requirement, the Member State concerned did act in the course of implementation of EC law. In matters falling outside the implementation of EC law it is thus for Member States alone to ensure that their obligations regarding fundamental rights — as resulting from international agreements and from their internal legislation — are respected. Therefore, the Commission is not in a position to comment further on these questions.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003526/12

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Michael Cashman (S&D) and Arlene McCarthy (S&D)

(2 April 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — Death penalty in India

Although India has had a moratorium on the death penalty, with the last execution taking place in 2004, at least 50 death sentences are handed down by the Indian courts each year. With Bhai Balwant Singh Rojana scheduled to be hanged on 31 March 2012, this shows that the Indian authorities are prepared to break the moratorium and reverse the trend towards the abolition of the death penalty.

— Can the European External Action Service please state what political pressure it has exerted, or will exert, on the Indian Government to help prisoners who are sentenced to death?

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

(11 June 2012)

The execution of Balwant Singh, previously scheduled for 31st March, was put on hold pending a decision on the mercy plea presented on his behalf to the President of India by the Chief Minister of Punjab.

The European External Action Service (EEAS) has been active in ensuring that the EU's position on the death penalty is well known to the Indian Government. This has been done through exchanges that take place in the local annual EU‐India Human Rights Dialogue, through formal demarches made with the Government on the subject, and through exchanges at the highest level.

Formal representations on the subject have most recently been made following the announcement of the death penalty in the case of Balwant Singh.

During these exchanges the EU has expressed its concerns over the possible resumption of executions in India. While it is hoped that the de facto moratorium on the death penalty that has been in place since 2004 will be continued, this moratorium should in the EU view constitute a step forward towards the total abolition of the death penalty in the country.

(Dansk udgave)

Forespørgsel til skriftlig besvarelse E-003527/12

til Kommissionen

Morten Løkkegaard (ALDE)

(2. april 2012)

Om: Offentlige indkøb og adgang til tredjelande — lokale indkøbsmyndigheder

I artikel 6 i Kommissionens forslag om regulering af adgangen for varer og tjenesteydelser fra tredjelande til EU's indre marked for offentlige indkøb af 21. marts 2012 (KOM(2012)0124) anføres det, at ordregivende myndigheder har ret til at udelukke bud vedrørende ikkeomfattede varer og tjenesteydelser, hvis værdi overstiger 50 % af buddets samlede værdi, og at dette skal godkendes af Kommissionen.

— Vil Kommissionen udarbejde en liste over de ikkeomfattede varer og tjenesteydelser? På hvilket grundlag konkluderede Kommissionen, at det anslåede antal kontrakter omfattet af udelukkelsen i henhold til denne artikel vil være ca. 35‐40?

— Kan Kommissionen angive, om den mener, at denne artikel kan være en hindring for eller forstyrre andre EU‐handelsforhandlinger (om frihandelsaftaler osv.) med vigtige partnere? Vil der f.eks. ikke, hvis beslutningen om at udelukke et tredjeland fra et udbud overlades til en lokal indkøbsmyndighed — på decentraliseret plan — være en risiko og mulighed for, at en sådan beslutning kan være en hindring for og/eller ødelægge andre handelsforhandlinger (f.eks. om frihandelsaftaler) med det pågældende land?

Svar afgivet på Kommissionens vegne af Michel Barnier

(29. maj 2012)

Det fremgår af de internationale aftaler, som EU har undertegnet, om tredjelandes varer og/eller tjenesteydelser er omfattet eller ej. Kommissionens forslag vedrører de relevante aftaler. Kommissionen vil udarbejde detaljerede retningslinjer for indholdet af disse markedsadgangsforpligtelser og om anvendelse af oprindelsesreglerne. Denne vejledning vil blive ajourført regelmæssigt og indeholde letanvendelige oplysninger for de ordregivende myndigheder og erhvervslivet.

Ud fra en række forskellige forhold har Kommissionen foretaget et skøn over de ordregivende myndigheders anvendelse af muligheden for at udelukke bud. For det første vil kun omkring 7 % af det samlede antal kontrakter blive påvirket på grund af tærskelværdien på 5 mio. EUR. Disse 7 % af kontrakterne udgør dog en værdi på omkring 61 % af den samlede værdi af alle kontrakter. Da der for det andet er en forholdsvis begrænset grænseoverskridende handel inden for offentlige indkøb, omfatter mange tilbud ikke ikkeomfattede varer og/eller tjenesteydelser, hvis værdi overstiger 50 % af den samlede værdi af tilbuddet. Endelig forventes det ikke, at alle ordregivende myndigheder vil gøre brug af denne mulighed. På grundlag heraf skønner Kommissionen, at den modtager ca. 35‐40 underretninger om året.

Forslaget indeholder en generel regel om åbenhed på EU's udbudsmarked. Men uden en aftale om markedsadgang er vore handelspartnere ikke garanteret adgang til EU's offentlige indkøb. Deres tilbud kan udelukkes fra udbudsprocedurer, hvilket inciterer tredjelande til at forhandle om markedsadgang. Kommissionen kan dog for at undgå, at igangværende forhandlinger med handelspartnere forsinkes eller afbrydes, vedtage en gennemførelsesretsakt om, at tilbud fra et tredjeland ikke bør udelukkes fra procedurerne for tildeling af kontrakter i en periode på et år (artikel 6, stk. 8).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003527/12

to the Commission

Morten Løkkegaard (ALDE)

(2 April 2012)

Subject: Public procurement and access to third countries — local procurement entities

Article 6 of the Commission’s proposal for a regulation on the access of third-country goods and services to the European Union’s internal market in public procurement of 21 March 2012 (COM(2012)0124) states that contracting entities will have the right to exclude tenders comprising non-covered goods and services whose value exceeds 50% of the total value of the tender, subject to the approval of the Commission.

— Will the Commission be drawing up a list of the non-covered goods and services? On what basis did the Commission conclude that the estimated number of contracts subject to exclusion under this Article would be around 35-40?

— Could the Commission state whether, in its view, this Article might hinder or disrupt other EU trade negotiations (on free trade agreements, etc.) with important partners? For example, when the decision to exclude a third country from a tender is left to the local procurement entity — at a decentralised level — will there not then be a risk and a possibility that such a decision might hinder and/or damage other trade negotiations (e.g. on free trade agreements) with the country in question?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(29 May 2012)

The international agreements entered into by the EU define whether third countries' goods and/or services are covered or not. The Commission proposal refers to the relevant agreements. The Commission will draw up detailed guidance on the content of these market access commitments and on the application of the rules of origin. This guidance will be updated on a regular basis and provide easy to use information for contracting authorities and economic operators.

The Commission's estimation of the use by contracting authorities of the option to exclude tenders is based on a number of elements. First, due to the threshold of EUR 5 million approximately only 7% of the total number of contracts would be affected. This 7% of the contracts covers however in value some 61% of the total value of all contracts. Secondly, since there is a relatively limited cross-border trade in public procurement, many tenders do not comprise non-covered goods and/or services whose value exceeds 50% of the total value of the tender. Lastly, not all contracting authorities are expected to make use of this option. On the basis of these elements the Commission estimates receiving around 35-40 notifications a year.

The default rule of the proposal is openness of the EU procurement market. However, in the absence of an agreement giving market access, our trading partners have no guaranteed access to the EU's public procurement. Their tenders might be excluded from tender procedures, stimulating third countries to negotiate market access. However, to avoid the risk that ongoing negotiations with trading partners are hindered or disrupted, the Commission may adopt an implementing act providing that tenders from a third country should not be excluded from procedures for the award of contracts for a one year period (Art. 6 (8)).

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-003528/12

alla Commissione

Mara Bizzotto (EFD)

(2 aprile 2012)

Oggetto: Mutilazioni genitali femminili nella Marca trevigiana

La mutilazione genitale femminile é una pratica tipica di alcuni paesi del continente africano, fra cui Egitto, Sudan, Senegal, Burkina Faso e Somalia, pratica effettuata, a seconda delle tradizioni, su donne di età differenti (6 o 7 anni, ma si sono riscontrati casi anche su neonati). Tale pratica, oltre ad essere estremamente dolorosa, compromette gravemente la salute delle donne per tutta la durata della loro vita, con parti a rischio, gravi infezioni, rapporti sessuali dolorosi. In conseguenza dei flussi migratori, sia in Italia che in Veneto, vengono riscontrati sempre più casi di MFG: ultimo caso nella Marca trevigiana su una bimba di soli 4 mesi.

Questi interventi illegali sono posti in essere sul territorio italiano o portando le bambine nei paesi d'origine, evitando così la legislazione italiana.

Per contrastare il fenomeno, sono state poste in essere, grazie all'impulso dell'ULSS 9 di Treviso, campagne di sensibilizzazione e corsi di formazione ad hoc per il personale socio-sanitario delle stesse, personale che andrà a sostenere le donne colpite da queste mutilazioni.

Può dire la Commissione se è a conoscenza di questo fenomeno e del caso in questione? Considerando che tali pratiche violano evidentemente la Carta dei diritti dell'uomo, può dire la Commissione se sono stati avviati, con i paesi terzi che ne sono maggiormente imputati, negoziati tesi a scoraggiarle? Intende la Commissione istituire fondi per sostenere le realtà territoriali nei suoi Stati membri che pongono in essere politiche di sensibilizzazione e pratiche volte a formare il personale sanitario che, sul campo, deve sostenere e curare le donne vittime di queste aberranti pratiche?

Risposta data da Viviane Reding a nome della Commissione

(28 maggio 2012)

La Commissione non è a conoscenza dei casi segnalati dall’onorevole parlamentare.

La mutilazione genitale femminile è un'inammissibile violazione dei diritti fondamentali e la risposta politica della Commissione contro qualsiasi forma di violenza a danno delle donne, tra cui la mutilazione genitale femminile, è in tal senso inequivocabile.

La Commissione coglie inoltre l'occasione per segnalare all'onorevole parlamentare l'indagine sulle mutilazioni genitali femminili (276) attualmente condotta dall'Istituto europeo per l' uguaglianza di genere, i cui risultati sono attesi per la fine del 2012.

Il programma DAPHNE III finanzia la realizzazione di progetti transnazionali condotti da organizzazioni di base impegnate a prevenire pratiche di questo tipo.

La Commissione, che agisce peraltro sul versante della giustizia penale, ha proposto nello specifico una serie di norme sui diritti delle vittime di reato (277).

In politica esterna, la Commissione sostiene la promozione di normative nazionali migliori e di politiche più adeguate a tutela dei diritti delle donne, iniziative di potenziamento istituzionale rivolte ai funzionari pubblici e azioni di difesa e sensibilizzazione per il grande pubblico. Vengono inoltre finanziati progetti nei paesi più poveri, come l'innovativo progetto di educazione e sensibilizzazione condotto dall'Unione e dall'UNICEF che ha aiutato migliaia di famiglie in Egitto, Eritrea, Etiopia, Senegal e Sudan a cambiare atteggiamento.

Sulla base degli Orientamenti dell'UE sulle violenze contro le donne, il Servizio europeo per l’azione esterna (SEAE) sta mettendo a punto una campagna di sensibilizzazione per promuovere un impegno maggiore contro questa pratica, in particolare nel continente africano.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003528/12

to the Commission

Mara Bizzotto (EFD)

(2 April 2012)

Subject: Female genital mutilation in the province of Treviso

Female genital mutilation is a common practice in a number of African countries, including Egypt, Sudan, Senegal, Burkina Faso and Somalia. According to tradition it is carried out on girls when they reach the age of six or seven, but cases involving newborns have also been reported. In addition to being extremely painful, this practice seriously jeopardises women’s health throughout their lives, making childbirth even more dangerous, causing serious infections and making sexual intercourse painful. As a result of migratory flows, in Italy as a whole and in the Veneto region in particular reports of female genital mutilation have become increasingly common: the most recent case in the province of Treviso involved a baby aged only four months.

These illegal procedures are either carried out in Italy or the children in question are taken to their country of origin, so as to circumvent Italian law.

In an effort to tackle this phenomenon, a local health and welfare agency in Treviso (ULSS 9) has run awareness-raising campaigns and specific training courses for the social health workers who provide support for the women concerned.

Is the Commission aware of this phenomenon and of the specific case referred to above? Given that the practice of female genital mutilation is clearly at odds with the Charter of Fundamental Rights, has the Commission entered into negotiations with the third countries most closely involved with a view to discouraging it? Does the Commission intend to allocate funds to support local organisations in the Member States that implement awareness-raising measures and training courses for the healthcare professionals who have to provide on-the-ground support and treatment to the victims of these aberrant practices?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(28 May 2012)

The Commission is not aware of the specific cases reported by the Honourable Member.

Female genital mutilation constitutes an unacceptable violation of fundamental rights and the Commission is committed to a strong policy response to combat all forms of violence against women, including female genital mutilation.

The Commission also kindly refers the Honourable Member to the work of the European Institute for Gender Equality, who is currently carrying out a study to collect data on female genital mutilation. (278) Presentation of the outcome of this study can be expected at the end of 2012.

The Daphne III Programme provides financial support for the implementation of transnational projects to grass roots organisations working to prevent such practices.

The Commission is also taking measures in the criminal justice area and has notably put in place legislation on the rights of victims of crime (279).

In its external policy, the Commission supports advocacy for the improvement of national legislation and development of adequate national policies for the promotion of women’s rights. It supports capacity-building initiatives for government officials and advocacy and awareness-raising for all. Funds are given to several projects in the poorest countries, such as, an innovative EU and Unicef project that has helped through education and awareness raising thousands of families to change attitudes in Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Senegal and Sudan.

Furthermore, the European External Action Service (EEAS) is currently preparing a campaign, under the EU human rights guidelines on violence against women and girls, to draw attention to the need to step up efforts to eradicate this practice, particularly on the African continent.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-003530/12

alla Commissione

Barbara Matera (PPE)

(2 aprile 2012)

Oggetto: Rischi per il settore ittico come conseguenza della riforma della politica comune della pesca

Il regolamento (CE) n. 1967/2006 all'articolo 9, comma 3, in materia di pesca a strascico prescrive che, dal 1o luglio 2008, le reti da pesca saranno sostituite da reti a maglia quadrata da quaranta millimetri o, su richiesta debitamente motivata da parte del proprietario del peschereccio, da una rete a maglia romboidale da cinquanta millimetri. Tale disposizione appare inattuabile per la pesca a strascico di fondo, anche in considerazione della specificità della specie oggetto della cattura.

Inoltre, il sistema di sanzioni posto in essere dal regolamento (CE) n. 1224/2009 concorre in maniera decisiva ad aggravare la situazione di una categoria produttiva storicamente fondamentale per la vita di numerosi comuni costieri italiani, ed in particolare pugliesi, che già da tempo soffrono di una situazione di profonda crisi.

Tale situazione è altresì aggravata da un rincaro senza precedenti del prezzo del gasolio che si è attestato a livelli superiori rispetto alla media dei paesi dell'UE.

Alla luce di quanto stabilito si chiede alla Commissione:

| Vista la discussione riguardante la riforma della politica comune della pesca, non sarebbe opportuno considerare le posizioni delle imprese ittiche per una ridefinizione dei regolamenti, a cui si fa riferimento, al fine di tenere conto delle specificità locali? |
| --- |

Vista la discussione riguardante la riforma della politica comune della pesca, non sarebbe opportuno considerare le posizioni delle imprese ittiche per una ridefinizione dei regolamenti, a cui si fa riferimento, al fine di tenere conto delle specificità locali?

| Ha la Commissione facoltà di favorire nella regione Puglia (Italia) un allineamento del prezzo del gasolio al livello del prezzo medio applicato all'interno dei paesi pescherecci dell'Unione europea? |
| --- |

Ha la Commissione facoltà di favorire nella regione Puglia (Italia) un allineamento del prezzo del gasolio al livello del prezzo medio applicato all'interno dei paesi pescherecci dell'Unione europea?

Risposta di Maria Damanaki a nome della Commissione

(12 giugno 2012)

Le proposte per la riforma della politica comune della pesca (PCP) precisano, gli obiettivi principali, i principi e le norme relativi alla futura legislazione e alle misure nell’ambito della politica comune della pesca. Le proposte non sono volte a modificare regolamenti specifici, quali il regolamento n. 1967/2006, per quanto riguarda gli obblighi in materia di pesca a strascico, e il regolamento n. 1224/2009. Nell’ambito della riforma della PCP non è previsto nessun emendamento dei due regolamenti.

Uno degli obiettivi principali della riforma della PCP proposta consiste nel passare da norme prescrittive, fissate a livello centrale dall’alto verso il basso, a un approccio ₫regionalizzato₻ che tenga conto delle specificità della pesca nelle diverse regioni. Nell’ambito della PCP riformata sarà pertanto possibile riesaminare i regolamenti contenenti disposizioni di carattere tecnico che prescrivono le specifiche e l’uso degli attrezzi da pesca, permettendo in tal modo di adottare le opportune misure di conservazione, adeguate alle specificità regionali.

La Commissione non ha il potere di promuovere l’allineamento del prezzo del gasolio.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003530/12

to the Commission

Barbara Matera (PPE)

(2 April 2012)

Subject: Risks to the fishing sector as a result of the reform of the common fisheries policy

Article 9(3) of Regulation (EC) No 1967/2006, concerning trawl fishing, stipulates that, from 1 July 2008, fishing nets shall be replaced by forty-millimetre square-meshed nets or, at the duly justified request of the vessel owner, by fifty-millimetre diamond-meshed nets. This provision would appear to be impractical for bottom trawling, especially in consideration of the specific species of the catch.

Moreover, the system of penalties provided for under Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009 significantly aggravates the situation within a productive sector that is historically fundamental to the livelihood of numerous Italian coastal communities, particularly in the region of Apulia, which has for some time been in deep crisis.

This situation is further intensified by an unprecedented increase in the price of diesel, which has exceeded the EU average.

| 1. | Given the debates on the common fisheries policy reform, would it not be appropriate to consider the position of businesses in the fishing industry with a view to redefining the cited regulations so as to address local concerns? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Given the debates on the common fisheries policy reform, would it not be appropriate to consider the position of businesses in the fishing industry with a view to redefining the cited regulations so as to address local concerns?

| 2. | Is the Commission authorised to promote an alignment of the price of diesel in the Italian region of Apulia with the average price levels in fishing countries in the European Union? |
| --- | --- |

2.

Is the Commission authorised to promote an alignment of the price of diesel in the Italian region of Apulia with the average price levels in fishing countries in the European Union?

Answer given by Ms Damanaki on behalf of the Commission

(12 June 2012)

The proposals for the reform of the common fisheries policy (CFP) spell out the main objectives, principles and standards regarding the future legislation and measures in the field of the common fisheries policy. The proposals are not intended to amend specific Regulations such as Regulation 1967/2006 with regard to obligations for trawl fishing and Regulation 1224/2009. No amendments of either Regulation are foreseen under the reform of the CFP.

One of the main objectives of the proposed reform of the CFP is to move away from ‘top-down’, prescriptive rules setting at central level to a ‘regionalised’ approach taking account of the specificities of fisheries in different regions. Under the reformed CFP, it will therefore be possible to revise the technical measures regulations that detail the specifications and use of fishing gears, allowing for adapting conservation measures tailored to regional specificities.

The Commission has no authority to promote alignments of the price of diesel.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-003532/12

alla Commissione

Elisabetta Gardini (PPE)

(2 aprile 2012)

Oggetto: Importazione di cibo cinese

Recentemente in Italia sono state sequestrate 43 tonnellate di cibo cinese importate illegalmente.

Secondo quanto accertato, gli importatori, con una serie di traduzioni approssimative dal cinese all'inglese, erano riusciti a trasformare i prodotti surgelati in prodotti congelati.

Poiché questi prodotti sono ovviamente soggetti a normative diverse, è evidente che questa procedura totalmente illegale metteva a rischio la qualità della merce con conseguenti rischi per la salute degli eventuali consumatori.

In riferimento a quanto detto sopra, si chiede alla Commissione:

| se è a conoscenza di quanto è accaduto; |
| --- |

se è a conoscenza di quanto è accaduto;

| quali altri misure intende adottare per prevenire fenomeni analoghi e per tutelare i cittadini europei da rischi così gravi. |
| --- |

quali altri misure intende adottare per prevenire fenomeni analoghi e per tutelare i cittadini europei da rischi così gravi.

Risposta data da John Dalli a nome della Commissione

(7 maggio 2012)

| 1. | La Commissione intrattiene contatti regolari con le autorità italiane competenti su tale materia per il tramite del Sistema di allarme rapido per gli Alimenti e i mangimi (RASFF). |
| --- | --- |

1.

La Commissione intrattiene contatti regolari con le autorità italiane competenti su tale materia per il tramite del Sistema di allarme rapido per gli Alimenti e i mangimi (RASFF).

2.

| 2. | Per quanto concerne i controlli applicati ai prodotti alimentari importati nell'UE, l'articolo 11 del regolamento 178/2002 |
| --- | --- |

Per quanto concerne i controlli applicati ai prodotti alimentari importati nell'UE, l'articolo 11 del regolamento 178/2002

| 2. | Per quanto concerne i controlli applicati ai prodotti alimentari importati nell'UE, l'articolo 11 del regolamento 178/2002 |
| --- | --- |

2.

Per quanto concerne i controlli applicati ai prodotti alimentari importati nell'UE, l'articolo 11 del regolamento 178/2002

La Commissione verifica costantemente che gli Stati membri espletino i loro obblighi di controllo, anche tramite audit in loco effettuati dal suo servizio ispettivo, l'Ufficio alimentare e veterinario.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003532/12

to the Commission

Elisabetta Gardini (PPE)

(2 April 2012)

Subject: Food imported from China

Recently, 43 tonnes of illegally imported food from China were seized in Italy.

As far as can be ascertained, the importers, with the aid of several rough translations from Chinese into English, had managed to pass off deep-frozen goods as frozen goods.

Given that goods in these two categories are obviously subject to different regulations, it is clear that this utterly illegal procedure posed a risk in terms of product quality and hence to the health of potential consumers.

| 1. | Is the Commission aware of this incident? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Is the Commission aware of this incident?

| 2. | What measures will it take to prevent similar situations and protect European citizens from such serious risks? |
| --- | --- |

2.

What measures will it take to prevent similar situations and protect European citizens from such serious risks?

Answer given by Mr Dalli on behalf of the Commission

(7 May 2012)

| 1. | The Commission is in regular contact with the Italian competent authorities via the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) on this issue. |
| --- | --- |

1.

The Commission is in regular contact with the Italian competent authorities via the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) on this issue.

2.

| 2. | As regards the controls applied to food imported into the EU, Article 11 of Regulation 178/2002 |
| --- | --- |

As regards the controls applied to food imported into the EU, Article 11 of Regulation 178/2002

| 2. | As regards the controls applied to food imported into the EU, Article 11 of Regulation 178/2002 |
| --- | --- |

2.

As regards the controls applied to food imported into the EU, Article 11 of Regulation 178/2002

The Commission constantly monitors delivery by the Member States of their control duties, including through on-the-spot audits by its inspection service, the Food and Veterinary Office.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-003533/12

à Comissão

João Ferreira (GUE/NGL)

(2 de abril de 2012)

Assunto: Aumento das taxas aduaneiras sobre as importações de vinho no Brasil

As exportações de vinho português para o Brasil adquiriram, nos últimos anos, uma importância crescente. Para muitos produtores portugueses, a importância do mercado brasileiro é hoje reforçada pelas quebras no consumo interno, decorrentes da perda de poder de compra da esmagadora maioria da população em Portugal.

Segundo notícias recentemente divulgadas na comunicação social portuguesa, as autoridades brasileiras pretendem aumentar significativamente as taxas aduaneiras a aplicar sobre o vinho e outros produtos importados, com o objetivo de proteger a economia brasileira e, em especial, certos setores produtivos em desenvolvimento, como o setor vinícola.

Em face do exposto, solicito à Comissão que me informe sobre o seguinte:

| Tem conhecimento do aumento das taxas aduaneiras sobre as importações de vinho e de outros produtos (como o azeite) para o Brasil? Que avaliação faz do mesmo? |
| --- |

Tem conhecimento do aumento das taxas aduaneiras sobre as importações de vinho e de outros produtos (como o azeite) para o Brasil? Que avaliação faz do mesmo?

| Que medidas tomou ou vai tomar a Comissão para defender o setor vitivinícola português, assim como outras fileiras produtivas que poderão ser negativamente afetadas por este aumento de taxas, tendo em conta a situação difícil hoje vivida por muitas empresas? |
| --- |

Que medidas tomou ou vai tomar a Comissão para defender o setor vitivinícola português, assim como outras fileiras produtivas que poderão ser negativamente afetadas por este aumento de taxas, tendo em conta a situação difícil hoje vivida por muitas empresas?

Resposta dada por Dacian Cioloș em nome da Comissão

(15 de maio de 2012)

Por enquanto o Brasil não adotou nenhuma medida pautal que possa afetar negativamente a produção da UE e as exportações de vinho.

No entanto, a 15 de março de 2012, o Brasil encetou um estudo, ao nível da OMC, sobre as medidas de salvaguarda relativas às importações de vinho. O estudo vai prolongar‐se por cinco ou seis meses e o Brasil não impôs medidas temporárias durante esse período. A Comissão partilha inteiramente as preocupações do Senhor Deputado e agirá em conformidade.

Foram já tomadas medidas de caráter técnico e político. A Comissão enviou um ofício às autoridades brasileiras competentes, manifestando as preocupações da indústria vitivinícola da UE e recordando ao Brasil os compromissos assumidos no G20 no sentido de se evitarem medidas protecionistas do comércio.

A Comissão está a acompanhar todos os trâmites legais do procedimento encetado pelo Brasil e prepara uma apresentação que assegure total cumprimento das disposições da OMC durante a realização do estudo. Os Estados-Membros da UE e a indústria europeia agem em estreita cooperação nesta matéria.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003533/12

to the Commission

João Ferreira (GUE/NGL)

(2 April 2012)

Subject: Increased customs duties on wine imports to Brazil

In recent years, Portugal has been exporting increasingly significant quantities of wine to Brazil. For many Portuguese producers, the importance of the Brazilian market is currently being reinforced by declining domestic consumption, resulting from the reduced purchasing power of the overwhelming majority of the Portuguese population.

According to recent news items in the Portuguese media, the Brazilian authorities intend to significantly increase the customs duties to be applied to wine, with the goal of protecting the Brazilian economy and, in particular, certain productive sectors that are developing, such as the wine-producing sector.

In view of this, can the Commission state:

| Is it aware of the increased customs duties on imports of wine and other products (such as oil) to Brazil? What is its assessment thereof? |
| --- |

Is it aware of the increased customs duties on imports of wine and other products (such as oil) to Brazil? What is its assessment thereof?

| What measures did or will the Commission take to defend the Portuguese wine industry, as well as other productive sectors that could be negatively affected by this increase in duties, given the difficult situation currently being experienced by many companies? |
| --- |

What measures did or will the Commission take to defend the Portuguese wine industry, as well as other productive sectors that could be negatively affected by this increase in duties, given the difficult situation currently being experienced by many companies?

Answer given by Mr Cioloş on behalf of the Commission

(15 May 2012)

At this stage no tariff measure has been taken by Brazil that could adversely affect EU production and exports of wine.

Nevertheless, on 15 March 2012, Brazil launched a WTO investigation on safeguard measures on wine imports. The investigation will last for five to six months and no temporary measures have been imposed by Brazil during that period. The Commission fully shares the Honourable Member's concerns and will act accordingly.

Action has already been taken, both at the technical and political level. The Commission has sent a letter to the relevant Brazilian authorities echoing the concerns of the EU wine industry and reminding Brazil of the commitments jointly taken in the G20 to avoid taking trade protectionist measures.

The Commission is following all the legal steps of the procedure launched by Brazil and is preparing a submission in order to ensure full compliance with WTO requirements during the investigation. Close coordination with EU Member States and European industry is also taking place.

---

(1)   IP/11/585, http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/11/585&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en. Maggiori informazioni figurano nel sito web della Direzione generale Giustizia, http://ec.europa.eu/justice/criminal/victims/index_en.htm

(2)  Direttiva 2011/93/UE del Parlamento europeo e del Consiglio del 13 dicembre 2011, GU L 335 del 17.12.2011, pag. 1.

(3)  Direttiva 2011/36/UE del Parlamento europeo e del Consiglio del 5 aprile 2011, GU L 101 del 15.4.2011, pag. 1.

(4)  IP/11/585, http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/11/585&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

More information is also provided on the website of the Directorate-General for Justice, http://ec.europa.eu/justice/criminal/victims/index_en.htm.

(5)  Directive 2011/92/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 December 2011 on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography, OJ L 335, 17.12.2011, p. 1.

(6)  Directive 2011/36/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 April 2011 on preventing and combating trafficking in human beings and protecting its victims, OJ L 101, 15.4.2011, p. 1.

(7)  Disponível no seguinte sítio Web:

(http://www.europarl.europa.eu/QP-WEB/application/search.do).

(8)  Available at http://www.europarl.europa.eu/QP-WEB/application/search.do.

(9)  (http://topicos.jornaldenegocios.pt/Banco_Central_Europeu).

(10)  http://topicos.jornaldenegocios.pt/Banco_Central_Europeu.

(11)  Decisão de Execução do Conselho relativa à concessão de assistência financeira da União a Portugal (JO L 159 de 17.6.2011), com a redação que lhe foi dada pela Decisão de Execução do Conselho 2012/92/UE (JO L 46 de 17.2.2012).

(12)  Council Implementing Decision 2011/344/EU on granting Union financial assistance to Portugal (OJ L 159, 17.6.2011), then amended by Council Implementing Decision 2012/92/EU (OJ L 46, 17.2.2012).

(13)  Diretiva 95/46/CE do Parlamento Europeu e do Conselho, de 24 de outubro de 1995, relativa à proteção das pessoas singulares no que diz respeito ao tratamento de dados pessoais e à livre circulação desses dados, JO L 281 de 23.11.1995, p. 31. Artigo 3.°.

(14)  (http://www.cnpd.pt/index.asp).

(15)  (http://ec.europa.eu/justice/newsroom/data-protection/news/120125_en.htm).

(16)  Proposta da Comissão disponível em:

(http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=COM:2010:0517:FIN:PT:PDF).

(17)  Directive 95/46/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 October 1995 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data, OJ L 281, 23.11.1995, p. 31. Article 3.

(18)  http://www.cnpd.pt/index.asp.

(19)  http://ec.europa.eu/justice/newsroom/data-protection/news/120125_en.htm

(20)  Commission proposal available at: http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=COM:2010:0517:FIN:EN:PDF.

(21)  http://europa.eu/legislation_summaries/employment_and_social_policy/equality_between_men_and_women/em0037_fr.htm

(22)  http://europa.eu/legislation_summaries/employment_and_social_policy/equality_between_men_and_women/em0037_en.htm

(23)  http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/12/189&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en.

(24)  http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/12/189&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en.

(25)  Smernica Európskeho parlamentu a Rady 2009/28/ES z 23. apríla 2009 o podpore využívania energie z obnoviteľných zdrojov energie, Ú. v. EÚ L 140, 5.6.2009.

(26)  Directive 2009/28/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 April 2009 on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources, OJ L 140, 5.6.2009.

(27)  http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:52010DC0472:EN:NOT.

(28)  http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/policy/ecomm/radio_spectrum/eu_policy/rspp/index_en.htm

(29)  http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:52010DC0472:EN:NOT.

(30)  http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/policy/ecomm/radio_spectrum/eu_policy/rspp/index_en.htm

(31)  http://ec.europa.eu/justice/gender-equality/gender-pay-gap/index_sk.htm

(32)  http://ec.europa.eu/justice/gender-equality/document/index_en.htm#h2-7.

(33)  http://ec.europa.eu/justice/gender-equality/gender-pay-gap/index_en.htm

(34)  http://ec.europa.eu/justice/gender-equality/document/index_en.htm#h2-7.

(35)  Štúdiu uskutočňuje konzorcium zložené z Ipsos MORI, London School of Economics (Londýnska ekonomická škola) a AEA. Informácie o verejnom obstarávaní pozri see http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/energy/tenders/2011_en.htm

(36)  Smernica Európskeho parlamentu a Rady 2010/30/EÚ z 19. mája 2010 o udávaní spotreby energie a iných zdrojov energeticky významnými výrobkami na štítkoch a štandardných informáciách o výrobkoch, Ú. v. EÚ L 153, 18.6.2010.

(37)  The study is carried out by a consortium consisting of Ipsos MORI, London School of Economics and AEA. For the public procurement documents, see http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/energy/tenders/2011_en.htm

(38)  Directive 2010/30/EU of the Parliament and of the Council of 19 May 2010 on the indication by labelling and standard product information of the consumption of energy and other resources by energy-related products, OJ L 153, 18.6.2010.

(39)  KOM(2011) 818 v konečnom znení z 23. novembra 2011.

(40)   COM(2011) 818 final of 23 November 2011.

(41)  Smernica Európskeho parlamentu a Rady 2009/28/ES z 23. apríla 2009 o podpore využívania energie z obnoviteľných zdrojov energie, Ú. v. EÚ L 140, 5.6.2009.

(42)  Directive 2009/28/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 April 2009 on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources, OJ L 140, 5.6.2009.

(43)  http://www.europarl.europa.eu/QP-WEB.

(44)  http://www.europarl.europa.eu/QP-WEB.

(45)  Beispielsweise ist in den Artikeln 33 und 34 des spanischen Gleichstellungsgesetzes die Möglichkeit vorgesehen, bei der Vergabe öffentlicher Aufträge Aspekte der Geschlechtergleichstellung zu berücksichtigen.

(46)  Richtlinien 2004/17/EG und 2004/18/EG.

(47)  Nähere Angaben zu den Bedingungen für die Berücksichtigung sozialer Erwägungen bei öffentlichen Vergabeverfahren finden Sie in den Abschnitten „Erstellung der technischen Spezifikationen“, „Vergabekriterien“ und „Vertragserfüllungsklausen“ des Leitfadens „Sozialorientierte Beschaffung — Ein Leitfaden für die Berücksichtigung sozialer Belange im öffentlichen Beschaffungswesen“

http://ec.europa.eu/internal_market/publicprocurement/other_aspects/index_en.htm#social.

(48)  Insbesondere Nichtdiskriminierung, Gleichbehandlung und Transparenz.

(49)  For instance, Articles 33 and 34 of the Spanish Gender Equality Law provide the possibility of taking into account gender equality considerations in awarding public contracts.

(50)  Directives 2004/17/EC and 2004/18/EC.

(51)  For additional details on the conditions for taking into account social considerations in public procurement procedures, please see the sections ‘technical specifications’, ‘award criteria’ and ‘contract performance clauses’ of the Guide: ‘Buying social: A Guide to taking account of social considerations in public procurement’:

http://ec.europa.eu/internal_market/publicprocurement/other_aspects/index_en.htm#social.

(52)  In particular, non-discrimination, equal treatment and transparency.

(53)  COM(2010) 352 final du 30.6.2012.

(54)  Des informations plus complètes sur les autres initiatives en matière de tourisme peuvent être consultées sur le site web suivant: http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/sectors/tourism/index_fr.htm

(55)  http://www.europarl.europa.eu/QP-WEB.

(56)  Ces prestations comprennent le transport de personnes, l'entrée aux spectacles, concerts, théâtres, parcs d'attraction, musées, expositions et manifestations ou établissements culturels similaires, l'hébergement dans les hôtels et établissements similaires, ainsi que les services et de restauration.

(57)  COM(2010) 352 final of 30.06.2012.

(58)  More extensive information about other tourism initiatives can be found on the following website:

http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/sectors/tourism/index_en.htm.

(59)  http://www.europarl.europa.eu/QP-WEB.

(60)  These supplies include: transport of passengers; admission to shows, concerts, theatres, amusement parks, museums, exhibitions and similar cultural events and facilities; hotels and similar establishments accommodation and restaurant services.

(61)  http://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/publications/Publications/Forms/ECDC_DispForm.aspx?ID=767.

(62)  http://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/activities/surveillance/euvac/schedules/Pages/pneumococcal_schedule.aspx.

(63)  http://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/publications/Publications/Forms/ECDC_DispForm.aspx?ID=767.

(64)  http://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/activities/surveillance/euvac/schedules/Pages/pneumococcal_schedule.aspx.

(65)  http://www.europarl.europa.eu/QP-WEB/application/home.do?language=EN.

(66)  http://www.europarl.europa.eu/QP-WEB/application/home.do?language=EN.

(67)  www.euripides-europe.com.

(68)  www.euripides-europe.com.

(69)  Articoli 8 e 9 della convenzione di Basilea.

(70)   http://www.basel.int/Implementation/LegalMatters/CountryLedInitiative/OutcomeofCOP10/DevelopingguidelinesforESM/TechnicalExpertGroup/tabid/2670/Default.aspx.

(71)  GU L 190 del 12.7.2006; questo regolamento ha sostituito il regolamento (CEE) n. 259/93.

(72)  Cfr.: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?pubRef=-//EP//TEXT+TA+P7-TA-2012-0009+0+DOC+XML+V0//IT.

(73)  ₫Trarre il massimo beneficio dalle misure ambientali dell’UE: instaurare la fiducia migliorando le conoscenze e rafforzando la capacità di risposta₻, COM(2010)95 definitivo.

(74)  Articles 8 and 9 of the Basel Convention.

(75)  http://www.basel.int/Implementation/LegalMatters/CountryLedInitiative/OutcomeofCOP10/DevelopingguidelinesforESM/TechnicalExpertGroup/tabid/2670/Default.aspx.

(76)  OJ L 190, 12.7.2006; it has replaced Council Regulation (EEC) 259/93/EC.

(77)  See: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?pubRef=-//EP//TEXT+TA+P7-TA-2012-0009+0+DOC+XML+V0//EN.

(78)  ‘Improving the Delivery of Benefits from EU Environmental Measures: Building Confidence through Better Knowledge and Responsiveness’, COM(2012) 95 final.

(79)  http://www.europarl.europa.eu/QP-WEB/application/home.do?language=IT.

(80)  http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=SEC:2008:3004:FIN:EN:PDF.

(81)  http://www.europarl.europa.eu/QP-WEB/application/home.do?language=EN.

(82)  http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=SEC:2008:3004:FIN:EN:PDF.

(83)  http://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/publications/0803 SPR TB Action plan.pdf

(84)  http://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/publications/0803 SPR TB Action plan.pdf

(85)  www.genica.unige.ch.

(86)  www.genica.unige.ch.

(87)  COM(2011)571 definitivo.

(88)  COM(2011) 571 final.

(89)  Direttiva 2002/14/CE, GU L 80 del 23.3.2002, pagg. 29-34.

(90)  Direttiva 98/59/CE del Consiglio, GU L 225 del 12.8.1998, pagg. 16-21.

(91)  Direttiva 2009/38/CE, GU L 122 del 16.05.2009, pag. 28.

(92)  Directive 2002/14/EC, OJ L 80, 23.3.2002, p. 29‐34.

(93)  Council Directive 98/59/EC, OJ L 225, 12.8.1998, p. 16‐21.

(94)  Directive 2009/38/EC, OJ L 122, 16.5.2009, p. 28.

(95)  http://www.geenstijl.nl/archives/images/agentjohn.html

(96)  www.meldpuntmiddenenoosteuropeanen.nl.

(97)  http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=CRE&reference=20120313&secondRef=ITEM-012&language=NL.

(98)  http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?pubRef=-//EP//TEXT+TA+P7-TA-2012-0087+0+DOC+XML+V0//NL.

(99)  http://www.geenstijl.nl/archives/images/agentjohn.html

(100)  www.meldpuntmiddenenoosteuropeanen.nl.

(101)  http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=CRE&reference=20120313&secondRef=ITEM-012&language=EN.

(102)  http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?pubRef=-//EP//TEXT+TA+P7-TA-2012-0087+0+DOC+XML+V0//EN&language=EN.

(103)  (http://cordis.europa.eu/fp7/capacities/convergence-regions_en.html).

(104)  http://cordis.europa.eu/fp7/capacities/convergence-regions_en.html

(105)  Diretiva 2000/60/CE (JO L 327 de 22.12.2000).

(106)  Processos C-403/2011 e C-223/2011, respetivamente.

(107)  2000/60/EC, OJ L 327, 22.12.2000.

(108)  Cases C-403/2011 and C-223/2011 respectively.

(109)  Diretiva 2000/60/CE (JO L 327 de 22.12.2000).

(110)  2000/60/EC, OJ L 327, 22.12.2000.

(111)  SEC(2011)1206.

(112)  SEC(2011) 1206.

(113)  Zob. art. 5 kodeksu wizowego.

(114)  Zob. art. 34 ust. 1 kodeksu wizowego.

(115)  See Article 5 of the Visa Code.

(116)  Article 34 (1) of the Visa Code.

(117)  COM(2007)279 final.

(118)  Ver relatório intercalar em

(http://ec.europa.eu/health/nutrition_physical_activity/docs/implementation_report_en.pdf).

(119)  (http://ec.europa.eu/europe2020/reaching-the-goals/flagship-initiatives/index_en.htm).

(120)  COM(2009)567 final.

(121)  (http://ec.europa.eu/research/innovation-union/pdf/active-healthy-ageing/steering-group/implementation_plan.pdf#view=fit&pagemode=none).

(122)  COM(2007) 279 final.

(123)  Mid-term report at http://ec.europa.eu/health/nutrition_physical_activity/docs/implementation_report_en.pdf .

(124)  http://ec.europa.eu/europe2020/reaching-the-goals/flagship-initiatives/index_en.htm

(125)  COM(2009) 567 final.

(126)  http://ec.europa.eu/research/innovation-union/pdf/active-healthy-ageing/steering-group/implementation_plan.pdf#view=fit&pagemode=none.

(127)  (http://ec.europa.eu/research/bioeconomy/agriculture/projects/rootopower_en.htm).

(128)  (http://ec.europa.eu/research/bioeconomy/agriculture/projects/euroot_en.htm).

(129)  (http://ec.europa.eu/research/bioeconomy/agriculture/projects/abstress_en.htm).

(130)  (http://www.aeneas-a2m.eu/).

(131)  (http://ec.europa.eu/research/bioeconomy/agriculture/projects/adaptawheat_en.htm).

(132)  http://ec.europa.eu/research/bioeconomy/agriculture/projects/rootopower_en.htm

(133)  http://ec.europa.eu/research/bioeconomy/agriculture/projects/euroot_en.htm

(134)  http://ec.europa.eu/research/bioeconomy/agriculture/projects/abstress_en.htm

(135)  http://www.aeneas-a2m.eu/.

(136)  http://ec.europa.eu/research/bioeconomy/agriculture/projects/adaptawheat_en.htm

(137)  (http://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/publications/Publications/1111_SUR_Annual_Epidemiological_Report_on_Communicable_Diseases_in_Europe.pdf).

(138)  (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:C:2009:151:0001:0006:EN:PDF).

(139)  http://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/publications/Publications/1111_SUR_Annual_Epidemiological_Report_on_Communicable_Diseases_in_Europe.pdf

(140)  http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:C:2009:151:0001:0006:EN:PDF.

(141)  Regulamento (UE) n.° 492/2011 do Parlamento Europeu e do Conselho, de 5 de abril 2011, relativo à livre circulação dos trabalhadores na União, JO L 141 de 27.5. 2011, p. 1.

(142)  COM(2012)131 final de 21 de março de 2012.

(143)  Regulation (EU) No of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 April 2011 on freedom of movement for workers within the Union, OJ L 141, 27.5. 2011, p. 1.

(144)  COM(2012) 131 final of 21 March 2012.

(145)  Livro Branco ₫Uma agenda para pensões adequadas, seguras e sustentáveis₻ Bruxelas, 16.2.2012 COM(2012) 55 final disponível em

(http://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?langId=en&catId=89&newsId=1194&furtherNews=yes).

(146)  Disponível em:

(http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/cache/ITY_OFFPUB/KS-EP-11-001/EN/KS-EP-11-001-EN.PDF).

(147)  (http://ec.europa.eu/research/innovation-union/index_en.cfm?section=active-healthy-ageing).

(148)  Disponível em:

(http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/archives/ebs/ebs_378_en.pdf).

(149)  White Paper ‘An Agenda for Adequate, Safe and Sustainable Pensions’, Brussels, 16.2.2012, COM(2012) 55 final available at http://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?langId=en&catId=89&newsId=1194&furtherNews=yes.

(150)  Available at: http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/cache/ITY_OFFPUB/KS-EP‐11-001/EN/KS-EP‐11-001-EN.PDF

(151)  http://ec.europa.eu/research/innovation-union/index_en.cfm?section=active-healthy-ageing.

(152)  Available at: http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/archives/ebs/ebs_378_en.pdf

(153)  http://www.europarl.europa.eu/QP-WEB/home.jsp

(154)  http://www.europarl.europa.eu/QP-WEB/home.jsp

(155)  Hyväksytyt tekstit, P7_TA(2012)0024.

(156)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2012)0024.

(157)  Vorstellung des Berichts über die Kommunikations‐ und Publikationstätigkeiten der EU vor dem Haushaltsausschuss am 4. November 2010.

(158)  Presentation of the ‘Report on the European Communication and publications activities’ on 4 November 2010 to the Budget Committee.

(159)  Zaak Suiker Unie / Europese suikerindustrie, PB L 140 van 26.5.1973, blz. 17.

(160)  Beschikking in de zaak Napier Brown — British Sugar van 18 juli 1988, PB L 284 van 19.10.1988, blz. 41.

(161)  Beschikking in de zaak Irish Sugar 97/624/EG, PB L 258 van 22.9.1997, blz. 1.

(162)  Beschikking in de zaak British Sugar plc, PB L 76 van 22.3.1999, blz. 1.

(163)  Zaak M.6286.

(164)  Case Suiker Unie/European Sugar Industry, OJ L 140, 26.5.1973, p. 17.

(165)  Decision Napier Brown — British Sugar of 18 July 1988, OJ L 284, 19.10.1988, p. 41.

(166)  Decision Irish Sugar 97/624/EC, OJ L 258, 22.9.1997, p. 1.

(167)  Decision British Sugar plc, OJ L 76, 22.3.1999, p. 1.

(168)  Case M.6286.

(169)  http://edition.cnn.com/2012/03/25/world/meast/iraq-arab-summit/index.html

(170)  http://www.icc-cpi.int/iccdocs/doc/doc639078.pdf, http://www.icc-cpi.int/iccdocs/doc/doc639078.pdf

(171)  http://allafrica.com/stories/201203220227.html

(172)  http://edition.cnn.com/2012/03/25/world/meast/iraq-arab-summit/index.html

(173)  http://www.icc-cpi.int/iccdocs/doc/doc639078.pdf, http://www.icc-cpi.int/iccdocs/doc/doc639078.pdf

(174)  http://allafrica.com/stories/201203220227.html

(175)  http://edition.cnn.com/2012/03/25/world/meast/iraq-arab-summit/index.html

(176)  http://www.icc-cpi.int/iccdocs/doc/doc639078.pdf, http://www.icc-cpi.int/iccdocs/doc/doc639078.pdf

(177)  http://allafrica.com/stories/201203220227.html

(178)  http://edition.cnn.com/2012/03/25/world/meast/iraq-arab-summit/index.html

(179)  http://www.icc-cpi.int/iccdocs/doc/doc639078.pdf, http://www.icc-cpi.int/iccdocs/doc/doc639078.pdf

(180)  http://allafrica.com/stories/201203220227.html

(181)  http://edition.cnn.com/2012/03/25/world/meast/iraq-arab-summit/index.html

(182)  http://www.icc-cpi.int/iccdocs/doc/doc639078.pdf, http://www.icc-cpi.int/iccdocs/doc/doc639078.pdf

(183)  http://allafrica.com/stories/201203220227.html

(184)  http://ec.europa.eu/research/health/infectious-diseases/poverty-diseases/projects/188_en.htm

(185)  http://www.tbvi.eu/projects/newtbvac.html

(186)  http://www.tbvi.eu/projects/tbvac.html

(187)  http://www.edctp.org/Announcement.403+M5ec2c8039be.0.html

(188)  Sito censimento sugli uccelli svernanti 2011-2012: www.ornitho.it.

(189)  Kleukers e Fontana nel 1996.

(190)  http://www.regione.fvg.it/asp/parchiareeprotette/areeprotette/contenuto/ricerche/SchedaSIC.asp?id=4000204.

(191)  http://www.regione.fvg.it/asp/parchiareeprotette/areeprotette/contenuto/ricerche/SchedaZPS.asp?id=4000207.

(192)  Helsdingen e altri 1996.

(193)  http://www.europarl.europa.eu/QP-WEB/application/home.do?language=IT.

(194)  GU L 206 del 22.7.1992.

(195)  Site of the 2011-2012 census of wintering birds: www.ornitho.it.

(196)  Kleukers and Fontana in 1996.

(197)  http://www.regione.fvg.it/asp/parchiareeprotette/areeprotette/contenuto/ricerche/SchedaSIC.asp?id=4000204.

(198)  http://www.regione.fvg.it/asp/parchiareeprotette/areeprotette/contenuto/ricerche/SchedaZPS.asp?id=4000207.

(199)  Helsdingen et al. 1996.

(200)  http://www.europarl.europa.eu/QP-WEB/.

(201)  OJ L 206, 22.7.1992.

(202)  http://www.thegwpf.org/images/stories/gwpf-reports/mckitrick-ipcc_reforms.pdf

(203)  http://www.thegwpf.org/images/stories/gwpf-reports/mckitrick-ipcc_reforms.pdf

(204)  http://www.thegwpf.org/images/stories/gwpf-reports/mckitrick-ipcc_reforms.pdf

(205)  http://www.thegwpf.org/images/stories/gwpf-reports/mckitrick-ipcc_reforms.pdf

(206)  http://www.thegwpf.org/images/stories/gwpf-reports/mckitrick-ipcc_reforms.pdf

(207)  14957/10 — Forberedelser til 16. samling i partskonferencen (COP16) under De Forenede Nationers rammekonvention om klimaændringer (UNFCCC) og 6. samling i den partskonference, der tjener som møde for parterne i Kyotoprotokollen (CMP6) (den 29. november-10. december 2010 i Cancún).

(208)  Ibid., punkt 27.

(209)  http://www.thegwpf.org/images/stories/gwpf-reports/mckitrick-ipcc_reforms.pdf

(210)  14957/10 — Preparations for the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 16) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the 6th session of the Meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol (CMP 6) (Cancún, 29 November to 10 December 2010).

(211)  Idem, para 27.

(212)  http://kompakt-nachrichten.de/2011/12/auslandergewalt-7500-tote/.

(213)  http://kompakt-nachrichten.de/2011/12/auslandergewalt-7500-tote/.

(214)  http://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/docs/2012/february/tradoc_149103.pdf

(215)  http://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/docs/2012/february/tradoc_149103.pdf

(216)  http://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/docs/2012/february/tradoc_149103.pdf

(217)  http://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/docs/2012/february/tradoc_149103.pdf

(218)  (i) Entwicklung, verantwortungsvolle Staatsführung und interne Konfliktlösung, (ii) politisches und diplomatisches Vorgehen, (iii) Sicherheit und Rechtsstaatlichkeit und (iv) Bekämpfung des gewaltsamen Extremismus und der Radikalisierung.

Die Strategie ist unter folgendem Link zu finden:

http://www.eeas.europa.eu/africa/docs/sahel_strategy_en.pdf.

(219)  (i) development, good governance and internal conflict resolution; (ii) political and diplomatic; (iii) security and rule of law; (iv) countering violent extremism and radicalisation. The strategy can be found at the following link: http://www.eeas.europa.eu/africa/docs/sahel_strategy_en.pdf

(220)  Právo odvolať sa, zachovanie platnosti patentu, ochrana údajov.

(221)  Right of appeal, patent term restoration, data protection.

(222)  http://www.europarl.europa.eu/QP-WEB.

(223)  http://www.europarl.europa.eu/QP-WEB.

(224)  CITES-Sekretariat, Interpol, Weltzollorganisation (WZO), UN-Büro für Drogen‐ und Verbrechensbekämpfung (UNODC) und Weltbank.

(225)  The Secretariat of the CITES Convention, Interpol, the World Customs Organisation (WCO), the UN Office for Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the World Bank.

(226)  ABl. L 81 vom 21.3.2001.

(227)  OJ L 81, 21.3.2001.

(228)  KOM(2011)808 endg. und KOM(2011)809 endg.

(229)  http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=COM:2011:0810:FIN:de:PDF.

(230)  http://www.openaire.eu/en.

(231)  COM(2011) 808 final and COM(2011) 809 final.

(232)  http://ec.europa.eu/research/horizon2020/pdf/proposals/proposal_for_a_regulation_of_the_european_parliament_and_of_the_council_laying_down_the_rules_for_the_participation_and_dissemination_in_horizon_2020%20(2014-2020).pdf#view=fit&pagemode=none.

(233)  http://www.openaire.eu/en.

(234)  http://ec.europa.eu/research/science-society/pdf/scientific-publication-study_en.pdf

(235)  http://ec.europa.eu/research/science-society/pdf/scientific-publication-study_en.pdf

(236)  Directive 2005/29/CE, JO L 149 du 11.6.2005, p. 22.

(237)  Règlement (CE) n° 2006/2004 relatif à la coopération en matière de protection des consommateurs.

(238)  Directive 2005/29/EC, OJ L 149, 11.6.2005, p. 22.

(239)  Regulation (EC) 2006/2004 on Consumer Protection Cooperation.

(240)  Règlement (CE) n° 261/2004 du Parlement européen et du Conseil du 11 février 2004 établissant des règles communes en matière d'indemnisation et d'assistance des passagers en cas de refus d'embarquement et d'annulation ou de retard important d'un vol, et abrogeant le règlement (CEE) n° 295/91; JO L 46 du 17.2.2004, p. 1.

(241)  Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 February 2004 establishing common rules on compensation and assistance to passengers in the event of denied boarding and of cancellation or long delay of flights, and repealing Regulation (EEC) No 295/91, OJ L 46, 17.2.2004. p. 1.

(242)  http://ec.europa.eu/economy_finance/publications/occasional_paper/2012/pdf/ocp94_en.pdf

(243)  http://ec.europa.eu/economy_finance/publications/occasional_paper/2012/pdf/ocp94_en.pdf

(244)  JO L 165 du 24.6.2011, p. 1.

(245)  OJ L 165, 24.6.2011, p. 1.

(246)  http://www.lavanguardia.com/politica/20120314/54268843937/rajoy-opone-reconocer-kosovo-porque-conviene-al-interes-general-espanoles.html

(247)  http://www.lavanguardia.com/politica/20120314/54268843937/rajoy-opone-reconocer-kosovo-porque-conviene-al-interes-general-espanoles.html

(248)  ABl. L vom 11.1.2012, S. 3.

(249)  OJ L 7, 11.1.2012, p. 3.

(250)  http://www.europarl.europa.eu/QP-WEB/home.jsp .

(251)  http://www.europarl.europa.eu/QP-WEB/home.jsp .

(252)  COM(2007)392 τελικό.

(253)  http://ec.europa.eu/education/school-education/doc/handbook0410_en.pdf.

(254)  http://ec.europa.eu/education/school-education/teacher-cluster_en.htm.

(255)  http://ec.europa.eu/education/school-education/teacher_en.htm.

(256)  COM(2007) 392 final.

(257)  http://ec.europa.eu/education/school-education/doc/handbook0410_en.pdf

(258)  http://ec.europa.eu/education/school-education/teacher-cluster_en.htm

(259)  http://ec.europa.eu/education/school-education/teacher_en.htm

(260)  http://www.europarl.europa.eu/QP-WEB/application/home.do?language=EN.

(261)  http://www.europarl.europa.eu/QP-WEB/application/home.do?language=EN.

(262)  GU L 174 dell'1.7.2011.

(263)  OJ L 174, 1.7.2011.

(264)  http://euregio-egrensis.de/aktuelles/bilder/gesundheitsstudie_krankenhausbereich_de.pdf

(265)  ABl. L 88 vom 4.4.2011.

(266)  Das System der leistungsorientierten Diagnosefallgruppen dient der Einordnung stationärer Behandlungen in unterschiedliche Gruppen, hauptsächlich zum Zweck der Gebührenfestsetzung.

(267)  http://euregio-egrensis.de/aktuelles/bilder/gesundheitsstudie_krankenhausbereich_de.pdf

(268)  OJ L 88, 4.4.2011.

(269)  Diagnosis-Related Group (DRG) is a system to classify hospital cases in different groups, mainly for tariffication purposes.

(270)  Μελέτη Περιβαλλοντικών Επιπτώσεων.

(271)  http://www.ornithologiki.gr/page_cn.php?aID=1423.

(272)  ΕΕ L 206 της 22.7.1992.

(273)  ΕΕ L 327 της 22.12.2000.

(274)  OJ L 206, 22.7.1992.

(275)  OJ L 327, 22.12.2000.

(276)  http://www.eige.europa.eu/content/news-article/study-to-map-the-current-situation-and-trends-of-female-genital-mutilation.

(277)  COM(2011)275 definitivo: http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=COM:2011:0275:FIN:IT:PDF.

(278)  http://www.eige.europa.eu/content/news-article/study-to-map-the-current-situation-and-trends-of-female-genital-mutilation.

(279)  COM(2011) 275 final. Available at: http://ec.europa.eu/justice/policies/criminal/victims/docs/com_2011_275_en.pdf

(280)  GU L 31 dell'1.2.2002.

(281)  OJ L 31, 1.2.2002.

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