Written questions by Members of the European Parliament and their answers given by a European Union institution
Date: 2013-04-10
Institutions: European Parliament
Subjects: Member of the European Parliament, written question








CE2013104EN.01000101.xml










10.4.2013   


EN


Official Journal of the European Union


CE 104/1





http://www.europarl.europa.eu/QP-WEB
WRITTEN QUESTIONS WITH ANSWER

Written questions by Members of the European Parliament and their answers given by a European Union institution
(2013/C 104 E/01)
Contents

E-001430/12 by Graham Watson to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Belarus: Dzmitry Kanavalau and Uladzislau Kavalyou
English version

E-001431/12 by Graham Watson to the Commission

Subject: Burma/Myanmar and EU aid and support
English version

E-001432/12 by Graham Watson to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Burma/Myanmar
English version

E-001433/12 by Graham Watson to the Commission

Subject: Citizen exemption laws and Cypriot banks
English version

E-001435/12 by Nuno Teixeira to the Commission

Subject: Reform of the common fisheries policy: relationship between the EMFF and the IMP
Versão portuguesa
English version

E-001436/12 by Nuno Teixeira to the Commission

Subject: Reform of the common fisheries policy and outermost regions
Versão portuguesa
English version

E-001439/12 by Christel Schaldemose to the Commission

Subject: Labelling system for antenna strength
Dansk udgave
English version

E-001440/12 by Martin Ehrenhauser to the Commission

Subject: Translation of ACTA Agreement
Deutsche Fassung
English version

P-001443/12 by Juan Andrés Naranjo Escobar to the Commission

Subject: Leverage capacity of the EIB
Versión española
English version

E-001444/12 by Marisa Matias to the Commission

Subject: Cold spell in Europe
Versão portuguesa
English version

E-001445/12 by Marisa Matias to the Commission

Subject: Public database to disseminate publicly financed research findings
Versão portuguesa
English version

E-001446/12 by Marisa Matias to the Commission

Subject: Publication of the findings of publicly financed research 
Versão portuguesa
English version

E-001447/12 by Carlo Fidanza to the Commission

Subject: ‘Lomellina rice plantations’ special protection zone
Versione italiana
English version

E-001448/12 by Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — The killing of 400 Syrian children
Versione italiana
English version

E-001449/12 by Mario Borghezio to the Commission

Subject: Europe at risk of hyperinflation
Versione italiana
English version

E-001452/12 by Paweł Zalewski to the Commission

Subject: ACTA in US law
Wersja polska
English version

P-001453/12 by Keith Taylor to the Commission

Subject: Scope of the EU's animal welfare strategy and future legislative framework for animal welfare
English version

E-001454/12 by Kay Swinburne to the Commission

Subject: Light pollution
English version

E-001455/12 by Marina Yannakoudakis to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Arrest of Parastoo Dokouhaki
English version

E-001456/12 by Marina Yannakoudakis to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Education in South Sudan
English version

E-001457/12 by Marina Yannakoudakis to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — The EU's Operation Atalanta
English version

E-001458/12 by Marina Yannakoudakis to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Iraqi state security officers
English version

E-001459/12 by Marina Yannakoudakis to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Lebanese legislation against spousal rape
English version

E-001460/12 by Marina Yannakoudakis to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — China's military advances
English version

E-001461/12 by Marina Yannakoudakis to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — The stalled issue of North Korea's nuclear ambitions
English version

E-001462/12 by Marina Yannakoudakis to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — EU visa ban for Anatoli Kuleshov, Belarus Minister of Internal Affairs
English version

E-001464/12 by Marina Yannakoudakis to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Yemen and the UNDP Gender Equality Index
English version

E-001465/12 by Marina Yannakoudakis to the Commission

Subject: Mathare Slum, Kenya
English version

E-001466/12 by Marina Yannakoudakis to the Commission

Subject: Croix Deprez refugee camp, Haiti
English version

E-001467/12 by Marina Yannakoudakis to the Commission

Subject: European Institute for Gender Equality
English version

E-001468/12 by Marina Yannakoudakis to the Commission

Subject: Responsibility in public finances
English version

E-001470/12 by Marina Yannakoudakis to the Commission

Subject: Turkish Government draft report on protection for women against violence
English version

E-001471/12 by Marina Yannakoudakis to the Commission

Subject: EU institutions' administrative budgets in 2013
English version

E-001472/12 by Marina Yannakoudakis to the Commission

Subject: EU financial transaction tax (FTT)
English version

E-001473/12 by Barry Madlener to the Commission

Subject: Egyptian film star sentenced for insulting Islam
Nederlandse versie
English version

E-001474/12 by Vilija Blinkevičiūtė to the Commission

Subject: Annual Report on Progress on Equality between Women and Men
Tekstas lietuvių kalba
English version

E-001475/12 by Elisabetta Gardini to the Commission

Subject: EU energy policy
Versione italiana
English version

E-001476/12 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: Creation of variant of the H5N1 virus
Versão portuguesa
English version

E-001477/12 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: Safety of breast implants
Versão portuguesa
English version

E-001478/12 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Instability in Guinea-Bissau
Versão portuguesa
English version

E-001479/12 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: Security of online commerce
Versão portuguesa
English version

E-001481/12 by Antolín Sánchez Presedo to the Commission

Subject: Negotiations for EU‐Gabon fisheries agreement 
Versión española
English version

E-001482/12 by Laurence J.A.J. Stassen to the Commission

Subject: China bans airlines from joining the EU's Emissions Trading Scheme
Nederlandse versie
English version

P-001483/12 by Lena Kolarska-Bobińska to the Commission

Subject: Trans-Anatolian Pipeline and Nabucco
Wersja polska
English version

E-001484/12 by Mario Mauro to the Commission

Subject: Snow damage in the Rome countryside
Versione italiana
English version

E-001485/12 by Crescenzio Rivellini to the Commission

Subject: Lack of infrastructure and funds for trains and motorways in Southern Italy
Versione italiana
English version

E-001486/12 by Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris to the Commission

Subject: Temporary employment in Italy
Versione italiana
English version

E-001487/12 by Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris to the Commission

Subject: Emergency gas supply plan
Versione italiana
English version

E-001488/12 by Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris to the Commission

Subject: Speculation in agricultural prices
Versione italiana
English version

E-001489/12 by Kriton Arsenis to the Commission

Subject: Refusal to approve genetically modified Bt-1507 maize 
Ελληνική έκδοση
English version

E-001490/12 by Nikolaos Salavrakos to the Commission

Subject: ACTA 
Ελληνική έκδοση
English version

E-001491/12 by Marietta Giannakou to the Commission

Subject: Unemployment and small and medium-sized enterprises
Ελληνική έκδοση
English version

E-001492/12 by Marietta Giannakou to the Commission

Subject: Follow-up on possible restrictions on competition in the retail food sector
Ελληνική έκδοση
English version

E-001494/12 by Maria Badia i Cutchet and Andres Perello Rodriguez to the Commission

Subject: Review of veterinary checks on insects to be used in scientific research, specifically the fruit fly
Versión española
English version

E-001495/12 by Ana Miranda to the Commission

Subject: Protection and conservation of Sites of Community Importance (SCIs) in the Natura network in Galicia 
Versión española
English version

E-001638/12 by Ana Miranda to the Commission

Subject: Protection and conservation of Natura Network Special Protection Areas (SPAs) in Galicia
Versión española
English version

E-001639/12 by Ana Miranda to the Commission

Subject: Protection and conservation of Natura Network Sites of Community Importance (SCIs) in Galicia (4/4)
Versión española
English version

E-001640/12 by Ana Miranda to the Commission

Subject: Protection and conservation of Natura network Sites of Community Importance (SCIs) in Galicia (3/4)
Versión española
English version

E-001641/12 by Ana Miranda to the Commission

Subject: Protection and conservation of Natura network Sites of Community Importance (SCIs) in Galicia (2/4)
Versión española
English version

E-001642/12 by Ana Miranda to the Commission

Subject: Protection and conservation of Natura Network Sites of Community Importance (SCIs) in Galicia (1/4)
Versión española
English version

E-001496/12 by Ana Miranda to the Commission

Subject: European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Lear
Versión española
English version

E-001497/12 by Ana Miranda to the Commission

Subject: Habitats of Community interest not recognised or protected in Galicia
Versión española
English version

E-001498/12 by Nuno Teixeira to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Extreme situation in Syria
Versão portuguesa
English version

E-001500/12 by Marisa Matias and Miguel Portas to the Commission

Subject: Conditions for the granting of the second loan to Greece
Versão portuguesa
English version

E-001501/12 by Barry Madlener to the Commission

Subject: ‘The euro can survive perfectly well without Athens’
Nederlandse versie
English version

E-001503/12 by John Stuart Agnew to the Commission

Subject: Global warming well below forecasts
English version

E-001505/12 by Ana Gomes and Marita Ulvskog to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Deteriorating human rights situation in Ethiopia: anti-terrorism laws and the Charities and Societies Proclamation
Versão portuguesa
Svensk version
English version

E-001506/12 by Auke Zijlstra to the Commission

Subject: Abuses in the transporting of animals to Turkey
Nederlandse versie
English version

E-001509/12 by Auke Zijlstra to the Commission

Subject: Commissioner Malmström's Green Paper on family reunification
Nederlandse versie
English version

E-001510/12 by Auke Zijlstra to the Commission

Subject: ‘International Migrants Day’ — Malmström: ‘Immigration is a source of dynamism and of cultural richness’
Nederlandse versie
English version

E-001511/12 by Auke Zijlstra to the Commission

Subject: Eastern Europeans increasingly turn to crime
Nederlandse versie
English version

E-001512/12 by Auke Zijlstra to the Council

Subject: Greece is building a fence along its border with Turkey
Nederlandse versie
English version

E-001513/12 by Nuno Teixeira to the Commission

Subject: Proposals for reducing youth unemployment
Versão portuguesa
English version

E-001514/12 by Nuno Teixeira to the Commission

Subject: Creation of a European innovation standard
Versão portuguesa
English version

E-001515/12 by Nuno Teixeira to the Commission

Subject: Development aid for ACP countries
Versão portuguesa
English version

E-001516/12 by Diane Dodds to the Commission

Subject: CAP post 2013
English version

E-001519/12 by Auke Zijlstra to the Commission

Subject: Top 10 countries persecuting Christians
Nederlandse versie
English version

P-001521/12 by Christine De Veyrac to the Commission

Subject: The status of voluntary fire-fighters
Version française
English version

E-001524/12 by Antigoni Papadopoulou to the Commission

Subject: Imprisoned journalists in Turkey
Ελληνική έκδοση
English version

E-001525/12 by Fiorello Provera to the Council

Subject: Al-Qaeda terror bomb plot in London
Versione italiana
English version

E-001526/12 by Jean-Luc Bennahmias to the Commission

Subject: Agriculture and standards
Version française
English version

E-001527/12 by Christine De Veyrac and Brice Hortefeux to the Commission

Subject: European officials' pay
Version française
English version

E-001531/12 by Mara Bizzotto to the Commission

Subject: Cycle lanes and safety
Versione italiana
English version

E-001532/12 by Mara Bizzotto to the Commission

Subject: The case of Redi Ht in Barbarano, Vicenza
Versione italiana
English version

E-001533/12 by Andrea Zanoni and Niccolò Rinaldi to the Commission

Subject: Hunting of birds during the courtship and migration season: contravention of Directive 2009/147/EC (the ‘Birds Directive’) by the Region of Lazio 
Versione italiana
English version

E-001534/12 by Andrea Zanoni and Niccolò Rinaldi to the Commission

Subject: New legislation introduced by the Lazio Region which weakens the protection of Natura 2000 areas
Versione italiana
English version

E-001535/12 by Lambert van Nistelrooij to the Commission

Subject: Possibilities of compensation from EFF for Dutch fishing fleet following recently rejected EU‐Morocco fisheries agreement
Nederlandse versie
English version

E-001536/12 by Peter van Dalen to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Situation in northern Nigeria
Nederlandse versie
English version

E-001537/12 by Cătălin Sorin Ivan to the Commission

Subject: Combating violence in football stadiums
Versiunea în limba română
English version

E-001538/12 by Vasilica Viorica Dăncilă to the Commission

Subject: Sustainability of rural communities
Versiunea în limba română
English version

E-001539/12 by Nuno Teixeira to the Commission

Subject: Funding for healthcare infrastructures
Versão portuguesa
English version

E-001540/12 by Åsa Westlund and Göran Färm to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — The Situation in Syria
Svensk version
English version

E-001542/12 by Miguel Portas and Marisa Matias to the Council

Subject: Restructuring of Greek debt held by the ECB
Versão portuguesa
English version

E-001543/12 by Miguel Portas and Marisa Matias to the Commission

Subject: Restructuring of Greek debt held by the ECB
Versão portuguesa
English version

E-001544/12 by Miguel Portas and Marisa Matias to the Commission

Subject: Financial fund that bets on the death of people with life insurance
Versão portuguesa
English version

E-001545/12 by Marisa Matias to the Commission

Subject: Female genital mutilation in the EU
Versão portuguesa
English version

E-001546/12 by Marisa Matias to the Commission

Subject: Greenhouse gas emissions: possible exception for aviation
Versão portuguesa
English version

E-001547/12 by Nuno Teixeira to the Commission

Subject: Community funding allocated to Germany
Versão portuguesa
English version

E-001549/12 by Lorenzo Fontana to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Operation of the judicial system in Egypt — The case of Ahmed Ezz
Versione italiana
English version

E-001550/12 by Lorenzo Fontana to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Situation in the Maldives and role of the EEAS
Versione italiana
English version

E-001551/12 by Andrea Zanoni to the Commission

Subject: Request to reopen EU PILOT: 488/09/ENVI — Verona-Quadrante Europa proceedings
Versione italiana
English version

E-001552/12 by Andrea Zanoni to the Commission

Subject: Request to re-open EU‐PILOT 240/08/ENVI proceedings in relation to Verona airport
Versione italiana
English version

E-001553/12 by Andrea Zanoni to the Commission

Subject: Role of ENAC in the failure to implement Directives 85/337/EEC, 97/11/EC and 2001/42/EC at the airports of Venice, Treviso and Verona
Versione italiana
English version

E-001554/12 by Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Clashes in Cairo
Versione italiana
English version

E-001555/12 by Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Withdrawal of ambassadors from Syria
Versione italiana
English version

E-001556/12 by Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris to the Commission

Subject: Possible funds for the Premio Napoli (Naples Prize)
Versione italiana
English version

E-001557/12 by Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris to the Commission

Subject: Direct funding programmes for the city of Barletta
Versione italiana
English version

E-001559/12 by Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris to the Commission

Subject: Million-euro fraud at the expense of the sick
Versione italiana
English version

E-001560/12 by Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris to the Commission

Subject: Data on the market in counterfeit goods in Europe
Versione italiana
English version

E-001562/12 by Angelika Werthmann to the Commission

Subject: Project bonds for funding trans-European transport and energy networks
Deutsche Fassung
English version

E-001563/12 by Angelika Werthmann to the Commission

Subject: Project bonds — funding in Austria
Deutsche Fassung
English version

E-001564/12 by Angelika Werthmann to the Commission

Subject: Project bonds — the European power supply network
Deutsche Fassung
English version

E-001565/12 by Angelika Werthmann to the Commission

Subject: Release of genetically modified mosquitoes by British biotech company
Deutsche Fassung
English version

E-001566/12 by Angelika Werthmann to the Commission

Subject: Management of food waste
Deutsche Fassung
English version

E-001567/12 by Angelika Werthmann to the Commission

Subject: Biosecurity
Deutsche Fassung
English version

E-001568/12 by Raül Romeva i Rueda to the Commission

Subject: Oil exploration off the Canary Islands coast
Versión española
English version

E-001569/12 by Raül Romeva i Rueda to the Commission

Subject: The new Spanish government's water policy
Versión española
English version

E-001570/12 by Raül Romeva i Rueda to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Death sentences in Belarus
Versión española
English version

E-001571/12 by Antolín Sánchez Presedo to the Commission

Subject: EU funding for the University Hospital Complex in Ourense and for the ‘Innova Saude’ initiative in Galicia
Versión española
English version

P-001573/12 by Oreste Rossi to the Commission

Subject: Structural funds: a new system to reward the most deserving regions
Versione italiana
English version

E-001574/12 by Rodi Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou to the Council

Subject: Priorities of the Danish Presidency on questions of gender equality in business circles
Ελληνική έκδοση
English version

E-001575/12 by Nicole Sinclaire to the Commission

Subject: Impact of Croatian accession
English version

E-001576/12 by Nicole Sinclaire to the Commission

Subject: Impact of Serbian accession on employment
English version

E-001577/12 by Nicole Sinclaire to the Commission

Subject: Cost of pre-accession arrangements for Serbia
English version

E-001578/12 by Nadja Hirsch to the Commission

Subject: Hungarian asylum system
Deutsche Fassung
English version

E-001579/12 by Herbert Dorfmann, Christa Klaß, Astrid Lulling and Michel Dantin to the Commission

Subject: Wine
Deutsche Fassung
Version française
English version

E-001580/12 by Antolín Sánchez Presedo to the Commission

Subject: Inequality in European Union income trends
Versión española
English version

E-001584/12 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Fire blight
Versão portuguesa
English version

E-001585/12 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Statements by Joseph Stiglitz
Versão portuguesa
English version

E-001586/12 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Portuguese emigrants murdered in Venezuela
Versão portuguesa
English version

E-001588/12 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: SuperCooling
Versão portuguesa
English version

E-001589/12 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Guimarães — European Capital of Culture
Versão portuguesa
English version

E-001656/12 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Guimarães — European Capital of Culture II
Versão portuguesa
English version

E-001590/12 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Brazilian funding for the EFSF
Versão portuguesa
English version

E-001591/12 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Potential water hyacinth threat to the Alqueva irrigation system
Versão portuguesa
English version

E-001592/12 by Ioannis A. Tsoukalas to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Iran oil embargo
Ελληνική έκδοση
English version

E-001593/12 by Lorenzo Fontana to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Human and organ trafficking in Sudan
Versione italiana
English version

E-001594/12 by Lorenzo Fontana to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Unrest in Nigeria
Versione italiana
English version

E-001595/12 by Britta Reimers to the Commission

Subject: EU strategy to combat invasive animal diseases
Deutsche Fassung
English version

E-001596/12 by Angelika Werthmann to the Commission

Subject: Catastrophic conditions in Italian animal shelters (canili)
Deutsche Fassung
English version

E-001597/12 by Roger Helmer to the Commission

Subject: Corruption in Croatia
English version

E-001598/12 by Ana Miranda to the Commission

Subject: Recognition of the profession of net maker at European level with an approval seal
Versión española
English version

E-001599/12 by Elisabetta Gardini to the Commission

Subject: Internet safety
Versione italiana
English version

E-001601/12 by Mara Bizzotto to the Commission

Subject: Reduction in the supply of Russian gas and security of supply
Versione italiana
English version

E-001603/12 by Rareş-Lucian Niculescu to the Commission

Subject: Shale gas exploration
Versiunea în limba română
English version

E-001604/12 by Rareş-Lucian Niculescu to the Commission

Subject: Impact of extreme weather conditions on farmers
Versiunea în limba română
English version

E-001605/12 by Niki Tzavela to the Commission

Subject: Illegal landfills
Ελληνική έκδοση
English version

E-001606/12 by Niki Tzavela to the Commission

Subject: Deaths in the Mediterranean
Ελληνική έκδοση
English version

E-001607/12 by Niki Tzavela to the Commission

Subject: Women's rights in Afghanistan
Ελληνική έκδοση
English version

E-001608/12 by Niki Tzavela to the Commission

Subject: Ticket prices charged by ferry companies
Ελληνική έκδοση
English version

E-001609/12 by Niki Tzavela to the Commission

Subject: Research into earthquake prediction
Ελληνική έκδοση
English version

E-001610/12 by Niki Tzavela to the Commission

Subject: Terrorism in the EU
Ελληνική έκδοση
English version

E-001611/12 by Niki Tzavela to the Commission

Subject: Action plan on poverty
Ελληνική έκδοση
English version
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001430/12
to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)
Sir Graham Watson (ALDE)
(7 February 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — Belarus: Dzmitry Kanavalau and Uladzislau Kavalyou
Belarus is currently the only country in Europe where the death penalty is regularly enforced.
The Supreme Court of the Republic of Belarus sentenced Dzmitry Kanavalau and Uladzislau Kavalyou to death for terrorist attacks between 2005 and 2011, although it would appear that the court disregarded important evidence regarding the accused.
Is the High Representative aware of these two men’s arrest and conviction? What steps are being taken to appeal for clemency from President Lukashenka?
Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Ashton on behalf of the Commission
(31 May 2012)
The EU is well aware of the decision on 30 November 2011 by the Supreme Court of Belarus to sentence Dzmitry Kanavalaw and Uladzislaw Kavalyow to death, and has on several occasions and through different channels conveyed its concern to the Belarusian authorities in this regard.
High Representative/Vice-President (HR/VP) Ashton on 1 December 2011 in a statement urged Belarus, the only country in Europe still applying the death penalty, to join a global moratorium on the death penalty as a first step towards its universal abolition. In addition, in a local statement by the EU delegation in Minsk on 7 February 2012, the EU called on the authorities of Belarus not to carry out the executions of Dzmitry Kanavalaw and Uladzislaw Kavalyow and to introduce a moratorium on capital punishment as a step towards its abolition. 
On 17 March 2012, the Spokesperson of HR/VP Ashton issued a statement strongly condemning the execution of Kavalyow. Similarly, in the conclusions adopted by the Foreign Affairs Council on 23 March 2012, the EU strongly condemned the execution of Uladzislaw Kavalyow and Dzmitry Kanavalaw. 
The EU will spare no effort in working towards the introduction by Belarus of a moratorium on capital punishment as a step towards its abolition.
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001431/12
to the Commission
Sir Graham Watson (ALDE)
(7 February 2012)

Subject: Burma/Myanmar and EU aid and support
The conclusions of the Council following the 3142nd Meeting (Foreign Affairs) on 23 January 2012 stressed the importance of improved humanitarian access to areas affected by ethnic conflicts in Burma/Myanmar. The conclusions go on to state that the European Union stands ready to back the peace processes with ethnic groups through, for example, financial assistance for the process of reintegrating returnees.






1.


Can the Commission say what humanitarian aid and assistance is being provided, if any, to ethnic groups such as the Karen currently within Burma?










2.


Support for Burmese refugees is welcome. Can the Commission set out the levels of financial support which the EU has provided to Burmese refugees on the Thai-Burmese border over the last five years? Is the Commission aware that rations for refugees have recently been reduced?




Answer given by Ms Georgieva on behalf of the Commission
(18 April 2012)
The Commission has been allocating humanitarian aid and other assistance to Burma/Myanmar since 1994. Aid has helped vulnerable populations affected by the low-intensity conflict in the border areas, including in Eastern parts of the country, where there is a high proportion of ethnic minorities. Every year, approximately EUR 10 million is programmed for food aid, nutrition, water and sanitation, primary healthcare and protection activities for these minorities. The Commission is also funding an orthopaedic centre in Kayin State, treating victims of anti-personnel mines, while encouraging partners to expand activities as far as possible in order to reach the civilians in the border areas. 
The Commission also supports the Burmese refugee camps in Thailand. The EU is the largest donor to the camps. This assistance consists of food aid, primary healthcare, protection and livelihood support. Since 1995, the Commission has allocated in total EUR 140 million to the camps from the EU budget. Out of this amount, EUR 65.65 million has been allocated in the last five years. After 25 years of existence, a different kind of support is needed to gradually make the camp residents more self-reliant. This includes vocational training and livelihood support. Regarding reduced food rations, with limited funds available, there is an urgent need to improve the targeting of the food aid in the camps, since the camps, although hosting a number of genuine refugees, also have become pull factors for many economic migrants, in the absence of proper screening and admission mechanisms. 
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001432/12
to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)
Sir Graham Watson (ALDE)
(7 February 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — Burma/Myanmar
The conclusions of the Council following the 3142nd Meeting (Foreign Affairs) on 23 January 2012 welcomed the programme of political reform undertaken by the Government and Parliament in Burma/Myanmar, together with its commitment to economic and social development.






1.


In March 2011 President U Thein Sein made a speech which promised change, but reforms are yet to take place. Does the High Representative share the Council’s optimism, given the lack of specific steps taken by the Burmese regime?










2.


The Council also noted that essential steps have been taken towards establishing a democratic state under the rule of law. Is the High Representative satisfied that these steps are being fully implemented in accordance with international standards?










3.


Whilst censorship has been slightly relaxed, there are limits on what the media can report. The NLD’s decision to register as a political party is welcome. Is the High Representative concerned, however, that smaller political parties could be marginalised?




Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Ashton on behalf of the Commission
(24 April 2012)
Changes in Myanmar (Burma), unimaginable a year ago, are significant. Elections on 1 April 2012, if well conducted, may see the opposition strengthened in Parliament. The majority of political prisoners are now free; the remaining cases need further clarification. There is also progress on the ethnic front, with a number of ceasefire agreements signed so far. The exception is recurring violence in Kachin State. Important steps are being undertaken by the Government of President U Thein Sein with regard to improving governance and the respect for the rule of law. A new Human Rights Commission is addressing important issues, despite its limited capacities. Parliamentary life is remarkably vivid, given the short experience with open debate. Media censorship has been eased, and Internet access is much better than ever before. 
Undoubtedly, the Myanmar (Burma) Government still has to take any steps in order to ensure the consolidation of this transition process. The EU is following developments very closely and has to accompany them with measures that will consolidate the gains and encourage further progress. 
In the High Representative/Vice-President’s view, the EU should further review the sanctions regime in response to the progress achieved so far and in order to encourage further reform.
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001433/12
to the Commission
Sir Graham Watson (ALDE)
(14 February 2012)

Subject: Citizen exemption laws and Cypriot banks
The Cypriot government’s ‘Criteria and conditions for naturalisation of foreign investors/entrepreneurs by exemption’ laws allow individuals to acquire Cypriot nationality after making a deposit of a minimum of EUR 15 million, spanning a five-year fixed period if money is held in Cypriot banks.
Such a rule offers an inducement by the Cypriot state for banks there to hold sizeable deposits.
Can the Commission confirm whether this law encouraging banks to hold large deposits is open to all EU banks operating in Cyprus?
Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission
(4 April 2012)
The conditions for the acquisition of the nationality of a Member State fall exclusively within the competence of the individual Member State. Nevertheless, the Commission has contacted the Cypriot authorities in respect of the specific question addressed by the Honourable Member relating to the possibility for individuals to acquire Cypriot nationality after making a minimum deposit of EUR 15 million for a minimum time span of five years in a Cypriot bank. According to the Cypriot authorities, the amount of EUR 15 million can be deposited in any bank operating in the Republic of Cyprus, be it a Cypriot bank, a subsidiary of a foreign financial institution, a subsidiary or branch of a credit institution from the EU Member State, a branch of a credit institution from a third country or a Cooperative Credit Institution operating in Cyprus. 
(Versão portuguesa)
Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-001435/12
à Comissão
Nuno Teixeira (PPE)
(7 de fevereiro de 2012)

Assunto: Reforma da Política Comum das Pescas: relação ente o FEAMP e a PMI
A Comissão Europeia apresentou, a 13 de julho de 2011, um conjunto de propostas relativas à reforma da Política Comum das Pescas. Na sua proposta de regulamento do Parlamento Europeu e do Conselho relativo ao Fundo Europeu dos Assuntos Marítimos e da Pesca (FEAMP) (COM(2011)0804), de 2 de dezembro de 2011, a Comissão sugere que a maior parte dos instrumentos financeiros atuais da Política Comum das Pescas (PCP) e da Política Marítima Integrada (PMI) sejam reunidos num só fundo, com a exceção dos acordos de pesca sustentáveis e da contribuição obrigatória para as organizações regionais de gestão de pescas.
Assim, para além de contribuir para a execução da PCP através da prossecução do objetivo da promoção de uma pesca e aquicultura sustentáveis e competitivas e do desenvolvimento territorial equilibrado e inclusivo das zonas de pescas, o FEAMP passa também a financiar o desenvolvimento e a execução da PMI em complemento da política de coesão e da PCP, nomeadamente através do desenvolvimento de instrumentos estratégicos intersetoriais, como o ordenamento do espaço marítimo, a vigilância marítima integrada e o conhecimento do meio marinho.
Neste contexto, pergunta-se à Comissão:







Como garantirá a Comissão que não se correrá o risco de priorizar as questões da PCP reformada, uma antiga política de competência exclusiva, em detrimento dos mais recentes objetivos da PMI? Continuará a existir uma distinção entre PMI e PCP no próximo período? Quais as medidas no âmbito de estratégias intersetoriais que a Comissão se compromete a tomar para assegurar o desenvolvimento das ações até agora envidadas no seio da PMI?











Como será promovida a articulação entre as várias dimensões do FEAMP reformado, tendo em conta que passaria a abranger o financiamento de um vasto leque de questões incluindo as que relevam atualmente da PMI?











Poderia fornecer mais dados relativamente aos valores do FEAMP (cujo valor total proposto ascende, a preços correntes, a 6,657milhões de euros, nos termos da proposta da Comissão) que serão alocados respetivamente para a realização dos objetivos da PMI e para a execução da PCP?




Resposta dada por Maria Damanaki em nome da Comissão
(27 de março de 2012)
O Quadro Financeiro Plurianual (QFP) de 2014/2020 irá garantir o desenvolvimento e a aplicação da Política Marítima Integrada (PMI) através de uma abordagem dupla. A maior parte do financiamento da PMI será assegurada mediante a integração dos seus objetivos noutros instrumentos financeiros, especialmente no Fundo Europeu de Desenvolvimento Regional e no Programa-Quadro Horizonte 2020. A natureza transfronteiriça e intersetorial da PMI será refletida num Quadro Estratégico Comum que reforçará a coerência entre os fundos da UE. As estratégias integradas para as bacias marítimas, em particular, são especificamente referidas na proposta de regulamento da Comissão que estabelece disposições comuns aplicáveis ao Fundo Europeu de Desenvolvimento Regional, Fundo Social Económico, Fundo de Coesão, Fundo Europeu Agrícola de Desenvolvimento Rural (Feader) e Fundo Europeu dos Assuntos Marítimos e das Pescas (FEAMP) (1).
Em segundo lugar, o FEAMP apoiará a plena execução das iniciativas transversais da PMI desenvolvidas entre 2008 e 2013 (Conhecimento do Meio Marinho, Vigilância Marítima, Ordenamento do Espaço Marítimo, Crescimento Azul). A dotação financeira para a PMI no âmbito do FEAMP é de 432 milhões de euros dos 6 657 milhões propostos através da gestão financeira centralizada. O FEAMP assegurará a continuidade do financiamento para a PMI e salvaguardará os seus objetivos e mandato. A integração dos instrumentos financeiros já existentes num único fundo permitirá também reforçar a eficiência orçamental e reduzir os encargos administrativos. 
Através do seu financiamento para o desenvolvimento sustentável das zonas de pesca, o FEAMP aumentará as interações necessárias entre a PMI e a Política Comum das Pescas (PCP). Apoiará, nomeadamente, medidas para promover a diversificação económica das pescas, particularmente no sentido da economia marítima mais vasta. A reorientação das atividades económicas nas zonas de pesca beneficiará as atividades marítimas emergentes.
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001435/12
to the Commission
Nuno Teixeira (PPE)
(7 February 2012)

Subject: Reform of the common fisheries policy: relationship between the EMFF and the IMP
On 13 June 2011 the Commission presented a Green Paper on the reform of the common fisheries policy. In a European Parliament and Council draft regulation on the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) (COM(2011)0804) of 2 December 2011, the Commission suggested that the bulk of the current financial instruments of the common fisheries policy (CFP) and the integrated maritime policy (IMP) should be merged into a single fund, with the exception of the agreements on sustainable fisheries and obligatory contributions to regional fisheries management organisations.
Hence, the EMFF contributes to the implementation of the CFP as part of its objective to promote sustainable and competitive fisheries and aquaculture, and the balanced and inclusive territorial development of fishing areas. It will also now finance the development and implementation of the IMP, in addition to the cohesion policy and the CFP, specifically by developing strategic cross-cutting instruments like maritime spatial planning, integrated maritime surveillance, and knowledge of the marine environment.
Can the Commission answer the following questions in this connection:







How will it ensure that there is no risk of prioritising issues relating to the reformed CFP, a long-standing policy of exclusive competence, at the expense of the IMP’s more recent objectives? Will there continue to be a distinction between the IMP and the CFP in the coming period? What is the Commission undertaking in the context of cross-cutting strategies to ensure the continued development of actions that have hitherto come under the IMP?











How will the interconnections between the various strands of the reformed EMFF be made, given that it will be called upon to finance a huge range of issues, including those that now fall within the scope of the IMP?











Can it provide more information on the EMFF resources (the proposed total amount of which is EUR 6 657 million at current rates, according to the Commission’s proposal) which will be allocated to the achievement of the IMP objectives and the implementation of the CFP respectively?




Answer given by Ms Damanaki on behalf of the Commission
(27 March 2012)
The Multiannual Financial Framework (MMF) 2014-2020 will ensure the development and implementation of the IMP through a twin approach. The bulk of IMP funding will come from mainstreaming its objectives into other financial instruments, especially the European Regional Development Fund, and Horizon 2020. The cross-border and cross-sectoral nature of the IMP will be reflected in a Common Strategic Framework enhancing coherence between EU funds. In particular, sea basin strategies are specifically referred to in the Commission's proposal for a regulation laying down common provision on the ERDF, ESF, the Cohesion Fund, the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) (2).
Secondly, the (EMFF) will support the full completion of the IMP cross-cutting initiatives developed between 2008 and 2013 (Marine Knowledge, Maritime Surveillance, Maritime Spatial Planning, Blue Growth). The envelope for the IMP in the EMFF is set at EUR 432 million of the proposed EUR 6 657 million through centralised financial management. The EMFF will ensure continuity of funding for the IMP and will safeguard its objectives and remit. The integration of pre-existing financial instruments into a single fund will also enhance budgetary efficiency and reduce administrative burden. 
Through its funding for the sustainable development of fisheries areas, the EMFF will increase the necessary interactions between the IMP and the common fisheries policy. It will support inter alia measures to promote economic diversification from fisheries, in particular towards the wider maritime economy. Redirecting economic activities in fisheries areas will benefit emerging maritime activities.
(Versão portuguesa)
Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-001436/12
à Comissão
Nuno Teixeira (PPE)
(7 de fevereiro de 2012)

Assunto: Reforma da Política Comum das Pescas e regiões ultraperiféricas
A Comissão Europeia apresentou, a 13 de julho de 2011, um conjunto de propostas relativas à reforma da Política Comum das Pescas, a qual coloca o enfoque na sustentabilidade das pescas, procurando, todavia, um equilíbrio entre o respeito pelos ecossistemas, uma oferta de produtos de pesca de qualidade e a promoção de comunidades costeiras prósperas com empregos mais atrativos e seguros.
Na sua comunicação global sobre a reforma da Política Comum das Pescas (COM(2011)0417), a Comissão defende, no que diz respeito ao objetivo do desenvolvimento de comunidades costeiras prósperas, que ₫

o setor das pescas desempenha muitas vezes um papel crucial nas zonas costeiras do continente europeu e nas regiões ultraperiféricas

₻
, requerendo as frotas de pequena pesca e da aquicultura a adoção de medidas específicas em certas regiões.
Nos termos do artigo 349.° do Tratado sobre o Funcionamento da União Europeia, tendo em conta o estatuto da ultraperiferia decorrente da situação estrutural de algumas regiões europeias, medidas específicas em derrogação das disposições do Tratado podem ser aplicadas às regiões ultraperiféricas, com vista à eliminação e à compensação dos efeitos das desvantagens do seu afastamento e dos seus condicionalismos.
Neste contexto, pergunta-se à Comissão:







Quais as medidas específicas que pretende propor e implementar nas regiões ultraperiféricas, no âmbito da Política Comum das Pescas reformada, para além das enunciadas nas propostas?











No que respeita ao POSEI Pescas, está em vista alguma reforma em termos de financiamento de apoios a esta atividade em consonância com as propostas contidas na reforma da Política Comum das Pescas?











Relativamente à atividade da pequena pesca, pretende a Comissão completar a definição existente, que diferencia a pesca costeira da pesca industrial, no sentido em que esta não assente unicamente no critério da dimensão da embarcação, tal como proposto na reforma, mas que incida numa discriminação positiva para a pequena pesca e, consequentemente, contribua para o desenvolvimento da atividade do setor e dos setores conexos nas comunidades costeiras?




Resposta dada por Maria Damanaki em nome da Comissão
(13 de março de 2012)
A proposta de reforma da Política Comum das Pescas (PCP) tem por objetivo tornar as pescas na UE sustentáveis em termos ambientais, económicos e sociais. As pescas nas regiões ultraperiféricas são abrangidas por este objetivo.
O artigo 349.° do Tratado sobre o Funcionamento da União Europeia prevê uma compensação específica pelos custos adicionais dos produtos da pesca e da aquicultura nas regiões ultraperiféricas: estão abrangidos os Açores, a Madeira, as ilhas Canárias, a Guiana Francesa e a Reunião, tal como proposto nos artigos 73.° a 75.° do Fundo Europeu dos Assuntos Marítimos e das Pescas (FEAMP)
A proposta de reforma da PCP estabelece o limite das ₫frotas de pequena pesca costeira₻ num comprimento de fora a fora inferior a 12 metros sem artes rebocadas. Das consultas sobre a reforma da PCP transparece a inexistência de acordo entre os Estados-Membros, as partes interessadas e a indústria quanto à definição de frotas de pequena pesca. Foi por esta razão que a Comissão optou por manter a definição de frota de pequena pesca referida no FEAMP. Possui a vantagem de ser clara e simples e de poder ser aplicada uniformemente por todos os Estados-Membros.
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001436/12
to the Commission
Nuno Teixeira (PPE)
(7 February 2012)

Subject: Reform of the common fisheries policy and outermost regions
On 13 July 2011 the Commission put forward a set of proposals for the reform of the common fisheries policy, focusing on the sustainability of fish stocks, and ensuring a balance between respect for ecosystems, availability of high quality fish products and the encouragement of prosperous coastal communities with more attractive and secure employment.
The Commission, in its general communication on the reform of the common fisheries policy (COM(2011) 0417), states, in relation to the aim of fostering the development of thriving coastal communities, that ‘the fishing sector often plays a crucial role in the coastal areas of the mainland EU and in its outermost regions’, and that specific measures need to be taken for small-scale coastal fleets and aquaculture in certain regions.
Under Article 349 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, taking into account the outermost region status given to certain European regions due to their structural situation, specific measures may be applied to the outermost regions by way of derogation from the Treaty’s provisions in order to eliminate and offset their disadvantages in terms of remoteness and other constraints.
Given the above, the Commission is asked to answer the following:







What specific measures, within the framework of the reformed common fisheries policy, does it intend to bring forward and put in place in the outermost regions, in addition to those contained in the proposals?











In relation to POSEI Fisheries, does it envisage any reform in terms of funding for this activity in keeping with the proposals put forward in the reform of the common fisheries policy?











In terms of small-scale fishing activities, does the Commission intend to expand the existing definition, which makes a distinction between coastal fishing and industrial fishing, so that it does not rest merely on the size of ship, as suggested in the reform, but is based on positive discrimination for small-scale fishing, and thereby contributes to encouraging activity in fishing and related sectors in coastal communities?




Answer given by Ms Damanaki on behalf of the Commission
(13 March 2012)
The proposal for the common fisheries policy (CFP) reform aims at making EU fisheries environmentally, economically and socially sustainable. This includes fisheries in the outermost regions
Specific compensation for additional costs for fishery and aquaculture products in outermost regions is foreseen in line with Article 349 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU: this covers Azores, Madeira, the Canary Islands and the French departments of Guiana and Réunion, as proposed in the articles 73 to 75 of the proposed European Fisheries and Maritime Fund (EMFF).
The proposals for the reform of the CFP include the cut-off for determining ‘small-scale coastal fleets’ at vessels of under 12 meters length overall without towed gear. From the consultation on the reform of the CFP it is clear that there is no agreement among Member States, stakeholders and industry on a definition of small-scale fleets. This is why the Commission has chosen to maintain the definition of small scale fleet that is currently used in the European Fisheries Fund. This has the advantage of being clear and simple to apply and in a uniform manner by all Member States.
(Dansk udgave)
Forespørgsel til skriftlig besvarelse E-001439/12
til Kommissionen
Christel Schaldemose (S&D)
(14. februar 2012)

Om: Mærkningsordning for antennestyrke
En teleanalysevirksomhed i Danmark har lavet en undersøgelse af forbindelseskvaliteten for mobiltelefoner og smartphones. Undersøgelsen viser stor forskel i evnen til at få og opretholde forbindelsen til netværket. På baggrund af denne undersøgelse efterspørger en række forbrugere og telefonproducenter en mærkningsordning for antennekvaliteten.
Min vurdering er, at det kan være vanskeligt at gennemskue, hvilken telefon der har en god antenne, og hvilken, der ikke har. Teleudbyderne har selvfølgelig også et ansvar for at sikre, at sendestyrken på masterne er i orden, men det fratager ikke telefonproducenterne for pligten til at sikre kvalitet og viden til forbrugerne.
Mit spørgsmål er, om Kommissionen overvejer enten at stille krav til en ₻minimumssendestyrke₫ på mobiltelefoner og/eller til bedre information til forbrugerne eventuelt i en sammenlignelig form om netop antennestyrken?
Svar afgivet på Kommissionens vegne  af Antonio Tajani
(23. marts 2012)
Mobiltelekommunikationskvaliteten afhænger af en række tekniske parametre, herunder teleterminalens antennekvalitet og sendestyrken. Mobiltelefonens sendestyrke kan også styres af selve netværket inden for de grænser, der er fastsat i de relevante standarder.
Det bestemmes i direktiv 1999/5/EF om radio‐ og teleterminaludstyr bl.a., at radioudstyr skal have den immunitet over for elektromagnetiske forstyrrelser, som gør, at dets funktion ikke forringes i uacceptabel grad, når det anvendes efter hensigten. Formålet med dette lovkrav, som understøttes af frivillige standarder udarbejdet af europæiske standardiseringsorganisationer, er at sikre, at radioudstyr som f.eks. mobiltelefoner fungerer bedst muligt.
I forbindelse med de offentlige høringer, som Kommissionen har afholdt forud for den kommende revision af direktivet om radio‐ og teleterminaludstyr, har Kommissionen ikke modtaget bemærkninger om, at der er problemer med forbindelseskvaliteten for mobiltelefoner eller smartphones. 
Hvis der indføres regler med det mål at øge sendestyrken, vil der i øvrigt kunne skabes skadelig interferens i det pågældende frekvensspektrum, især i tæt befolkede områder. 
Kommissionen mener ikke, at det for øjeblikket er nødvendigt at indføre supplerende regler om en minimumssendestyrke eller om antennekvaliteten. Kommissionen vil overvåge udviklingen på markedet på dette område og vil overveje at træffe foranstaltninger, hvis det bliver nødvendigt.
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001439/12
to the Commission
Christel Schaldemose (S&D)
(14 February 2012)

Subject: Labelling system for antenna strength
A telecom analysis company in Denmark has carried out an investigation into the connection quality of mobile phones and smartphones. The investigation shows huge differences in the ability to obtain and maintain connection to a network. On the basis of this study, a number of consumers and telephone manufacturers are demanding a labelling system for antenna quality.
It seems to me that it can be difficult to establish whether a telephone has a good antenna or not. Telecom providers obviously also have a responsibility to ensure that the transmission strength from masts is sufficient, but this does not release telephone manufacturers from the obligation to ensure quality and provide consumers with information.
Is the Commission considering either the introduction of ‘minimum signal strength’ requirements for mobile phones and/or the obligation to provide consumers with better information on antenna strength, possibly in a form that enables comparisons to be made?
Answer given by Mr Tajani on behalf of the Commission
(23 March 2012)
The quality of mobile telecommunications is dependent upon a number of technical parameters including terminal device antenna characteristics and transmitted power. The transmitted power of a mobile terminal may also be controlled by the network itself within the limits specified by the relevant standards.
Directive 1999/5/EC on radio equipment and telecommunications terminal equipment (the R&TTE Directive) requires inter alia that radio equipment has a level of immunity to electromagnetic disturbance which allows it to operate without unacceptable degradation of its intended use. This legal requirement, supported by voluntary standards developed by European standardisation organisations, intends to ensure good operation of radio equipment such as mobile telephones.
In the context of public consultations undertaken by the Commission in preparation for the upcoming revision of the R&TTE Directive, the Commission has not received claims demonstrating that mobile phones or smartphones have a connection quality problem. 
Moreover, introducing regulation with a view to increasing the level of power transmitted may create harmful interference in the spectrum range concerned, especially in densely populated areas. 
The Commission does not currently consider it necessary to introduce additional regulation with regard to minimum signal strength requirements or antenna quality. The Commission will monitor market developments in this area and consider action as appropriate.
(Deutsche Fassung)
Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-001440/12
an die Kommission
Martin Ehrenhauser (NI)
(14. Februar 2012)

Betrifft: ACTA-Übersetzung
Die deutsche Übersetzung des ACTA-Abkommens beinhaltet den Begriff „faires Verfahren“, während die englische, rechtsverbindliche Fassung von „fair process“ spricht. „Faires Verfahren“ ist die Standardübersetzung von „fair trial“ (siehe z. B. Art. 6 EMRK).
Sieht die Kommission in diesem Fall einen Übersetzungsfehler? Falls ja, wie würde nach Ansicht der Kommission die korrekte Übersetzung lauten müssen? Wie erklärt sich die Kommission die Abweichung von der Standardübersetzung?
Falls die Kommission keinen Übersetzungsfehler sieht, stellt sich die Frage, ob der Begriff „fair process“ als „fair trial“ auszulegen ist?
Antwort von Karel De Gucht im Namen der Kommission
(20. März 2012)
Die Kommission möchte den Herrn Abgeordneten auf ihre Antworten auf die schriftlichen Anfragen P-9708/11 und P-8444/11 hinweisen (3). Die Kommission versteht den Begriff „fair process“ im Sinne des Artikels 41 Absatz 2 des TRIPS-Übereinkommens (4). Dort heißt es, dass die Verfahren zur Durchsetzung von Rechten des geistigen Eigentums fair und gerecht sein müssen, damit die Wahrung der Rechte der beteiligten Parteien gewährleistet ist. Da sich das ACTA weitgehend auf das TRIPS-Übereinkommen stützt, lieferte es die Grundlage dafür, im Internetbereich einen Rechtsdurchsetzungsgrundsatz einzuführen, der allen ACTA-Mitgliedern (die alle auch das TRIPS-Übereinkommen unterzeichnet haben) bei der Anwendung allgemeiner Durchsetzungsverfahren bereits gemein ist.
Die Kommission weist darauf hin, dass nur die englische, französische und spanische Sprachfassung verbindlich sind. So gesehen sieht sie keinen Fehler in der deutschen Übersetzung.
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001440/12
to the Commission
Martin Ehrenhauser (NI)
(14 February 2012)

Subject: Translation of ACTA Agreement
The German translation of the ACTA Agreement contains the term faires Verfahren (fair trial or hearing), while the legally binding English version refers to ‘fair process’. Faires Verfahren is the standard translation for ‘fair hearing’ (see, for example, Article 6 ECHR).
Does the Commission see a translation error here? If so, what, in the opinion of the Commission, should the correct translation be? How can the Commission explain the deviation from the standard translation?
If the Commission does not consider this a translation error, the question arises whether the term ‘fair process’ is to be interpreted as ‘fair trial or hearing’?
Answer given by Mr De Gucht on behalf of the Commission
(20 March 2012)
The Commission wishes to refer the Honourable Member to its replies to written questions P‐9708/11 and P‐8444/11 (5). The Commission's understanding of ‘fair process’ is that it is used in the same sense as in Article 41.2 of the TRIPS Agreement (6), which establishes that procedures concerning the enforcement of intellectual property rights shall be fair and equitable in order to ensure the respect for the rights of interested parties. ACTA being, to a considerable extent, based on TRIPS Agreement, this was the basis for introducing in the area of Internet enforcement a principle which is already common to all the ACTA members (all also members of TRIPS) when implementing general enforcement procedures.
While noting that only the English, French and Spanish language versions are authentic, the Commission therefore does not see any error in the German translation.
(Versión española)
Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita P-001443/12
a la Comisión
Juan Andrés Naranjo Escobar (PPE)
(10 de febrero de 2012)

Asunto: Capacidad de apalancamiento del BEI
La consolidación fiscal es una condición necesaria pero no suficiente para salir de la crisis. También es necesario generar crecimiento y empleo. En este sentido hay que dar la bienvenida a las propuestas del Consejo Europeo del pasado 30 de enero.
Una de sus propuestas, ampliamente demandada por los Eurodiputados españoles del Partido Popular Europeo, es utilizar el presupuesto de la UE para apalancar la capacidad total de financiación del BEI con el objetivo de reforzar la financiación a PYMEs y al desarrollo de infraestructuras.
¿En cuánto estima la Comisión la capacidad total de apalancamiento del BEI en estos momentos?
¿Qué vías existen para utilizar el presupuesto comunitario para aumentar la capacidad de apalancamiento del BEI?
¿Cómo se utilizará la capacidad financiera del BEI una vez apalancada para garantizar que la financiación llegue a las PYME?
Respuesta del Sr. Rehn en nombre de la Comisión
(16 de marzo de 2012)
El programa previsto de préstamos del Banco Europeo de Inversiones (BEI) para 2012-2014 se ha definido atendiendo a la necesidad de mantener el volumen de préstamos apropiado en la coyuntura económica y de optimizar el valor añadido, sin menoscabo de la capacidad de absorción de riesgos del Banco. Sobre esta base, el BEI se propone proporcionar préstamos anuales totales a partir de sus recursos propios por un importe de 48 000 millones de euros por término medio en 2012-2014.
El Consejo Europeo informal de 30 de enero de 2012 invitó en sus conclusiones al Consejo, a la Comisión y al BEI a estudiar posibles opciones para mejorar la acción de este último, con el fin de apoyar el crecimiento, y a formular las recomendaciones oportunas, incluida la posibilidad de que el presupuesto de la UE impulse la capacidad de financiación del grupo BEI. La Comisión va a reflexionar sobre las posibles opciones en cooperación con el BEI y el Consejo e informará de ello al Consejo Europeo en junio de 2012.
El BEI tiene una amplia experiencia de financiación a las PYME a través de bancos intermediarios de los Estados miembros. En 2009-2011, el grupo BEI aportó 46 400 millones de euros para financiar PYME a través de instituciones intermediarias (incluidos 13 600 millones de euros de préstamos apalancados gracias a las garantías del Fondo Europeo de Inversiones).
(English version)
Question for written answer P-001443/12
to the Commission
Juan Andrés Naranjo Escobar (PPE)
(10 February 2012)

Subject: Leverage capacity of the EIB
Fiscal consolidation is a necessary condition for recovering from the crisis, but it is not sufficient. Creating growth and employment is also necessary. In this regard, it is important to welcome the proposals of the European Council of 30 January 2012.
One of these proposals, in response to the demands of numerous Spanish MEPs from the European People’s Party, is to use the EU budget to leverage the EIB’s total financing capacity, with the aim of strengthening financing for SMEs and infrastructure development.
How much does the Commission estimate the EIB’s total leverage capacity to be at the present time?
In what ways can the EU budget be used to increase the EIB’s leverage capacity?
How will the EIB’s financing capacity be used once it is leveraged in order to ensure that the financing reaches SMEs?
Answer given by Mr Rehn on behalf of the Commission
(16 March 2012)
The European Investment Bank's (EIB) planned lending programme for 2012-2014 has been defined by reference to the need to maintain appropriate lending volumes in the given economic environment and to optimise value-added, while respecting the Bank's risk bearing capacity. On this basis, the EIB intends to provide total annual lending from own resources in the amount of EUR 48 billion on average in 2012-2014.
The informal European Council of 30 January 2012 in its conclusions invited the Council, the Commission and the EIB to consider possible options to enhance EIB action to support growth and to make appropriate recommendations, including possibilities for the EU budget to leverage EIB group financing capacity. The Commission is reflecting on possible options in cooperation with the EIB and the Council and will report back to the European Council in June 2012.
The EIB has significant experience in providing SME financing through intermediary banks in Member States. In 2009-2011 the EIB group provided EUR 46.4 billion in SME financing through intermediary institutions (including EUR 13.6 billion lending leveraged through European Investment Fund guarantees). 
(Versão portuguesa)
Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-001444/12
à Comissão
Marisa Matias (GUE/NGL)
(7 de fevereiro de 2012)

Assunto: Vaga de frio na Europa
A presente vaga de frio, em apenas duas semanas, terá causado 360 mortos na Europa. Com as alterações climáticas, os eventos climáticos extremos serão cada vez mais frequentes. A onda de calor de 2003 causou milhares de mortos por todo o continente, estimando-se que só em França — o país mais afetado — tenham perecido cerca de 15 mil pessoas. As populações mais pobres, idosas e isoladas são as mais afetadas por ondas de frio ou calor.
Face ao exposto solicito à Comissão as seguintes informações:







Desde a crise climática de 2003, que mecanismos implementou a União Europeia para reduzir os riscos de eventos climáticos extremos? Que mecanismos implementou para responder aos mesmos?











A pobreza energética, as más condições habitacionais, a condição de sem-abrigo e o deficiente acesso à alimentação e a cuidados de saúde potenciam os efeitos mais graves perante os extremos climáticos. Que medidas vai a União Europeia desenvolver para suprir estes fatores na população da Europa?




Resposta dada por Kristalina Georgieva em nome da Comissão
(12 de abril de 2012)
A UE tem recentemente intensificado de forma significativa os seus esforços na prevenção dos riscos de catástrofe (7). Foram implementadas certas medidas com o objetivo de promover o planeamento de avaliação/gestão dos riscos, melhorar os conhecimentos, fomentar a partilha de boas práticas e criar padrões mínimos para a prevenção e que foram progressivamente relacionados com a adaptação às alterações climáticas, no contexto da Estratégia de Adaptação Global da UE de 2013 e do portal informativo Climate-Adapt (8). A preparação para situações de catástrofe no âmbito do Mecanismo no domínio da Proteção Civil (9) foi também reforçada. A proposta da Comissão relativa a um novo Mecanismo (10) integra e visa reforçar a prevenção através de um melhor planeamento e da criação de uma força europeia de resposta de emergência. 
Para ajudar os agricultores a fazer face a riscos relacionados com o clima, a proposta (11) da Comissão sobre a política de desenvolvimento rural da UE pós-2013 prevê um conjunto de instrumentos de gestão dos riscos, nomeadamente o apoio no acesso a seguros, a fundos de investimento e um a instrumento de estabilização do rendimento, juntamente com medidas de restabelecimento do potencial de produção agrícola, bem como outras medidas de prevenção. Para combater a pobreza energética, o Fundo Europeu de Desenvolvimento Regional apoia investimentos na reconversão de edifícios e a habitação social. Desde 2009, até 4 % das suas dotações nacionais podem ser utilizados para investimentos em eficiência energética e em fontes de energia renováveis em edifícios residenciais. Como a proteção de pessoas vulneráveis está prevista na legislação da UE (12), os Estados-Membros podem também considerar a pobreza energética e proibir o corte da ligação em momentos críticos. A integração social e no mercado de trabalho de pessoas sem-abrigo é, de resto, apoiada pelo Fundo Social Europeu. Para reduzir a pobreza alimentar, o programa de ajuda alimentar da UE estabelecido em 1987 (13) é agora alargado até 2013 (14), podendo ser posteriormente integrado na política social da UE, como consta da proposta de QFP para o período de 2014/2020.
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001444/12
to the Commission
Marisa Matias (GUE/NGL)
(7 February 2012)

Subject: Cold spell in Europe
The current cold spell has caused 360 deaths in Europe in just two weeks. With climate change, extreme weather events will become more frequent. The 2003 heat wave caused thousands of deaths across the continent, and around 15 000 people died in France, the worst-affected country. It is the poorest, the oldest and the most isolated who are most severely affected by cold spells or heat waves.
In view of this, I would like to request the following information from the Commission:







In the wake of the weather crisis of 2003, what measures did the European Union take to reduce the risks caused by extreme climate events? What mechanisms has it put in place in response to these?











Energy poverty, poor housing, homelessness, and lack of access to food and healthcare aggravate the most serious effects of extreme weather. What measures will the EU take to eliminate these factors among the people of Europe?




Answer given by Mrs Georgieva on behalf of the Commission
(12 April 2012)
 Recently the EU has significantly stepped up its efforts in disaster risk prevention (15). A number of measures are implemented to promote risk assessment/management planning, improve knowledge, exchange best practices and develop minimum prevention standards which have been progressively linked to climate adaptation in the context of the 2013 EU Adaptation Strategy and the information portal CLIMATE-ADAPT (16). Disaster preparedness within the Civil Protection Mechanism (17) has been also reinforced. The Commission's proposal on a new Mechanism (18) integrates prevention and aims to further enhance preparedness through better planning and creation of an EU Emergency Response Capacity. 
 To help farmers cope with climate-related risks, the Commission's proposal (19) on post-2013 EU rural development policy envisages a risk management toolkit, including support for insurance, mutual funds and an income stabilisation tool alongside measures for restoring agricultural production potential and other prevention actions. To tackle energy poverty, the European Regional Development Fund supports investments in building retro-fitting and social housing. Since 2009, up to 4 % of its national allocations can be used for investments in energy efficiency and renewables in residential buildings. As protection of vulnerable customers is provided for in EU legislation (20), Member States may also refer to energy poverty and prohibit disconnection in critical times. Social and labour market integration of homeless people is moreover supported by the European Social Fund. To reduce food poverty, the EU food aid programme established in 1987 (21) is now extended to 2013 (22) and can be afterwards integrated in EU social policy, as proposed in the 2014-2020 MFF proposal.
(Versão portuguesa)
Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-001445/12
à Comissão
Marisa Matias (GUE/NGL)
(7 de fevereiro de 2012)

Assunto: Base de dados pública para difusão de resultados científicos financiados publicamente
A maior parte dos resultados da investigação científica realizada com fundos públicos é publicada em revistas fechadas, que fecham o conhecimento atrás de direitos económicos e de ₫copyright₻. As bibliotecas universitárias gastam a maior parte do seu orçamento para garantir o acesso a estas revistas. Investigadores independentes vêm-se impedidos de aceder a este conhecimento. A dificuldade e o elevado preço de acesso a este conhecimento são um entrave ao desenvolvimento científico.
O sistema de publicações fechadas fazia sentido num mundo onde era essencial garantir a edição das revistas a nível mundial. Com o advento das novas tecnologias da comunicação é exequível e mais eficiente divulgar o conhecimento de forma aberta, sem prejuízo do seu armazenamento físico. O fechamento do conhecimento científico é contrário à declaração dos direitos humanos que garante que ₫toda a pessoa tem o direito de tomar parte livremente na vida cultural da comunidade, de fruir as artes e de participar no progresso científico e nos benefícios que deste resultam₻.
Face ao exposto, solicito a seguinte informação à Comissão:
A Comissão considera promover ou apoiar a criação de uma base de dados pública para a difusão dos resultados da investigação científica realizada com fundos públicos, nomeadamente comunitários?
Resposta dada por Neelie Kroes em nome da Comissão
(20 de março de 2012)
A Comissão Europeia considera que o acesso aberto é um instrumento essencial para garantir e melhorar a circulação das informações científicas na União Europeia. O livre acesso aparece principalmente em duas iniciativas emblemáticas da ₫Europa 2020₻, a saber, a União da Inovação (23) e a Agenda Digital para a Europa (24). 
Concretamente a CE:






—


Providencia o acesso público online aos resultados de todos os projetos financiados ao abrigo do sexto (6.° PQ) e sétimo (7.° PQ), programa-quadro de investigação e desenvolvimento tecnológico, através do sítio Web da CE (25);










—


Reembolsa os autores pelos custos da publicação de artigos avaliados pelos pares, em revistas de acesso aberto (as chamadas ₫AL privilegiadas₻), sob a denominação de ₫acesso aberto₻ a projetos-piloto no âmbito do 7. ° PQ;










—


Apoia financeiramente a OpenAIRE (26), uma estrutura de apoio a projetos-piloto de acesso aberto. Tem um papel essencial na ligação entre os repositórios de acesso aberto em todos os Estados-Membros; 




Sobre outras medidas, a CE:






—


Visa fazer com que o acesso aberto a publicações seja o princípio geral para todos os projetos financiados pela UE no horizonte de 2020; 










—


Definirá termos e condições da AL para os dados da investigação;










—


Pretende adotar em 2012 uma comunicação e uma recomendação sobre a acessibilidade e a preservação das informações científicas; 










—


Está a trabalhar na integração do acesso aberto como um tema no Espaço Europeu da Investigação (EEI), com vista a incentivar as instituições e os Estados-Membros a desenvolver e implementar estratégias de acesso aberto de forma adequada, incluindo, sempre que adequado, o desenvolvimento de infraestruturas eletrónicas necessárias;




(English version)
Question for written answer E-001445/12
to the Commission
Marisa Matias (GUE/NGL)
(7 February 2012)

Subject: Public database to disseminate publicly financed research findings
Most of the findings of scientific research financed by public funds are published in closed-source journals that restrict access to knowledge by means of economic rights and copyright. University libraries spend most of their budgets on providing access to these journals. Independent researchers are prevented from accessing this knowledge. The difficulty and high cost of access to such knowledge are impediments to scientific development.
The system of closed-access publications made sense in a world where it was essential to ensure the worldwide publication of journals. The advent of new communication technologies makes it viable and more efficient to disseminate knowledge openly, regardless of its physical storage. Restrictions on scientific knowledge are contrary to the Declaration of Human Rights, which guarantees that ‘everyone has the right freely to participate in the cultural life of the community, to enjoy the arts and to share in scientific advancement and its benefits’.
In view of the above, the Commission is asked to answer the following:
Does it intend to promote or support the creation of a public database to disseminate the findings of scientific research financed by public funds, in particular Community funds?
Answer given by Ms Kroes on behalf of the Commission
(20 March 2012)
The European Commission considers open access as a key tool to ensure and improve the circulation of scientific information in the European Union. Open Access features prominently in two Europe 2020 Flagship Initiatives, namely the Innovation Union (27) and the Digital Agenda for Europe (28).
Concretely the EC:






—


provides public online access to results of all projects funded under the Sixth (FP6) and Seventh (FP7) Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development via the EC website (29);










—


reimburses to authors the costs for publishing peer-reviewed articles in open access journals (so-called ‘gold OA’), under what is called the ‘Open Access pilot’ in FP7;










—


financially supports OpenAIRE (30), a support structure for the Open Access pilot. It has a key role of linking Open Access repositories in all Member States. 




Regarding further steps, the EC:






—


aims to make open access to publications the general principle for all EU funded projects in Horizon 2020; 










—


will define terms and conditions for OA to research data;










—


intends to adopt in 2012 a communication and Recommendation on access to and preservation of scientific information; 










—


is working on integrating Open Access as a topic in the European Research Area (ERA) framework with a view to encouraging Institutions and Member States to develop and appropriately implement open access strategies, including where appropriate the development of necessary electronic infrastructures.




(Versão portuguesa)
Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-001446/12
à Comissão
Marisa Matias (GUE/NGL)
(14 de fevereiro de 2012)

Assunto: Publicação de resultados da investigação científica financiada com fundos públicos
O National Institutes of Health é a maior agência norte-americana de financiamento de investigação científica na área da saúde. Esta agência tem uma política que define que os resultados da sua pesquisa, paga pelo dinheiro dos contribuintes, tem que ser obrigatoriamente de acesso público, estando acessível gratuitamente na Internet. Uma política semelhante está a ser aplicada no Reino Unido. Contudo, a lei norte-americana está em revisão, podendo perder esta especificidade.
Os cidadãos e as bibliotecas públicas não devem pagar para ter acesso aos resultados da investigação científica que já pagaram através do financiamento público, sendo que a aquisição de publicações científicas fechadas é a maior despesa das bibliotecas das universidades. A publicação dos resultados em publicações fechadas, como as editadas pela Elsevier e a Springer, dificulta a difusão do conhecimento no mundo, colocando-o por trás de direitos económicos e de copyright. O peer-review e a qualidade científica podem ser mantidos em publicações de fonte aberta.
A União Europeia é o maior financiador da investigação científica a nível global, pelo que solicito as seguintes informações à Comissão:







Que medidas tenciona tomar para assegurar que os resultados da investigação científica financiada por fundos públicos, nomeadamente comunitários, seja de acesso gratuito e universal?











A Comissão tomará medidas para tornar obrigatória a publicação dos resultados da investigação financiada com fundos públicos, nomeadamente comunitários, em publicações open-source?











A avaliação para a atribuição de financiamento público a projetos ou trabalhos científicos muitas vezes valoriza a publicação científica closed source, desvalorizando as publicações em open source. Que medidas considera a Comissão tomar para garantir que a acessibilidade aos resultados seja valorizada?




Resposta dada por Máire Geoghegan-Quinn em nome da Comissão
(20 de março de 2012)
A Comissão considera que o acesso aberto (AA) é um instrumento fundamental para garantir e melhorar a circulação de informações científicas na União Europeia, pelo que está a acompanhar atentamente a evolução no Reino Unido e nos EUA. O acesso aberto é contemplado, de forma proeminente, em duas iniciativas emblemáticas da Estratégia Europa 2020, nomeadamente a União da Inovação (31) e a Agenda Digital para a Europa (32). 
Os custos da publicação de artigos com análise interpares em revistas de acesso aberto (denominado ₫Acesso Aberto Ouro₻) são elegíveis para reembolso integral no âmbito do Sétimo Programa-Quadro de Investigação e Desenvolvimento Tecnológico (7.° PQ 2007/2013). A Comissão lançou igualmente o projeto-piloto Acesso Aberto no âmbito do 7.° PQ que visa o registo de artigos em repositórios de acesso aberto (denominado ₫Acesso Aberto Verde₻). Além disso, a Comissão apoia também atividades de acesso aberto a nível europeu e dos Estados-Membros através de projetos específicos como, por exemplo, a infraestrutura OpenAIRE (33), que consiste num portal que tem subjacente uma rede que federa 72 repositórios de artigos, para além do seu próprio repositório. A infraestrutura OpenAIRE apoia também uma rede de serviços de assistência ao Acesso Aberto em todos os Estados-Membros.
No que diz respeito a outras medidas para o desenvolvimento do acesso aberto, a Comissão pretende que o acesso aberto a publicações seja o princípio geral aplicável a todos os projetos financiados pela UE no âmbito do Programa-Quadro Horizonte 2020. Além disso, serão também definidos para os dados da investigação os termos e as condições em que o acesso aberto a esses resultados deve ser disponibilizado. Em 2012, a Comissão apresentará uma comunicação e uma recomendação ao Conselho sobre o acesso aberto a informação científica e conservação dessa informação, com vista a incentivar os Estados-Membros a desenvolver e implementar adequadamente uma estratégia em matéria de acesso aberto e a comunicar informações sobre os progressos realizados. 
A Comissão está também a trabalhar na integração do acesso aberto como elemento do Espaço Europeu da Investigação (EEI). 
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001446/12
to the Commission
Marisa Matias (GUE/NGL)
(14 February 2012)

Subject: Publication of the findings of publicly financed research 
The National Institutes of Health is the main US financing body for health-related scientific research. It has a policy that the findings of its research, which is paid for by taxpayers’ money, have to be accessible free of charge on the Internet. A similar policy is being applied in the United Kingdom. However, the US law is being revised and this feature may be lost.
Citizens and public libraries should not have to pay to gain access to scientific research findings that they have already paid for through public funding; the acquisition of subscription-only journals is the principal outlay for university libraries. The publication of findings in closed-source journals such as those published by Elsevier or Springer impedes the dissemination of knowledge throughout the world on account of economic rights and copyright. Peer review and scientific quality can be maintained in open-source publications.
Give that the European Union is the biggest source of funding for scientific research at global level:







What measures will the Commission take to ensure that the findings of scientific research financed by public money, including Community funds, are universally and freely available?











Will it take measures to make it obligatory to publish the findings of scientific research financed by public money, including Community funds, in open-source publications?











Evaluation for the purpose of granting public funds for scientific projects or work frequently makes a virtue of the fact that the findings will be published in closed-source journals, thereby devaluing open-source publications. What measures might the Commission think of taking to ensure that accessibility of findings is more highly valued? 




Answer given by Ms Geoghegan-Quinn on behalf of the Commission
(20 March 2012)
The Commission considers open access (OA) as a key tool to ensure and improve the circulation of scientific information in the European Union and is carefully following the developments in the UK and the USA. OA is prominently featured in two Europe 2020 Flagship initiatives, namely the Innovation Union (34) and the Digital Agenda for Europe (35).
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’). Furthermore, the Commission also supports open access activities on the European and Member States' level through dedicated projects, such as the ‘OpenAIRE infrastructure’ (36), which consists of a portal on top of a network federating 72 article repositories as well as its own repository. OpenAIRE also supports a network of Open Access helpdesks in all Member States.
Regarding further steps in the development of open access, the Commission aims to make open access to publications the general principle for all EU funded projects in Horizon 2020. Additionally, for research data, terms and conditions under which open access to such results must be provided shall also be defined. The Commission will present a communication and Recommendation to the Council on open access to and preservation of scientific information in 2012, with a view to encouraging Member States to develop and appropriately implement an open access strategy and report on progress achieved. 
The Commission is also working on integrating open access as an element of the European Research Area (ERA).
(Versione italiana)
Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-001447/12
alla Commissione
Carlo Fidanza (PPE)
(14 febbraio 2012)

Oggetto: Zona di protezione speciale «Risaie della Lomellina»
Premesso che la direttiva 92/43/CEE (direttiva ₫Habitat₻) prevede la costituzione di una rete ecologica europea di zone speciali di conservazione, denominata ₫Natura 2000₻, comprendente anche zone di protezione speciale (ZPS) classificate a norma della direttiva 79/409/CEE (direttiva ₫Uccelli₻), oggi sostituita dalla direttiva 2009/147/CE, concernente la conservazione degli uccelli selvatici. Entrambe le direttive stabiliscono che le misure adottate devono tener conto delle esigenze economiche, sociali e culturali, nonché delle particolarità regionali e locali.
A seguito di questa normativa, è stata istituita la zona di protezione speciale ₫Risaie della Lomellina₻, che delimita un'area di 30 941 ettari di terreno coltivato, suddiviso in 22 comuni, la più grande zona di protezione speciale d'Europa, la cui individuazione entra in netto contrasto con le direttive citate, in quanto avviene di fatto su un territorio antropizzato.
Considerando che il territorio in oggetto è il più importante produttore di riso d'Italia e tra i maggiori d'Europa, che in provincia di Pavia il Parco della Valle del Ticino vincola una superficie di 46 376 ettari, di cui 11 620 rientranti nella zona di protezione speciale ₫Boschi del Ticino₻, che la zona di protezione speciale ₫Risaie della Lomellina₻ si estende per 30 941 ettari e le altre zone di protezione speciale o siti di interesse comunitario per 2 600 ettari, ne consegue che circa 80 000 ettari risultano sottoposti a vincoli naturalistici, ovvero il 45 % della superficie agricola utilizzabile a livello provinciale. L'apposizione di tali vincoli provoca una sensibile riduzione della produttività risicola di queste aree, con ripercussioni fortemente negative sul territorio e sul suo tessuto socio-economico. Il D.P.R. n. 357 dell'8.09.1997, così come modificato dal DPR n. 120 del 12.03.2003 all'articolo 3, comma 4-bis, stabilisce che ₫le Regioni (…) effettuano una valutazione periodica dell'idoneità₻ dei siti all'attuazione degli obiettivi della direttiva in seguito alla quale possono proporre al ministero dell'Ambiente e della tutela del territorio un aggiornamento dell'elenco degli stessi siti, della loro delimitazione e dei contenuti della relativa scheda informativa.
Può la Commissione comunicare se, presa coscienza di questi dati, è disponibile ad aprire un tavolo di confronto con Regione Lombardia e gli enti locali al fine di verificare la possibilità di modificare i confini e l'estensione della zona di protezione speciale ₫Risaie della Lomellina₻, individuando soluzioni alternative che non pregiudichino una produzione risicola d'eccellenza?
Risposta data da Janez Potočnik a nome della Commissione
(28 marzo 2012)
Ai sensi della direttiva ₫Uccelli₻ (37) e della direttiva ₫Habitat₻ (38), i siti Natura 2000 (sia le zone di protezione speciale che i siti di importanza comunitaria) vengono selezionati e designati esclusivamente in base ai criteri scientifici stabiliti nelle due direttive menzionate.
In particolare, la zona di protezione speciale ₫Risaie della Lomellina₻, a cui l’onorevole parlamentare fa riferimento, è di fondamentale importanza per la conservazione degli ardeidi e, nello specifico, della garzetta (Egretta garzetta), della nitticora (Nycticorax nycticorax), della sgarza ciuffetto (Ardeola ralloides) e dell’airone rosso (Ardea purpurea).
Tuttavia, Natura 2000 non è un sistema di ₫riserve naturali₻ da cui le attività umane debbano essere escluse. L’obiettivo è piuttosto garantire lo svolgimento o la continuazione di attività socio-economiche in modo sostenibile e equilibrato, senza compromettere gli obiettivi in materia di conservazione dei siti.
Pertanto, le eventuali incompatibilità tra i requisiti di conservazione della natura e le esigenze della produzione risicola devono essere esaminate dalle autorità italiane competenti, nel quadro della definizione di misure di conservazione appropriate per il sito in questione.
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001447/12
to the Commission
Carlo Fidanza (PPE)
(14 February 2012)

Subject: ‘Lomellina rice plantations’ special protection zone
Directive 92/43/EEC (the ‘Habitats Directive’) provides for the establishment of a European ecological network of special conservation zones named ‘Nature 2000’, which also includes special protection zones (SPZs) classified in accordance with Directive 79/409/EEC (the ‘Wild Birds Directive’), which has been replaced by Directive 2009/147/EC concerning the conservation of wild birds. Both Directives establish that the measures adopted must consider economic, social and cultural requirements in addition to specific regional and local aspects.
In accordance with this legislation, the ‘Lomellina rice plantations’ special protection zone was set up, covering an area of 30 941 hectares of cultivated land, divided up into 22 different municipalities, making it the largest SPZ in Europe. Its designation is, however, in clear violation of the stated Directives, in that the area’s environment is man-made.
Considering that the territory in question is Italy’s most important rice producer and one of the biggest in all of Europe, that in the province of Pavia, the Valle del Ticino park encompasses a surface area of 46 376 hectares, of which 11 620 fall under the SPZ ‘Ticino forests’, the ‘Lomellina rice plantations’ SPZ covers 30 941 hectares and the other SPZs or sites of Community importance (SCIs) make up 2 600 hectares, it therefore follows that approximately 80 000 hectares are subject to environmental restrictions, i.e. 45 % of the area usable for agriculture in the province. These restrictions significantly reduce rice productivity in these areas, with very negative repercussions on the territory and the socioeconomic fabric. Paragraph 4-bis of Article 3 of Presidential Decree No 357 of 8 September 1997, as amended by Presidential Decree No 120 of 12 March 2003, lays down that ‘the Regions […] carry out regular assessments of the suitability’ of the sites in terms of the implementation of the objectives of the directive and that, following that assessment, they may propose to the Ministry for the Protection of the Environment an update of the list of these sites, their boundaries and the contents of the related information sheets.
Can the Commission state whether, on the basis of this data, it is willing to set up a forum with the Lombardy Region and the local authorities in order to verify the possibility of amending the boundaries and extent of the ‘Lomellina rice plantations’ SPZ, identifying alternative solutions that would not jeopardise the production of rice of the highest quality?
Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission
(28 March 2012)
In accordance with the Birds Directive (39) and the Habitats Directive (40), Natura 2000 sites (both Special Protection Areas and Sites of Community Importance) are selected and designated exclusively on the basis of the scientific criteria laid down in the two Directives.
In particular, the Special Protection Area ‘Risaie della Lomellina’, mentioned by the Honourable Member, is of utmost importance for the conservation of Ardeidae, namely the Little Egret (Egretta garzetta), the Black-Crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax), the Squacco Heron (Ardeola ralloides) and the Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea).
Natura 2000 sites, however, are not a system of ‘nature reserves’ where human activities are to be excluded. The objective is to ensure that socioeconomic activities are carried out or continued in a sustainable and balanced way, without damaging the conservation objectives of the sites. 
Therefore, any potential conflict between the nature conservation requirements and the rice production needs have to be addressed by the competent Italian authorities in the context of the establishment of the appropriate conservation measures for the concerned site.
(Versione italiana)
Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-001448/12
alla Commissione (Vicepresidente/Alto Rappresentante)
Sergio Paolo Frances Silvestris (PPE)
(14 febbraio 2012)

Oggetto: VP/HR — Uccisione di quattrocento bambini siriani
Sono almeno 400 i bambini uccisi negli 11 mesi di violenze in Siria. Lo ha affermato il portavoce dell'Unicef a Ginevra. Sempre secondo informazioni pervenute dalle organizzazioni locali che operano a favore dei diritti umani oltre 400 minori sono in carcere.
Dal marzo 2011 al gennaio scorso è stata compiuta una strage di bambini. Secondo l'Unicef decine di bambini sono arrestati arbitrariamente, vengono torturati e subiscono abusi sessuali durante la loro detenzione. Allo stato attuale l'Unicef non ha accesso a queste zone.
Alla luce di quanto sopra esposto, può dunque il Vicepresidente/Alto Rappresentante comunicare:







se è a conoscenze della strage di bambini in Siria denunciata dall'Unicef;











quali provvedimenti e azioni intende intraprendere per garantire ai bambini siriani il rispetto dei diritti civili?




Risposta data dall’Alta Rappresentante/Vicepresidente Catherine Ashton a nome della Commissione
(23 maggio 2012)
L’Alta Rappresentante/Vicepresidente è al corrente delle diffuse violazioni dei diritti umani da parte del regime siriano, che colpiscono anche i bambini. L’Alta Rappresentante/Vicepresidente ha sistematicamente condannato tali atti brutali e atroci, ribadendo la necessità di condurre un’indagine scrupolosa sui fatti segnalati dalla commissione internazionale indipendente d’inchiesta che ha rilevato la presenza di crimini contro l’umanità. 
L’UE ha ripetutamente espresso forte preoccupazione di fronte al peggioramento costante delle condizioni umanitarie della popolazione siriana, compresi i bambini. L’Unione ha sollecitato il regime a concedere alle organizzazioni umanitarie un accesso immediato, pieno e senza restrizioni per consentire loro di prestare assistenza umanitaria e medica a tutti coloro che ne abbiano bisogno. 
Al fine di aumentare la pressione su Bashar al-Assad affinché metta fine alle violenze, ritiri le sue truppe dalle città e dai villaggi sotto assedio e conceda l’accesso alle organizzazioni umanitarie, l’UE ha esteso le misure restrittive per quattordici volte dal maggio 2011. Nell’ottica di una soluzione politica alla crisi, l’Unione appoggia pienamente l’inviato speciale dell’ONU e della Lega araba, Kofi Annan, e il suo piano in sei punti. L’Unione accoglie con favore le risoluzioni del Consiglio di sicurezza dell’ONU che sostengono Kofi Annan ed esorta il regime siriano a tener fede alle proprie promesse e ad attuare i sei punti del piano. 
L’UE continua ad adoperarsi per la protezione e la promozione dei diritti del bambino nelle sue politiche esterne ed interne, dando priorità in particolare ai bambini coinvolti nei conflitti armati. Gli Orientamenti dell’Unione europea sui bambini e i conflitti armati impegnano l’UE ad affrontare tale questione in maniera globale. I capi missione dell’UE sorvegliano la situazione e segnalano i casi di coinvolgimento di bambini nei conflitti armati.
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001448/12
to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)
Sergio Paolo Frances Silvestris (PPE)
(14 February 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — The killing of 400 Syrian children
At least 400 children have been killed during the last 11 months of violence in Syria, according to the Unicef spokesman in Geneva. And according to information obtained from local human rights organisations, more than 400 children are in prison.
From March 2011 to January 2012, a massacre of children took place. According to Unicef, dozens of children are being unlawfully arrested, tortured and are suffering sexual abuse during their imprisonment. Unicef does not currently have access to these areas.
In view of the above, can the Vice-President/High Representative please declare:







whether she is aware of the massacre of children in Syria as reported by Unicef;











what measures and action she intends to take to ensure that the civil rights of Syrian children are respected?




Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Ashton on behalf of the Commission
(23 May 2012)
The High Representative/Vice-President is aware of the widespread human rights violations by the Syrian regime, which also target children. She has consistently condemned these brutal and appalling acts and reiterated that there must be a full investigation of the findings of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry, which pointed to crimes against humanity. 
The EU has repeatedly expressed its concern at the increasingly worsening humanitarian plight of the Syrian population, including that of children. It has urged the regime to grant immediate, unimpeded and full access of humanitarian organisations in order to allow them to deliver humanitarian assistance and medical care to all those in need. 
In order to put pressure on Bashar al-Assad to stop the violence, withdraw his troops from besieged towns and cities, and grant humanitarian access, the EU extended its restrictive measures 14 times since May 2011. In view of a political solution to the crisis, the EU fully supports the Joint UN-LAS Special Envoy, Mr Kofi Annan, and his six point plan. It welcomes the UN Security Council's resolutions backing Mr Annan and calls on the Syrian regime to follow up on its promises and comply with his six points. 
The EU is committed to the protection and promotion of the rights of the child in its external and internal policies. In particular, the EU accords a high priority to helping children facing armed conflicts. The EU Guidelines on Children Affected by Armed Conflicts commit the EU to addressing this issue in a comprehensive manner. The EU Heads of Missions monitor and report on children affected by armed conflicts.
(Versione italiana)
Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-001449/12
alla Commissione
Mario Borghezio (EFD)
(14 febbraio 2012)

Oggetto: Rischio di iperinflazione per l'Europa
Secondo fonti attendibili, quest'anno il sistema bancario privato europeo necessiterà di 5 mila miliardi di crediti a interesse zero per evitare il crac. Le banche hanno già comunicato alla Banca centrale europea che nella prossima asta di crediti a tre anni, prevista per la fine di febbraio, necessiteranno di mille miliardi. Tale liquidità sarà utilizzata per generare profitti fittizi investendo in un carry trade di titoli di Stato della zona euro con rendite del 5-7 %. I ₫profitti₻ servono a coprire il fatto che le banche sono insolventi. Per ottenere i prestiti della BCE, esse offrono in collaterale i titoli invendibili che hanno in pancia.
Le stesse fonti affermano che i mille miliardi richiesti per questo mese sono solo una frazione di quanto necessiteranno le banche nei prossimi mesi e che la soglia di ₫un'esplosione iperinflazionistica₻ è stata raggiunta da circa un anno.
È la Commissione in grado di smentire queste analisi?
Risposta data da Olli Rehn a nome della Commissione
(10 aprile 2012)
Le banche dell’UE sono state sottoposte a tre fasi successive di prove di stress per garantire un livello molto elevato di solvibilità e solidità anche in condizioni estreme. Inoltre, le banche dell’UE sono assoggettate a un rigoroso esercizio di ricapitalizzazione, coordinato dall’autorità bancaria europea, che aumenterà i relativi coefficienti di solvibilità in maniera significativa sopra i livelli minimi prescritti dal futuro quadro regolamentare di Basilea III, imponendo tra l’altro alle banche di possedere riserve temporanee di capitale per resistere a perdite di mercato sui loro titoli di debito sovrano.
Per quanto riguarda i finanziamenti bancari, l’attuale mancanza di liquidità del mercato per le banche dell’UE ha indotto la Banca centrale europea (BCE) a fornire alle banche liquidità sufficiente per soddisfare i requisiti di finanziamento ed evitare un pericoloso processo di riduzione della leva finanziaria. Questo sostegno decisivo da parte della BCE è essenziale per agevolare un flusso adeguato di credito all’economia.
Il rischio di iperinflazione nell’UE non è suffragato dalle recenti previsioni intermedie della Commissione del 23 febbraio. Quest’anno è prevista una recessione moderata per l’area dell’euro, con una crescita del PIL del — 0,3 %. Si prevede che l’inflazione continui a diminuire lentamente nei prossimi trimestri; secondo le previsioni, complessivamente nel 2012 dovrebbe scendere al 2,1 % nell’area dell’euro.
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001449/12
to the Commission
Mario Borghezio (EFD)
(14 February 2012)

Subject: Europe at risk of hyperinflation
Reliable sources have declared that this year the European private banking system will need 5 trillion in loans at zero interest to avoid bankruptcy. The banks have already notified the European Central Bank (ECB) that they will be requiring a trillion at the next auction of three-year loans, scheduled for late February. This liquidity will be used to generate fictitious profits, investing in a carry trade of Eurozone government securities with returns of between 5 and 7 %. These ‘profits’ will be used to cover the fact that the banks are insolvent. To obtain the ECB loans, they will be offering the unsalable securities they hold as collateral.
The same sources also state that the trillion requested for this month is just a small part of what the banks will actually be requiring over the next few months and that the threshold of ‘hyperinflationist explosion’ was reached approximately one year ago.
Can the Commission deny these analyses?
Answer given by Mr Rehn on behalf of the Commission
(10 April 2012)
EU banks have been subject to three successive rounds of stress tests to ensure a very high level of solvency and robustness even under extreme conditions. On top of this, EU banks are undergoing a strict recapitalisation exercise, coordinated by the European Banking Authority, that will raise their solvency ratios significantly above the minimum levels that will be required by future the Basel III regulatory framework, including by requiring banks to hold a temporary capital buffers to withstand market losses on their holdings of sovereign debt. 
As regards bank funding, the current lack of market liquidity for EU banks has led the European Central Bank (ECB) to provide banks with sufficient liquidity in order to meet their funding requirements and avoid a disruptive deleveraging process. This decisive support from the ECB is essential to facilitate the adequate flow of credit to the economy.
The risk of hyperinflation in the EU is not supported by the recent Commission interim forecast of 23 February. A mild recession is projected for the euro area with GDP growth at — 0.3 % this year. Inflation is expected to continue its slow decline over the coming quarters, for 2012 as a whole, it is forecast to fall to 2.1 % in the euro area.
(Wersja polska)
Pytanie wymagające odpowiedzi pisemnej E-001452/12
do Komisji
Paweł Zalewski (PPE)
(14 lutego 2012 r.)

Przedmiot: ACTA w prawie USA
Nawiązując do Państwa odpowiedzi na zadane przeze mnie niedawno pytania (nr P-9179/2010 i E-001447/2011), chciałbym ponownie zwrócić się do Komisji w kwestii stanowiska USA wobec ACTA (Umowa handlowa dotycząca zwalczania obrotu towarami podrabianymi), a konkretnie:







Czy Kongres Stanów Zjednoczonych planuje ratyfikację ACTA?











Jeżeli nie, w jaki sposób w prawodawstwie USA umocowane zostaną przepisy prawa karnego oraz prawa cywilnego w sprawach dotyczących naruszenia prawa w obszarze ochrony własności intelektualnej (IPR)?











Czy podmioty prawne znajdujące się na terenie UE będą mogły powołać się na postanowienia zawarte w ACTA w procesach związanych z naruszeniem prawa własności intelektualnej na terenie USA?




Odpowiedź udzielona przez komisarza Karela De Guchta w imieniu Komisji
(20 marca 2012 r.)






1.


Każda ze Stron ratyfikuje ACTA zgodnie z własnymi przepisami wewnętrznymi. Stany Zjednoczone były jednym z pierwszych państw, które podpisały tę umowę w październiku 2011 r. Zgodnie ze stanowiskiem Przedstawiciela Handlowego Stanów Zjednoczonych umowa ta jest porozumieniem wykonawczym i aby być wiążącą dla tego państwa, nie wymaga zgody Kongresu.










2.


Stany Zjednoczone publicznie oświadczyły, że obowiązujące w tym państwie prawodawstwo już teraz zgodne jest z ACTA, w tym z postanowieniami tej umowy w sprawie postępowań karnych i cywilnych dotyczących egzekwowania praw własności intelektualnej. Oznacza to, że w przypadku naruszenia tych praw w Stanach Zjednoczonych zostaną podjęte działania przynajmniej na poziomie ustalonym w ACTA.










3.


Ze względu na ich terytorialność przypadki naruszenia praw własności intelektualnej na danym terytorium rozpatrywane będą zgodnie z prawem państwa, na terytorium którego doszło do naruszenia. Jako że umowy międzynarodowe, takie jak ACTA, nie mają bezpośredniego zastosowania do podmiotów prywatnych, lecz muszą być wdrożone zwykłymi przepisami, jeżeli przedsiębiorstwo unijne spotka się z przypadkiem naruszenia jego praw własności intelektualnej na terenie Stanów Zjednoczonych, będzie chronione przez przepisy prawa tego państwa. Właściwe przepisy prawa amerykańskiego muszą być zgodne z zobowiązaniami międzynarodowymi Stanów Zjednoczonych wynikającymi z umowy ACTA.




(English version)
Question for written answer E-001452/12
to the Commission
Paweł Zalewski (PPE)
(14 February 2012)

Subject: ACTA in US law
Further to your responses to questions I have submitted recently (Nos P‐9179/2010 and E‐001447/2011), I would like once more to request information from the Commission on the United States’ position on ACTA (the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement), in particular:







Does the US Congress plan to ratify ACTA?











If not, how will criminal and civil provisions relating to the violation of intellectual property rights (IPR) be enshrined in US law?











Will legal entities in the European Union have recourse to the provisions laid down by ACTA in cases that involve the infringement of intellectual property rights in the United States?




Answer given by Mr De Gucht on behalf of the Commission
(20 March 2012)






1.


It is for each Party to ratify the ACTA Treaty according to its own internal rules. The US was among the first countries to sign this Treaty in October 2011. According to the US Trade Representative, ACTA is an Executive Agreement which does not need Congress approval in order to bind the United States.










2.


The US has publicly stated that its existing legislation already complies with ACTA, including the ACTA provisions on criminal and civil enforcement of intellectual property rights. This will ensure that infringements of IPR in the US will be addressed — at least — at the level required by ACTA.










3.


Because of their territorial nature, the violation of intellectual property rights in a given territory will be assessed according to the law of the territory where the infringement is located. Since international treaties such as this are not directly applicable to private entities, but need to be implemented by ordinary legislation, if an EU company is facing an infringement of its intellectual property rights in the US, it will be protected by the provisions of the US Law. The relevant US Law needs to be compatible with the international commitments of the US under ACTA.




(English version)
Question for written answer P-001453/12
to the Commission
Keith Taylor (Verts/ALE)
(10 February 2012)

Subject: Scope of the EU's animal welfare strategy and future legislative framework for animal welfare
Acknowledging that all animals are sentient beings regardless of their use or circumstance and that they deserve the provision of at least their basic, if not their species-specific needs, can the Commission confirm that the EU strategy for animal welfare (EUPAW) (41) seeks to protect the welfare of all animals under the control of human beings?
Furthermore, Article 3.1 of EUPAW proposes a future legislative framework for animal welfare. On the understanding that this applies to all animals kept in the context of ‘an economic activity’, can the Commission confirm that this also applies to wild animals kept in captivity for commercial gain, such those kept in zoos, aquariums, dolphinariums and circuses, as well as to wild animals traded for the pet industry?
Answer given by Mr Dalli on behalf of the Commission
(9 March 2012)
The scope of the future actions foreseen in the EU strategy for the protection and welfare of animals 2012-2015 (42) is limited by the competences of the Union, due to the principle of conferral and governed by the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality as laid down in Article 5 of the Treaty of the European Union (43) and the protocol on the application of the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality.
Up to now, specific categories of animals are covered by the scope of the Union's rules on animal welfare as detailed in the abovementioned strategy. Furthermore, the Commission declared that it will ‘consider the feasibility of introducing a simplified EU legislative framework with animal welfare principles for all animals kept in the context of an economic activity (…)’. Therefore, the Commission will work along this direction keeping in mind the limits of the Union's Treaties.
Wild animals kept in zoos or aquaria are covered by Directive 1999/22/EC related to the keeping of wild animals in zoos (44) and are therefore susceptible to be included in a possible future framework legislation for animal welfare. The Commission will have to demonstrate in any case that additional rules or an extended scope for the welfare of animals fall within the competences of the Union and respect the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality as laid down in the Treaties.
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001454/12
to the Commission
Kay Swinburne (ECR)
(8 February 2012)

Subject: Light pollution
A number of concerned constituents have contacted me to ask what the EU is doing to reduce light pollution across the Union. Whilst I understand that lighting is essential for society to operate, it can often be intrusive, causing a ‘sky glow’ which makes it difficult to view distant stars owing to the artificial brightness created. This dramatically reduces the enjoyment of those who wish to view the night sky.
Can the Commission clarify whether:







it has any plans to address this matter?











any assessment of the impact of light pollution has been, or will be, conducted?




Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission
(28 March 2012)
The Commission refers the Honourable Member to its answers to written questions E‐1207/02 by Messrs. Tajani, Podestá and Sartori, E‐5205/07 by Ms Sinnott, E‐683/09 by Ms Van Lancker, E‐1464/11 by Mr Mölzer and E‐7286/2011 by Mr Rossi (45).
Currently, there are no further plans on this matter and no further assessment is planned.
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001455/12
to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)
Marina Yannakoudakis (ECR)
(14 February 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — Arrest of Parastoo Dokouhaki
Is the EEAS aware of the arrest of Parastoo Dokouhaki, a blogger, human rights activist and journalist, who has been detained by the Iranian authorities on alleged grounds of national security? Ms Dokouhaki’s family claim she has not been politically active for some time since she and 32 of her fellow female activists were arrested in March 2007 while attending protests against the trial of women’s rights activist Sousan Tahmasbi. Will the EEAS lobby the Iranian Government for the release of all political prisoners, especially those standing up for the rights of women?
Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Ashton on behalf of the Commission
(31 May 2012)
High Representative/Vice-President Ashton is well aware of the case of Parastoo Dokouhaki and shares the Honourable Parliamentarian’s concern about the growing harassment and persecution of journalists, Internet bloggers and women's rights defenders in Iran. In her statement of 31 January 2012, she has called on Iran to release journalists and bloggers who had been arrested by security forces in Iran including Sahameddin Bourghani, Hassan Fathi, Farshad Ghorbanpour, Ehsan Houshmand, Fatemeh Kheradmand, Saeed Madani, Shahram Manouchehri, Marzieh Rasouli, Arash Sadeghi and Mohammad Soleimani Nia.
HR/VP has also expressed her profound worry over the many arrests of women journalists, artists and women's rights defenders in Iran. The right to free speech is an internationally enshrined fundamental human right, to which Iran itself has freely signed up. HR/VP has called on Iran to live up to these international human rights obligations and release all political prisoners and other detained women's rights defenders immediately.
HR/VP will continue to follow the case of Parastoo Dokouhaki.
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001456/12
to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)
Marina Yannakoudakis (ECR)
(14 February 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — Education in South Sudan
Is the EEAS aware that in the severely undeveloped state of South Sudan very few young girls take their final primary school exams, and fewer still go on to secondary education? What help can be provided to allow all students the opportunity to continue their education so that they can develop the necessary reading and writing skills?
Answer given by Mr Piebalgs on behalf of the Commission
(28 March 2012)
The European Union is acutely aware of the huge challenges South Sudan faces in building an economy and social infrastructure from scratch. As a land-locked, oil-dependent, post-conflict territory, South Sudan has all the risk factors that define a ‘fragile state’. Education is not immune to it, and the country has one of the worst education development indicators in the world, far away from attaining Millennium Development Goals in education and gender equality, and realising Education for All. 
Since 2005, the EU, through a financial package of EUR 51.5 million, has been supporting the expansion of education's coverage in South Sudan, with a view to rehabilitate and build schools, train teachers, provide text books, and strengthen the ability of the public authorities to formulate, implement and monitor education policies. Girls' education and gender equality have been identified as critical in the Education Sector Strategic Plan 2012-2016. For the period 2012 to 2013, the EU will continue its support to the education sector in South Sudan, and particularly primary education, with an additional EUR 41.5 million financial allocation, which will build on previous assistance and focus specifically on the still existing strong disparities related to gender, wealth, or urban/rural split.
The EU is firmly convinced that a basic precondition for a peaceful, viable and prosperous South Sudan is the possibility for children to envision a different future away from war, where they will contribute to a more sustainable economy and a more diverse base for growth. The EU will continue to be a staunch supporter of South Sudan in its efforts to realise this important development goal.
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001457/12
to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)
Marina Yannakoudakis (ECR)
(14 February 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — The EU's Operation Atalanta
Can the EEAS say what measures can be put in place to ensure that the EU’s Operation Atalanta does not unnecessarily duplicate and undermine NATO anti-piracy operations off the coast of Somalia and in the Indian Ocean?
Would the EEAS not agree that different overlapping naval mandates can generate unnecessary duplication of effort, which the Member States can ill afford at a time of severe defence budget cuts?
Further, would the EEAS agree that any real solution to the problem of maritime piracy in this region lies in stability and the rule of law on land, so as to deter, disrupt and repress such activities? As a pre-emptive measure, what land-based anti-piracy programmes has the EEAS put in place to support its maritime strategy?
Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Ashton on behalf of the Commission
(8 May 2012)
Close cooperation is already assured by the co-location of operational headquarters in Northwood, but regular staff-to-staff discussions, exchanges of information and coordination are assured through SHADE (46). The operations are coordinated to dove-tail, not overlap.
At the end of 2011 a ‘Strategic Framework for the Horn of Africa’ (47) to guide the EU's multi-sectoral engagement in the region was adopted. To coordinate that engagement, since January 2012, the EU has a Special Representative to the Horn of Africa to focus on Somalia and the regional dimensions of the conflict, as well as on piracy. In addition to containing piracy with its operation EUNAVFOR ATALANTA, the EU is working on:






—


Judicial international cooperation:




The EU is assisting the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime (UNODC); 






—


Building regional maritime capacities:




A new CSDP (48) mission in support of Regional Maritime Capacity Building (RMCB) is currently under preparation and the regional Maritime Security Programme (MASE) is in the making to support the fight against piracy and promote maritime security;






—


Assistance and dialogue:




The EU is the biggest donor to Somalia, having committed EUR 215.4 million since 2008 for governance, security, and economic growth. An additional EUR 175 million for 2011-2013 will allow support of new activities in these fields. 
The EU is also supporting the development of Somali security capacities This includes: training and payment of police officers; strong financial support — EUR 258 million since 2007 — to the African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia (Amisom); as well as training of security forces through the EU Training Mission (EUTM Somalia), another CSDP operation. 
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001458/12
to the Commission(Vice-President/High Representative)
Marina Yannakoudakis (ECR)
(14 February 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — Iraqi state security officers
Is the EEAS aware that on 16 January 2012 The Guardian newspaper stated that it had collected evidence which, it claims, ‘shows Iraqi state security officers are systematically arresting people on trumped-up charges, torturing them and extorting bribes from their families for their release’. If so, what pressure can the EEAS and the EU delegation apply in order to put a stop to this corrupt and unjust practice?
Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Ashton  on behalf of the Commission
(30 April 2012)
The High Representative/Vice-President is aware of the article published at the Guardian newspaper, without having any specific information on the allegedly collected evidence. 
The EU follows developments in Iraq very closely and continuously voices human rights concerns at every possible occasion with Iraqi authorities and at every level. The European External Action Service, both in headquarters and the EU Delegation are treating allegations of human rights abuses in Iraq seriously. The EU Delegation also meets regularly with members of the Iraqi Parliament and civil society, especially those involved in human rights work. The EU implements locally the EU Guidelines on Torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment including via local contacts and action on individual cases, as appropriate, based on a local implementation strategy of the Guidelines. In addition, the EU continues to engage Iraq on its international commitments including those made at the Human Rights Council Universal Periodic Review on Iraq in February 2010. 
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. Both are considered crucial sectors, to ensure protection of human rights. The EU capacity building activities and support to the civil society in those sectors will continue to be reflected in the priorities of EU's policy towards Iraq. Also, 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 professional development opportunities for high and mid‐level Iraqi officials from the criminal justice system.
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001459/12
to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)
Marina Yannakoudakis (ECR)
(14 February 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — Lebanese legislation against spousal rape
Ask the EEAS what political pressure can be applied on Lebanon to address its lack of legislation against spousal rape, and current laws that drop sentences for rapists who agree to marry their victims?
Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Ashton on behalf of the Commission
(30 March 2012)
The EU is following the developments around the Lebanese draft legislation on Protection of Women from Domestic Violence. The EU Delegation in Beirut is in close contact with the local civil society to discuss various issues connected to the rights of women, among others their protection from domestic violence and spousal rape. These issues are on the agenda of the regular political dialogue between the EU and the Lebanese authorities. Most recently in the EU-Lebanon Subcommittee on Human Rights, Democracy and Governance held on 8 February 2012 in Brussels the EU expressed concerns about the lack of progress on the women rights agenda and urged the Lebanese side to remedy the situation. The annual ENP Progress Reports point out to similar shortcomings. 
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001460/12
to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)
Marina Yannakoudakis (ECR)
(14 February 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — China's military advances
How is the EEAS addressing China’s stark conventional and unconventional military advances in recent years? Would it not agree that the breakneck speed of Chinese military modernisation, especially in the domains of space and cyber warfare, may create a formula for mistrust that challenges the regional balance in the Asia-Pacific region and potentially beyond?
In light of this, could the EEAS comment on the following Chinese military advances, and how the EU can gain reassurances that such weapon systems will not be used in an offensive capability?
— Anti-satellite (ASAT) and anti-ballistic missile (ABM) weapons systems
— Submarine-launched ballistic and cruise missiles
— ‘Carrier killer’ anti-ship missiles with enhanced targeting capabilities
— Beidou positioning system
— Long-range nuclear weapons systems
— Upgrades to the strategic rocket force
— Plans to build three aircraft carrier battle groups
— Extended ability for offshore air force operations
— J-20 stealth fighter prototype.
The High Representative has written in a strategy paper that she sees the current EU arms embargo as ‘a major impediment for developing stronger EU‐China cooperation on foreign policy and security matters.’ Given the recent military build-up, has the VP/HR changed her position on this issue?
Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Ashton  on behalf of the Commission
(31 May 2012)
China’s military restructuring and upgrade — launched originally as part of the late Deng Xiaoping’s four modernisations programme — has been gathering apace during the past two decades in particular. Expenditure on the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has concentrated mainly on improvements to its military capabilities, with a particular emphasis on upgrading weapons systems. It has been working especially on developing a number of domestic technologies either related to asymmetric warfare (for instance, anti-satellite capabilities) or to more conventional power projection tools (such as their first aircraft carrier).
The High Representative/Vice-President follows these issues closely. The EU is also extending its bilateral cooperation with China in order to secure an appropriate framework for addressing such concerns, complementary to the bilateral cooperation that many member states have with China in the military field. Of particular relevance in all this remain the issues of human rights, stability and security in the region and the national security of friendly and allied countries. 
The EU has not changed its position on the arms embargo since 2004, when it had reaffirmed its political will to continue to work towards lifting it. There is no debate taking place at the moment on the possible lifting of the embargo.
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001461/12
to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)
Marina Yannakoudakis (ECR)
(14 February 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — The stalled issue of North Korea's nuclear ambitions
Following the death of North Korean dictator Kim Jong-Il, the situation in the Korean peninsula remains in a parlous state. Is the EEAS involved in any potential talks to resolve the stalled issue of North Korea’s nuclear ambitions? What recent contact has the EEAS had with the parties involved in the six-party talks on the nuclear issue? Can the EEAS report back on the humanitarian aid package made available to the North Korean regime last July and provide assurances that aid was not used to sustain North Korea’s military apparatus?
Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Ashton  on behalf of the Commission
(19 March 2012)
The EU is deeply concerned about the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's (DPRK) nuclear programme. Although not directly involved in the Six Party Talks, it is closely working with its international partners towards a complete, verifiable and irreversible dismantlement of that programme. The issue is discussed in all political meetings with the EU's strategic partners. In the first months of 2012, this was the case with China, the United States, Japan, Russia and the Republic of Korea. It was also discussed in the December 2011 EU‐DPRK political dialogue. 
With regard to the aid package, the Commission, in response to a severe food crisis, adopted an emergency humanitarian decision worth EUR 10 million to provide the most vulnerable and affected people in DPRK (children under five, pregnant and lactating women and elderly living alone) with supplementary food assistance and a therapeutic feeding component implemented respectively by the World Food Programme (WFP) and Save the Children. 
Strict safeguards and controls were agreed with the WFP in order to mitigate the risks of food diversion. WFP monitors checked the food commodities delivered at the main entry ports and railway stations, as well as their dispatching to the transit warehouses and local food production factories, with hundreds of visits paid each month to different social institutions. 
The Commission also deployed five technical monitoring missions in order to verify the correct implementation of the humanitarian aid operations. All monitoring commitments were respected from the DPRK side.
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001462/12
to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)
Marina Yannakoudakis (ECR)
(14 February 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — EU visa ban for Anatoli Kuleshov, Belarus Minister of Internal Affairs
Anatoli Kuleshov, the Belarusian Minister of Internal Affairs, was recently able to visit Interpol’s headquarters in Lyon in spite of the fact that Mr Kuleshov is on the list of Belarusian officials banned from entering EU Member States.
Could the VP/HR explain why Mr Kuleshov was able to enter the EU in spite of the visa ban? Could she also outline what sanctions the Commission will impose on France for issuing a visa to a man who has been directly involved in the Belarusian regime’s imprisonment of peaceful demonstrators and political opponents?
Would the VP/HR agree that EU visa bans are toothless and no longer represent a deterrent to countries which abuse human rights, demonstrated by the ease with which Mr Kuleshov and (in the case of Italy in 2002) President Mugabe were able to circumvent the ban?
Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Ashton  on behalf of the Commission
(19 April 2012)
Anatoly Kuliashou remains listed in Annex IIIa of Council Decision 2010/639/CFSP of 25 October 2010 concerning restrictive measures against certain officials of Belarus (49) and as such is subject to the travel ban set out in Article 1 of that Decision. 
Article 1 also confirms that it is for Member States to take the necessary measures to prevent the entry into, or transit through, their territories of listed persons, but Article 1 also foresees a number of exemptions to this ban. Among the exemptions Member States may use are cases where the Member State is a host country of an international intergovernmental organisation and where travel is justified on grounds of attending intergovernmental meetings. 
The exercise of these exemptions is a matter for Member States and the Honourable Member's questions regarding the two examples cited should be addressed to the relevant states. Given the range of sanctions regimes and the number of listed persons who have been unable to travel to the Union, travel restrictions imposed by the EU are considered to be effective. 
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001464/12
to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)
Marina Yannakoudakis (ECR)
(14 February 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — Yemen and the UNDP Gender Equality Index
As the EEAS is no doubt aware, Yemen came bottom of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) 2011 Gender Equality Index on account of widespread gender-based discrimination. Women in Yemen have limited access to healthcare, economic opportunities and education. Accordingly, can the EEAS outline what pressure it has — or intends to — put on the Yemeni authorities to address such shortcomings?
Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Ashton on behalf of the Commission
(31 May 2012)
The High Representative/Vice-President Ashton is well aware of the gender problems in Yemen and the limited access of women to healthcare, economic opportunities and education.
The EU has raised these issues on different levels for many years.
The cooperation programmes (financed through the Development Cooperation Instrument) from which Yemen benefits have largely concentrated on three main areas: social issues, particularly health, governance and economic development. Within these programmes specific attention is paid to underprivileged parts of society, mainly women and youth. Several projects under the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights have directly addressed discrimination against women and girls. Finally, on the political level, the EU has advocated very actively on specific issues such as the campaign to raise the legal minimum age for marriage.
It is clear that the gender-gap in Yemen will not disappear overnight. However, the promised reform efforts under the newly elected President offer possibilities to further address these issues, on which there will be continuous support and monitoring from the EU. 
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001465/12
to the Commission
Marina Yannakoudakis (ECR)
(14 February 2012)

Subject: Mathare Slum, Kenya
What aid can the Commission provide for the Mathare Slum, located in the Kenyan capital Nairobi and home to approximately 500 000 people living in extreme poverty, many of whom are on the edge of survival? Can the Commission provide details of its slum upgrade and prevention programmes in Kenya?
Answer given by Mr Piebalgs on behalf of the Commission
(10 April 2012)
The supply of water and sanitation to the residents in the Mathare slum is implemented under a Water Services Trust Fund (WSTF) programme. A total of 100 water and sanitation projects across the country were financed by the EUR 10 million project two of which were in Mathare, where the Nairobi Water Company partnered with the local non-governmental organisation (NGO) Pamoja. Another ongoing regional project that includes a component in the Mathare slum supports women and young people in obtaining decent work through entrepreneurship development. The project has reached around 15 000 people while the approximate budget provided by the EU is EUR 0.5 million. Until recently, the EU also supported two health projects in the area of maternal and child health including sexual and reproductive health as well as projects that supported outreach and information dissemination. Around 200 000 people were reached with approximately EUR 1.3 million in EU funding.
The EU is also the main donor of the regional Participatory Slum Upgrading Programme (PSUP), which provides technical assistance to efforts of slum upgrading at national level on how to undertake assessments, design proposals, mobilise stakeholders and establish a national framework coordinating urban poverty reduction issues. On a regional level, the EU also supports two vocational training ongoing projects that support the upgrading of training facilities and curriculum as well as improving the outreach to people who cannot attend formal vocational training. The approximate number of people reached is 20 000, by approximate EU support of EUR 0.8 million. There are also two projects in the health sector, which ended in 2011, in Nairobi's Kibera and Mukuru slums. Around 350 000 people were reached while the support provided by EU was approximately EUR 1.3 million.
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001466/12
to the Commission
Marina Yannakoudakis (ECR)
(14 February 2012)

Subject: Croix Deprez refugee camp, Haiti
After the catastrophic 12 January 2010 earthquake in Haiti, what aid has the Commission provided to the displaced women and girls who to this day are being forced by circumstance into survival sex to support themselves and their children in the Croix Deprez refugee camp? Can the Commission provide details of measures it is taking, or has taken, to bring an end to forced prostitution within these camps, especially as this issue has received little attention from the Haitian government or international community?
Answer given by Mrs Georgieva  on behalf of the Commission
(28 March 2012)
The Commission responded swiftly and massively to the devastating earthquake in Haiti. 
Needs were enormous and EU funded projects in key areas such as health, shelter, water and sanitation, nutrition, food assistance, risk reduction, as well as protection. 
Follow up actions included a series of activities including: protection projects defending women's and girls' rights, informing women and other camp residents of their rights, ensuring proper medical and psychological treatment and follow-up for victims of sexual violence, mainstreaming protection in other projects including shelter, promoting the lighting of public areas and latrines, locked latrines and bathing areas, etc. The Commission has, as much as possible, promoted cooperation with local organisations which have taken some very simple but efficient measures to enhance protection in the camps. Considering that violence against women was already widespread before the earthquake, addressing sexual violence in Haiti in a more comprehensive and sustainable way requires longer-term actions going beyond the scope of humanitarian emergency interventions and involves structural changes to enforce the rule of law in the country.
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001467/12
to the Commission
Marina Yannakoudakis (ECR)
(14 February 2012)

Subject: European Institute for Gender Equality
Asks the Commission how it intends to ensure that the European Institute for Gender Equality offers best value for money in a time of economic crisis and austerity without compromising the successful implementation of its important remit, which is to protect and promote women’s rights and gender equality across the EU?
Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission
(9 March 2012)
The European Commission is very much attached to gender equality and committed to its implementation in all EU policies. The European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) is contributing to this engagement and should be fully supported in this respect by all the EU institutions. 
In the current context of austerity, it is of utmost importance that public money is spent in an efficient way. The European Commission will particularly pay attention to this by using its seat in EIGE's Management Board, in addition to the regular contacts that its parent DG (DG Justice) has with the Institute, for checking that the Institute makes best use of its subsidies. The European Commission will in particular pay attention to the implementation of the annual and multi-annual work programmes.
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001468/12
to the Commission
Marina Yannakoudakis (ECR)
(14 February 2012)

Subject: Responsibility in public finances
How does the Commission intend to work with the Danish Presidency, in light of Ms Thorning-Schmidt’s recent comments emphasising the importance of ‘responsibility’ in public finances, to ensure that taxpayers receive value for money from the European Union over the next six months?
Does the Commission intend to ring-fence any spending such as projects and programmes designed to protect women from violence and discrimination?
How does the EU see spending on gender equality affecting the ongoing negotiations on the Multiannual Financial Framework 2014‐2020?
Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission
(23 March 2012)
On 29 June 2011, the European Commission presented its proposals for the MFF 2014-2020. The Commission's proposals represent a budget for investment and growth, focusing on Europe 2020 priorities, impacts and results. They focus on priority funding that provides EU added value. 
Under the new MFF 2014-2020 the Commission made a proposal for a new Rights and Citizenship programme, which aims to address funding needs in the areas of non-discrimination and gender equality (including violence against women), as well as in the areas of citizenship, rights of the child, data protection and rights deriving from the EU consumer and contract law legislation. 
This programme merges three current Programmes: the Fundamental Rights and Citizenship, the Daphne III and the Anti-discrimination and Gender Equality strands of PROGRESS. The integration of the three programmes into one aims to promote the development of synergies among these areas of funding. In order to achieve this goal and in order to allow for flexibility in addressing the needs that might arise annually until 2020, the programme does not preset a strict allocation of funds per area. This allocation will be done annually in the Programme's Annual Work Programme and it will take into consideration the annual needs and priorities of each policy area.
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001470/12
to the Commission
Marina Yannakoudakis (ECR)
(14 February 2012)

Subject: Turkish Government draft report on protection for women against violence
Could the Commission comment on allegations that a Turkish Government draft report, written by the Family and Social Policy Minister Fatma Şahin, which was originally intended to protect women from violence, has now been watered down to such an extent that Turkish courts may remove penalties from men as long as they promise that they shall never use violence against women again? Would it not agree that such a draft law risks the safety of women in Turkey, and any potential Turkish membership of the EU?
Answer given by Mr Füle  on behalf of the Commission
(9 March 2012)
The Minister for Family and Social Policy has proposed a draft law on the protection from violence of women and family members. This draft has been prepared with extensive consultation of NGOs and is currently with the Turkish Cabinet of Ministers.
Contrary to what is suggested in the question of the Honourable member, the Commission's understanding is that the draft law grants no authority to Turkish courts to remove penalties from men who promise not to use violence against women again.
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001471/12
to the Commission
Marina Yannakoudakis (ECR)
(14 February 2012)

Subject: EU institutions' administrative budgets in 2013
The Commission announced with great fanfare earlier this month that, for the second year running, it had urged all EU institutions to show the utmost restraint when drafting their estimates for their 2013 administrative budgets.
Given that this is, as the Commission has vocally announced, the second year running it has called for such budgetary self-restraint, could the Commission provide an assessment of the cuts made by the EU institutions written to by Commissioner Lewandowski last year?
Answer given by Mr Lewandowski on behalf of the Commission
(30 March 2012)
According to the provisions of Article 335 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) combined with Article 50 of the Financial Regulation, each European institution enjoys administrative autonomy in matters relating to its respective operations.
However, the Commission notes that its calls for restraint to other Institutions along the same rigorous budgeting the Commission applies to its own section of the budget has resulted in a very limited increases in administrative expenditure in 2012, despite increasing tasks resulting, among others from the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty and the necessary preparation of Croatia's accession.
Expenditure of Institutions other than the Commission increased by 1.0 % in the 2012 budget, i.e. well below the inflation rate (1.8 %) meaning cuts in real terms. That was only possible, for instance, because the Council reduced the appropriations for items such as travel expenditure or building provisions; the Court of Auditors redeployed existing posts for new auditors and did not take into account price increases for expenditure not related to salaries and related allowances; the Parliament implemented measures to make economies in fields such as language services or travel expenditure. As a consequence of these actions, the budget of the Council and the Court of Auditors decreased in 2012 in comparison with 2011 (by ‐5.2 % and ‐1.3 % respectively) while the budget of the other Institutions, including the Parliament, remained close to the level of inflation.
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001472/12
to the Commission
Marina Yannakoudakis (ECR)
(14 February 2012)

Subject: EU financial transaction tax (FTT)
In September 2011, a Commission impact assessment suggested that the long-term impacts of an EU financial transaction tax (FTT) could reduce future GDP in the European Union by 1.76 %.
However, the Commission is now carrying out a ‘fine-tuned’ economic analysis with a view to revising its assessment of the FTT. Commissioner Šemeta has said that he wishes to ‘put the record straight on some of the myths’ surrounding the FTT and that he thinks that it will not, in fact, damage growth or lead to job losses.






1.


Could the Commission confirm that it understands the meaning of 




‘fine-tune’? The Commissioner’s comments seem to suggest that he has confused ‘fine-tune’ with ‘massive U-turn’ or perhaps ‘politically motivated volte-face’.






2.


Could the Commission also clarify why it no longer thinks that the FTT will damage growth, given the convincing findings of its own impact assessment, as well as a recent report by Ernst & Young LLP’s ITEM Club, which suggests that an FTT would cost UK-based companies EUR 22 billion a year and cause 4 500 job losses, 2 100 of which would be in the financial services sector, mainly in my constituency of London.










3.


If the impact assessment published in September was so inaccurate, will the Commission consider bringing disciplinary procedures against the officials involved in the drafting of this report?




Answer given by Mr Šemeta on behalf of the Commission
(30 March 2012)






1.


In the context of ongoing discussions on the Commission proposal for an FTT, the Commission services will continue to provide appropriate additional elements of analysis complementing and further explaining the assessment that accompanied the legislative proposal. 











2.


The second question confuses the findings of some model simulations










2.


The second question confuses the findings of some model simulations




 (50), undertaken in the context of the impact assessment and which did not reflect the design of the actual proposal, and the overall assessment of the effects of the Commission proposal (51). These final results take into account elements of the ‘mitigating effects’ that were part of the qualitative analysis set out in the impact assessment. 





3.


The Commission is satisfied that the impact assessment established in preparation of its FTT proposal was carried out in accordance with the internal rules of the institution and that it provided an appropriate basis for the College in it's decision-making process.




(Nederlandse versie)
Vraag met verzoek om schriftelijk antwoord E-001473/12
aan de Commissie
Barry Madlener (NI)
(8 februari 2012)

Betreft: Egyptische filmster moet de cel in na beledigen islam
De Egyptische filmster Adel Imam heeft een gevangenisstraf van drie maanden gekregen omdat hij in zijn films en voorstellingen de islam beledigt. Ook de Egyptische mediamagnaat Naguib Sawiris staat  terecht voor het beledigen van de islam. Afgelopen zomer plaatste hij op Twitter een afbeelding van Mickey en Minnie Mouse in islamitische kleren.







1.


Hoe beoordeelt de Commissie het nieuwsbericht 










1.


Hoe beoordeelt de Commissie het nieuwsbericht 



„Egyptische filmster moet de cel in na beledigen islam” (52)?





2.


Hoe luidt het exacte vonnis tegen Adel Imam en hoe luidt de aanklacht tegen Naguib Sawiris? Op welke rechtsbeginselen wordt hij vervolgd en zijn die rechtsbeginselen verenigbaar met het concept van een democratische rechtsstaat?










3.


Is de Commissie met de PVV van mening dat in een democratische rechtsstaat het bekritiseren van de islam mogelijk dient te zijn? Zo neen, waarom niet?










4.


Welke stappen heeft de Commissie ondernomen of gaat de Commissie nog nemen, om er zorg voor te dragen dat vrijheid van meningsuiting ook geldt voor mensen die kritiek hebben op de islam?




Antwoord van hoge vertegenwoordiger/vicevoorzitter Ashton namens de Commissie
(16 mei 2012)
De EU hecht veel belang aan de eerbiediging van de vrijheid en de pluriformiteit van de media. Vrijheid van meningsuiting is een grondrecht van ieder mens en maakt inherent deel uit van de menselijke waardigheid. Het is ook een hoeksteen van de democratie, die van cruciaal belang is voor de vrije uitwisseling van informatie waarop eenieder recht heeft. De associatieovereenkomst tussen Egypte en de EU is gebaseerd op de eerbiediging van de fundamentele mensenrechten. De bescherming van minderheden en de bestrijding van discriminatie, ook op grond van geloof, is een prioriteit bij de planning van de samenwerking tussen de EU en Egypte. In het actieplan EU-Egypte in het kader van het Europees nabuurschapsbeleid wordt duidelijk de doelstelling onderstreept om „[…] de vrijheid van meningsuiting en de onafhankelijkheid van de media te waarborgen door het werk van onafhankelijke informatieverstrekkers te vergemakkelijken, onder andere door passende wetgevende maatregelen”. 
De EU zet de Egyptische autoriteiten onder druk wegens de schendingen van de mensenrechten sinds de afzetting van president Mubarak. In recente verklaringen heeft de hoge vertegenwoordiger/vicevoorzitter er bij de Egyptische autoriteiten herhaaldelijk op aangedrongen de fundamentele vrijheden van burgers te beschermen, waaronder de vrijheid van meningsuiting en de vrijheid van godsdienst of overtuiging. Deze kwesties worden ook regelmatig aan de orde gesteld tijdens onze informele contacten met de Egyptische autoriteiten in Brussel en in Caïro. 
Adel Imam heeft aangekondigd dat hij beroep zal instellen tegen het verstekvonnis (3 maanden gevangenis) dat tegen hem is uitgesproken wegens het beledigen van de islam via bepaalde personnages in zijn films en voorstellingen. De strafrechtbank van Qasr El-Nil in Caïro heeft de rechtszaak wegens religieuze smaad, waarin Naguib Sawiris werd beschuldigd van verachting van het geloof, verworpen omdat de eisers wettelijk niet bevoegd waren om een rechtzaak aan te spannen.
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001473/12
to the Commission
Barry Madlener (NI)
(8 February 2012)

Subject: Egyptian film star sentenced for insulting Islam
Egyptian film star Adel Imam has received a three-month prison sentence for insulting Islam in his films and plays. Egyptian media magnate Naguib Sawiris also faces trial on a charge of insulting Islam. Last summer, he posted a cartoon of Mickey and Minnie Mouse in Islamic attire on Twitter.







1.


What is the Commission’s view of the news report 










1.


What is the Commission’s view of the news report 



‘Egyptian film star sentenced for insulting Islam’ (53)?





2.


What is the exact wording of the verdict against Adel Imam and that of the charge against Naguib Sawiris? According to which principles of justice is he being prosecuted and are those principles compatible with the concept of a democratic state based on the rule of law?










3.


Does the Commission agree with the PVV that it should be possible in a democratic state based on the rule of law to criticise Islam? If not, why not?










4.


Which steps has the Commission taken, or is it going to take, to ensure that freedom of expression also applies to people who criticise Islam?




Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Ashton on behalf of the Commission
(16 May 2012)
The EU is strongly committed to the respect of freedom and pluralism of the media. Freedom of expression is a fundamental right of every human being and an inherent part of human dignity. It is also a cornerstone of democracy and crucial for the free flow of information to which everyone is entitled. The Association Agreement concluded by Egypt with the EU is based on respect of fundamental human rights. The protection of persons belonging to minorities and the fight against discrimination, including on religious grounds, is a priority in the planning of the EU's cooperation with Egypt. The European Neighbourhood Policy Action Plan between Egypt and the EU clearly underlines the objective to ‘[…] Assert freedom of expression and independence of the media by facilitating the work of independent information providers including trough appropriate legislative action’. 
The EU has put pressure on the Egyptian authorities with regard to the human rights violations perpetrated since the ousting of President Mubarak. In recent statements the High Representative/Vice-President repeatedly called on the Egyptian authorities to protect the fundamental freedoms of the citizens, including freedom of expression and freedom of religion or belief. These matters are also regularly raised in our informal contacts with the Egyptian authorities in Brussels and Cairo. 
Adel Imam has announced that he would appeal his three-month jail sentence pronounced in abstentia for insulting Islam in some characters he protrayed in movies and plays. The Qasr El-Nil Misdemeanour Court in Cairo rejected the religious defamation lawsuit that accused Naguid Sawiris of contempt for religion on the grounds that the plaintiffs had no legal standing to sue.
(Tekstas lietuvių kalba)
Klausimas, į kurį atsakoma raštu, Nr. E-001474/12
Komisijai
Vilija Blinkevičiūtė (S&D)
(2012 m. vasario 8 d.)

Tema: Moterų ir vyrų lygybės metinė pažangos ataskaita
Nuo 2003 metų Europos Komisijos kiekvienais metais Europos Parlamentui, Tarybai, Ekonomikos ir socialinių reikalų komitetui bei Regionų komitetui teikiama Moterų ir vyrų lygybės pažangos metinė ataskaita yra labai svarbus ir naudingas dokumentas tiek Europos Sąjungos institucijoms, tiek valstybėms narėms. Ataskaitoje pateikiamos tendencijos ir palyginamoji visų šalių statistinė informacija pagal strateginius prioritetus, informacija apie Europos Komisijos ir valstybių narių veiksmus lyčių lygybės srityje ir suteikiama galimybė eliminuoti nelygybės apraiškas.
Ši kasmetinė ataskaita aiškiai parodo, kad moterų ir vyrų lygybė yra prioritetinė Europos Sąjungos vertybė, kaip tai ir nurodoma ES sutartyje. Tai ne tik de jure lygios moterų ir vyrų teisės. Tai konkretūs praktiniai veiksmai, konkrečios priemonės, projektai, iniciatyvos, kuriais siekiama moterų ir vyrų lygybės de facto visose srityse, ypač užimtumo ir darbo srityje. Moterų ir vyrų lygybė – tai ES ekonominio vystymosi, ES konkurencingumo stiprinimo prielaida bei horizontalusis prioritetas visose srityse, įskaitant žmogaus teisių sritį.
Mus pasiekė informacija, kad šiais metais Europos Komisija atskiros Moterų ir vyrų lygybės pažangos metinės ataskaitos neteiks, tačiau prie Pagrindinių žmogaus teisių padėties ataskaitos bus pateiktas priedas moterų ir vyrų lygybės klausimu. Be to, pirmą kartą per daugelį metų į šių metų vasario 17 d. EPSCO posėdžio darbotvarkę toks klausimas neįtrauktas.
Ar Europos Komisija iš tiesų planuoja nebeteikti atskiros Moterų ir vyrų lygybės pažangos metinės ataskaitos? Jei taip, ar galėtų Europos Komisija paaiškinti, dėl kokių priežasčių ir kokiu pagrindu šiais metais ji neteiks tokios atskiros ataskaitos?
V. Reding atsakymas Komisijos vardu
(2012 m. kovo 29 d.)
Moterų ir vyrų lygybės pažangos ataskaita bus pridėta prie 2011 m. metinės ES pagrindinių teisių chartijos taikymo ataskaitos, kurią numatyta priimti kovo pabaigoje.
Įsigaliojus ES pagrindinių teisių chartijai, Komisija priėmė Veiksmingo chartijos įgyvendinimo strategiją, kurioje ES nustatytas tikslas rodyti pavyzdį, kaip laikytis pagrindinių teisių, visų pirma teisėkūros proceso metu. Komisija taip pat įsipareigojo rengti metines ataskaitas ir taip geriau informuoti piliečius apie chartijos taikymą, taip pat vertinti chartijos įgyvendinimo pažangą.
Į 2011 m. metinę ES pagrindinių teisių chartijos taikymo ataskaitą bus įtraukti visi klausimai, susiję su Veiksmingo chartijos įgyvendinimo strategija, taip pat bus peržiūrėtos pastangos skatinti moterų ir vyrų lygybę – ši teisė įtvirtinta chartijos 23 straipsnyje.
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001474/12
to the Commission
Vilija Blinkevičiūtė (S&D)
(8 February 2012)

Subject: Annual Report on Progress on Equality between Women and Men
The annual Report on Progress on Equality between Women and Men that has been submitted by the European Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions every year since 2003 is a very important and useful document both for the institutions of the European Union and the Member States. The report presents trends and comparative statistical information from all the countries according to strategic priorities, information about gender equality actions undertaken by the European Commission and the Member States and provides an opportunity to eliminate manifestations of inequality.
This annual report clearly demonstrates that gender equality is a priority European Union value, as stated in the EU Treaty. These are not simply de jure equal rights for women and men. They are tangible, practical actions, specific measures, projects and initiatives by means of which to achieve de facto gender equality in all areas, particularly in matters of employment and occupation. Gender equality is a precondition for strengthening economic development in the EU and the EU’s competitiveness and a horizontal priority in all fields, including human rights.
We have been informed that this year the European Commission will not submit a separate annual Report on Progress on Equality between Women and Men, but will attach an annex on the issue of gender equality to the report on Fundamental Human Rights. Moreover, for the first time in many years this issue is not on the agenda of the EPSCO Council on 17 February 2012.
Does the European Commission really no longer intend to submit a separate annual Report on Progress on Equality between Women and Men? If so, could the European Commission explain why and on what grounds it will not be submitting this separate report this year?
Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission
(29 March 2012)
The report on Progress on Equality between Women and Men will be annexed to the 2011 Annual Report on the Application of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights which is scheduled for adoption end of March.
After the entry into force of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, the Commission adopted a Strategy on the effective implementation of the Charter setting as an objective that the EU is exemplary as regard the respect of fundamental rights, in particular when it legislates. The Commission further committed to prepare annual reports to better inform citizens on the application of the Charter and to measure progress in its implementation.
The 2011 Annual Report on the Application of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights will cover all relevant issues in relation to the strategy on the effective implementation of the Charter, and will also review efforts to promote equality between women and men, which is a right enshrined in Article 23 of the Charter.
(Versione italiana)
Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-001475/12
alla Commissione
Elisabetta Gardini (PPE)
(8 febbraio 2012)

Oggetto: Politica energetica UE
L'ondata di freddo polare di questi giorni ha reso evidente, ancora una volta, l`annoso problema dell`approvvigionamento energetico a livello europeo e la mancanza di una politica energetica comune.
In particolare, le forniture di gas provenienti da alcuni paesi come la Russia hanno subito una drastica riduzione, con punte anche del 30 %, causando notevoli disagi a famiglie e imprese.
In riferimento a quanto precedentemente detto, chiediamo alla Commissione di precisare quanto segue:







Qual è la posizione in materia di diversificazione delle fonti energetiche?











Sono previste azioni mirate al fine di evitare che queste emergenze si ripresentino ciclicamente?




Risposta data da Günther Oettinger a nome della Commissione
(12 marzo 2012)
La diversificazione delle fonti, delle rotte e delle controparti è un elemento fondamentale della sicurezza europea dell'approvvigionamento. Uno degli obiettivi della politica dell'UE in materia di promozione delle energie rinnovabili è proprio quello di contribuire ad accrescere la sicurezza dell'approvvigionamento energetico riducendo la dipendenza dalle importazioni di combustibili mediante il ricorso ad un'ampia gamma di fonti energetiche rinnovabili, spesso autoctone. La comunicazione della Commissione sulla politica energetica esterna dell'Unione europea mira a rafforzare il partenariato con i nostri partner di approvvigionamento. Tuttavia, una rete interna del gas ben interconnessa e un mercato interno dell'energia ben funzionante sono altrettanto importanti per garantire il trasporto senza ostacoli del gas nell'ambito dell'UE.
Il regolamento sulla sicurezza dell'approvvigionamento di gas (54) dispone che tutti gli Stati membri valutino i rischi che pesano sulla sicurezza del loro approvvigionamento di gas e adottino misure preventive e di gestione delle crisi. Entro la fine del 2012 dovranno essere istituiti piani di azione preventivi e piani di emergenza. Misure obbligatorie aggiuntive in tutti gli Stati membri, come le norme in materia di fornitura e le norme in materia di infrastrutture, assicurano che il gas venga fornito ai clienti protetti anche in condizioni climatiche difficili e che esista una capacità sufficiente per il trasporto del gas in caso di interruzioni del servizio sulle infrastrutture più grandi. A lungo termine il maggiore accento messo sull'efficienza energetica e sulle fonti energetiche rinnovabili consentirà anche di ridurre la vulnerabilità dell'UE a interruzioni dell'approvvigionamento, come evidenziato dagli scenari illustrati nella comunicazione dal titolo ₫Tabella di marcia per l'energia 2050₻ (55), presentata dalla Commissione nel dicembre 2011.
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001475/12
to the Commission
Elisabetta Gardini (PPE)
(8 February 2012)

Subject: EU energy policy
The freezing cold snap in recent days has, once again, highlighted the long-standing problem of energy supply in Europe and the lack of a common energy policy.
In particular, gas supplies from several countries such as Russia have been drastically reduced by up to 30 %, causing significant problems for families and businesses.
In view of the above, we should like to ask the Commission:







What is its position on diversifying energy sources?











Are any measures planned to prevent the cyclical recurrence of these emergencies?




Answer given by Mr Oettinger on behalf of the Commission
(12 March 2012)
Diversification of sources, routes and counterparts is a cornerstone of European security of supply. One of the objectives of the EU's policy to promote renewable energy is precisely to contribute to improving energy security by reducing dependency of imported fuels through the exploitation of a wide range of (often indigenous) renewable energy sources. The Commission's communication on the EU's external energy policy aims at enhancing the partnership with our supply partners. However, a well interconnected internal gas network and a functioning internal energy market is equally important to be able to transport the gas without any barriers within the EU.
The regulation on security of gas supply (56) ensures that all Member States assess their risks to security of gas supply and that they prepare preventive and crisis management measures. The Preventive Action Plans and Emergency Plans shall be established by the end of 2012. Additional obligatory measures in all Member States, such as the supply standard and the infrastructure standard, ensure that gas is supplied to protected customers even in severe weather conditions and that there is sufficient capacity to transport the gas in cases of disruptions on the biggest infrastructure. In a longer term perspective, a stronger emphasis on energy efficiency and renewable energy sources will also help limit the EU's vulnerability to such disruptions, as evidenced by the scenarios presented in the ‘Energy Roadmap 2050’ (57) presented by the Commission in December 2011.
(Versão portuguesa)
Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-001476/12
à Comissão
Diogo Feio (PPE)
(8 de fevereiro de 2012)

Assunto: Criação de variante do vírus H5N1
Notícias dão conta de que um grupo de cientistas europeus desenvolveu, no ₫Erasmus Medical Centre₻ de Roterdão, uma variante altamente contagiosa (pelo ar) e letal do vírus H5N1. Esta nova forma do vírus, resultante de 5 mutações introduzidas pelos cientistas, terá a capacidade para matar milhões de pessoas, atendendo à facilidade de contágio agora introduzida.
Vários responsáveis norte-americanos têm manifestado a sua preocupação com estas notícias. Por um lado, porque acreditam estarmos perante uma muito apetecível arma biológica, que grupos terroristas tentarão controlar; por outro, porque uma espécie de tal modo virulenta do H5N1 pode, efetivamente, escapar do laboratório, causando uma pandemia imparável e de proporções dramáticas.
Assim, pergunto à Comissão:







Tem conhecimento dos trabalhos levados a cabo no ₫Erasmus Medical Centre₻ de Roterdão com o vírus H5N1? Que comentário lhe merece?











Está a União Europeia, e em especial a Holanda, em condições de garantir que os trabalhos relativos ao H5N1 não colocam em perigo a segurança e a saúde dos europeus?











Atendendo a que o vírus mutado está guardado nas instalações do ₫Erasmus Medical Centre₻ sem medidas de segurança especiais, tem conhecimento de algum plano de contingência preparado por este centro, pelo governo holandês ou com a colaboração da UE, para o caso de haver alguma quebra de segurança no armazenamento do vírus?




Resposta dada por John Dalli em nome da Comissão
(20 de março de 2012)
Relativamente ao projeto de investigação sobre a gripe aviária levado a efeito no Centro Médico Erasmo de Roterdão, a Comissão remete o Senhor Deputado para a sua resposta à pergunta escrita E-001026/2012 (58).
Sobre as medidas especiais de segurança postas em prática no Centro Médico Erasmo, a Organização Mundial de Saúde tem vindo a declarar que os vírus H5N1 modificados em laboratório se encontram atualmente armazenados em instalações de investigação bem estabelecidas, com níveis elevados de segurança (59). Estão em vigor medidas preventivas contra a gripe aviária, coordenadas a nível da União. Estas medidas prescritas devem ser aplicadas por todos os Estados-Membros, assim como uma vigilância reforçada, a fim de garantir um elevado grau de preparação contra a gripe aviária em toda a União e assegurar normas de proteção equitativas para os cidadãos. Além disso, no contexto da atual pausa voluntária de 60 dias em todas as investigações que envolvam a gripe aviária altamente patogénica, a Comissão, com o apoio do Centro Europeu de Prevenção e Controlo das Doenças, e em cooperação com o Comité de Segurança da Saúde (60) e a Organização Mundial de Saúde, irá proceder à análise das questões de segurança decorrentes de tais projetos experimentais. 
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001476/12
to the Commission
Diogo Feio (PPE)
(8 February 2012)

Subject: Creation of variant of the H5N1 virus
News has emerged that a group of European scientists at Rotterdam’s Erasmus Medical Centre have developed a lethal and highly contagious airborne variant of the H5N1 virus. This new form of the virus, resulting from five mutations introduced by the scientists, could be capable of killing millions of people, given how contagious they have made it.
Several senior figures in the US have expressed their concern at this news. This is, firstly, because they believe this is a very desirable biological weapon that terrorist groups will want to control, and, secondly, because such a virulent strain of H5N1 could in fact escape from the laboratory, causing an unstoppable pandemic of dramatic proportions.
In the light of the above, can the Commission state:







whether it is aware of the work carried out on the H5N1 virus at Rotterdam’s Erasmus Medical Centre, and whether it has any comments on the matter;











whether the EU, and the Netherlands in particular, are able to guarantee that work on H5N1 does not put the health and safety of the European public at risk;











whether, given that the mutated virus is being kept in the facilities of the Erasmus Medical Centre without special security measures, it is aware of any contingency plan prepared by that centre, by the Netherlands government, or in collaboration with the EU, in case of a breach of security affecting the storage of this virus?




Answer given by Mr Dalli on behalf of the Commission
(20 March 2012)
With regard to the research project on avian influenza carried out at the Rotterdam Erasmus Medical Centre, the Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to Written Question E‐001026/2012 (61).
Regarding the special security measures in place at the Erasmus Medical Centre, the World Health Organisation has stated that the laboratory-modified H5N1 viruses are currently stored in well-established research facilities with high security and high safety (62). Preventive measures against avian influenza are in place and coordinated at the level of the Union. These prescribed measures must be implemented by all the Member States along with strengthened surveillance to ensure a high degree of preparedness against avian influenza across the Union and ensure equal standards of protection for citizens. In addition, in the context of the current voluntary pause of 60 days on any research involving highly pathogenic avian influenza, the Commission, with the support of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, and in cooperation with the Health Security Committee (63) and the World Health Organisation, will review the safety and security concerns arising from such experimental projects. 
(Versão portuguesa)
Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-001477/12
à Comissão
Diogo Feio (PPE)
(8 de fevereiro de 2012)

Assunto: Segurança de implantes mamários PIP
Notícias recentes dão conta de problemas relacionados com o silicone dos implantes mamários Poly Implant Prothèse (PIP) e de que o ministro francês da saúde — após ter aconselhado as 30.000 mulheres que têm implantes daquela marca a removê-los — teria já pedido à Comissão Europeia mais rigor na avaliação deste tipo de produtos.
As próteses mamárias (PIP, como outras) são classificadas como dispositivos médicos implantáveis ativos. Estes, para que possam ser introduzidos no mercado, de acordo com a Diretiva 2007/47/CE do Parlamento Europeu e do Conselho, de 5 de setembro, têm que preencher três requisitos cumulativos: (a) satisfazer os requisitos definidos pela legislação vigente, (b) ostentar marcação CE e (c) ser objeto de uma avaliação de conformidade por uma autoridade de saúde.
A marcação CE é, como se vê, pré-requisito para colocar dispositivos médicos no mercado, sendo, também, garantia de respeito pela legislação aplicável e atestando que o dispositivo médico é adequado à sua finalidade e é seguro. 
Assim, pergunto à Comissão:







Que avaliação faz dos acontecimentos entretanto conhecidos acerca da segurança dos implantes PIP? Como considera ter sido possível que as autoridades, tanto comunitárias, como nacionais, tenham ignorado importantes riscos para a saúde associados a estes implantes?











Dispõe de informações acerca de casos de cancro relacionados com os implantes PIP? Que medida aconselha os Estados-Membros a tomar a este propósito?











Está em condições de responder afirmativamente à solicitação feita, entre outros, pelo ministro da saúde francês? Crê haver necessidade de alterar a legislação vigente de modo a torná-la mais rigorosa e a impedir que situações como as que envolveram os implantes PIP se repitam?











Está em condições de assegurar aos europeus a segurança e eficácia dos dispositivos médicos colocados no mercado? Tem dados que permitam fazer crer que o que se passou com os implantes PIP não aconteça com outros dispositivos médicos, do mesmo género e com a mesma finalidade?




Resposta dada por John Dalli em nome da Comissão
(22 de março de 2012)
No caso dos implantes mamários PIP, o fabricante utilizou, de forma fraudulenta, um silicone diferente do declarado no procedimento de avaliação da conformidade. A fraude não foi imediatamente detetada, nem pelo organismo notificado durante as auditorias, nem pelas autoridades no âmbito da fiscalização do mercado.
A pedido da Comissão, o Ccrseri (64) adotou um parecer sobre a segurança destes implantes em 1 de fevereiro de 2012 (65). Neste parecer, o Ccrseri referiu estudos sobre implantes mamários em silicone que apontavam para a existência de riscos acrescidos de cancro da mama ou de outros tipos de cancro. O Ccrseri concluiu que as provas relativas ao risco para a saúde das mulheres com implantes mamários PIP não eram cabais, manifestando porém a sua apreensão quanto ao aumento das reações inflamatórias derivadas da rutura dos implantes. Por conseguinte, foi recomendado um acompanhamento caso a caso.
Este parecer constitui uma base científica comum que permite aos Estados-Membros tomarem as decisões pertinentes em matéria de gestão do risco no plano nacional. 
A Comissão solicitou ao Ccrseri que prosseguisse os seus estudos tendo em conta os dados disponíveis. 
A Comissão debruçou‐se sobre esta situação a fim de identificar eventuais insuficiências na legislação relativa aos dispositivos médicos. As conclusões serão tidas em conta nas propostas de revisão desta legislação, previstas para 2012, cujos trabalhos preparatórios já tinham sido iniciados antes desta problemática vir a lume. 
Além disso, a Comissão elaborou uma lista de medidas que poderiam ser tomadas imediatamente ao abrigo da legislação em vigor a fim de reforçar o sistema, em especial no que diz respeito às auditorias sem aviso prévio, ao ensaio das amostras e a uma melhor partilha da informação.
A Comissão não dispõe de dados que ponham em causa a segurança de outros implantes mamários, mas acompanhará de perto os progressos científicos a fim de tomar medidas, se for caso disso.
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001477/12
to the Commission
Diogo Feio (PPE)
(8 February 2012)

Subject: Safety of breast implants
Recent news reports have drawn attention to problems linked with the silicone used in breast implants made by Poly Implant Prothèse (PIP) and to the fact that the French health minister, after having advised the 30 000 women with implants made by this company to remove them, has urged the Commission to place stricter controls on products of this type.
Breast implants (PIP and other brands) are classified as active implantable medical devices. According to Directive 2007/47/EC of Parliament and of the Council, of 5 September, they are required to meet three cumulative conditions before being placed on the market, namely that they: (a) meet the requirements of current legislation, (b) bear the CE marking and (c) have been assessed for their conformity by a health authority.
Before they can be placed on the market, medical devices are required to have received the CE marking, which guarantees their compliance with applicable legislation and that they are appropriate for their purpose and safe to use.
Could the Commission answer the following:







How does it view what is so far known about the safety of PIP implants? How does it consider it to have been possible for both EU and national authorities to have been unaware of the major health risks posed by these implants?











Does it have any information on cases of cancer linked to PIP implants? How does it advise Member States to address this issue?











Is the Commission able to give a favourable response to the request made by the French health minister, among others? Does it see a need to amend the current legislation to make it more restrictive and prevent the recurrence of situations such as this?











Is it able to reassure Europeans of the safety and effectiveness of medical devices currently on the market? Does it have access to any data that might confirm that what happened with PIP implants will not happen with other, similar medical devices used for the same purpose? 




Answer given by Mr Dalli on behalf of the Commission
(22 March 2012)
In the PIP case, the manufacturer has fraudulently used a silicone different to the one declared during the conformity assessment procedure. The fraud was not immediately detected, neither by the Notified Body during the audits, nor by the authorities during market surveillance.
At the Commission's request, the SCENIHR (66) has adopted an opinion on the safety of these implants on 1 February 2012 (67). In its opinion the SCENIHR referred to studies on silicone breast implants providing evidence against an increased risk of breast cancer or any other type of cancer. The SCENIHR concluded that the evidence indicating a health risk for women implanted with PIP implants was not strong, but raised some concern regarding an increased inflammation resulting from ruptured implants. A patient by patient approach was therefore recommended.
This opinion constitutes a common scientific basis for Member States to take the appropriate risk management decisions at national level. 
The Commission has asked the SCENIHR to pursue its investigation on the basis of the data that will become available. 
The Commission has analysed this case to identify possible shortcomings in the medical device legislation. The findings will be taken into account in the proposals to revise this legislation, whose preparations had started before this case and which are foreseen for 2012. 
The Commission has also prepared a list of measures that could be taken immediately under existing legislation to reinforce the system, in particular with regard to unannounced audits, sample testing and better data sharing.
The Commission does not have data putting into question the safety of other breast implants, but will closely monitor any scientific evidence in order to take measures, if appropriate.
(Versão portuguesa)
Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-001478/12
à Comissão (Vice-Presidente / Alta Representante)
Diogo Feio (PPE)
(8 de fevereiro de 2012)

Assunto: VP/HR — Instabilidade na Guiné-Bissau
A Guiné-Bissau conheceu recentemente dois factos particularmente preocupantes — instabilidade nas forças armadas que levou à detenção de diversos militares, entre os quais o vice-chefe do Estado-Maior das Forças Armadas do país, e o recente falecimento do presidente da República Malam Bacai Sanhá — que põem em causa a já frágil estabilidade do Estado guineense e que recomendam o fortalecimento do apoio ao mesmo por parte da comunidade internacional. 
Assim, pergunto à Vice-Presidente / Alta Representante:






—


Tem acompanhado a situação na Guiné-Bissau?










—


Que avaliação faz dos recentes acontecimentos que assolaram o país?










—


Dispõe de informações quanto à situação dos militares detidos após este e os anteriores conflitos?










—


Está disponível para continuar a auxiliar a Guiné-Bissau e promover o Estado de Direito e os direitos humanos naquele país? Que medidas concretas tomou ou prevê tomar a este respeito?




Resposta dada pela Alta Representante/Vice-Presidente Catherine Ashton em nome da Comissão
(31 de maio de 2012)
A União Europeia tem vindo a acompanhar de perto a situação, como é o caso da missão realizada recentemente para verificação da execução dos compromissos assumidos pela Guiné-Bissau no âmbito das consultas previstas no artigo 96.° (Acordo de Cotonu), realizada conjuntamente com a Comissão (Direção-Geral do Desenvolvimento).
Os recentes acontecimentos parecem ter neutralizado um dos líderes das forças armadas e convencido estas últimas a darem um maior apoio ao Governo. Porém, a situação política continua muito precária e as forças armadas continuam a exercer um grande poder sobre as autoridades civis. O tráfico de droga afeta toda a sociedade. É urgentemente necessária uma verdadeira e profunda reforma do setor da segurança.
Dos 28 militares detidos imediatamente após os acontecimentos de dezembro de 2011, foram libertados 19. Segundo as informações, os que ainda se mantêm na prisão encontram-se em boas condições de detenção e as audições com o Procurador continuam. Tanto quanto a UE sabe, já não existem outros militares detidos na sequência de acontecimentos anteriores.
A UE continuará a apoiar Guiné-Bissau e a promover o Estado de direito e os direitos humanos. Uma parte significativa da assistência da UE ainda está em curso, nomeadamente, a cooperação em favor das populações mais vulneráveis, bem como os programas de promoção da estabilidade democrática, dos direitos humanos e da boa governação. A UE apoiará a realização das eleições presidenciais e legislativas em 2012. O relançamento total da assistência da UE terá lugar quando forem realizados novos progressos pelo Governo e as forças armadas no que diz respeito aos compromissos específicos assumidos, nomeadamente, a reforma do setor da segurança. 
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001478/12
to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)
Diogo Feio (PPE)
(8 February 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — Instability in Guinea-Bissau
Two recent developments in Guinea-Bissau have been of particular concern: the instability in the armed forces that has led to the arrest of a number of military figures, including the deputy chief of staff of the armed forces; and the death of President Malam Bacai Sanhá. Both are tending to jeopardise the already fragile stability of the state, making it advisable that aid to Guinea-Bissau from the international community be stepped up. 
I therefore ask the Vice-President/High Representative:






—


Have you been monitoring the situation in Guinea-Bissau?










—


What is your evaluation of the recent events that have rocked the country?










—


Do you have information about the situation of the military personnel imprisoned following this and previous conflicts?










—


Are you prepared to continue supporting Guinea-Bissau, and to continue promoting the rule of law and human rights there? What specific measures have you taken or do you envisage taking in this regard?




Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Ashton on behalf of the Commission
(31 May 2012)
The EU has been closely monitoring the situation, including by means of a recent mission to review the implementation of commitments undertaken by Guinea Bissau in the framework of Article 96 (Cotonou Agreement) consultations which was carried out jointly with the Commission (Directorate-General Development).
Recent events appear to have neutralised one of the armed forces' leaders, and to have convinced the armed forces to better support the Government. But the political situation remains very fragile and the armed forces still wield significant power over civilian authorities. Drug trafficking affects the whole society. There is an urgent need for a genuine and deep security sector reform.
Of the 28 military personnel imprisoned immediately after the events of December 2011, 19 have been released. Those still kept in prison are reported to be in good detention conditions and hearings before the Prosecutor continue. There are no military personnel still imprisoned following earlier events, to the EU's knowledge. 
The EU will continue to support Guinea Bissau and promote the rule of law and human rights there. A significant part of EU assistance is still ongoing, including cooperation benefitting the most vulnerable population, as well as programmes promoting democratic stability, human rights and governance. The EU will support the holding of the presidential and legislative elections in 2012. The full resumption of EU assistance will take place when further progress has been made by the Government and the armed forces on the specific commitments they have undertaken, notably security sector reform. 
(Versão portuguesa)
Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-001479/12
à Comissão
Diogo Feio (PPE)
(8 de fevereiro de 2012)

Assunto: Segurança do comércio on-line
Segundo o jornal português Diário de Notícias, a Autoridade de Segurança Alimentar e Económica (ASAE) de Portugal detetou 71 infrações cometidas por empresas de comércio on‐line no ano transato num universo de mais de 840 operadores deste tipo de serviços.
As infrações mais detetadas foram a falta de informações prévias ao consumidor e a falta de informação por escrito do direito de resolução, havendo casos de não execução do contrato por parte do fornecedor, a reparação ou substituição dos bens fora do prazo previsto, a falta do livro de reclamações, a falta de inclusão de impostos, taxas e encargos no preço afixado, a não identificação do vendedor ou representante e a falta de menções em língua portuguesa na garantia, o não reembolso por parte do fornecedor no prazo estabelecido em caso de resolução do contrato, o desrespeito pelas regras do anúncio de venda com redução de preços e a utilização de técnicas não permitidas de comunicação à distância.
Todas estas circunstâncias acarretam prejuízos para os consumidores.
Assim, pergunto à Comissão:






—


Dispõe de informações acerca deste tipo de operadores a nível da União?










—


Que avaliação global faz da segurança e fiabilidade dos serviços que prestam?










—


Tem notícia se, na União Europeia, as infrações mais comuns a estes serviços correspondem às identificadas pela ASAE em Portugal? Considera que as legislações de proteção do consumidor dos Estados-Membros são aptas a fazer face aos problemas encontrados?










—


Está disponível para continuar a promover a segurança e fiabilidade deste tipo de comércio? Que medidas tomou ou prevê tomar no tocante a esta questão?




Resposta dada por Viviane Reding  em nome da Comissão
(25 de abril de 2012)
A legislação da UE prevê já uma proteção significativa dos consumidores. A diretiva relativa às práticas comerciais desleais (68) exige que os profissionais apresentem de forma clara e atempada as informações importantes para que os consumidores possam fazer escolhas informadas, nomeadamente em relação ao preço final com impostos e, quando aplicável, se existe o direito de resolução. Além disso, a diretiva sobre o comércio eletrónico (69) prevê requisitos acerca dos dados de identificação dos prestadores de serviços em linha. 
Segundo a diretiva sobre as vendas e garantias dos produtos de consumo (70), o vendedor é responsável pela não conformidade dos bens contratados. 
Recentemente adotada, a diretiva sobre os direitos dos consumidores (71) será aplicável em Portugal a partir de junho de 2014 e permitirá aumentar consideravelmente a segurança jurídica para os consumidores e para as empresas, ao exigir que os operadores divulguem o custo total do produto, bem como quaisquer taxas suplementares. 
Além disso, a comunicação sobre o comércio eletrónico (72) apresenta um plano de ação global para aumentar a confiança dos consumidores e melhorar o funcionamento do comércio eletrónico. Um documento de trabalho dos serviços da Comissão (73) fornece informações sobre os problemas com que os consumidores se deparam quando fazem compras em linha e também sobre o funcionamento de sítios de comparação de preços na Internet. Um estudo recente efetuado pelos centros europeus do consumidor (74) fornece informações adicionais sobre o funcionamento do comércio eletrónico transfronteiriço e sobre os sítios Web dos vendedores.
O Senhor Deputado saberá certamente que qualquer alegada violação do direito da UE deve ser denunciada às autoridades nacionais e aos tribunais, que são os principais responsáveis pela sua aplicação. Em relação às infrações transfronteiriças, a rede de cooperação no domínio da defesa do consumidor, criada em 2006 (75), realiza fiscalizações anuais na Internet, nas quais as autoridades verificam um determinado número de sítios Web de um setor específico (76). 
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001479/12
to the Commission
Diogo Feio (PPE)
(8 February 2012)

Subject: Security of online commerce
According to the Portuguese newspaper Diário de Notícias, last year the Portuguese Economic and Food Safety Authority (ASAE) detected 71 offences committed by companies that sell online, of a total of more than 840 operators that offer this type of service.
The most frequently detected offences were lack of prior information for consumers and lack of written information about the right of withdrawal. There were cases of failure to implement the contract by the supplier; repair or replacement of goods outside the established timeframe; lack of a complaints book; failure to include taxes, levies or charges in the published price; non-identification of the vendor or representative and absence of any Portuguese-language version in the guarantee; failure by the supplier to refund payment within the established timeframe in case of withdrawal from the contract; and disregard for advertising rules, with price reductions and the use of unauthorised means of distance communication.
All these circumstances are harmful to consumers.
The Commission is therefore asked to answer the following:






—


Does the Commission have information on this type of operator at EU level?










—


What is its overall evaluation of the security and reliability of the services provided by such operators?










—


Does it know whether the offences that are most common among these services at EU level are those identified by the ASAE in Portugal? Does it consider the Member States’ consumer-protection legislation suitable for tackling the problems encountered?










—


Is the Commission prepared to continue promoting the security and reliability of this type of commerce? What measures has it taken or does it envisage taking in relation to this matter?




Answer given by Mrs Reding  on behalf of the Commission
(25 April 2012)
EU legislation already provides significant protection for consumers. The Unfair Commercial Practices Directive (77) requires traders to display in a clear and timely manner material information that consumers need to make informed choices, notably the price inclusive of taxes and, where applicable, the existence of a right of withdrawal. Furthermore the e-Commerce Directive (78) lays down information requirements for the identification of online service providers. 
Under the consumer sales and guarantees Directive (79), a professional seller is liable for the non-conformity of the goods with the contract.
The recently adopted Consumer Rights Directive (80) will become applicable in Portugal in June 2014 and will considerably increase the legal certainty for consumers and businesses by requiring, in particular, traders to disclose the total cost of the product, as well as any extra fees. 
In addition, the e-commerce communication (81) puts forward comprehensive action plan to boost consumers' confidence and improve the functioning of e-commerce. An accompanying Staff Working Document (82) provides information on problems consumers have with online purchases and the functioning of Price Comparison Websites. A recent study carried out by the European Consumer Centres (83) provides additional information on the functioning of cross-border e-commerce and e-traders' websites.
The Honourable Member might be aware that any alleged breach of EC law should be brought to the attention of national authorities and courts which are primarily responsible for its enforcement. In relation to cross-border infringements, the Consumer Protection Cooperation Network established in 2006 (84) carries out annual Internet ‘sweeps’ in which authorities check a selected number of websites in a given sector (85).
(Versión española)
Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-001481/12
a la Comisión
Antolín Sánchez Presedo (S&D)
(8 de febrero de 2012)

Asunto: Negociaciones del Acuerdo de pesca entre Gabón y la UE
La no renovación del acuerdo pesquero que la Unión Europea mantenía con Gabón hasta el 2 de diciembre pasado afecta a la actividad de numerosos barcos comunitarios, de ellos 40 españoles entre los que se encuentran 16 de Galicia. De no despejarse pronto la incertidumbre, los atuneros corren de riesgo de perder la temporada de pesca, al no poder faenar durante el mes de marzo.
En la actualidad parece existir acuerdo en cuanto a la vertiente económica y el destino de los 860 000 euros anuales que aporta la UE (el 60 % se dedicará a fomentar la sostenibilidad pesquera nacional).
Según algunas fuentes, la discusión se centra sobre la inclusión de una cláusula respeto a los derechos humanos. No parece que sea un obstáculo de fondo, toda vez que las relaciones de la Unión Europea con Gabón se inscriben en el acuerdo revisado de Cotonú que incluye el deber de respetar los derechos humanos.
— ¿Va a agilizar la Comisión la conclusión de las negociaciones y asegurar que la flota europea pueda pescar en este caladero durante la campaña que se iniciará el próximo mes?
— ¿Considera la Comisión necesario negociar los aspectos que ya forman parte de las relaciones de la Unión Europea con Gabón conforme al acuerdo de Cotonú?
Respuesta de la Sra. Damanaki en nombre de la Comisión
(24 de abril de 2012)
El respeto de los derechos humanos es una condición necesaria para la celebración del Protocolo con Gabón. Esta condición es un elemento explícito del mandato que el Consejo confirió a la Comisión para esta negociación. La posición adoptada también refleja lo que se propone como orientación general en la Comunicación sobre la dimensión exterior de la Política Pesquera Común (86).
Tras la segunda ronda de negociaciones, ambas Partes consideraron necesario un periodo de reflexión más largo. Sin embargo, actualmente se están manteniendo contactos informales a través de la delegación de la UE en Libreville con objeto de relanzar el diálogo con las autoridades gabonesas lo más pronto posible.
No obstante, debe tenerse en cuenta que las actividades pesqueras solo pueden reanudarse tras la adopción de una nueva Decisión del Consejo que sancione un nuevo Protocolo. El procedimiento legislativo para la adopción de esta nueva base jurídica por el Consejo podría durar de cinco a siete meses a partir de la fecha de rúbrica del nuevo Protocolo.
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001481/12
to the Commission
Antolín Sánchez Presedo (S&D)
(8 February 2012)

Subject: Negotiations for EU‐Gabon fisheries agreement 
The non-renewal of the fishing agreement that was in force between the EU and Gabon until 2 December 2011 is now affecting the activity of numerous EU vessels, of which 40 are Spanish, including 16 from Galicia. If this uncertainty is not cleared up soon, the tuna seiners run the risk of missing the fishing season, as they will not be able to fish in March.
At present, there seems to be agreement on the economic aspect, concerning the intended use of the EUR 860 000 per annum to be provided by the EU (60 % will be allocated to promoting the sustainability of national fisheries).
According to some sources, the talks are now focusing on the inclusion of a human rights clause. This does not seem to be a substantive obstacle, since the EU’s relations with Gabon are governed by the revised Cotonou Agreement, which includes the obligation to respect human rights.
— Will the Commission speed up the conclusion of the negotiations and ensure that the EU fleet can fish in this fishing zone during the season that will begin next month?
— Does the Commission consider it necessary to negotiate on issues that already form part of the Union's relations with Gabon under the Cotonou Agreement?
Answer given by Ms Damanaki on behalf of the Commission
(24 April 2012)
The respect of human rights is a necessary condition for the conclusion of the Protocol with Gabon. This condition is an explicit element of the mandate that the Council gave the Commission for this negotiation. The position also reflects what is proposed as a general line in the communication on the External Dimension of the common fisheries policy (87).
After the second round of negotiations, both Parties considered that more time for reflection was needed. However, informal contacts through the EU Delegation in Libreville are currently ongoing with the aim to relaunch the dialogue with Gabonese authorities, as soon possible. 
Nevertheless, it is worth noting that fishing activities can resume only after the adoption of a new Council Decision endorsing a new Protocol. The legislative procedure for the adoption of this new legal basis by the Council could take between five and seven months from the date of the initialization of the new Protocol. 
(Nederlandse versie)
Vraag met verzoek om schriftelijk antwoord E-001482/12
aan de Commissie
Laurence J. A. J. Stassen (NI)
(8 februari 2012)

Betreft: China verbiedt deelname luchtvaartmaatschappijen aan ETS
De CO2-emissieobsessie van de EU roept wereldwijd meer en meer weerstand op. In navolging van de Verenigde Staten heeft nu ook de Chinese regering luchtvaartmaatschappijen verboden deel te nemen aan ETS. China wijst Europa's eenzijdige invoering van ETS af, omdat ETS een oneerlijke handelsbarrière is. Nu ook de tweede economie  ter wereld niet lijkt te buigen voor het Europese ETS-dictaat, is het initiatief op sterven na dood.






1.


Is het besef eindelijk bij de Commissie doorgedrongen dat ETS niet aan soevereine staten kan worden opgedrongen, hoe hard de EU dit ook probeert? Zo neen, waarom niet?










2.


Gaat de EU Chinese luchtvaartmaatschappijen daadwerkelijk beboeten of deze zelfs de toegang tot Europese luchthavens ontzeggen? Zo neen, waarom niet?










3.


Is de Commissie het met de PVV eens dat de houding van de EU in dit dossier zeer negatieve consequenties heeft voor de relatie met China? Zo neen, waarom niet?




Antwoord van mevrouw Hedegaard namens de Commissie
(28 maart 2012)






1.


De opname van de luchtvaart in de EU-regeling voor de handel in emissierechten (EU ETS) — zoals vastgesteld door de Raad en het Europees Parlement — is volledig in overeenstemming met het internationaal recht, hetgeen door het Europese Hof van Justitie is bevestigd. Met name maakt de EU-ETS geen inbreuk op de soevereine rechten van andere staten.










2.


De EU-ETS-wetgeving bevat bepalingen over doeltreffende, evenredige en afschrikkende sancties bij niet-naleving, die door de lidstaten ten uitvoer worden gelegd, zoals boetes of andere sancties. De gecoördineerde invoering in de hele EU van een verbod voor specifieke luchtvaartmaatschappijen is in het kader van de richtlijn theoretisch mogelijk, maar dit zal pas als laatste optie worden geëffectueerd wanneer alle andere maatregelen geen naleving hebben kunnen afdwingen. 










3.


De 14e EU-China-top van 14 februari 2012 in Peking, die in een zeer positieve en constructieve sfeer is verlopen, heeft een nieuwe impuls gegeven aan de verdieping van het algemene strategische partnerschap tussen de EU en China met betrekking tot een breed scala aan politieke en economische onderwerpen. De samenwerking met China blijft ook op dit specifieke gebied gehandhaafd en de Commissie voert besprekingen met China over hoe de klimaatverandering kan worden aangepakt en rekening kan worden gehouden met alle rechtmatige belangen. De Commissie levert ook grote inspanningen om tot een akkoord te komen over wereldwijde maatregelen om de broeikasgasemissies van de luchtvaart  terug te dringen. De Commissie zal nagaan of wijzigingen in de wetgeving nodig zijn, zoals reeds in de richtlijn zelf is bepaald, indien en wanneer binnen de Internationale Burgerluchtvaartorganisatie (ICAO) een overeenkomst over mondiale maatregelen tot stand komt. 




(English version)
Question for written answer E-001482/12
to the Commission
Laurence J.A.J. Stassen (NI)
(8 February 2012)

Subject: China bans airlines from joining the EU's Emissions Trading Scheme
There is growing resistance around the world to the EU’s obsession with CO2 emissions. Following the example of the United States, the Chinese Government has now also banned airlines from participating in the EU’s Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). China is opposed to the unilateral introduction of the ETS on the grounds that it is an unfair trade barrier. Now that the world’s second-largest economy is refusing to bow to Europe’s ETS diktat, the initiative is as good as dead.






1.


Has the Commission finally realised that the ETS cannot be imposed on sovereign states, no matter how hard the EU tries? If not, why not?










2.


Is the EU actually going to fine Chinese airlines or even deny them access to European airports? If not, why not?










3.


Does the Commission agree with the PVV (Dutch Freedom Party) that the EU’s attitude in this matter is putting great strain on its relations with China? If not, why not?




Answer given by Ms Hedegaard on behalf of the Commission
(28 March 2012)






1.


The inclusion of aviation into the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) — as adopted by the Council and the European Parliament — is fully consistent with international law, as confirmed by the European Court of Justice. In particular, the EU ETS does not infringe the sovereign rights of other States.










2.


The EU ETS legislation includes provisions on effective, proportionate and dissuasive penalties for non-compliance, which would be implemented by Member States and which may include fines or other sanctions. The coordinated introduction of EU wide operating bans for specific operators is theoretically possible under the directive but this would only become relevant as a last resort option where all other measures have failed to ensure compliance. 










3.


The 14th EU‐China Summit, which took place in Beijing on 14 February 2012 in a very positive and constructive atmosphere, provided further momentum to the deepening of the comprehensive strategic partnership between EU and China across a wide range of political and economic topics. Cooperation with China is also continuing in this specific field and the Commission is conducting talks with China about how to address climate change, and to consider any legitimate concerns. The Commission is also working hard to reach an agreement on global measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from aviation. The Commission will review and consider amendments to the legislation, as already foreseen in the directive itself, if and when an agreement on global measures is achieved in the 




International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
(Wersja polska)
Pytanie wymagające odpowiedzi pisemnej P-001483/12
do Komisji
Lena Kolarska-Bobińska (PPE)
(13 lutego 2012 r.)

Przedmiot: Rurociąg transanatolijski a Nabucco
W grudniu 2011 r. Azerbejdżan i Turcja podpisały protokół ustaleń w sprawie budowy rurociągu z Azerbejdżanu do granicy turecko-bułgarskiej.
Porozumienie dotyczące budowy rurociągu postawiło pod jeszcze większym znakiem zapytania realizację projektu rurociągu Nabucco. W dniu 17 stycznia 2012 r. pojawiły się spekulacje prasowe na temat możliwego wycofania się spółki RWE z projektu Nabucco. Choć spółka RWE na razie zaprzeczyła spekulacjom, wątpliwości nie przestają rosnąć, zwłaszcza w oczekiwaniu na marcową decyzję Azerbejdżanu w sprawie zamówień na dostawy.
Nie ulega wątpliwości, że nadszedł czas na działanie ze strony Komisji, która powinna teraz ostatecznie wyjaśnić sprawę południowego korytarza gazowego.
Czy Komisja mogłaby przedstawić swoje stanowisko w sprawie obecnego stanu prac nad projektem rurociągu Nabucco? Czy Komisja będzie skłonna zwrócić się do Rady o pilne upoważnienie do rozpoczęcia rozmów w celu zabezpieczenia projektu Nabucco lub wynegocjowania jego połączenia z projektem rurociągu transanatolijskiego? Czy Komisja zamierza podjąć jakiekolwiek inne działania w tej sprawie?
Czy Parlament mógłby uzyskać od Komisji potwierdzenie, że popiera ona projekt południowego korytarza gazowego z dostępem do pozarosyjskich źródeł dostaw gazu, oraz czy Komisja mogłaby wyjaśnić, co zamierza teraz uczynić, aby wdrożyć ten program?
Odpowiedź udzielona przez komisarza Günthera Oettingera w imieniu Komisji
(2 marca 2012 r.)
Komisja zobowiązała się do dywersyfikacji źródeł gazu w UE. Południowy korytarz gazowy jest jedną z najważniejszych inicjatyw w tym zakresie.
Komisja rozumie, że w dalszym ciągu prowadzone są negocjacje handlowe między konsorcjum Shah Deniz 2 (deweloper złoża gazu ) w Azerbejdżanie oraz potencjalnymi nabywcami gazu w UE, jak również negocjacje dotyczące projektów w zakresie transportu gazu. W negocjacjach tych uczestniczy promotor projektu Nabucco.
Prace nad TANAP – nowym projektem, który pojawił się w procesie negocjacji z Shah Deniz 2 – znajdują się dopiero na bardzo wczesnym etapie, zaś jego wykonalność musi zostać poddana analizie.
Komisja w swoich kontaktach z rządami Azerbejdżanu i Turcji podkreśla, że rozwiązanie polegające na transporcie przez Turcję obejmuje budowę nowego gazociągu, skonstruowanego w taki sposób, aby umożliwić wzrost przepustowości w momencie, gdy nowy gaz będzie dostępny (skalowalność) i funkcjonującego w ramach dobrze określonego, przejrzystego i uznanego w skali międzynarodowej systemu regulacyjnego i prawnego, który gwarantuje przestrzeganie praw konsumentów. 
(English version)
Question for written answer P-001483/12
to the Commission
Lena Kolarska-Bobińska (PPE)
(13 February 2012)

Subject: Trans-Anatolian Pipeline and Nabucco
In December 2011, Azerbaijan and Turkey signed a memorandum of understanding to build a pipeline from Azerbaijan to the Turkish-Bulgarian border.
This pipeline agreement has cast further doubt on the Nabucco pipeline project. This includes press speculation on 17 January 2012 that RWE would withdraw from Nabucco. While RWE has so far rejected this speculation, uncertainties are only increasing, especially ahead of the decision by Azerbaijan on supply contracts in March.
It seems clear that now would be the time for action on the part of the Commission to clarify once and for all the situation of the Southern Corridor.
Could the Commission present its understanding of the current state of play of the Nabucco pipeline project? Will the Commission be willing to ask the Council for an urgent mandate to enter into talks to secure the Nabucco project or to negotiate its merger with the Trans-Anatolian Pipeline project? Does the Commission intend any other actions in this regard?
Could the Commission reconfirm to Parliament that it is committed to a Southern Corridor with access to non-Russian sources of gas supply, and state what it will now do to implement this programme?
Answer given by Mr Oettinger on behalf of the Commission
(2 March 2012)
The Commission is committed to the diversification of sources of gas for the EU, and the Southern Gas Corridor is one of the most important initiatives to this end.
The Commission understands that negotiations on commercial terms are still ongoing between the Shah Deniz 2 consortium (the gas field developer) in Azerbaijan and the potential buyers of gas in the EU, as well as on gas transportation projects which will connect the two. The promoter of the Nabucco project participates in these negotiations.
TANAP, the new project idea which emerged in the process of the Shah Deniz 2 negotiations, is in a very early stage and its feasibility remains to be tested.
The Commission, in its contacts with the Azerbaijani and Turkish governments, stresses that the transportation solution across Turkey needs to consist of a newly built dedicated pipeline, engineered in such a way as to allow an increase in capacity when new gas becomes available (scalability) and operating under a well defined, transparent and internationally-acceptable regulatory and legal regime that guarantees the rights of the consumers.
(Versione italiana)
Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-001484/12
alla Commissione
Mario Mauro (PPE)
(8 febbraio 2012)

Oggetto: Danni provocati dalla neve nelle campagne romane
I danni causati da neve e ghiaccio nelle campagne romane hanno raggiunto i 4 milioni e potrebbero aumentare ancora. A lanciare l'allarme è la Coldiretti Roma, secondo la quale agli iniziali 2 milioni di danni alle coltivazioni si sono aggiunte anche le stime dei danni alle infrastrutture, come i crolli di capannoni e stalle.
Secondo la Coldiretti, nei centri agroalimentari intorno a Roma l'attività nei campi degli ortaggi e nelle serre che non sono riscaldate è praticamente ferma. Il rischio è che le merci che arrivano sui banchi dei supermercati siano soggette a rincari e speculazioni.
Pertanto si chiede:







Con quali misure la Commissione intende intervenire a sostegno dei produttori gravemente danneggiati dal maltempo?











Con quali misure la Commissione intende intervenire per tutelare i consumatori ed evitare che i prodotti subiscano rincari e speculazioni?




Risposta data da Dacian Cioloș a nome della Commissione
(16 marzo 2012)
Il regolamento di esecuzione (UE) n. 543/2011 della Commissione (88) del 7 giugno 2011 stabilisce agli articoli 88 e 89 norme specifiche sull’assicurazione del raccolto, che potrebbero rivelarsi utili per il caso in oggetto. L’obiettivo delle misure di assicurazione del raccolto consiste nel contribuire a salvaguardare il reddito dei produttori e a risarcire le perdite commerciali dovute a calamità naturali, avversità atmosferiche o, eventualmente, a fitopatie o infestazioni parassitarie. Per poter beneficiare dell’assicurazione, i produttori devono appartenere a un’organizzazione di settore riconosciuta e il cui programma operativo preveda dette misure.
Per quanto concerne i prezzi al consumo, il cattivo raccolto in una determinata regione comporta generalmente una pressione al rialzo dei prezzi sul mercato locale, che va a vantaggio dei produttori e compensa in parte le perdite. Tuttavia, si tratta di situazioni temporanee; con il miglioramento delle condizioni meteorologiche i prezzi tornano alla normalità. Per tale ragione, la Commissione non considera necessario adottare misure speciali allo stadio attuale.
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001484/12
to the Commission
Mario Mauro (PPE)
(8 February 2012)

Subject: Snow damage in the Rome countryside
The amount of damage caused by snow and ice in the Rome countryside has so far reached EUR 4 million, but the figure could increase further, according to the Chairman of Coldiretti (National Farmers Confederation) in Rome, who says that estimated damage to infrastructure, such as the collapse of warehouses and stables, has now been added to the initial EUR 2 million in damage to crops.
According to Coldiretti, work in the vegetable fields and unheated greenhouses in the agri-food centres around Rome is at a virtual standstill. The risk is that the goods actually reaching supermarket shelves might become more expensive and subject to speculation.






1.


What action does the Commission intend to take to support the producers who have been so seriously damaged by the bad weather?










2.


What action does the Commission intend to take to protect consumers and prevent product prices from rising and speculation in general?




Answer given by Mr Cioloş on behalf of the Commission
(16 March 2012)
Commission Implementing Regulation (EC) No 543/2011 of 7 June 2011 (89) lays down in Articles 88 and 89 the specific rules on harvest insurance, which may be of use in this case. The aim of the harvest insurance measures is to contribute to safeguarding producers' income and covering market losses caused by natural disasters, climatic events and, where appropriate, diseases or pest infestations. To benefit from the harvest insurance measure, the producers need to belong to a recognised producer organisation and the operational programme has to include this measure.
As far as consumer prices are concerned, it can be expected that a bad harvest in a certain region will lead to an upward pressure on prices in the local market, which benefits producers and compensate part of the losses. However this is a transitory situation in view of the improving weather conditions the prices will return to normal levels. Therefore, the Commission currently sees no necessity to take any special measures at this stage. 
(Versione italiana)
Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-001485/12
alla Commissione
Crescenzio Rivellini (PPE)
(8 febbraio 2012)

Oggetto: Carenza di infrastrutture e fondi per treni e autostrade nel Sud Italia
Il Sud Italia è penalizzato per i trasporti, specialmente quelli su rotaie. Basti pensare che la tratta Roma-Palermo dal 1975 ha accumulato, nell'era dell'Alta Velocità, un ritardo di 34 minuti. Questo perche Trenitalia indirizza solo il 25 % dei finanziamenti disponibili al Sud e il restante 75 % al Nord, benché la popolazione meridionale sia circa il 45 % del totale. La rete ferroviaria al Sud ha un deficit pari al 33 % e le linee non elettrificate e a binario semplice sono il 41,5 % del totale rispetto al 21,8 % del Nord. Per le linee a doppio binario elettrificato va anche peggio: 30 % del totale nel Mezzogiorno, contro il 52,6 % al Nord. Attualmente la rete ferroviaria ₫Alta velocità/Alta capacità₻ raggiunge in Italia 1370 chilometri: solo il 10 % interessa il Sud.
Uguale svantaggio per il Sud Italia nel settore stradale e autostradale, il che causa un danno al processo di industrializzazione del Mezzogiorno d'Italia.
Nel dicembre 2011 il Ministro Passera, seguendo la cattiva abitudine di tutti i governi precedenti che hanno favorito il Nord, ha sbloccato dal CIPE 3,8 miliardi di euro per finanziare infrastrutture trasportistiche. Di questi, solo 123 milioni sono stati assegnati al Sud.






1.


Alla luce di quanto detto, non crede la Commissione che vi sia una chiara violazione del fondamentale diritto alla mobilità e dei diritti dei consumatori per quanto riguarda i cittadini del Sud Italia, che comunque pagano lo stesso prezzo del biglietto ma ricevono un servizio di qualità e tempistica inferiore?










2.


Non crede che questo squilibrio porti solamente ad un’ulteriore emarginazione delle Regioni del Sud Italia?




Risposta data da Siim Kallas a nome della Commissione
(20 marzo 2012)






1.


La responsabilità fondamentale di garantire il benessere dei propri cittadini, che comprende la possibilità per tutti di usufruire di servizi di qualità, spetta agli Stati membri. Va detto però che, nel quadro della sua politica di coesione, l’Unione coopera con gli Stati membri e mette a disposizione importanti risorse finanziarie per favorire la riduzione delle disparità tra i livelli di sviluppo tra le varie regioni e dell’arretratezza delle regioni più sfavorite. Per il periodo 2007-2013, l’importo totale messo a disposizione a questo fine per sostenere lo sviluppo dell’infrastruttura dei trasporti nelle regioni meridionali italiane ammonta a 7,1 miliardi di euro.










2.


Nel dicembre 2011, il governo italiano e la Commissione hanno raggiunto un accordo per riprogrammare 3,7 miliardi di euro dei fondi strutturali destinati alle regioni italiane che rientrano nella politica di convergenza (le regioni meridionali della Basilicata, Calabria, Campania, Puglia e Sicilia) al fine di accelerare e migliorare l’utilizzo di tali fondi. L’utilizzo di questi fondi è precisato nel piano d’azione per l’Italia meridionale (Piano di azione coesione per il miglioramento dei servizi pubblici collettivi al Sud), che prevede un importo totale di 6,5 miliardi di euro (comprese le riassegnazioni di risorse nazionali e regionali) da destinare al miglioramento dell’infrastruttura di trasporto ferroviario e diretti in particolare a ridurre i tempi di collegamento tra i principali nodi ferroviari del Sud e a migliorare la qualità e la regolarità dei servizi ferroviari.




(English version)
Question for written answer E-001485/12
to the Commission
Crescenzio Rivellini (PPE)
(8 February 2012)

Subject: Lack of infrastructure and funds for trains and motorways in Southern Italy
The south of Italy is penalised with regard to transport and rail transport in particular. Suffice it to say that in this era of high-speed travel, the Rome-Palermo service has become 34 minutes slower than it was in 1975. This is down to Trenitalia allocating just 25 % of available funding to the South and the remaining 75 % to the North, despite the fact that 45 % of Italy’s total population lives in the South. The railway network in the south has a 33 % deficit with 41.5 % of its lines being non-electrified and single track as opposed to 21.8 % of northern lines. In the case of electrified double-track lines, it is even worse: only 30 % of these lines are in the south as compared with 52.6 % in the north. At present, the ‘high speed/high capacity’ railway network covers 1 370 kilometres in Italy, only 10 % of which in the south.
Southern Italy suffers the same disadvantage in terms of its roads and motorways, thereby damaging its industrialisation.
In December 2011, Minister Passera, continuing the same bad habits as all previous governments, which favoured the north, released EUR 3.8 billion from the Interministerial Economic Planning Committee (IEPC) to finance transport infrastructure. Only EUR 123 million of these funds were assigned to the south.






1.


In view of the above, does the Commission not believe that there is a clear breach of the fundamental right to mobility and consumer rights for the citizens of Southern Italy, who pay the same ticket prices but receive a lower quality and slower service?










2.


Does it not believe that this imbalance serves purely to further deprive the regions of Southern Italy?




Answer given by Mr Kallas on behalf of the Commission
(20 March 2012)






1.


The primary responsibility to ensure the welfare of its citizens, including by providing access to quality services to all, rests with the Member States. However, within the framework of its cohesion policy, the Union cooperates with the Member States and makes available important financial resources to support the reduction of the disparities between the levels of development of the various regions and the backwardness of the least favoured regions. For the period 2007-2013, the total amount made available to this end for the support of transport infrastructure development in the Italian southern regions amounts to EUR 7.1 billion.










2.


In December 2011, the Italian Government and the Commission have reached an agreement on the reprogramming of EUR 3.7 billion from Structural Funds allocated to Italian convergence regions (the southern regions of Basilicata, Calabria, Campania, Puglia and Sicilia) in order to accelerate and improve the absorption of these funds. The use of these funds is specified in the action plan for Southern Italy (Piano di azione coesione per il miglioramento dei servizi pubblici collettivi al Sud), which indicates a total amount of EUR 6.5 billion (including national and regional resource reallocations) to be dedicated to the improvement of rail transport infrastructure and aimed in particular at reducing the connection time between the main rail nodes in the South and the improvement of the quality and regularity of rail services. 




(Versione italiana)
Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-001486/12
alla Commissione
Sergio Paolo Frances Silvestris (PPE)
(8 febbraio 2012)

Oggetto: Precariato in Italia
In Italia essere giovane significa in quasi metà dei casi essere anche precario. Dalle cifre fornite dall'Istat risulta che fra i 15 e i 24 anni, considerando solo chi ha un lavoro, i dipendenti a tempo determinato (cioè con un contratto a scadenza) costituiscono il 46,7 % degli occupati.
La quota dei precari resta elevata anche alzando l'asticella dell'età allo scaglione successivo: nella fascia tra i 25 e i 34 anni il 18 % dei dipendenti risulta assunto con un contratto a tempo determinato. Per veder scendere l'incidenza della precarietà a valori molto più bassi bisogna guardare a coloro che nel mondo del lavoro hanno dai 35 anni in su: in questa fascia pienamente adulta di persone solo l'8 % è precario, con un'ulteriore distinzione: la percentuale è dell'8,3 % fra i 35 e i 54 anni mentre la quota di precari rilevata dall'Istat nel terzo trimestre dell'anno scorso scende al 6,3 % fra gli over 55.
Le cifre riportate si riferiscono alla media del 2010 e bisogna tener presente che valgono per chi ha la fortuna di avere un lavoro, mentre per gli altri anche la precarietà può essere un sogno impossibile. Infatti, i dati sulla disoccupazione parlano di un giovane su tre a casa per forza, poiché non riesce a trovare un impiego di alcun tipo.
Alla luce di quanto sopra esposto, può dunque la Commissione comunicare se è possibile tracciare un quadro europeo sul precariato, elencando i dati riferiti agli Stati membri sul tasso di precariato per le fasce di età 25-34 anni, 34-54 anni e over 55?
Risposta data da Laszlo Andor a nome della Commissione
(21 marzo 2012)
La Commissione è ben consapevole della situazione estremamente difficile dell'occupazione giovanile in Europa e dell'elevata incidenza dei contratti temporanei, che costituisce uno dei sintomi di tale situazione. Ciò ha spinto la Commissione ad avviare lo scorso dicembre la sua iniziativa Opportunità per i giovani. 
L'incidenza dei contratti a tempo determinato nell'UE diminuisce con l'età e risulta più di tre volte più elevata per i giovani dai 15 ai 24 anni che per le fasce d'età più anziane (cfr. la tabella 1 nell'allegato, inviato direttamente all'onorevole deputato e al Segretariato del Parlamento).
Tuttavia, la situazione varia notevolmente da un paese all'altro dell'Unione, il che può rispecchiare differenze nell'organizzazione del mercato del lavoro. I contratti a durata determinata rappresentano più del 50 % dei contratti di lavoro della fascia d'età dai 15 ai 24 anni in certi Stati membri (90) e meno del 15 % in altri (91). 
In certi Stati membri, i contratti di lavoro a tempo determinato possono essere usati quali periodo preassunzione o quali prolungamento del periodo di prova. Ciò potrebbe spiegare la grande differenza (42,1 % rispetto al 17,4 %) tra le fascia d'età 15-24 anni e 25-34 anni nell'UE-27. L'Italia, a tale proposito, sembra situarsi vicino a paesi come la Germania e la Francia ed essere in linea con la media UE, mentre i problemi appaiono avere una natura maggiormente strutturale in paesi quali la Spagna, la Polonia e il Portogallo, dove l'incidenza dei contratti a tempo determinato rimane superiore al 30 % nella fascia d'età 25-34 anni. Per l'UE nel suo insieme l'incidenza nella fascia d'età 25-34 anni è ancora doppia rispetto alla popolazione lavorativa più anziana. 
A partire dal 2005 la percentuale dei contratti a tempo determinato è aumentata, ma ciò rispecchia anche un calo nel numero di contratti a tempo indeterminato (cfr. la tabella 2 nell'allegato). L'aumento della percentuale di contratti a tempo determinato nella fascia d'età 15-24 anni è dovuto a un forte calo del numero di contratti a tempo indeterminato (-12 % dal 2005) rispetto ai contratti a tempo determinato (-4 %).
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001486/12
to the Commission
Sergio Paolo Frances Silvestris (PPE)
(8 February 2012)

Subject: Temporary employment in Italy
In Italy, being young also means in almost 50 % of cases being a temporary employee. The figures provided by the Italian National Institute of Statistics (Istat) show that 46.7 % of all those 15 to 24 years old who actually have a job are employed on fixed-term contracts.
The percentage of those with temporary jobs remains high even when moving up to the next age band: 18 % of employees aged 25 to 34 are on fixed-term contracts. It is only among employees aged 35 and over that the incidence of temporary jobs drops significantly: only 8 % of this group (who can definitely be classed as adults) are on temporary contracts, with a further distinction necessary — the percentage is recorded as 8.3 % amongst 35 to 54 year olds, whilst Istat reports for the third quarter of last year show the figure dropping to 6.3 % for the over 55s.
The figures stated refer to 2010 averages and it must be borne in mind that they only apply to those lucky enough to actually have a job, whilst for others even a temporary position may be an impossible dream. Unemployment figures show that one in three young adults is currently unable to find any form of employment.
In view of the above, would the Commission be able to provide an overview of the temporary employment situation in the EU, giving the figures for temporary employment in the age bands 25-34, 34-54 and over 55 in each Member State?
Answer given by Mr Andor on behalf of the Commission
(21 March 2012)
The Commission is keenly aware of the very difficult youth employment situation in Europe and the high incidence of temporary contracts, which is one of its symptoms. This situation prompted the Commission to launch its Youth Opportunities Initiative last December. 
The incidence of temporary contracts in the EU decreases with age, and is more than three times higher for those aged 15 to 24 than for older age groups (see Table 1 in Annex, sent directly to the Honourable Member and to Parliament’s Secretariat).
Nonetheless, the situation varies considerably across the Union, which may reflect differences in organisation of the labour market. Temporary contracts account for over 50 % in the 15-24 age bracket in some Member States (92) and less than 15 % in others (93). 
In some Member States temporary contracts may conceivably be used as a pre-hiring or extended probationary period. This could explain the big difference (42.1 % compared with 17.4 %) between the 15-24 and 25-34 age brackets for EU‐27. Here Italy seems to be close to countries like Germany and France and in line with the EU average, while the problems seem to be more structural in nature in countries like Spain, Poland and Portugal, where the incidence of temporary contracts remains over 30 % in the 25-34 age bracket. For the EU overall, the incidence in the 25-34 age bracket is still twice that for older age groups. 
Since 2005 the percentage of temporary contracts has increased, but this also reflects a decrease in the number of permanent contracts (see Table 2 in Annex). The increase in the percentage of temporary contracts among those aged 15 to 24 is due to a sharper fall in the number of permanent contracts (-12 % since 2005) as compared with temporary contracts (-4 %).
(Versione italiana)
Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-001487/12
alla Commissione
Sergio Paolo Frances Silvestris (PPE)
(8 febbraio 2012)

Oggetto: Piano di emergenza per la fornitura di gas
La morsa del gelo in Italia e in Europa ha messo a dura prova le aziende e le famiglie europee che si trovano ora in emergenza energetica. Nel frattempo Russia e Francia hanno ridotto le esportazioni. Ieri in Italia il comitato strategico per l'energia ha deciso di attivare la fase di emergenza che prevede da oggi il taglio delle forniture di gas alle aziende con contratti interrompibili (costano meno ma hanno questo handicap) e la possibilità per le società produttrici di energia di far funzionare le proprie centrali elettriche anche con olio combustibile. Le basse temperature, quasi senza precedenti, hanno portato a un forte aumento dei consumi di gas di oltre il 40 %, ovvero 450 milioni di metri cubi al giorno in Italia.
Sulla base di quanto sopra esposto, può la Commissione comunicare:







in che modo è possibile fornire aiuto a uno Stato membro dell'UE (in questo caso l'Italia), qualora ciò si renda necessario a causa della scarsa fornitura di gas;











se è possibile attivare decreti legge nazionali in deroga a norme ambientali per venire incontro alle aziende e alle famiglie che vivono una situazione d'emergenza, permettendo così al Paese di produrre ad esempio biometano per soddisfare il 10-20 % del fabbisogno nazionale;











se è a conoscenza della disponibilità offerta dall'Ucraina di venire in aiuto agli Stati Membri in difficoltà con un invio maggiore di gas in caso di richiesta, se conferma tale disponibilità e, in caso affermativo, quale sarebbe la procedura per richiedere tale invio?




Risposta data da Günther Oettinger a nome della Commissione
(12 marzo 2012)
La Commissione è rimasta quotidianamente in contatto con le autorità italiane durante la fase di allerta (tra il 6 febbraio e il 15 febbraio 2012). Il livello di allerta ha significato che il mercato era ancora in grado di far fronte alla situazione e che non è stata necessaria l'adozione di provvedimenti di altra natura, per cui non si è avuta una situazione di emergenza. La Commissione ha informato giornalmente il gruppo di coordinamento del gas sugli sviluppi in corso. Pertanto, gli Stati membri e le associazioni europee del settore del gas erano a conoscenza della situazione italiana.
Il regolamento sulla sicurezza dell'approvvigionamento di gas (94) dispone che tutti gli Stati membri valutino i rischi che pesano sulla sicurezza del loro approvvigionamento di gas e adottino misure preventive e di gestione delle crisi. Le autorità competenti hanno finalizzato la maggior parte delle valutazioni dei rischi, che sono ora all'esame della Commissione. Entro la fine del 2012 dovranno essere istituiti piani di azione preventivi e piani di emergenza. Misure obbligatorie aggiuntive in tutti gli Stati membri, come le norme in materia di fornitura e le norme in materia di infrastrutture, assicurano che il gas venga fornito ai clienti protetti anche in condizioni climatiche difficili e che esista una capacità sufficiente per il trasporto del gas in caso di interruzioni del servizio sulle infrastrutture più grandi.
La Commissione è a conoscenza delle dichiarazioni rese alla stampa dalle autorità ucraine in merito ad una maggiore uscita di gas dai loro impianti di stoccaggio, ma non è stata contattata ufficialmente dall'Ucraina sull'argomento. Va ricordato che spetta alle imprese di gas naturale di garantire la fornitura di gas ai consumatori e di concludere i necessari accordi con i loro fornitori.
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001487/12
to the Commission
Sergio Paolo Frances Silvestris (PPE)
(8 February 2012)

Subject: Emergency gas supply plan
The freezing cold weather in Italy and Europe has placed considerable strain on European businesses and families, which now face an energy emergency. Meanwhile, Russia and France have reduced exports. Yesterday Italy’s strategic energy committee decided to take emergency measures: as of today, gas supplies to businesses on interruptible contracts — which cost less, but are subject to this proviso — will be reduced, and energy companies will be allowed to use fuel oil to operate their electric power stations. The virtually unprecedented low temperatures have led to a major increase in Italy’s gas consumption, which has risen by more than 40 % to 450 million cubic metres per day.
In view of the above, can the Commission say:







what assistance can be provided to an EU Member State (in this case Italy), should this become necessary on account of the shortage of gas supplies?











whether national decree-laws can be issued by way of a derogation from environmental legislation in order to help businesses and families facing emergency situations, thereby — for example — enabling the country in question to produce enough biomethane to meet 10-20 % of domestic demand?











whether it is aware of the offer made by Ukraine to assist Member States in difficulty by sending more gas if requested, whether the Commission can confirm this offer and, if so, what the procedure would be for making such a request?




Answer given by Mr Oettinger on behalf of the Commission
(12 March 2012)
The Commission has been in everyday contact with the Italian authorities during the period when the ‘alert’ situation was in place (between 6 February and 15 February 2012). The alert level means that the market was still able to cope with the situation and no non-market based measures had to be introduced, therefore no emergency situation occurred. The Commission informed the Gas Coordination Group on a daily basis about the latest developments; therefore, Member States and the European associations of the gas industry were aware of the Italian situation.
The regulation on security of gas supply (95) ensures that all Member States assess their risks to security of gas supply and that they prepare preventive and crisis management measures. Most of the Risk Assessments done by the Competent Authorities are finished and are currently being examined by the Commission. The Preventive Action Plans and Emergency Plans shall be established by the end of 2012. Additional obligatory measures in all Member States, such as the supply standard and the infrastructure standard, ensure that gas is supplied to protected customers even in severe weather conditions and that there is sufficient capacity to transport the gas in cases of disruptions on the biggest infrastructure.
The Commission is aware of the press statements made by the Ukraine regarding enhanced withdrawal of gas from its storages, but it has not officially been approached by the Ukraine on this matter. It must be recalled that it is the task of natural gas undertakings to ensure that gas is supplied to consumers and to make the necessary arrangements with their upstream partners.
(Versione italiana)
Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-001488/12
alla Commissione
Sergio Paolo Frances Silvestris (PPE)
(8 febbraio 2012)

Oggetto: Speculazione sui prezzi agricoli
I prezzi di frutta e verdura sono saliti vertiginosamente nell'ultimo mese, a causa di quello che gli speculatori e gli intermediari del settore hanno chiamato emergenze, cioè dalla piccola grandinata autunnale, al freddo di questi ultimi giorni, al blocco dei camion trasportatori a causa del gelo e della neve. Il risultato è che i prodotti ortofrutticoli costano sempre di più al consumatore finale, e all'agricoltore va il magro compenso della vendita senza un prezzo maggiorato a causa delle dinamiche precedentemente descritte. È quindi chiaro che nella catena di approvvigionamento c'è chi se ne approfitta, denunciando aumenti clamorosi quasi a prescindere dalla realtà dei fatti. Il risultato è che le associazioni dei consumatori parlano di rincari del 200 % per frutta e verdura se comparati con lo stesso periodo dell'anno scorso. Una confederazione italiana di agricoltori ha provveduto a monitorare i prezzi di una cinquantina di punti vendita in Italia e li ha confrontati con i prezzi esposti al 15 gennaio, prima della gelata a livello europeo e del blocco dei tir trasportatori. Ne deriva che molti prezzi, in questo corto lasso di tempo, sono più che raddoppiati in alcuni casi (insalata cresciuta del 175 %, zucchine del 166 %).
Tutto ciò premesso, s'interroga la Commissione per chiedere:







come intende intervenire in questa distorsione della filiera di mercato che non permette contrattazioni in condizioni normali ed eque tra produttore, grossista e vendita al dettaglio;











se è a conoscenza di casi simili di aumenti del prezzo di frutta e verdura in altri Stati Membri in seguito al freddo polare degli ultimi giorni.




Risposta data da Dacian Cioloș a nome della Commissione
(27 marzo 2012)
Nel caso in questione sembra che i produttori agricoli non abbiano beneficiato del forte incremento dei prezzi al consumo nel breve termine, a causa del fatto che la domanda è stata superiore all’offerta per le condizioni meteorologiche estremamente sfavorevoli. Le cause di tale disparità potrebbero essere ricondotte alla vendita all'ingrosso di prodotti a prezzi inferiori convenuti prima delle avversità meteorologiche, ai costi connessi alla situazione meteorologica sopportati a valle della catena d'approvvigionamento, o a squilibri nella capacità di negoziazione.
La Commissione sta lavorando con i rappresentanti degli Stati membri e le parti interessate in merito alle pratiche commerciali sleali nell’ambito del forum ad alto livello per migliorare il funzionamento della catena di approvvigionamento alimentare (High Level Forum for a Better Functioning Food Supply Chain). In questo contesto, le parti interessate hanno concordato un elenco di pratiche leali e sleali, rispetto alle quali si stanno elaborando strumenti di controllo dell’attuazione delle normative. La Commissione trarrà le appropriate conclusioni da tale processo, che dovrebbe produrre risultati prima dell'autunno. L'adozione di una comunicazione relativa alle pratiche commerciali sleali tra imprese è inoltre prevista per l'anno in corso. A livello nazionale, le pratiche commerciali sleali sono affrontate mediante leggi sulla concorrenza sleale, codici di condotta o di buone prassi o la promozione di contratti scritti. Alcune autorità nazionali garanti della concorrenza hanno anche iniziato a esaminare l'impatto a lungo termine delle pratiche commerciali sleali sulla concorrenza all'interno della catena di approvvigionamento alimentare.
Poiché le condizioni atmosferiche estreme hanno rappresentato una peculiarità dell’Italia, non sono state registrate denunce da altri principali Stati membri produttori di ortofrutticoli. Gli aumenti di prezzo a livello del produttore sono stati generalmente attribuiti alle basse temperature invernali che hanno incentivato il consumo di prodotti tipici invernali (ad esempio cavoli, porri) per i quali la diffusione la domanda era rimasta stagnante. I prodotti da serra hanno registrato una diminuzione dei prezzi, mentre le arance hanno mantenuto prezzi stabili.
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001488/12
to the Commission
Sergio Paolo Frances Silvestris (PPE)
(8 February 2012)

Subject: Speculation in agricultural prices
The prices of fruit and vegetables have skyrocketed in the last month, because of what speculators and intermediaries in the sector have called ‘emergencies’, which range from the minor hailstorm in the autumn to the bitterly cold weather of recent days and lorries being brought to a standstill by the ice and snow. The result is rising fruit and vegetable prices for the end consumer, and farmers receiving meagre payment for the sale with no premium being paid in view of the abovementioned problems. It is clear that some elements of the supply chain are exploiting the situation, complaining of steep increases that have little basis in reality. The result is that consumer associations are reporting 200 % price rises for fruit and vegetables compared to the same period last year. An Italian farmers’ confederation has monitored prices at some fifty sales outlets in Italy and compared them with prices found on 15 January, before the Europe-wide wave of sub-zero temperatures which brought lorries to a standstill. This reveals that in some cases prices have more than doubled in this short period of time (while salad has gone up by 175 %, and courgettes by 166 %).
In view of the above,






1.


How does the Commission intend to address this distortion of the market, which prevents producers, wholesalers and retailers from dealing with each other on fair and normal terms?










2.


Is the Commission aware of similar instances of price rises for fruit and vegetables in other Member States following the freezing cold conditions of recent days?




Answer given by Mr Cioloş on behalf of the Commission
(27 March 2012)
In the given case, it appears that agricultural producers did not profit from the steep short-term increase of consumer prices due to demand outgrowing supply following extreme weather. The causes for the disparity could be the selling of products at lower wholesale prices agreed prior to the weather events, weather-related costs incurred further down in the supply chain, or imbalances in bargaining power.
The Commission is working with Member State representatives and stakeholders on the issue of unfair commercial practices in the High Level Forum for a Better Functioning Food Supply Chain. In this framework, stakeholders have agreed on a list of fair and unfair practices, for which enforcement mechanisms are under discussion. The Commission will draw appropriate conclusions following this process, which should deliver results before autumn. The adoption of a communication on unfair business-to-business commercial practices is also foreseen for the current year. At national level, unfair commercial practices are addressed through unfair competition laws, codes of conduct or good practices or the promotion of written contracts. Some National Competition Authorities have also started to look into the long-term impact of unfair commercial practices on competition in the food supply chain.
As extreme weather conditions were peculiar to Italy, no complaints have been registered from other main fruit and vegetable producing Member States. Price increases at producer level were generally registered due to cold temperatures that boosted the consumption of typical winter products (e.g. cabbage, leek) for which market take-up had been stagnant so far. Green house products registered price decreases, while oranges registered stable prices.
(Ελληνική έκδοση)
Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-001489/12
προς την Επιτροπή
Kriton Arsenis (S&D)
(8 Φεβρουαρίου 2012)

Θέμα: Απόρριψη της έγκρισης του γενετικά τροποποιημένου καλαμποκιού Bt-1507
Η Ευρωπαϊκή Αρχή για την Ασφάλεια των Τροφίμων (EFSA) στη γνωμοδότησή της το 2005 για την τοξικότητα της τοξίνης Cry1F του γενετικά τροποποιημένου οργανισμού (ΓΤΟ) Bt — καλαμπόκι 1507 (Bt-1507) κατέληξε στο συμπέρασμα ότι η καλλιέργεια του συγκεκριμένου ΓΤΟ δεν έχει αρνητικές επιπτώσεις στη δημόσια υγεία και το περιβάλλον. Ωστόσο, το 2007 η Ευρωπαϊκή Επιτροπή ανέβαλε την απόφαση έγκρισης του καλαμποκιού Bt-1507 επικαλούμενη την αρχή της προφύλαξης, ζητώντας από την EFSA επαναξιολόγηση. Αυτό ήταν αποτέλεσμα νέων επιστημονικών μελετών που συνέδεαν τη συγκεκριμένη τοξίνη με αρνητικές επιπτώσεις στη βιοποικιλότητα, ενώ παράλληλα εξέφραζαν ανησυχία για τις πιθανές αρνητικές μακροπρόθεσμες επιπτώσεις στο περιβάλλον εν γένει. Η EFSA το 2008 απέρριψε τα επιπρόσθετα αυτά επιστημονικά στοιχεία, ισχυριζόμενη ότι δεν υφίσταται κίνδυνος από την καλλιέργεια του καλαμποκιού Bt-1507. Το 2011, η EFSA γνωμοδοτεί πάλι θετικά παρόλο που για πρώτη φορά δέχεται ότι η έκθεση στην τοξίνη Cry1F μπορεί να οδηγήσει σε αύξηση της ανθεκτικότητας των εντόμων στόχων και άρα στην ολοένα και αυξανόμενη χρήση εντομοκτόνων και παρόλο που αναγνωρίζει ότι το καλαμπόκι Bt-1507 μπορεί όντως να έχει δυσμενείς επιπτώσεις στα λεπιδόπτερα. Επιπλέον, πειράματα έχουν δείξει μειώσεις στα λευκά και ερυθρά αιμοσφαίρια ποντικών που τράφηκαν με καλαμπόκι Bt-1507, γεγονός που υποδηλώνει ότι είναι πιθανό να έχει δυσμενείς επιπτώσεις και στην υγεία. Δεδομένης της αβεβαιότητας για τις επιπτώσεις του Bt-1507 στη δημόσια υγεία και το περιβάλλον, η Επιτροπή πρέπει όπως και το 2007 να μην εγκρίνει το καλαμπόκι Bt-1507 για καλλιέργεια στην ΕΕ σεβόμενη την αρχή της προφύλαξης.
Λαμβάνοντας υπόψη τα ανωτέρω ερωτάται η Ευρωπαϊκή Επιτροπή:
Το 2007 η Επιτροπή ανέβαλε την έγκρισή του καλαμποκιού Bt-1507 παρά το γεγονός ότι η EFSA δεν αναγνώριζε κανένα κίνδυνο. Με βάση τη γνωμοδότηση του 2011, στην οποία η EFSA παραδέχεται ότι μπορεί να υπάρξουν δυσμενείς επιπτώσεις, η Επιτροπή προτίθεται να επιτρέψει την καλλιέργεια του καλαμποκιού Bt-1507;
Απάντηση του κ. Dalli εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής
(13 Απριλίου 2012)
Η γνώμη της ΕΑΑΤ (96) για το καλαμπόκι 1507, που εκδόθηκε το Νοέμβριο 2011, συνιστά επικαιροποίηση προηγούμενων γνωμοδοτήσεων της ΕΑΑΤ για το καλαμπόκι 1507. Η Αρχή κατέληξε στο συμπέρασμα ότι το καλαμπόκι 1507 θα μπορούσε να έχει δυσμενείς επιπτώσεις σε ορισμένα ευαίσθητα είδη λεπιδόπτερων που δεν αποτελούν στόχο όταν μεγάλο ποσοστό του πληθυσμού τους εκτίθεται επί σειρά ετών σε υψηλά επίπεδα γύρης καλαμποκιού 1507 που εναποτίθενται σε ξενιστές και στο περιβάλλον σε περίπτωση ενδεχόμενης αύξησης της ανθεκτικότητας των εντόμων-στόχο στην πρωτεΐνη Cry1F και στην χρήση τροποποιημένων πρακτικών καταπολέμησης παρασίτων με υψηλότερη περιβαλλοντική επιβάρυνση.
Η γνώμη αυτή υποβλήθηκε από την ΕΑΑΤ σε σύσκεψη των αρμόδιων αρχών στο πλαίσιο της οδηγίας 2001/18/EΚ (97), και τώρα ευρίσκεται στο στάδιο της αξιολόγησης από τους αξιολογητές του κινδύνου (Επιτροπή και κράτη μέλη).
Παράλληλα, η Επιτροπή εργάζεται για την ενίσχυση της περιβαλλοντικής παρακολούθησης μετά από τη διάθεση στην αγορά, βάσει πρόσφατα εγκριθείσας από την ΕΑΑΤ γνώμης επί του ιδίου θέματος.
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001489/12
to the Commission
Kriton Arsenis (S&D)
(8 February 2012)

Subject: Refusal to approve genetically modified Bt-1507 maize 
In its 2005 opinion on the toxicity of the Cry1F toxin in the genetically modified organism (GMO) Bt — maize 1507 (Bt-1507), the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) reached the conclusion that the cultivation of that GMO does not have any adverse effects on public health or the environment. But in 2007 the Commission postponed its decision to approve Bt-1507 maize, citing the precautionary principle, and asking the EFSA for a re-evaluation. This was the result of new scientific studies that linked this specific toxin with adverse effects on biodiversity, while at the same time expressing concern regarding the possible long-term adverse effects on the environment in general. In 2008 the EFSA dismissed this additional scientific data, asserting that no risk was posed by the cultivation of Bt-1507 maize. In 2011 the EFSA again issued a favourable opinion, despite the fact that for the first time it had accepted that exposure to the Cry1F toxin can lead to an increase in the resistance of target insects and indeed to the ever-increasing use of insecticides. This opinion was also given in the face of the Authority’s own acknowledgement that Bt-1507 maize can indeed have adverse effects on some species of Lepidoptera. Tests have also indicated reduced levels of red and white blood cells in mice that had been fed Bt-1507 maize, suggesting the likelihood that it could also have adverse effects on health. Given the uncertainty surrounding the effects of Bt-1507 on public health and the environment, the Commission, respecting the precautionary principle, should, as in 2007, refuse to approve Bt-1507 maize for cultivation in the EU. 
In view of the above, will the Commission say:
Ιn 2007 it postponed its approval of Bt-1507 maize, despite the fact that the EFSA did not acknowledge any risk. On the basis of the 2011 opinion, in which the EFSA acknowledges that there may be adverse effects, does the Commission intend to permit the cultivation of Bt-1507 maize?
Answer given by Mr Dalli on behalf of the Commission
(13 April 2012)
The EFSA (98) opinion on 1507 maize adopted in November 2011 constitutes an updating of the previous opinions from EFSA on 1507 maize. It concludes that the cultivation of 1507 maize could have adverse effects on certain highly sensitive non-target lepidopteran species where high proportions of their populations are exposed over successive years to high levels of maize 1507 pollen deposited on their plant hosts and on the environment in case of potential evolution of the resistance of the target pest to the Cry1F protein and the use of altered pest control practices with higher environmental load.
This opinion was presented by EFSA at the competent authorities meeting under Directive 2001/18/EC (99), and is now in the process of evaluation by risk managers (Commission and Member States).
In parallel, the Commission is working on strengthening post-market environmental monitoring based on the recently adopted EFSA opinion on this subject.
(Ελληνική έκδοση)
Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-001490/12
προς την Επιτροπή
Nikolaos Salavrakos (EFD)
(8 Φεβρουαρίου 2012)

Θέμα: Θέμα: Συνθήκη ACTA
Υπάρχει μια διαρκώς εντεινόμενη ανησυχία για τη συνθήκη ACTA σε όλη την Ευρώπη διότι οι νέοι γνωρίζουν ότι κινδυνεύουν να βρεθούν στο περιθώριο του νόμου λόγω της δραστηριότητάς τους στο διαδίκτυο. Προκαλεί ερωτήματα η μυστικότητα υπό την οποία διεξήχθησαν οι συνομιλίες για τη σύνταξη της συνθήκης, που αντίκειται στην αρχή της διαφάνειας που προσπαθούμε να προστατέψουμε στην ΕΕ, λαμβάνοντας υπόψη το γεγονός ότι αγγίζει τη μεγάλη πλειοψηφία των νέων της Ευρώπης.
Η συνθήκη δεν αποσαφηνίζει τα διακριτά όρια ανάμεσα στα πειρατικά προϊόντα και τις απομιμήσεις, αγνοώντας το γεγονός ότι οι καταναλωτές που αγοράζουν απομιμήσεις, συχνά νομίζουν ότι πρόκειται για αληθινά.
Επίσης, προωθεί ποινικές κυρώσεις ακόμα και για παραβάσεις για τις οποίες ισχύουν σήμερα αστικές κυρώσεις. Για παράδειγμα, το άρθρο 23 της συνθήκης προβλέπει ότι ποινικές κυρώσεις πρέπει να επιβάλλονται σε όσους παραβιάζουν ή βοηθούν την παραβίαση πνευματικής ιδιοκτησίας σε ₫μαζική κλίμακα₻. Αυτό θα σήμαινε ότι οι πάροχοι πρόσβασης θα θεωρούνται υπεύθυνοι αν δεν εμποδίζουν τους πελάτες τους να κατεβάζουν ή να διακινούν πειρατικό υλικό.
Η ACTA βάζει εμπόδια σε τυχόν μελλοντική αλλαγή της νομοθεσίας σε εθνικό επίπεδο, και στερεί από τις αναπτυσσόμενες χώρες τη δυνατότητα να επιλέγουν τις πλέον συμφέρουσες πολιτικές, όπως τη χρήση γενόσημων φαρμάκων.
Πολλοί αναλυτές επισημαίνουν ακόμα ότι η συνθήκη παρουσιάζει ομοιότητες με τα αμφιλεγόμενα νομοσχέδια SOPA και PIPA, τα οποία τελικά αποσύρθηκαν στις ΗΠΑ λόγω ευρείας κατακραυγής από χρήστες, οργανώσεις και υπηρεσίες όπως το Google και η Wikipedia.
Πριν από την ψηφοφορία, τον Ιούνιο, στο Ευρωπαϊκό Κοινοβούλιο, είναι χρήσιμο να γνωστοποιηθεί η στάση της Επιτροπής, η οποία ερωτάται:







Κρίνει ότι πρέπει να ληφθούν υπόψη, πριν από τη διαδικασία κύρωσης και στην εν γένει στάση των πολιτικών φορέων στην ΕΕ, το γεγονός των μαζικών αντιδράσεων απέναντι στη συνθήκη και το ότι θα ποινικοποιηθεί μια εθιμικώς πλέον κατεστημένη δραστηριότητα των νέων ανθρώπων, που τελικά θα πλήξει την πλειοψηφία των Ευρωπαίων;











Θεωρεί ότι μπορεί να υπάρξει μια καλύτερα οργανωμένη διαδικασία σύνταξης μια συνθήκης, που θα αποφασιστεί όσο το δυνατόν εγγύτερα στον πολίτη της Ευρώπης;




Απάντηση του κ. De Gucht εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής
(10 Απριλίου 2012)






1.


Η Επιτροπή χαιρετίζει το έντονο δημόσιο ενδιαφέρον που δημιούργησε η ACTA. Είναι θετικό ότι η κοινωνία των πολιτών συμμετέχει σε μια δημοκρατική δημόσια συζήτηση και εκφράζει ανοιχτά τις απόψεις της.




Ωστόσο, η Επιτροπή πιστεύει ότι οι ισχυρισμοί ότι η ACTA θα είχε επίδραση στα θεμέλια της δημοκρατίας και της ελευθερίας έκφρασης της ΕΕ δεν τεκμηριώνονται. Επίσης, η ACTA δεν θα ποινικοποιήσει συμπεριφορές που, προηγούμενα, δεν θεωρούνταν αξιόποινες.
Η ACTA δημιουργεί διεθνή πρότυπα για 38 χώρες, για την ενίσχυση των δικαιωμάτων διανοητικής ιδιοκτησίας, κατά τρόπο που ήδη σήμερα κατοχυρώνεται στο δίκαιο της ΕΕ. Δεν θα αλλάξει τους κανόνες που ισχύουν σήμερα για τους πολίτες της ΕΕ ή τους παρόχους υπηρεσιών διαδικτύου ούτε θα ποινικοποιήσει νέες παραβάσεις.
Η ACTA αποτελεί ένα μέσο διεύρυνσης των οφελών από το σύστημα της ΕΕ πέραν των συνόρων της και συνεισφοράς στην καταπολέμηση της παγκόσμιας βιομηχανίας παραποίησης και πειρατείας.
Για την αποσαφήνιση της δημόσιας συζήτησης, η Επιτροπή αποφάσισε να παραπέμψει την ACTA στο Ευρωπαϊκό Δικαστήριο, ώστε να εξασφαλιστεί η πλήρης συμβατότητά της με τις Συνθήκες της ΕΕ και τον Χάρτη Θεμελιωδών Δικαιωμάτων.






2.


Όσον αφορά τη διαδικασία διαπραγμάτευσης, η Επιτροπή θέλει να επισημάνει ότι η διαπραγμάτευση της ACTA δεν διέφερε ουσιαστικά από τις διαπραγματεύσεις για οποιαδήποτε άλλη διεθνή σύμβαση. Αντιμετωπίστηκαν εκτενώς οι επιφυλάξεις όσον αφορά τη διαφάνεια αυτής της διαδικασίας, πρόσφατα μάλιστα στη δήλωση του αρμόδιου για θέματα εμπορίου Επιτρόπου κ. De Gucht στην Επιτροπή Διεθνούς Εμπορίου στις 29 Φεβρουαρίου 2012 (100), καθώς και στην ολομέλεια του Κοινοβουλίου στις 9 Μαρτίου 2010 ή στις απαντήσεις στις κοινοβουλευτικές επερωτήσεις E-217/10 και E-726/10 (101). Επιπλέον, η Επιτροπή εξέδωσε αναλυτικό ενημερωτικό δελτίο στο οποίο περιγράφονται οι προσπάθειες διαφάνειας στο πλαίσιο των διαπραγματεύσεων για την ACTA (102).




(English version)
Question for written answer E-001490/12
to the Commission
Nikolaos Salavrakos (EFD)
(8 February 2012)

Subject: ACTA 
There is ever-increasing concern about the ACTA agreement throughout Europe because young people know that they are liable to find themselves in breach of the law as a result of their activities on the Internet. The secrecy under which talks about the drafting of the agreement were held raises questions, contravening the principle of transparency that we endeavour to protect in the EU, in view of the fact that the agreement affects the vast majority of young people in Europe.
The agreement does not clarify the distinction between pirated goods and imitations, ignoring the fact that consumers buying imitations often think that they are buying the genuine article.
Moreover, it imposes criminal penalties even for infringements to which civil law penalties currently apply. For example, Article 23 of the agreement provides for criminal penalties to be imposed on those who infringe, or aid the infringement of, intellectual property on a ‘commercial scale’. This would mean that access providers would be considered guilty if they failed to prevent their customers from downloading or sending pirated material.
ACTA places obstacles in the way of any future change to national laws, also depriving developing countries of the chance to pursue more advantageous policies, such as the use of generic drugs.
Many analysts point out that there are similarities between the agreement and the controversial SOPA and PIPA bills, which in the end were withdrawn in the USA as a result of a widespread outcry from users, organisations and services such as Google and Wikipedia.
Before the vote in June in the European Parliament, it would be useful for the Commission’s position to be known. Will the Commission therefore say:







Does it think that political bodies of the EU should take into account, prior to the ratification procedure and generally in adopting their position on this matter, the fact that there is large-scale opposition to the agreement and that an activity which is established and common among young people will be criminalised, in the end having an adverse effect on the majority of Europeans?











Does it think that the procedure for drafting an agreement could be better organised, by involving EU citizens as closely as possible in the decision-taking process?




Answer given by Mr De Gucht on behalf of the Commission
(10 April 2012)






1.


The Commission welcomes the considerable public interest that ACTA has generated. It is positive that civil society engages in a democratic debate and openly expresses its views. 




However, the Commission believes that the claims that ACTA would affect the foundations of EU's democracy and freedom of expression are unfounded. Likewise, ACTA will not criminalise behaviour that was not considered criminal before.
ACTA creates international standards for 38 countries to enforce intellectual property rights in ways that today are already enshrined in EC law. It will not change the rules applicable to EU citizens or Internet service providers today or criminalise new infringements.
ACTA is a means to extend the benefits of the EU system beyond its borders and to contribute to stamping out the global counterfeiting and piracy industry. 
To clarify this debate, the Commission has decided to refer ACTA to the European Court of Justice to ensure its full compatibility with the EU Treaties and the Charter of Fundamental Rights.







2.


As regards the negotiation process, the Commission wishes to point out that the negotiation of ACTA was not substantially different from negotiations on any other international treaty. The concerns on the transparency of this process have been extensively addressed most recently in the 










2.


As regards the negotiation process, the Commission wishes to point out that the negotiation of ACTA was not substantially different from negotiations on any other international treaty. The concerns on the transparency of this process have been extensively addressed most recently in the 



statement made by Trade Commissioner De Gucht to the INTA Committee on 29 February 2012 (103), as well as in the Plenary Session of the Parliament on 9 March 2010 or in the replies to parliamentary Questions E‐217/10 and E‐726/10 (104). Additionally, the Commission issued a detailed fact sheet describing the transparency efforts in the framework of the ACTA negotiations (105).(Ελληνική έκδοση)
Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-001491/12
προς την Επιτροπή
Marietta Giannakou (PPE)
(8 Φεβρουαρίου 2012)

Θέμα: Ανεργία και μικρομεσαίες επιχειρήσεις
O Επίτροπος Περιφερειακής Πολιτικής Γιοχάννες Χάν, κατά την επίσκεψή του προ μηνών στην Ελλάδα, δήλωνε, πως οι άνεργοι στην ΕΕ είναι 23 εκατομμύρια, περίπου, όσες είναι και οι μικρομεσαίες επιχειρήσεις.
Σήμερα, στις Βρυξέλλες παρατηρείται έντονη κινητικότητα με προγράμματα, πρωτοβουλίες και άλλες δραστηριότητες, για την ενίσχυση των ΜΜΕ στις οποίες ₫πιστώνεται₻ και η δημιουργία του 85 % του συνόλου των νέων θέσεων εργασίας την περίοδο από το 2002-2010, για την ενίσχυση της εκπαίδευσης και κατάρτισης και της απασχόλησης. Εξάλλου, η εαρινή σύνοδος του Ευρωπαϊκού Συμβουλίου θα έχει ως κύριο αντικείμενο συζητήσεων την απασχόληση και τη δημιουργία νέων θέσεων εργασίας.
Ως εκ τούτου, ερωτάται η Ευρωπαϊκή Επιτροπή:







Ποιες συγκεκριμένες πρωτοβουλίες και δράσεις έχει αναλάβει λόγω της κρίσης ή πρόκειται να αναλάβει άμεσα για τη μείωση της ανεργίας των νέων στην Ευρώπη;











Θεωρεί ότι η ανεργία μπορεί να μειωθεί σημαντικά εάν δοθούν κίνητρα στις μικρομεσαίες αυτές επιχειρήσεις που εδρεύουν και λειτουργούν μέσα στην Ένωση συλλογικά να προσφέρουν έστω και μία επιπλέον θέση εργασίας σε αυτές και, αν ναι, τι είδους κίνητρα θα είναι αυτά;




Απάντηση του κ. Andor εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής
(28 Μαρτίου 2012)
Για να αντιμετωπίσει το υψηλό ποσοστό ανεργίας των νέων στην ΕΕ, η Επιτροπή παρουσίασε τον Δεκέμβριο του 2011 την πρωτοβουλία ₫Ευκαιρίες για τους νέους₻ (106). Η Επιτροπή παραπέμπει τον κ. βουλευτή στις απαντήσεις που έδωσε στις γραπτές ερωτήσεις E-0010895/2011, E-0011594/2011, E-001002/2012, E-001371/2012 και E-001812/2012 (107) σχετικά με τις ειδικότερες δράσεις που προωθούνται στο πλαίσιο της πρωτοβουλίας.
Η Επιτροπή θα ήθελε να θυμίσει στον κ. βουλευτή ότι υποστηρίζει ήδη τη δημιουργία θέσεων εργασίας μέσω των μηχανισμών χρηματοδότησης που διαθέτει (όπως το Ευρωπαϊκό Κοινωνικό Ταμείο και την πρωτοβουλία PROGRESS). Οι ΜΜΕ πράγματι διαδραματίζουν σημαντικό ρόλο σε ό,τι αφορά τη δημιουργία θέσεων εργασίας. Το θέμα δεν είναι μόνο η βελτίωση της πρόσβασης στην απασχόληση στις υπάρχουσες ΜΜΕ αλλά και η αύξηση της οικονομικής ενίσχυσης της επιχειρηματικότητας, με εστίαση στα προϊόντα και τις υπηρεσίες με χαρακτηριστικά καινοτομίας, καθώς και η αξιοποίηση των ανεκμετάλλευτων δυνατοτήτων των κοινωνικών επιχειρήσεων. Για παράδειγμα, η παροχή υπηρεσιών υποστήριξης στις νεοσύστατες επιχειρήσεις μπορεί να βοηθήσει νέους που έχουν υψηλό μορφωτικό επίπεδο να αξιοποιήσουν τις δυνατότητές τους. Επιπλέον, οι ΜΜΕ αντιμετωπίζουν ακόμη πολλά εμπόδια για την ανάπτυξή τους. Οι μισές ΜΜΕ παραμένουν επικεντρωμένες στην εγχώρια αγορά ή συναντούν δυσκολίες όταν επιδιώκουν επέκταση σε αγορές του εξωτερικού. Για τον λόγο αυτό, η Επιτροπή στηρίζει ενεργά τη διεθνοποίηση της επιχειρηματικής δραστηριότητας των ΜΜΕ, η οποία θα έχει αντίκτυπο στη δημιουργία θέσεων εργασίας.
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001491/12
to the Commission
Marietta Giannakou (PPE)
(8 February 2012)

Subject: Unemployment and small and medium-sized enterprises
During his visit to Greece a few months ago, Johannes Hahn, Commissioner for Regional Policy, stated that there were 23 million unemployed people in the EU, approximately, the same number as the number of small and medium-sized enterprises.
Considerable activity can be seen in Brussels today around programmes, initiatives and other actions for strengthening SMEs, which have been credited with the creation of 85 % of all new jobs during the 2002-2010 period, as well as for strengthening education, training and employment. The main item on the agenda of European Council’s spring summit this year will in fact be debates on employment and the creation of new jobs.
In view of the above, will the Commission say:







What specific initiatives and actions has it taken, or does it intend immediately to take, as a result of the crisis to reduce youth unemployment in Europe?











Does it believe that there can be a significant reduction in unemployment if incentives are given to those small and medium-sized enterprises based in and operating in the EU for them collectively to provide just one additional job in each enterprise? If so, what type of incentives will these be?




Answer given by Mr Andor on behalf of the Commission
(28 March 2012)
In response to the high youth unemployment in the EU, the Commission has presented in December 2011 the Youth Opportunities Initiative (108). The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its replies to Written Questions E‐0010895/2011, E‐0011594/2011, E‐001002/2012, E‐001371/2012 and E‐001812/2012 (109) concerning the specific actions taken under this initiative. 
The Commission would like to remind the Honourable Member that it already supports job creation through its funding facilities (such as the European Social Fund and the PROGRESS initiative). SMEs play indeed a major role, when it comes to job creation. It is not only about improving access to employment in existing SMEs, but also to increase financial support to entrepreneurship, with a focus on innovative products and services, as well on exploiting the currently untapped potential of social enterprises. For example, availability of start-up support services can enhance highly-educated young people to develop their potential. Furthermore, SMEs still face numerous obstacles to growth. Half of SMEs remain focused on the domestic market or have difficulties developing markets abroad. For this reason the Commission actively supports the internationalization of SMEs business development, which will have repercussion on job creation.
(Ελληνική έκδοση)
Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-001492/12
προς την Επιτροπή
Marietta Giannakou (PPE)
(8 Φεβρουαρίου 2012)

Θέμα: Παρακολούθηση πιθανών περιορισμών του ανταγωνισμού στον τομέα του λιανικού εμπορίου τροφίμων
Σε όλη την ΕΕ οι καταναλωτές αντιμετωπίζουν όλο και συχνότερα αυξήσεις στις τιμές των τροφίμων, οι οποίες είναι επώδυνες ιδίως στο πλαίσιο της οικονομικής κρίσης. Η εκτίναξη των τιμών των τροφίμων είναι συνήθως το αποτέλεσμα ενός συνδυασμού διαρθρωτικών και προσωρινών παραγόντων οι οποίοι ενδέχεται να είναι παγκόσμιοι, περιφερειακοί ή εσωτερικοί. Σε ορισμένες περιπτώσεις, οι αυξήσεις των τιμών μπορεί να σχετίζονται με αθέμιτες πρακτικές των επιχειρήσεων που στρεβλώνουν τον ανταγωνισμό σε βάρος των καταναλωτών. Οι εν λόγω πρακτικές περιλαμβάνουν συμπράξεις, εφαρμογή προκαθορισμένων τιμών λιανικών, συμφωνίες αποκλειστικής προμήθειας, σύνδεση προϊόντων και προώθηση συγκεκριμένου σήματος. Στο πλαίσιο της οικονομικής κρίσης, οι επιχειρήσεις μπορεί να είναι πιο επιρρεπείς σε τέτοιες πρακτικές προκειμένου να περιορίσουν τις αρνητικές επιπτώσεις της κρίσης στα κέρδη τους.
Πρόσφατα, ορισμένα κράτη μέλη ξεκίνησαν επίσημες διαδικασίες έρευνας σε σχέση με τις πιθανές περιοριστικές πρακτικές από μέρους των παραγωγών, της βιομηχανίας και των αλυσίδων σουπερμάρκετ στον τομέα του λιανικού εμπορίου τροφίμων. Σε ορισμένες περιπτώσεις οι έρευνες έχουν ήδη καταλήξει στην επιβολή προστίμων στις εμπλεκόμενες επιχειρήσεις.
Με βάση τα ανωτέρω, κρίνεται επιτακτική η ανάγκη για τη διεξαγωγή έρευνας σχετικά με πιθανούς περιορισμούς του ανταγωνισμού σε βάρος των καταναλωτών στον τομέα του λιανικού εμπορίου τροφίμων σε επίπεδο ΕΕ.
Συνεπώς, η Επιτροπή ζητείται να προβεί σε εκτίμηση πιθανών περιορισμών του ανταγωνισμού στον τομέα του λιανικού εμπορίου τροφίμων. Σκοπεύει η Επιτροπή να αναλάβει κάποια συγκεκριμένη δράση προς αυτή την κατεύθυνση; Σκοπεύει η Επιτροπή να κινήσει τομεακή έρευνα ή μεμονωμένες διαδικασίες έρευνας στον τομέα αυτό;
Απάντηση του κ. Almunia εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής
(19 Μαρτίου 2012)
Η Επιτροπή είναι έτοιμη να διερευνήσει συγκεκριμένες ενδείξεις πιθανών παραβιάσεων των κανόνων ανταγωνισμού της ΕΕ στον τομέα λιανικής πώλησης τροφίμων στην Ευρώπη, βασιζόμενη σε αξιόπιστα, εκ πρώτης όψεως, στοιχεία. Τα τελευταία έτη, η Επιτροπή έχει πράγματι επιβάλει πρόστιμα σε ορισμένες συμπράξεις και έχει διερευνήσει άλλες φημολογούμενες πρακτικές αθέμιτου ανταγωνισμού στον τομέα των τροφίμων στις αγορές βοείου κρέατος, μπύρας, μπανάνας και αναψυκτικών.
Κατά την εφαρμογή των κανόνων ανταγωνισμού στον τομέα τροφίμων στο σύνολο του, συμπεριλαμβανομένου του τομέα λιανικής πώλησης, η Επιτροπή συνεργάζεται στενά με τις εθνικές αρχές ανταγωνισμού στο πλαίσιο του Ευρωπαϊκού Δικτύου Ανταγωνισμού (ΕΔΑ). Πράγματι, οι αγορές τροφίμων γενικώς, και οι αγορές λιανικής πώλησης τροφίμων ειδικότερα, έχουν όπως φαίνεται εθνικό ή περιφερειακό χαρακτήρα και, συνεπώς, οι εθνικές αρχές ανταγωνισμού είναι συνήθως οι πλέον κατάλληλες να διερευνήσουν συμπεριφορές αθέμιτου ανταγωνισμού που επηρεάζουν αυτές τις αγορές στην επικράτεια κάθε χώρας. 
Όπως επισημαίνει το Αξιότιμο Μέλος, οι εθνικές αρχές ανταγωνισμού στην Ευρώπη έχουν κατά τα τελευταία έτη προβεί με αποφασιστικότητα στη δίωξη και τιμωρία πρακτικών αθέμιτου ανταγωνισμού στον τομέα των τροφίμων. Πολλές εθνικές αρχές ανταγωνισμού έχουν επίσης πραγματοποιήσει έρευνες και άλλες ενέργειες παρακολούθησης της αγοράς τροφίμων, με στόχο να διασαφηνιστεί ο τρόπος λειτουργίας αυτών των αγορών, να προσδιοριστούν πιθανά διαρθρωτικά προβλήματα που μπορεί να επηρεάσουν τη λειτουργία τους και να γίνουν προτάσεις σχετικά με την επίλυση των προβλημάτων αυτών. 
Η Επιτροπή βρίσκεται, επί του παρόντος, στο στάδιο της ολοκλήρωσης έκθεσης που θα παρέχει πλήρη και λεπτομερή επισκόπηση αυτών των ενεργειών επιβολής και παρακολούθησης της αγοράς και η οποία περιλαμβάνει τις δραστηριότητες των εθνικών αρχών ανταγωνισμού στον τομέα της λιανικής πώλησης τροφίμων. Η Επιτροπή θα ενημερώσει το Κοινοβούλιο κατά τη δημοσίευση της έκθεσης εντός του τρέχοντος έτους.
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001492/12
to the Commission
Marietta Giannakou (PPE)
(8 February 2012)

Subject: Follow-up on possible restrictions on competition in the retail food sector
Consumers across the EU are increasingly faced with food price increases which hurt, especially in the context of the economic crisis. Food price surges usually result from a combination of structural and temporary factors which may be global, regional or domestic. In some instances price increases may relate to businesses’ unfair practices that distort competition to the detriment of consumers. Such practices include cartels, resale price maintenance, certification schemes, tying, and single branding. In the context of the economic crisis businesses might be more prone to engage in such practices in order to limit the negative impact of the crisis on their profits.
A number of Member States have recently launched formal investigations related to possible restrictive practices by producers, industry and supermarket chains in the retail food sector. In a few cases such investigations have already resulted in fines being imposed on the firms concerned.
Given the above, there is an urgent need to investigate possible restrictions of competition to the detriment of consumers in the retail food sector at the EU level.
Consequently, the Commission is asked to assess possible restrictions of competition in the retail food sector. Does the Commission plan to undertake any specific action in this regard? Does the Commission plan to launch a sectoral inquiry or individual investigations in this field?
Answer given by Mr Almunia on behalf of the Commission
(19 March 2012)
The Commission stands ready to investigate any concrete indications of potential violations of EU competition rules in the food retail sector in Europe based on credible prima facie evidence. In recent years the Commission has indeed fined a number of cartels and investigated other alleged anticompetitive practices in the food sector in the markets for beef, beer, bananas and soft drinks.
In the application of competition rules in the overall food sector, including the food retail sector, the Commission works closely with National Competition Authorities (NCAs) in the framework of the European Competition Network (ECN). Indeed, food markets in general and retail food markets in particular appear to be of national or regional scope and, consequently, NCAs are normally well placed to investigate any possible anticompetitive behaviour affecting these markets in their respective national territories. 
As the Honourable Member points out, NCAs have vigorously pursued and punished anticompetitive practices in the food sector over the past years in Europe. Many NCAs have also conducted inquiries and other market monitoring actions in the food sector with the aim to clarify how these markets work, identify potential structural problems which may affect their functioning, and make proposals to address them. 
The Commission is currently finalising a report which will provide a comprehensive and detailed overview of these enforcement and market monitoring actions, which include the activities of NCAs in the food retail sector. The Commission will inform the Parliament of this report when published this year.
(Versión española)
Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-001494/12
a la Comisión
Maria Badia i Cutchet (S&D) y Andres Perello Rodriguez (S&D)
(8 de febrero de 2012)

Asunto: Revisión de los controles veterinarios respecto a los insectos destinados a la investigación científica, concretamente a la llamada mosca de la fruta
La comunidad científica ha denunciado los problemas que supone la excesiva burocracia de los controles que establece la Directiva de Controles Veterinarios (Directiva 91/496/CE del Consejo) en lo que atañe a los animales vivos, concretamente a los insectos destinados a la investigación como la llamada mosca de la fruta (Drosophila melanogaster). La Directiva establece estrictos controles de los animales vivos procedentes de países terceros, sin hacer ningún tipo de excepción según el uso previsto.
Habiendo sido interpelado con anterioridad sobre esta cuestión (110), en 2010, la Comisión se comprometió a revisar dicha Directiva para dar respuesta a esta problemática. Hasta ahora, no se ha presentado ningún proyecto de modificación de dicha Directiva ni se ha planteado la posible excepción de la mosca de la fruta. No obstante, la Comisión sí que anunció la modificación de la legislación sobre control de cadena alimentaria en el paquete sobre salud animal y vegetal. Dicho paquete debería ser presentado en los próximos meses y, atendiendo a los compromisos de la Comisión, debería abordar la cuestión de los controles oficiales a lo largo de la cadena alimentaria.
¿Cuál es calendario previsto por la Comisión para la presentación de dicho paquete?
¿Qué medidas se han previsto para abordar el trato e inspección de los animales destinados a la investigación científica —como la mosca de la fruta— desde la frontera y a lo largo de la cadena de comercialización?
Respuesta del Sr. Dalli en nombre de la Comisión
(20 de marzo de 2012)
La legislación de la UE (111) exige que se realicen controles veterinarios en los puestos de inspección fronterizos autorizados a todos los lotes de animales vivos que vayan a importarse a la Unión, para garantizar, entre otras cosas, que dichos animales son los que figuran en los correspondientes documentos de acompañamiento. Por definición, esos controles hacen referencia asimismo a los insectos vivos, como la Drosophila, importados a efectos de investigación. Sin embargo, hay que señalar que, de conformidad con el artículo 5 de la Decisión 97/794/ CE de la Comisión (112), no será necesario someter a examen clínico individual ni a muestreo a los insectos vivos como parte de un control veterinario, sino solo a la observación del estado de salud de todo el grupo. Si no se detecta ninguna anomalía, no harán falta más controles.
La Comisión es consciente de que la normativa vigente sobre controles en los puestos de inspección fronterizos en materia de importación de insectos les puede parecer gravosa a algunos operadores y está de acuerdo en estudiar la cuestión en el contexto de la revisión de la legislación correspondiente. La Comisión está trabajando en una propuesta de nueva legislación sobre salud animal, que incluye disposiciones generales de control de la importación de animales vivos, cuya adopción está prevista a finales de este año. El tema de la importación de insectos en general, y la Drosophila en particular, se tendrá en cuenta también en sus normas de desarrollo.
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001494/12
to the Commission
Maria Badia i Cutchet (S&D) and Andres Perello Rodriguez (S&D)
(8 February 2012)

Subject: Review of veterinary checks on insects to be used in scientific research, specifically the fruit fly
The scientific community has complained of problems associated with overly bureaucratic controls established by the Veterinary Checks Directive (Council Directive 91/496/EEC) in regard to live animals, specifically insects to be used in research, such as the fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster). The directive lays down strict controls on live animals from non‐EU countries, without making any exemptions for their intended use.
When questioned previously on this issue (113), in 2010, the Commission undertook to review the directive in order to address this problem. Thus far, no amendments to the directive have been proposed nor has the possibility of exempting the fruit fly been considered. The Commission has, however, announced that legislation on controlling the food chain is to be amended in its package on animal and plant health. This package is to be presented in the coming months and, in line with the Commission’s undertakings, should address the question of official controls throughout the food chain.
What is the Commission’s timetable for presenting this package?
What measures are planned to address the treatment and inspection of animals to be used in scientific research, such as fruit flies, at the border and all along the supply chain?
Answer given by Mr Dalli on behalf of the Commission
(20 March 2012)
EU legislation (114) requires that veterinary checks are carried out at approved border inspection posts (BIPs) on all consignments of live animals to be imported into the Union, to ensure inter alia that those animals are as stated in the relevant accompanying documentation. By definition, these checks also concern live insects such as Drosophila imported for research purposes. However, it should be noted that, in accordance with Article 5 of Commission Decision 97/794/EC (115), live insects, will not be subject to individual clinical examination or sampling as part of a veterinary check, but are only required to undergo observation of their state of health as a group. If no anomaly is identified, no further checks are necessary. 
The Commission is aware that the current rules on controls at BIPs upon import of insects may appear burdensome to some operators and has agreed to look into this within the review of the relevant legislation. The Commission is currently working on a proposal for a new animal health law, including general provisions for import control of live animals, which is planned for adoption by the end of this year. The issue of the import of insects, in general and Drosophila, in particular will also be considered in the implementing provisions thereto.
(Versión española)
Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-001495/12
a la Comisión
Ana Miranda (Verts/ALE)
(8 de febrero de 2012)

Asunto: Protección y conservación de Lugares de Interés Comunitario (LIC) de la Red Natura en Galicia
¿Puede informar la Comisión del estado de protección y conservación del LIC ES1110001 Ría de Ortigueira y Ladrido, en Galicia?
Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-001638/12
a la Comisión
Ana Miranda (Verts/ALE)
(10 de febrero de 2012)

Asunto: Protección y conservación de zonas de especial protección para las aves (ZEPA) de la Red Natura en Galicia
¿Puede informar la Comision sobre el estado de protección y conservación de las zonas de especial protección para las aves (ZEPA) siguientes:






—


ES0000087 de complejo intermareal Umia-O Grove, A Lanzada, Punta Carreirón e Lagoa Bodeira,










—


ES0000436 de A Limia,










—


ES0000374 de Ancares,










—


 ES0000376 de Baixa Limia — Serra do Xurés,










—


ES0000313 de complejo Litoral de Corrubedo,










—


ES0000372 de Costa da Mariña occidental,










—


ES0000176 de Costa da Morte,










—


ES0000375 de Esteiro de Miño,










—


ES0000258 de Costa de Ferroltera — Valdoviño,










—


ES0000254 de complejo intermareal Illa de Ons,










—


ES0000001 de Illas Cíes,










—


ES0000086 de Ría de Ortigueira e Ladrido,










—


ES0000437 de Pena Trevinca,










—


ES0000373 de Ría de Foz,










—


ES0000085 de Ribadeo, todos ellos en Galicia?




Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-001639/12
a la Comisión
Ana Miranda (Verts/ALE)
(10 de febrero de 2012)

Asunto: Protección y conservación de lugares de interés comunitario (LICs) de la Red Natura en Galicia (4/4)
¿Puede informar la Comisión sobre el estado de protección y conservación de los lugares de interés comunitario (LICs) siguientes:






—


ES1130001 Baixa Limia,










—


ES113002 Macizo Central,










—


ES1130003 Bidueiral de Montederramo,










—


ES1130004 Pena Veidosa,










—


ES1130005 Río Támega,










—


ES1130006 Veiga de Ponteliñares,










—


ES1130007 Pena Trevinca,










—


ES1130008 Pena Maseira,










—


ES1130009 Serra da Enciña da Lastra, todos ellos en la provincia de Ourense (Galicia)?




Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-001640/12
a la Comisión
Ana Miranda (Verts/ALE)
(10 de febrero de 2012)

Asunto: Protección y conservación de lugares de interés comunitario (LICs) de la Red Natura en Galicia (3/4)
¿Puede informar la Comisión sobre el estado de protección y conservación de los lugares de interés comunitario (LICs) siguientes:






—


ES1120001 Ancares-Courel,










—


ES1120002 Río Eo,










—


ES1120003 Parga-Ladra-Támoga,










—


ES1120004 A Marronda,










—


ES1120005 As Catedrais,










—


ES1120006 Carballido,










—


ES1120007 Cruzul-Agüeira,










—


ES1120008 Monte Faro,










—


ES1120009 Monte Maior,










—


ES1120010 Negueira,










—


ES1120011 Ría de Foz-Masma,










—


ES1120012 Río Landro,










—


ES1120013 Río Ouro,










—


ES1120014 Canón do Sil,










—


ES1120015 Serra do Xistral,










—


ES1120016 Río Cabe










—


y ES1120017 Costa da Mariña occidental, en la provincia de Lugo (Galicia)?




Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-001641/12
a la Comisión
Ana Miranda (Verts/ALE)
(10 de febrero de 2012)

Asunto: Protección y conservación de Lugares de Interés Comunitario (LICs) de la Red Natura en Galicia (2/4)
¿Puede informar la Comisión sobre el estado de protección y conservación de los lugares de interés comunitario (LICs) siguientes:






—


ES1110002 de la Costa Ártabra,










—


 ES1110003 Fragas do Eume,










—


 ES1110004 Encoro de Abegondo Cecebre,










—


 ES1110005 Costa da Morte,










—


ES1110006 Complexo húmido de Corrubedo,










—


ES1110007 Betanzos-Mandeo,










—


ES1110008 Carnota-Monte Pindo,










—


ES1110009 Costa de Dexo,










—


ES1110010 Estaca de Bares,










—


 ES1110011 Esteiro do Tambre,










—


 ES1110012 Monte e Lagoa de Louro,










—


ES1110013 Xubia-Castro,










—


ES1110014 Serra do Carreón,










—


ES1110015 Río Anllóns










—


y ES1110016 Río Tambre, todos ellos en la provincia de A Coruña (Galicia)?




Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-001642/12
a la Comisión
Ana Miranda (Verts/ALE)
(10 de febrero de 2012)

Asunto: Protección y conservación de lugares de interés comunitario (LICs) de la Red Natura en Galicia (1/4)
¿Puede informar la Comisión sobre el estado de protección y conservación de los lugares de interés comunitario (LICs) siguientes:






—


ES0000001 Illas Cíes,










—


ES1140001 Sistema Fluvial Ulla-Deza,










—


ES1140002 Río Lérez,










—


ES1140003 A Ramallosa,










—


 ES1140004 Complexo Ons-O Grove,










—


ES1140005 Monte Aloia,










—


ES1140006 Río Tea,










—


ES1140007 Baixo Miño,










—


ES1140008 Brañas de Xestoso,










—


ES1140009 Cabo Udra,










—


ES11400110 Costa da Vela,










—


ES1140011 Gándaras de Budiño,










—


 ES1140012 Illas Estelas,










—


 ES1140013 Serra do Candán,










—


 ES1140014 Serra do Cando,










—


 ES1140015 Sobreirais do Arnego










—


y ES1140016 Enseada de San Simón, todos ellos en la provicina de Pontevedra (Galicia)?




Respuesta conjunta del Sr. Potočnik en nombre de la Comisión
(28 de marzo de 2012)
El formulario normalizado de datos de cada lugar contiene información detallada que incluye una evaluación ecológica de los tipos de hábitats y especies de importancia para la UE, compilada por las autoridades competentes del Estado miembro. Estos formularios se pueden consultar en línea en el visor de Natura 2000: http://natura2000.eea.europa.eu/#
Puede obtenerse información más detallada sobre los lugares mencionados solicitándola a la autoridad responsable de la red Natura 2000 en Galicia: Dirección General de Conservación de la Naturaleza, C/ San Lázaro, s/n, ES-15703 Santiago de Compostela (La Coruña), correo electrónico: dxcn@xunta.es
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001495/12
to the Commission
Ana Miranda (Verts/ALE)
(8 February 2012)

Subject: Protection and conservation of Sites of Community Importance (SCIs) in the Natura network in Galicia 
Can the Commission report on the state of protection and conservation of SCI ES1110001 Ría de Ortigueira y Ladrido, in Galicia?
Question for written answer E-001638/12
to the Commission
Ana Miranda (Verts/ALE)
(10 February 2012)

Subject: Protection and conservation of Natura Network Special Protection Areas (SPAs) in Galicia
Can the Commission please report on the status of protection and conservation of the following Special Protection Areas (SPAs):






—


ES0000087 Complejo intermareal Umia-O Grove, A Lanzada, Punta Carreirón e Lagoa Bodeira,










—


ES0000436 A Limia,










—


ES0000374 Ancares,










—


ES0000376 Baixa Limia — Serra do Xurés,










—


ES0000313 Complejo Litoral de Corrubedo,










—


ES0000372 Costa da Mariña occidental,










—


ES0000176 Costa da Morte,










—


ES0000375 Esteiro de Miño,










—


ES0000258 Costa de Ferrolterra — Valdoviño,










—


ES0000254 Complejo intermareal Illa de Ons,










—


ES0000001 Illas Cíes,










—


ES0000086 Ría de Ortigueira e Ladrido,










—


ES0000437 Pena Trevinca,










—


ES0000373 Ría de Foz,










—


ES0000085 Ribadeo, 




all of which are in Galicia?
Question for written answer E-001639/12
to the Commission
Ana Miranda (Verts/ALE)
(10 February 2012)

Subject: Protection and conservation of Natura Network Sites of Community Importance (SCIs) in Galicia (4/4)
Can the Commission please report on the status of protection and conservation of the following Sites of Community Importance (SCIs):






—


ES1130001 Baixa Limia,










—


ES113002 Macizo Central,










—


ES1130003 Bidueiral de Montederramo,










—


ES1130004 Pena Veidosa,










—


ES1130005 Río Támega,










—


ES1130006 Veiga de Ponteliñares,










—


ES1130007 Pena Trevinca,










—


ES1130008 Pena Maseira,










—


ES1130009 Serra da Enciña da Lastra, 




all of which are in the province of Ourense (Galicia)?
Question for written answer E-001640/12
to the Commission
Ana Miranda (Verts/ALE)
(10 February 2012)

Subject: Protection and conservation of Natura network Sites of Community Importance (SCIs) in Galicia (3/4)
Can the Commission please report on the status of protection and conservation of the following Sites of Community Importance (SCIs):






—


ES1120001 Ancares-Courel,










—


ES1120002 Río Eo,










—


ES1120003 Parga-Ladra-Támoga,










—


ES1120004 A Marronda,










—


ES1120005 As Catedrais,










—


ES1120006 Carballido,










—


ES1120007 Cruzul-Agüeira,










—


ES1120008 Monte Faro,










—


ES1120009 Monte Maior,










—


ES1120010 Negueira,










—


ES1120011 Ría de Foz-Masma,










—


ES1120012 Río Landro,










—


ES1120013 Río Ouro,










—


ES1120014 Canón do Sil,










—


ES1120015 Serra do Xistral,










—


ES1120016 Río Cabe,










—


ES1120017 Costa da Mariña occidental, in the province of Lugo (Galicia).




Question for written answer E-001641/12
to the Commission
Ana Miranda (Verts/ALE)
(10 February 2012)

Subject: Protection and conservation of Natura network Sites of Community Importance (SCIs) in Galicia (2/4)
Can the Commission please report on the status of protection and conservation of the following Sites of Community Importance (SCIs):






—


ES1110002 Costa Ártabra,










—


ES1110003 Fragas do Eume,










—


ES1110004 Encoro de Abegondo Cecebre,










—


ES1110005 Costa da Morte,










—


ES1110006 Complexo húmido de Corrubedo,










—


ES1110007 Betanzos-Mandeo,










—


ES1110008 Carnota-Mount Pindo,










—


ES1110009 Costa de Dexo,










—


ES1110010 Estaca de Bares,










—


ES1110011 Esteiro do Tambre,










—


ES1110012 Monte e Lagoa de Louro,










—


ES1110013 Xubia-Castro,










—


ES1110014 Serra do Carreón,










—


ES1110015 Río Anllóns,










—


ES1110016 Río Tambre, 




all of which are in the province of A Coruña (Galicia)?
Question for written answer E-001642/12
to the Commission
Ana Miranda (Verts/ALE)
(10 February 2012)

Subject: Protection and conservation of Natura Network Sites of Community Importance (SCIs) in Galicia (1/4)
Can the Commission please report on the status of protection and conservation of the following Sites of Community Importance (SCIs):






—


ES0000001 Illas Cíes,










—


ES1140001 Sistema Fluvial Ulla-Deza,










—


ES1140002 Río Lérez,










—


ES1140003 A Ramallosa,










—


ES1140004 Complexo Ons-O Grove,










—


ES1140005 Monte Aloia,










—


ES1140006 Río Tea,










—


ES1140007 Baixa Miño,










—


ES1140008 Brañas de Xestoso,










—


ES1140009 Cabo Udra,










—


ES11400110 Costa da Vela,










—


ES1140011 Gándaras de Budiño,










—


ES1140012 Illas Estelas,










—


ES1140013 Serra do Candán,










—


ES1140014 Serra do Cando,










—


ES1140015 Sobreirais do Arnego,










—


ES1140016 Enseada de San Simón, 




all of which are in the province of Pontevedra (Galicia)?
Joint answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission
(28 March 2012)
The Standard Data Form of each site contains detailed information that includes an ecological evaluation of the habitats types and species of EU importance, compiled by the competent authorities of the Member State. These forms are available on line in the Natura 2000 Public Viewer: http://natura2000.eea.europa.eu/#
Further detailed information for the sites referred to can be obtained from the responsible authority for the Natura 2000 network in the region of Galicia: 
Dirección General de Conservación de la Naturaleza
C/ San Lázaro, s/n
ES-15703 Santiago de Compostela (La Coruña)
E-mail: dxcn@xunta.es
(Versión española)
Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-001496/12
a la Comisión
Ana Miranda (Verts/ALE)
(8 de febrero de 2012)

Asunto: Fondo Europeo de Adaptación a la Globalización para Lear
En noviembre de 2010, la Comisión Europea publicó una propuesta de Decisión del Parlamento Europeo y del Consejo relativa a la movilización del Fondo Europeo de Adaptación a la Globalización para una empresa proveedora del sector del automóvil denominada Lear (116).
En diciembre de 2010, se aprobó el texto correspondiente en la sesión plenaria del Parlamento Europeo y, por tanto, se concedió la financiación (117).
No obstante, hasta ahora todavía no se han enviado estos fondos europeos, y me gustaría saber si la causa es algún retraso por parte de la Comisión Europea o un error de la autoridad local, regional o estatal correspondiente. En este sentido y con el fin de poder analizar este procedimiento más a fondo, ¿podría enviarme la Comisión todos los documentos del archivo Lear?
Respuesta del Sr. Andor en nombre de la Comisión
(29 de marzo de 2012)
El 15 de diciembre de  2010, el Parlamento Europeo y el Consejo aprobaron la movilización del Fondo Europeo de Adaptación a la Globalización (FEAG) para ofrecer asistencia a los trabajadores despedidos por la empresa Lear Automotive en España. De acuerdo con esta decisión, la Comisión concedió a España una ayuda económica por valor de 382 200 euros que se pagó el 28 de marzo de 2011.
El 22 de julio de 2011, las autoridades españolas informaron a la Comisión de que querían retirar su solicitud de ayuda del FEAG. Explicaron que habían cometido un error en su solicitud al establecer el período de referencia durante el que se contabilizaron los despidos. Este error hizo imposible que se alcanzara el mínimo de 500 despidos durante el período indicado de cuatro meses, tal y como se requiere en el Reglamento FEAG (118). Posteriormente, la Comisión recuperó la contribución que el FEAG había abonado a España con anterioridad.
La Comisión desea recordar que la página Web del FEAG proporciona información general sobre los casos en los que interviene el FEAG. Además, la Comisión desea recordar a Su Señoría que puede acudir a su sitio Web dedicado a la transparencia para solicitar el acceso a documentos específicos. El uso de la Web garantiza una adecuada y rápida tramitación de dichas solicitudes.
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001496/12
to the Commission
Ana Miranda (Verts/ALE)
(8 February 2012)

Subject: European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Lear
In November 2010 the European Commission published a proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and the European Council on the mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for the automotive supplier company Lear (119).
In December 2010 the plenary of the European Parliament adopted the text, and therefore the funding was granted (120).
However, the European funds have not been sent so far and I would like to know whether it is due to a European Commission delay or a mistake of the corresponding local, regional or state authority. To further scrutinise this procedure, could the Commission send me all documents of the Lear file?
Answer given by Mr Andor on behalf of the Commission
(29 March 2012)
The Parliament and the Council approved the mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) on 15 December 2010 to provide assistance to the workers made redundant by the company Lear Automotive in Spain. Following this decision the Commission granted a financial contribution worth EUR 382 200 to Spain which was paid on 28 March 2011.
On 22 July 2011 the Spanish authorities informed the Commission that they wanted to withdraw their application for a contribution from the EGF. They explained that they had made an error when setting — in their application — the reference period during which the redundancies were counted. This error made it impossible to reach the threshold of 500 redundancies over the indicated four-month period, as required by the EGF Regulation (121). The Commission subsequently recovered the EGF contribution which had been previously paid to Spain.
The Commission would like to recall that the EGF website provides overall information on EGF cases. Moreover, the Commission reminds the Honourable Member of its website dedicated to transparency in order to request access to specific documents. The use of the website ensures an adequate and swift handling of such requests.
(Versión española)
Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-001497/12
a la Comisión
Ana Miranda (Verts/ALE)
(8 de febrero de 2012)

Asunto: Hábitats de interés comunitario no reconocidos ni protegidos en Galicia
En la respuesta E-000364/2011 (122), la Comisión reconocía que los tipos de hábitats de interés comunitario 7110 ₫Turbera alta activa₻ y 7140 ₫Turberas de transición y flotantes₻ no están suficientemente representados en Galicia.
¿Ha comunicado ya la Comisión al Estado español estas conclusiones y la necesidad de designar nuevos lugares de importancia comunitaria para corregir la deficiencia detectada y completar la red Natura 2000 en Galicia? ¿Ha recibido la Comisión respuesta y planes de actuación al respecto?
Respuesta del Sr. Potočnik en nombre de la Comisión
(28 de marzo de 2012)
Una vez al año, la Comisión informa a todos los Estados miembros de sus conclusiones sobre la suficiencia de la red Natura 2000 en relación con las especies y tipos de hábitat para los que los Estados miembros deben designar lugares. La última actualización de esas conclusiones se notificó a los Estados miembros el 19 de diciembre de  2011.
Las conclusiones relativas a España se basaron en la base de datos Natura 2000 presentada por España en noviembre de 2010. Las conclusiones confirman que los tipos de hábitats 7110 ₫Turberas altas activas₻ y 7140 ₫Mires de transición y tremedales₻ no están suficientemente representados en la red Natura 2000 en Galicia, lo que supone que deben designarse lugares adicionales para ambos tipos de hábitats en esa región.
Las autoridades españolas no han respondido directamente a este mensaje, pero presentaron una nueva base de datos Natura 2000 el 30 de septiembre de 2011. La Comisión está evaluando ahora esta nueva base de datos en lo relacionado con la suficiencia de la red Natura 2000.
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001497/12
to the Commission
Ana Miranda (Verts/ALE)
(8 February 2012)

Subject: Habitats of Community interest not recognised or protected in Galicia
In its answer E‐000364/2011 (123), the Commission recognised that the habitat types of Community interest 7110 ‘Active raised bogs’ and 7140 ‘Transition mires and quaking bogs’ are not sufficiently represented in Galicia.
Has the Commission already informed Spain of these findings, and of the need to designate new sites of Community importance to correct this deficiency and to complete the Natura 2000 network in Galicia? Has the Commission received a response and action plans in this regard?
Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission
(28 March 2012)
Once per year, the Commission informs all Member States of its conclusions with regard to the sufficiency of the Natura 2000 network for those species and habitat types for which the Member States must designate sites. The last update of these conclusions was communicated to the Member States on 19 December 2011. 
The conclusions for Spain were based on the Natura 2000 database submitted by Spain in November 2010. The conclusions confirm that habitat types 7110 ‘Active raised bogs’ and 7140 ‘Transition mires and quaking bogs’ are not sufficiently represented in the Natura 2000 network within the region of Galicia, which means that additional sites must be designated for both habitat types in that region.
The Spanish authorities have not replied directly to this message, but have submitted a new Natura 2000 database on 30 September 2011. This new database is currently being evaluated by the Commission with regard to the sufficiency of the Natura 2000 network. 
(Versão portuguesa)
Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-001498/12
à Comissão (Vice-Presidente / Alta Representante)
Nuno Teixeira (PPE)
(8 de fevereiro de 2012)

Assunto: VP/HR — Situação extrema na Síria
Considerando que:






—


Desde março do ano transato, assistimos a um violento atropelo dos direitos humanos pelo regime Sírio de Bashar Al-Assad, e que, apesar dos apelos da comunidade internacional, nomeadamente da Liga Árabe, os últimos acontecimentos noticiados a nível internacional referem a morte de, pelo menos, 200 pessoas em Homs, cidade em que a escalada da violência tem vindo a aumentar;










—


A China e a Rússia vetaram a Resolução no Conselho de Segurança das Nações Unidas em que se pedia a demissão do Presidente sírio, e que, após o veto, os EUA fecharam a sua embaixada em Damasco e os governos britânico, espanhol e belga pediram o regresso dos seus embaixadores;










—


A escalada da violência entre as autoridades sírias e a oposição está a gerar um clima de guerra civil, já anunciada pela imprensa regional, que poderá culminar numa guerra sectária, desestabilizadora de toda a região, suscetível de criar um efeito nefasto no caso do Irão;










—


Com o objetivo de isolar o regime sírio, a UE já impôs as seguintes sanções a pessoas e/ou entidades: congelamento de ativos e proibição de viajar, embargo à exportação de tecnologia e equipamento do setor petrolífero e de software e equipamento na área das telecomunicações, bem como sanções financeiras aos bancos sírios;




Pergunta-se à Alta Representante da União para os Negócios Estrangeiros e a Política de Segurança:







Após o veto no CS das Nações Unidas da Resolução que pede a demissão do Presidente sírio, que pensa a UE fazer para pôr fim à escalada de violência na Síria, uma vez que a solidez da região depende também da estabilidade da Síria e dos seus vizinhos?











Para além das sanções já impostas, tenciona a Comissão impor mais sanções e embargos a nível europeu? No decorrer do acompanhamento dos confrontos, encetou a Comissão algum diálogo com os países vizinhos, nomeadamente a Turquia, a Jordânia, Israel e o Iraque, de forma a perceber se os conflitos estão a afetar as zonas limítrofes?











O encerramento das missões diplomáticas europeias na Síria, nomeadamente das embaixadas espanhola, britânica e belga, não põe em causa o papel da UE como fonte de estabilização do conflito sírio?











Está a Comissão a prestar algum tipo de apoio no terreno às ONG e às organizações internacionais?




Resposta dada pela Alta Representante/Vice-Presidente Catherine Ashton em nome da Comissão
(10 de maio de 2012)
A União Europeia apoia plenamente o plano do enviado especial conjunto das Nações Unidas e da Liga Árabe, Kofi Annan, e congratula-se com a declaração da Presidência do Conselho de Segurança das Nações Unidas, de 20 de março, que apoia o plano de Kofi Annan, bem como com a sua aceitação por parte do regime sírio a 27 de março. A UE convida agora o regime sírio a executar integralmente o plano para pôr termo ao derramamento de sangue na Síria.
A UE já prorrogou as suas medidas restritivas catorze vezes e continuará a fazê-lo enquanto a violência continuar. A UE exorta a comunidade internacional a juntar-se aos seus esforços e a aplicar e fazer aplicar as medidas restritivas e as sanções aplicadas ao regime sírio e seus apoiantes.
A fim de debater a evolução da situação na Síria, a AR/VP mantém-se em estreito contacto com a Liga dos Estados Árabes, as Nações Unidas e a Organização da Conferência Islâmica. A UE continua a efetuar contactos com as organizações regionais e com os países vizinhos no âmbito do Grupo de Amigos do Povo Sírio, que se reuniu novamente a 1 de abril para procurar uma solução consensual para a crise.
A presença diplomática da UE na Síria está sob vigilância constante da UE e dos Estados-Membros. Alguns países suspenderam as suas atividades diplomáticas, outros não o fizeram. A delegação da UE em Damasco manter-se-á aberta, desde que as condições de segurança assim o permitam. 
Embora a cooperação bilateral com o Governo sírio esteja suspensa, a UE continua a apoiar os refugiados sírios, palestinianos e iraquianos, assim como a sociedade civil síria e as organizações de defesa dos direitos humanos. A UE e os Estados-Membros têm também aumentado a sua ajuda humanitária. Até 18 de abril, a Comissão tinha disponibilizado 10 milhões de euros destinados à ajuda humanitária e os Estados-Membros 22 milhões de euros. A Comissão está atualmente a preparar uma nova decisão de financiamento para o auxílio à sociedade civil síria e aos refugiados sírios no Líbano e na Jordânia.
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001498/12
to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)
Nuno Teixeira (PPE)
(8 February 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — Extreme situation in Syria
Since March of last year, we have been witnessing brutal human rights violations by the Bashar al-Assad regime in Syria, and, despite calls from the international community, particularly the Arab League, the latest events in the international news have caused the deaths of at least 200 people in Homs, a city in which the violence has been escalating.
Russia and China vetoed the United Nations Security Council resolution calling for the Syrian President to resign, and, following the veto, the United States closed its embassy in Damascus, and the British, Spanish and Belgian governments recalled their ambassadors.
The escalating violence between the Syrian authorities and the opposition is creating a climate of civil war — the regional press are already calling it that — which could culminate in a sectarian war that would destabilise the entire region and could have a damaging effect on the Iran issue.
With the objective of isolating the Syrian regime, the EU has already imposed the following sanctions on people or entities: freezing of assets and travel bans, embargo on the export of oil-industry technology and equipment and telecommunications software and equipment, and financial sanctions on Syrian banks.
Given the above, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy is asked to answer the following:







Following the vetoing of the UN Security Council Resolution calling for the Syrian President’s resignation, what does the EU intend to do to stop the violence in Syria from escalating, given that the stability of the region is dependent on the stability of Syria and its neighbours?











In addition to the sanctions already in place, does the Commission intend to impose more sanctions at European level? In the course of monitoring the clashes, has the Commission opened any dialogue with neighbouring countries, specifically Turkey, Jordan, Israel and Iraq, so as to determine whether the conflict is affecting border areas?











Does the closure of European diplomatic missions in Syria, specifically the Spanish, British and Belgian embassies, not jeopardise the EU’s role as a source of stabilisation of the Syrian conflict?











Is the Commission providing any sort of support for NGOs and international organisations on the ground?




Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Ashton on behalf of the Commission
(10 May 2012)
The EU fully supports the Joint UN-Arab League Special Envoy Kofi Annan, and plan. It welcomes the UN Security Council's Presidential Statement of 20 March backing Annan's plan as well as its acceptance by the Syrian regime on 27 March. The EU now calls on the Syrian regime to thoroughly implement the plan to end the bloodshed in Syria.
The EU has already extended its restrictive measures 14 times and will continue to do so as long as violence continues. The EU encourages the international community to join its efforts and apply and enforce restrictive measures and sanctions on the Syrian regime and its supporters.
The HR/VP remains in close contact with the League of Arab States, UN and Organisation of the Islamic Conference to discuss the evolving situation in Syria. The EU continues its engagement with regional powers and neighbouring countries in the Friends of the Syrian People Group that met again on 1 April to forge international consensus on a solution to the crisis.
The EU's diplomatic presence in Syria is under constant review by the EU and its Member States. Some countries have suspended their diplomatic activities, others not. The EU Delegation in Damascus will remain open as long as security conditions allow it. 
Whilst bilateral cooperation with the Syrian government is suspended, the EU continues to support Syrian and Palestinian/Iraqi refugees, Syrian civil society and human rights organisations. The EU and Member States have also increased their humanitarian aid. As of 18 April, the Commission has provided EUR 10 million for humanitarian assistance, whereas Member States have allocated EUR 22 million of humanitarian funding. The Commission is currently preparing a new financing decision in support of Syrian civil society and Syrian refugees in Lebanon and Jordan.
(Versão portuguesa)
Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-001500/12
à Comissão
Marisa Matias (GUE/NGL) e Miguel Portas (GUE/NGL)
(8 de fevereiro de 2012)

Assunto: Condições para a concessão do segundo empréstimo à Grécia
Surgiram na Comunicação Social notícias relativas ao segundo empréstimo à Grécia que dão conta de exigências no sentido da criação de uma conta bloqueada, na qual será depositada a parte do empréstimo destinada a pagar os juros e reembolsos de títulos de dívida aos credores do Estado grego. Trata-se de uma medida absolutamente original, que é um precedente de extraordinária gravidade no que representa de ingerência e falta de confiança na governação financeira de um Estado-Membro.
Menos claras são as notícias no que diz respeito aos procedimentos através dos quais um dispositivo desta natureza, que não está previsto em nenhum dos documentos que regem a governação económica na Zona Euro, está a ser imposto ao Estado grego.
Face ao exposto solicitamos as seguintes informações:







Com base em que disposições dos Tratados que regem o funcionamento da União Europeia e dos seus Estados-Membros é que esta medida pode vir a ser imposta?











Não resultando esta condição de nenhuma deliberação de nenhuma Instituição da União Europeia e não encontrando acolhimento na legislação europeia, como compreender o silêncio da Comissão em face desta proposta enunciada por Angela Merkel e secundada por Nicolas Sarkozy?




Resposta dada por Olli Rehn em nome da Comissão
(2 de abril de 2012)
A intenção de criar uma conta especial separada no caso da Grécia visa estabelecer um mecanismo que permita seguir e supervisionar melhor os fundos dos empréstimos oficiais e os fundos gerados internamente destinados ao serviço da dívida grega, a fim de garantir que seja dada prioridade ao pagamento da dívida. A Grécia tenciona introduzir, nos próximos meses, no seu quadro jurídico uma disposição destinada a garantir que seja dada prioridade a esses pagamentos. Esta disposição será introduzida o mais rapidamente possível na constituição da Grécia, com base no exemplo recente da constituição espanhola. 
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001500/12
to the Commission
Marisa Matias (GUE/NGL) and Miguel Portas (GUE/NGL)
(8 February 2012)

Subject: Conditions for the granting of the second loan to Greece
Reports have emerged in the media concerning the second loan to Greece, with details of the conditions being laid down as regards the creation of an escrow account, into which the part of the loan for interest payments and debt security repayments to the Greek State’s creditors will be deposited. This is a completely original measure, which sets an extraordinarily grave precedent, in terms of interference and lack of confidence in the financial governance of a Member State.
The reports are less clear as to the procedures by which a mechanism of this type, which is not provided for in any of the documents regulating the economic governance of the euro area, is to be imposed on the Greek State.
In view of the above, the Commission is asked to answer the following:







On the basis of which provisions of the Treaties governing the functioning of the European Union and its Member States could this measure be imposed?











Given that this condition does not result from any decision by any EU institution, and that it is nowhere to be found in EC law, how is the Commission’s silence on this proposal made by Angela Merkel and seconded by Nicolas Sarkozy to be understood?




Answer given by Mr Rehn on behalf of the Commission
(2 April 2012)
The intention of creating a special segregated account for Greece is 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, which therefore ensures that priority is given to the debt servicing. Greece intends to introduce over the next months in its 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, based on the recent example of the Spanish Constitution.
(Nederlandse versie)
Vraag met verzoek om schriftelijk antwoord E-001501/12
aan de Commissie
Barry Madlener (NI)
(8 februari 2012)

Betreft: „De euro kan best zonder Athene”







1.


Volgens eurocommissaris Kroes 










1.


Volgens eurocommissaris Kroes 



„kan de euro best zonder Athene”. Zij stelde in De Volkskrant van 7 februari (124) dat de eurozone niet in de problemen komt indien Griekenland gedwongen wordt om de munt op te geven. Spreekt commissaris Kroes hier namens de gehele Commissie? Zo nee, wat is dan het standpunt van de Commissie?





2.


Gegeven het standpunt van commissaris Kroes beschikt de Commissie kennelijk over een uitgewerkt exitscenario voor Griekenland. Is de Commissie bereid om dit exitscenario aan het Parlement  ter beschikking te stellen? Zo nee, waarom niet?










3.


Op 20 maart moet Griekenland EUR 14,5 miljard herfinancieren. Dat is over zes weken. Is het in het licht van de uitspraken van mevrouw Kroes niet beter om Griekenland te vragen om zich uit de muntunie  terug te trekken aangezien — om met Kroes woorden te spreken — 




„er dan toch geen man overboord is”?







4.


Ook de Nederlandse regering stelde bij monde van premier Rutte










4.


Ook de Nederlandse regering stelde bij monde van premier Rutte




 (125) dat er inmiddels zoveel maatregelen getroffen zijn dat „we” een mogelijk vertrek van Griekenland uit de eurozone aan zouden kunnen. Deelt de Commissie dit standpunt van de Nederlandse regering? Welke concrete maatregelen worden dan bedoeld en kan de Commissie een kostenraming geven voor Nederland bij een vroegtijdig vertrek van Griekenland uit de eurozone?





5.


Zijn dezelfde maatregelen voorzien of getroffen voor eventuele andere lidstaten, zoals bijvoorbeeld Portugal?




Antwoord van de heer Rehn namens de Commissie
(22 maart 2012)
De Commissie verwijst het Geachte Parlementslid naar de recente verklaring van vicevoorzitter Rehn van 13 februari 2012 (126) en die van vicevoorzitter Sefcovic, afgelegd in het plenaire deel van de zitting op 16 februari 2012 (127), die beide namens de Commissie spraken. 
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001501/12
to the Commission
Barry Madlener (NI)
(8 February 2012)

Subject: ‘The euro can survive perfectly well without Athens’







1.


According to European Commissioner Kroes, 










1.


According to European Commissioner Kroes, 



‘the euro can survive perfectly well without Athens’. She told De Volkskrant on 7 February (128) that the eurozone will not crumble if Greece is forced to give up the currency. Is Commissioner Kroes speaking here on behalf of the whole Commission? If not, what is then the Commission’s position on this issue?





2.


Given Commissioner Kroes’ position, the Commission apparently has a detailed exit scenario for Greece. Is the Commission prepared to place this exit scenario at the Parliament’s disposal? If not, why not?










3.


Greece must refinance EUR 14.5 billion on 20 March, which is in six weeks. In light of Ms Kroes’ statements, would it not be better to ask Greece to withdraw from the currency union since — as Kroes put it —‘there would be no man overboard’?











4.


The Dutch Government also stated, through Prime Minister Rutter










4.


The Dutch Government also stated, through Prime Minister Rutter




 (129), that so many measures have been taken in the meantime that ‘we’ could cope with a possible exit of Greece from the eurozone. Does the Commission share this view held by the Dutch Government? Which concrete measures are concerned and can the Commission provide a cost estimate for the Netherlands in the event of an early departure of Greece from the eurozone? 





5.


Are the same measures planned or have they been taken for any other Member States, such as Portugal, for example?




Answer given by Mr Rehn on behalf of the Commission
(22 March 2012)
The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to the recent statement of Vice-President Rehn of 13 February 2012 (130), and that of Vice-President Sefcovic, delivered in the plenary part session on 16 February 2012 (131), which were both made on behalf of the Commission.
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001503/12
to the Commission
John Stuart Agnew (EFD)
(8 February 2012)

Subject: Global warming well below forecasts
In the context of the fact that the Intergovernmental Climate Change Panel forecast that the world was likely to warm by an average of about 0.2°C per decade, whereas in fact the rise over the years 1997-2011 has been measured as being no more than 0.051 to 0.07 °C, is the Commission willing to acknowledge that the current model and forecasts are simply too inaccurate and unreliable to justify the importance attached to them in policy formation and the resultant rise in certain consumer prices?
Answer given by Ms Hedegaard on behalf of the Commission
(20 March 2012)
Climate change information and trends are statistics derived from long-term records. Climate records usually show numerous fluctuations on interannual to decadal time scales. Therefore the moderate slowdown of the warming trend over the period indicated by the Honourable Member of the Parliament is a typical phenomenon, part of the natural variability of the climate system.
Selectively choosing small portions of the longer record can lead to a divergence from the long-term trends and scientific conclusions should not be drawn from such short-periods. The latest analysis, from the Berkeley Earth Surface Temperature project (132), indicates that during the last 35 years the world has experienced a global average temperature rise of 0.2°C per decade. The climate models predict, for all Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) emissions' scenarios, a continuation of this trend for the next 20 years.
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 scientific consensus view is presented in this subject area by the IPCC which involves thousands of climate change scientists from around the globe.
(Versão portuguesa)
Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-001505/12
à Comissão (Vice-Presidente / Alta Representante)
Ana Gomes (S&D) e Marita Ulvskog (S&D)
(8 de fevereiro de 2012)

Assunto: VP/AR — Deterioração da situação dos direitos humanos na Etiópia: legislação antiterrorismo e lei relativa às sociedades e associações de beneficência
O Governo da Etiópia tem vindo a adotar leis cada vez mais restritivas cuja execução implica a extinção gradual das liberdades fundamentais dos etíopes. No âmbito da proclamação antiterrorismo de 2009, o conceito de terrorismo foi definido em sentido de tal maneira lato que isso afeta gravemente a liberdade de expressão, tendo sido, por isso, invocado para deter e julgar jornalistas, ativistas dos direitos humanos e opositores ao regime de Zenawi.
De acordo com o gabinete do Alto-Comissário das Nações Unidas para os Direitos Humanos, três jornalistas e dois opositores políticos foram recentemente condenados a penas de prisão que vão desde 14 anos a prisão perpétua, ao abrigo da legislação antiterrorista da Etiópia. Tal vem na sequência da condenação de dois jornalistas suecos a 11 anos de prisão, em 27 de dezembro de 2011. Outros 24 arguidos deverão comparecer perante o tribunal no dia 5 de março de 2012 sob diversas acusações, ao abrigo da legislação antiterrorista, sendo que, em caso de condenação sem um julgamento justo, vários deles estarão sujeitos à pena de morte. Segundo as notícias divulgadas, os jornalistas suecos, tal como os restantes prisioneiros, estão detidos em condições aterradoras.
Além disso, a lei relativa às sociedades e associações de beneficência, de 2009, teve um efeito prejudicial para as organizações de direitos humanos do país, sobretudo para o Conselho de Direitos Humanos, a ONG para os direitos humanos mais antiga da Etiópia, cujas contas bancárias foram congeladas. O Conselho de Direitos Humanos viu-se obrigado a encerrar nove dos seus doze gabinetes no país e os seus funcionários foram alvo de ameaças, ataques e detenções.
Tendo em conta estes acontecimentos, afigura-se evidente que o diálogo político entre a UE e o Governo da Etiópia não contribuiu para melhorar a situação dos direitos humanos no país em causa.
Tencionará a Vice-Presidente/Alta Representante:







Condenar publicamente as restrições que afetam as atividades no domínio dos direitos humanos, bem como o direito à liberdade de expressão e à liberdade de imprensa na Etiópia?











Apelar à alteração da lei relativa às sociedades e associações de beneficência, incluindo a supressão das disposições que restringem as atividades de ONG nacionais e internacionais no domínio dos direitos humanos, e que conduzem, na realidade, à proibição e criminalização de grande parte do trabalho efetuado pelos ativistas dos direitos humanos?











Solicitar especificamente o descongelamento das contas bancárias do Conselho dos Direitos Humanos (Etiópia) e da Associação Etíope de Mulheres Juristas e a autorização, a favor destas duas instituições, de acesso ilimitado aos respetivos fundos?




Resposta dada pela Alta Representante/Vice-Presidente Catherine Ashton em nome da Comissão
(21 de março de 2012)
A UE acompanha de perto a situação dos direitos humanos e da sociedade civil na Etiópia. Estamos a prestar grande atenção à aplicação da proclamação antiterrorismo, que permite uma interpretação lata de terrorismo e ao seu impacto sobre a liberdade de imprensa e de expressão. Temos igualmente vindo a manter um intenso diálogo com o Governo etíope sobre as questões relacionadas com a sociedade civil, em especial no que se refere à aplicação da proclamação sobre a sociedade civil. A UE teve um papel decisivo na criação de um Grupo de Trabalho da Sociedade Civil que reúne representantes do Governo, da sociedade civil e das agências doadoras e é co-presidido pelo Ministro dos Assuntos Federais e pela Delegação da UE na Etiópia. É neste fórum que estão a ser debatidas a lei sobre a sociedade civil e as suas diretrizes de aplicação. Na sua última reunião, em 30 de janeiro de 2012, o Governo aceitou reconsiderar algumas das disposições da lei.
A questão específica das contas congeladas das duas organizações de defesa dos direitos humanos, o Conselho dos Direitos Humanos (CDH) e a Associação Etíope de Mulheres Juristas (EWLA), tem sido regularmente abordada no Fórum de Alto Nível entre o Grupo de Ajuda ao Desenvolvimento e o Ministro das Finanças e do Desenvolvimento Económico. 
As negociações entre Governo e a UE tiveram como resultado o reconhecimento do Fundo da Sociedade Civil da UE (FSC) como ₫fonte interna₻ desde abril de 2010. Isto significa que o FSC pode apoiar atividades relacionadas com os direitos humanos e a boa governação sem qualquer limitação de financiamento. As organizações de defesa dos direitos humanos, tais como o Conselho dos Direitos Humanos e a Associação Etíope de Mulheres Juristas terão agora a possibilidade de aceder a este mecanismo de financiamento.
Prosseguiremos o diálogo com o Governo sobre os direitos humanos e a sociedade civil, de acordo com as orientações aqui descritas, incluindo os casos das organizações de defesa dos direitos humanos, como o Conselho dos Direitos Humanos e a Associação Etíope de Mulheres Juristas. 
(Svensk version)
Frågor för skriftligt besvarande E-001505/12
till kommissionen (Vice-ordföranden / Höga representanten)
Ana Gomes (S&D) och Marita Ulvskog (S&D)
(8 februari 2012)

Angående: VP/HR – Försämrad situation för mänskliga rättigheter i Etiopien: antiterrorismlagar och Charities and Societies Proclamation
Den etiopiska regeringen har antagit allt mer restriktiva lagar vars genomförande successivt utrotar etiopiernas grundläggande friheter. Antiterrorismlagen från 2009 definierar terrorism på ett så omfattande sätt att det allvarligt hotar yttrandefriheten, och har därför anklagats för att gripa och ställa journalister, försvarare av mänskliga rättigheter och motståndare till Zenawi-regimen inför rätta.
Enligt kontoret för FN:s kommissionär för mänskliga rättigheter har tre journalister och två oppositionspolitiker nyligen dömts till fängelse på från 14 år till livstid under Etiopiens antiterrorismlagar. Det följer på domen av två svenska journalister till 11 års fängelse den 27 december 2011. Ytterligare 24 svarande avses ställas inför rätta den 5 mars 2012 för olika brott mot antiterrorismlagen: flera av dem kan dömas till dödsstraff om de fälls, utan en rättvis rättegång. Rapporter i media hävdar att de svenska journalisterna, liksom alla de andra fångarna, hålls under fruktansvärda förhållanden.
Dessutom har Charities and Societies Proclamation från 2009 haft en menlig inverkan på organisationer för mänskliga rättigheter i landet, och särskilt på Human Rights Council (HRCO), Etiopiens äldsta icke-statliga organisation för mänskliga rättigheter, vars bankkonton har frysts. HRCO har också tvingats att stänga nio av sina tolv kontor i landet, och dess anställda har utsatts för hot, attacker och arresteringar.
Med tanke på denna utveckling är det tydligt att den politiska dialogen mellan EU och den etiopiska regeringen inte har förbättrat situationen för de mänskliga rättigheterna i landet.
Jag vill därför be vice ordföranden/höga representanten att:







offentligt fördöma de restriktioner som påverkar aktiviteter för de mänskliga rättigheterna och rätten till yttrande‐ och pressfrihet i Etiopien,











kräva ändring av Charities and Societies Proclamation, som omfattar strykning av de bestämmelser som begränsar icke-statliga organisationer, både lokalt och internationellt, som i praktiken förbjuder och kriminaliserar mycket av arbetet som utförs av försvarare av de mänskliga rättigheterna,











särskilt kräva att frysningen av de bankkonton som innehas av Human Rights Council (Etiopien) och Ethiopian Women’s Lawyers Association upphävs och att de två organisationerna tillåts obegränsad tillgång till sina medel.




Svar från den höga representanten/vice ordförande Catherine Ashton på kommissionens vägnar
(21 mars 2012)
EU följer noggrant situationen för mänskliga rättigheter och civilsamhället i Etiopien. Vi uppmärksammar särskilt tillämpningen av proklamationen om terrorismbekämpning, vilken ger utrymme för en bred tolkning av begreppet terrorism och dess inverkan på mediefriheten och yttrandefriheten. Vi för även en intensiv dialog med den etiopiska regeringen om frågor som rör civilsamhället, särskilt om tillämpningen av proklamationen om det civila samhället. EU spelade en viktig roll vid inrättandet av en arbetsgrupp för dessa frågor som består av företrädare för regeringen, det civila samhället och givarorganisationerna och har ministern för federala frågor och chefen för EU-delegationen i Etiopien som ordförande. Verkningarna av proklamationen om det civila samhället och av riktlinjerna för genomförandet av denna diskuteras i gruppen. Vid arbetsgruppens senaste möte, den 30 januari 2012, gick företrädarna för regeringen med på att ta en del av de berörda bestämmelserna under förnyat övervägande.
Frågan om de frysta bankkontona för de två organisationerna som försvarar de mänskliga rättigheterna – Human rights Council och Ethiopian Women Lawyers Association – har tagits upp regelbundet i högnivåforumet mellan Development Assistance Group och ministern med ansvar för finansfrågor och ekonomisk utveckling. 
Förhandlingar mellan regeringen och EU har lett till att EU:s fond för det civila samhället (Civil Society Fund) i Etiopien sedan april 2010 erkänns som ”inhemsk källa”, vilket innebär att fonden kan understödja verksamhet som har att göra med de mänskliga rättigheterna och samhällsstyrningen utan inskränkningar av finansieringen. Organisationer som försvarar de mänskliga rättigheterna (t.ex. de båda ovan nämnda organisationerna) kommer därför att kunna få tillgång till medel från fonden.
Vi kommer att fortsätta dialogen med den etiopiska regeringen om de mänskliga rättigheterna och det civila samhället enligt de linjer som dragits upp ovan, även i fråga om försvarare av de mänskliga rättigheterna såsom Human Rights Council och Ethiopian Women Lawyers Association. 
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001505/12
to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)
Ana Gomes (S&D) and Marita Ulvskog (S&D)
(8 February 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — Deteriorating human rights situation in Ethiopia: anti-terrorism laws and the Charities and Societies Proclamation
The Ethiopian government has adopted increasingly restrictive laws whose implementation is progressively exterminating Ethiopians' basic freedoms. The anti-terrorism proclamation of 2009 defines terrorism in so wide a fashion as to gravely affect freedom of expression, and has therefore been invoked to detain and try journalists, human rights defenders and opponents of the Zenawi regime.
According to the office of the UN Commissioner for Human Rights, three journalists and two opposition politicians were recently given prison sentences ranging from 14 years to life imprisonment under Ethiopia's anti-terrorism laws. This follows the sentencing of two Swedish journalists to 11 years in prison on 27 December 2011. Another 24 defendants are scheduled to appear before the court on 5 March 2012, on various charges under the anti-terrorism law: several of these may face the death penalty if convicted, without a fair trial. Media reports have claimed that the Swedish journalists are, like all the other prisoners, being held in appalling conditions.
Moreover, the Charities and Societies Proclamation of 2009 has had a detrimental impact on human rights organisations in the country, and in particular on the Human Rights Council (HRCO), the oldest human rights NGO in Ethiopia, whose bank accounts have been frozen. HRCO has also been forced to close nine of its twelve offices across the country, and its employees have been subjected to threats, attacks and arrests.
Considering these developments, it seems clear that the political dialogue between the EU and the Ethiopian government has not improved the human rights situation in the country.
Will the Vice-President/High Representative:







publicly condemn the restrictions affecting human rights activities and the right to freedom of expression and of the press in Ethiopia;











call for the amendment of the Charities and Societies Proclamation, including deletion of the provisions which restrict human rights activities by NGOs, both local and international, and in effect prohibit and criminalise much of the work of human rights defenders;











call, specifically, for the bank accounts of the Human Rights Council (Ethiopia) and the Ethiopian Women’s Lawyers Association to be unfrozen and for the two organisations to be allowed unrestricted access to their funds?




Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Ashton on behalf of the Commission
(21 March 2012)
The EU is following very closely the human rights and civil society situation in Ethiopia. We are paying close attention to the application of the Anti Terrorism Proclamation, which allows for a wide interpretation of terrorism and its impact on freedom of media and expression. We are also conducting an intensive dialogue with the Ethiopian Government on civil society issues, especially regarding the application of the Civil Society Proclamation. The EU was instrumental in the creation of a Civil Society Working Group bringing together Government and representatives of civil society and donor agencies, co-chaired by the Minister of Federal Affairs and the EU Delegation to Ethiopia. This is the forum where the impact of the Civil Society Law and its implementing guidelines are being discussed. In the last meeting on 30 January 2012, the Government accepted to reconsider some of these provisions.
The particular issue of the frozen accounts of the two Human Rights Defender organisations, the Human Rights Council (HRC) and the Ethiopian Women's Lawyers Association (EWLA), has been regularly addressed in the High Level Forum between the Development Assistance Group (DAG) and the Minister of Finance and Economic Development. 
Negotiations between Government and the EU resulted in the acknowledgement of the EU Civil Society Fund (CSF) as ‘domestic source’ since April 2010. This means that the CSF is able to support human rights and governance related activities without any limitation of funding. Human Rights Defender organisations, such as the Human Rights Council and the Ethiopian Women's Lawyers Association, will therefore be able to access this funding window.
We will pursue dialogue with government on human rights and civil society along the lines outlined here, including on the case of Human Rights Defenders such as HRC and EWLA. 
(Nederlandse versie)
Vraag met verzoek om schriftelijk antwoord E-001506/12
aan de Commissie
Auke Zijlstra (NI)
(8 februari 2012)

Betreft: Wantoestanden dierentransporten naar Turkije
Rundvee en schapen worden onder erbarmelijke omstandigheden in overvolle vrachtwagens naar Turkije vervoerd. Ze krijgen geen eten of drinken en lopen verschrikkelijke verwondingen op. Deze dieren hebben zwaar te lijden gedurende de lange afstanden waarover ze worden vervoerd. Dieren dienen niet op deze wijze te worden behandeld. De Commissie zwijgt echter in deze kwestie.







1.


Is de Commissie op de hoogte van het krantenbericht 










1.


Is de Commissie op de hoogte van het krantenbericht 



„Dieren komen uitgehongerd en met botbreuken aan in Turkije”. (133)?





2.


Deelt zij de opvatting van de Nederlandse Partij voor de Vrijheid (PVV) dat het op dergelijke wijze vervoeren van dieren onaanvaardbaar is en onmiddellijk dient te worden gestopt? Zo niet, waarom niet?










3.


Is zij voornemens maatregelen te nemen tegen deze vorm van dierenvervoer? Zo ja, welke maatregelen? Zo niet, waarom niet?











4.


Kan de Commissie, gezien het feit dat er EU-regels bestaan voor de behandeling van dieren tijdens het vervoer










4.


Kan de Commissie, gezien het feit dat er EU-regels bestaan voor de behandeling van dieren tijdens het vervoer




 (134), uitleggen waarom zij het naleven van deze regels niet controleert?Antwoord van de heer Dalli namens de Commissie
(27 maart 2012)
De Commissie is niet op de hoogte van het rapport „Dieren komen uitgehongerd en met botbreuken aan in Turkije”.
Overeenkomstig Verordening (EG) nr. 1/2005 inzake de bescherming van dieren tijdens het vervoer en daarmee samenhangende activiteiten (135) mogen dieren niet worden vervoerd in overvolle vrachtwagens of onder enige andere omstandigheden die hen waarschijnlijk letsel of onnodig lijden zullen berokkenen. 
Via haar inspectiedienst (VVB, Voedsel‐ en Veterinair Bureau) controleert de Commissie regelmatig of de lidstaten voldoen aan de eisen van de EU-wetgeving over dierenwelzijn tijdens het vervoer. 
De Commissie kan niet optreden tegen personen, maar enkel wanneer een lidstaat de EU-wetgeving niet naleeft. De Commissie heeft het dierenwelzijn tijdens transporten naar Turkije onderzocht in het kader van een klacht over een inbreuk op de EU-wetgeving door verschillende lidstaten. Tot nu toe kon er geen systematische niet-naleving van de EU-wetgeving worden vastgesteld en daarom worden er geen maatregelen voorzien. 
Voor meer informatie over de maatregelen die de Commissie neemt om de situatie van dieren tijdens transporten naar Turkije te verbeteren, wordt het geachte Parlementslid verwezen naar haar antwoord op de schriftelijke vraag E-000360/2012 (136). 
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001506/12
to the Commission
Auke Zijlstra (NI)
(8 February 2012)

Subject: Abuses in the transporting of animals to Turkey
Cattle and sheep are being transported to Turkey in overcrowded trucks under terrible conditions. They are not given any food and drink, and sustain horrific injuries. These animals suffer over thousands of kilometres and dozens of hours. Animals should not be treated like this. However, the Commission keeps silent on this issue.







1.


Is the Commission familiar with the report 










1.


Is the Commission familiar with the report 



‘Dieren komen uitgehongerd en met botbreuken aan in Turkije’ [‘Animals arrive in Turkey starved and with fractures’]? (137)






2.


Does it share the view of the Dutch Party for Freedom (PVV) that transporting animals in such a manner is unacceptable and must be stopped immediately? If not, why not?










3.


Does it intend to take measures against this form of transporting animals? If so, which measures? If not, why not?











4.


Given that EU rules exist governing the treatment of animals during transportation










4.


Given that EU rules exist governing the treatment of animals during transportation




 (138), can the Commission explain why it is not monitoring compliance with them?Answer given by Mr Dalli on behalf of the Commission
(27 March 2012)
The Commission is not familiar with the report ‘Dieren komen uitgehongerd en met botbreuken aan in Turkije’.
According to Regulation 1/2005 on the protection of animals during transport and related operations (139), animals should not be transported in overcrowded trucks or under any other circumstances likely to cause injury or undue suffering to them.
The Commission regularly audits Member States' compliance with the requirements of the EU legislation on animal welfare during transport via its inspection service (FVO, Food and Veterinary Office). 
The Commission can not act against individuals, but only where a Member State fails to comply with EC law. The Commission has examined the situation of animal welfare during transport to Turkey within the framework of a complaint concerning the infringement of EC law by several Member States. Insofar, a systematic failure to apply EC law could not be established and therefore no measures are foreseen.
For further information on the actions the Commission is carrying out to improve the situation during transport of animals to Turkey, the Honourable Member is invited to refer to its answer to Written Question E‐000360/2012 (140).
(Nederlandse versie)
Vraag met verzoek om schriftelijk antwoord E-001509/12
aan de Commissie
Auke Zijlstra (NI)
(8 februari 2012)

Betreft: Groenboek van eurocommissaris Malmström inzake gezinshereniging (1/2)
Eurocommissaris Malmström heeft haar groenboek inzake gezinshereniging gepresenteerd. Naar aanleiding daarvan de volgende vragen:







Waarom wordt in het groenboek in het geheel géén ruimte gegeven om maatschappelijke problemen te benoemen die het gevolg zijn van partner‐ en gezinsmigratie? Hoe kan gelet hierop een evenwichtige discussie over dit onderwerp gevoerd worden? Hoe valt de door eurocommissaris Malmström gekozen benadering te verdedigen?











Realiseert de Commissie zich dat landen als Nederland als gevolg van de voortgaande partner‐ en gezinsmigratie geconfronteerd worden met toenemende criminaliteit en uitkeringsafhankelijkheid? Zo neen, waarom niet? Zo ja, waarom zijn deze thema’s in het groenboek taboe?











Realiseert de Commissie zich dat veel partner‐ en gezinsmigranten geen enkele binding met het vestigingsland hebben en zelfs na jarenlang verblijf de taal niet (willen) spreken? Zo neen, waarom niet? Zo ja, waarom geeft het groenboek geen ruimte om deze integratieproblemen te bediscussiëren?











Is het de Commissie bekend dat met partner‐ en gezinsmigratie uit islamitische landen de invloed van de islam in de EU wordt versterkt? Is de Commissie met de PVV van mening dat deze versterking ongewenst is, aangezien de islam haaks staat op de westerse kernwaarde gelijkwaardigheid (van man en vrouw, van hetero‐ en homoseksueel etc.)? Zo neen, waarom niet? Zo ja, waarom benoemt eurocommissaris Malmström deze problematiek niet?




Antwoord van mevrouw Malmström namens de Commissie
(9 maart 2012)
De Commissie heeft op 15 november 2011 het startschot gegeven tot een openbare raadpleging op EU-niveau in de vorm van een Groenboek (141)
. De vragen gaan over kwesties die onder de richtlijn gezinshereniging vallen. Succesvolle integratie van familieleden is een van de hoofdpunten van dit Groenboek. Zo wordt aan belanghebbenden de vraag gesteld of met de huidige integratiemaatregelen het doel van integratie bereikt wordt en of het nuttig zou zijn ze nader te bepalen. Wat betreft de bepalingen die voornamelijk gevolgen kunnen hebben voor vrouwen, tracht de Commissie met het Groenboek nieuwe manieren te vinden om gedwongen huwelijken te voorkomen. Ten slotte worden alle belanghebbenden opgeroepen om deel te nemen aan de openbare raadpleging en hun mening te geven.
De Commissie heeft in haar Europese agenda voor de integratie van onderdanen van derde landen (142) de nadruk gelegd op het belang van de participatie van migranten in de ontvangende samenleving in alle economische, sociale en culturele opzichten. Het is duidelijk dat taalverwerving van cruciaal belang is voor integratie. Taalcursussen en inburgeringsprogramma's moeten betaalbaar en bereikbaar zijn voor alle migranten, zodat zij vertrouwd kunnen raken met de fundamentele waarden van de EU en haar lidstaten. De naleving van rechten en plichten van migranten is noodzakelijk voor integratie. Tegelijkertijd moeten migranten laten zien dat zij bereid zijn te integreren en de regels en waarden te respecteren van de samenleving waarin zij worden opgenomen.
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001509/12
to the Commission
Auke Zijlstra (NI)
(8 February 2012)

Subject: Commissioner Malmström's Green Paper on family reunification
Commissioner Malmström has presented her Green Paper on family reunification.






1.


Why is there no mention at all in the Green Paper of the social problems arising from partner and family migration? In view of that, how can a balanced debate be held on this subject? What is the justification for the approach chosen by Commissioner Malmström?










2.


Does the Commission realise that countries such as the Netherlands are confronted with rising crime and welfare dependency as a result of ongoing partner and family migration? If not, why not? If so, why are these subjects taboo in the Green Paper?










3.


Does the Commission realise that many immigrants arriving as partner and family members have no ties whatsoever with the host country and, even after living there for years, still do not (want to) speak the language? If not, why not? If so, why does the Green Paper not devote any space to discussing these integration problems?










4.


Is the Commission aware that partner and family migration from Islamic countries strengthens the influence of Islam in the EU? Does the Commission agree with the PVV that this trend is undesirable since Islam is at odds with the core Western value of equality (between men and women, heterosexuals and homosexuals, etc.)? If not, why not? If so, why does Commissioner Malmström not mention this problem?




Answer given by Ms Malmström on behalf of the Commission
(9 March 2012)
The Commission launched an EU level public consultation on 15 November 2011 in the form of a Green Paper (143). The questions target issues within the remit of the Family Reunification Directive. The issue of successful integration of the family members is one of the key questions which are tackled in this Green Paper; it asks stakeholders whether the present integration measures efficiently serve the purpose of integration and whether it would be useful to further define them. As regards provisions which can affect women in particular, the Green Paper aims to explore further ways to prevent forced marriages. Finally in its conclusion the Green Paper invites all stakeholders to contribute to the public consultation to have their say.
The Commission has underlined in its European Agenda for the Integration of Third-Country Nationals (144) the importance of migrants' full economic, social and cultural participation in the receiving societies. It is clear that the acquisition of language skills is critical for integration. Language training should be financially and geographically accessible to all migrants, as well as introduction programmes to give migrants the instruments they need to be acquainted with the fundamental values of the EU and its Member States. Integration requires respect for the rights and obligations of migrants. At the same time, migrants need to show willingness to integrate and to respect the rules and values of the society in which they live.
(Nederlandse versie)
Vraag met verzoek om schriftelijk antwoord E-001510/12
aan de Commissie
Auke Zijlstra (NI)
(8 februari 2012)

Betreft: „Internationale Immigrantendag” — Malmström: „Immigratie is bron van dynamiek en van culturele rijkdom”
Ter gelegenheid van „Internationale Immigrantendag” gaf Eurocommissaris Malmström de volgende verklaring: „On the occasion of International Migrants Day 18th of December, let me reiterate that the diversity brought by immigrants is a source of dynamism and of cultural richness for our economies and societies. 
Europe is changing. We cannot afford to ignore the role immigration plays for our growth and for European competitiveness in the global arena. We must also acknowledge the role immigration will play in the future. Our continent is facing a demographic problem — our society is growing older and there are fewer hands to work in many trades. We need to be realistic: if we want to maintain our standard of living in the future, legal migration, offering the skills we need to make Europe prosperous, has to be part of the solution.” (145)







1.


Kan de Commissie aangeven waaruit de door immigranten gebrachte 




„bron van dynamiek en culturele rijkdom voor onze economieën en samenlevingen” bestaat die door Malmström is genoemd? Zo neen, waarom niet?






2.


Malmström heeft het over 




„onze economieën en samenlevingen”, waarmee zij klaarblijkelijk namens álle EU-lidstaten, Nederland incluis, spreekt. Is de Commissie met de PVV van mening dat Nederland in dezen prima, nog beter zelfs, voor zichzelf kan spreken en dergelijke generaliserende uitlatingen van Malmström niet nodig heeft? Zo neen, waarom niet?






3.


Is het de Commissie bekend dat de EU sinds begin 2011 te kampen heeft met massale, onhandelbare migratiestromen vanuit Noord-Afrika en dat deze voor een toename van het aantal criminelen en illegalen hebben gezorgd? Kan de Commissie verklaren waarom Malmström, in plaats van deze negatieve ontwikkeling te benoemen, alleen spreekt over een 




„bron van culturele rijkdom”? Zo neen, waarom niet?






4.


Malmström doet het voorkomen alsof de EU 




„nu eenmaal” met immigratie te maken heeft en die niet kan beïnvloeden. Sterker nog: zij zegt dat de EU, om in de toekomst alle arbeidsplaatsen te kunnen opvullen, immigranten zelfs nodig heeft. Is de Commissie met de PVV van mening dat de EU immigratie wél in de hand kan hebben, bijvoorbeeld door simpelweg de grenzen te sluiten? Is de Commissie met de PVV van mening dat allereerst de werkloze EU-burgers aan het werk gebracht moeten worden, voordat immigranten in beeld komen? Zo neen, waarom niet? 
Antwoord van mevrouw Malmström namens de Commissie
(13 maart 2012)







1.


De bijdrage van migranten kan door verschillende bronnen bewezen worden. Zo heeft de 










1.


De bijdrage van migranten kan door verschillende bronnen bewezen worden. Zo heeft de 



„National Institute of Economic and Social Research” in het Verenigd Koninkrijk geen enkel verband gevonden tussen immigratie en werkeloosheid (146). Uit een Spaans onderzoek blijkt dat 30 % van de bbp-groei in de afgelopen vijftien jaar kan worden toegeschreven aan de inspanningen van migranten (147). De conclusie van een Italiaans onderzoek luidde dat twee van de drie nieuwe ondernemingen van de afgelopen tien jaar niet zouden hebben bestaan zonder de bijdrage van niet-Europese werknemers (148). 





2.


Volgens het Verdrag betreffende de werking van de EU heeft de Unie onder andere tot taak een gemeenschappelijk immigratiebeleid te ontwikkelen. De lidstaten bepalen dus zelf hoeveel economische migranten zij toelaten. De Commissie acht het zinvol een gemeenschappelijk probleem inzake een tekort aan arbeidskrachten en vaardigheden aan te pakken met een gecoördineerd beleid.










3.


In de eerste helft van 2011 is het aantal illegale immigranten in Italië en Malta inderdaad toegenomen ten gevolge van de Tunesische revolutie en de Libische burgeroorlog. Vervolgens zijn de migratiestromen echter sterk verminderd. 










4.


Illegale migratie moet zowel op nationaal als op Europees vlak worden aangepakt. Deze illegale migratie doet echter niets af aan de positieve bijdrage van legale migranten. 20,1 miljoen mensen in de EU zijn afkomstig van buiten de EU. Immigratie is vandaag de dag een feit in Europa. De arbeidsmarkten van de lidstaten hebben te kampen met tekorten aan arbeidskrachten en vaardigheden en bovendien neemt de EU-bevolking af. Daarom is de Commissie van mening dat, naast maatregelen zoals herscholing van arbeidskrachten, bevordering van de werkgelegenheid voor bepaalde groepen en verhoging van de pensioenleeftijd, migratie van buiten de EU een rol moet spelen. 




(English version)
Question for written answer E-001510/12
to the Commission
Auke Zijlstra (NI)
(8 February 2012)

Subject: ‘International Migrants Day’ — Malmström: ‘Immigration is a source of dynamism and of cultural richness’
European Commissioner Malmström made the following statement on the occasion of the International Migrants Day: ‘On the occasion of International Migrants Day 18th of December, let me reiterate that the diversity brought by immigrants is a source of dynamism and of cultural richness for our economies and societies. 
Europe is changing. We cannot afford to ignore the role immigration plays for our growth and for European competitiveness in the global arena. We must also acknowledge the role immigration will play in the future. Our continent is facing a demographic problem — our society is growing older and there are fewer hands to work in many trades. We need to be realistic: if we want to maintain our standard of living in the future, legal migration, offering the skills we need to make Europe prosperous, has to be part of the solution’ (149). 






1.


Can the Commission indicate what the 




‘source of dynamism and cultural richness for our economies and societies’ brought by immigrants consists of that Malmström refers to? If not, why not?






2.


Malmström talks of 




‘our economies and societies’, apparently speaking on behalf of all the EU Member States, including the Netherlands. Does the Commission agree with the PVV that the Netherlands could very well, or even better, speak for itself on this matter and does not need such generalised statements by Malmström? If not, why not?






3.


Is the Commission aware that, since the beginning of 2011, the EU has been dealing with massive, uncontrollable flows of migrants from North Africa and that this has led to an increase in the number of criminals and illegal immigrants? Can the Commission explain why Malmström does not mention these negative developments, only speaking of a 




‘source of cultural richness’? If not, why not?






4.


Malmström makes it sound as if immigration is something that the EU simply has to accept and cannot influence. Stronger still: she says that the EU, in order to be able to fill all the jobs in the future, even needs immigrants. Does the Commission agree with the PVV that the EU can indeed control immigration, for example, by simply closing the borders? Does the Commission agree with the PVV that, before immigrants come into the picture, unemployed EU citizens must first be found jobs? If not, why not? 




Answer given by Ms Malmström on behalf of the Commission
(13 March 2012)







1.


Evidence of the contribution of migrants comes from various sources. Research by the UK's National Institute of Economic and Social Research for instance found no link between immigration and unemployment










1.


Evidence of the contribution of migrants comes from various sources. Research by the UK's National Institute of Economic and Social Research for instance found no link between immigration and unemployment




 (150). A Spanish research found that 30 % of GDP growth in the last 15 years can be attributed to the efforts of migrants (151). An Italian study concluded that, in the last 10 years, two new enterprises out of three would not exist without the input from non-European workers (152). 





2.


Under the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU, one of the tasks of the Union is to develop a common immigration policy. In this context, Member States are responsible for the number of economic migrants they admit. The Commission considers it sensible to tackle a common problem of labour and skills shortages with a concerted policy.










3.


There was indeed an increase in the number of irregular migrants arriving in Italy and Malta during the first half of 2011, as a consequence of the Tunisian revolution and Libyan civil war. But in the second half of the year migration flows returned to much lower levels. 










4.


Irregular migration is a phenomenon that must be tackled at both national and EU level; in itself it should not detract from the positive contribution made by legal migrants. 20.1 million people in the EU are from countries outside the EU. Immigration is a fact in Europe today. There are labour and skills shortages in the labour markets of the Member States, and the EU population is decreasing. Against that background the Commission considers that migration from outside the EU has a role to play, in addition to measures such as retraining the existing labour force, encouraging certain groups into employment and increasing retirement age.




(Nederlandse versie)
Vraag met verzoek om schriftelijk antwoord E-001511/12
aan de Commissie
Auke Zijlstra (NI)
(8 februari 2012)

Betreft: Oost-Europeanen steeds vaker crimineel
In Nederland neemt het aandeel Polen, Bulgaren, Roemenen en andere Midden‐ en Oost-Europeanen toe dat zich op het criminele pad begeeft. Daarnaast neemt het totale aantal inbraken en pogingen daartoe in Nederland toe met 4 % en bedraagt nu 7 300. Het blijkt dat Midden‐ en Oost-Europese criminelen soms in zogenaamde vliegende brigades opereren waarbij zij in korte tijd een reeks inbraken plegen en vervolgens het land verlaten voordat de politie patronen in hun gedrag kan ontdekken. Criminele Bulgaren houden zich daarnaast veelal bezig met skimmen.
De Raad voor korpschefs start een onderzoek naar de criminaliteit onder Oost-Europeanen in Nederland.







1.


Is de Commissie bekend met de berichten 










1.


Is de Commissie bekend met de berichten 



„Werkloze Oost-Europeanen steeds vaker op het criminele pad” (153) en „Onderzoek naar criminaliteit Oost-Europeanen” (154)? 





2.


Wat vindt de Commissie van de toename van het aantal criminelen uit Midden‐ en Oost-Europa in Nederland?










3.


Is de Commissie met de PVV van mening dat Nederland zijn grenzen moeten kunnen sluiten om criminelen buiten de deur te houden? Zo neen, welke maatregelen vindt de Commissie dat Nederland dan wel kan nemen?










4.


Acht de Commissie het redelijk om de schade, die is veroorzaakt door criminelen uit lidstaten van de EU, te verhalen op de dader óf, bij onvoldoende financiële middelen van de dader, op het land van herkomst? Zo neen, waarom niet?




Antwoord van mevrouw Malmström namens de Commissie
(1 maart 2012)
De Commissie verwijst het geachte Parlementslid naar haar antwoord op schriftelijke vraag nr. E-012318/2011 (155).
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001511/12
to the Commission
Auke Zijlstra (NI)
(8 February 2012)

Subject: Eastern Europeans increasingly turn to crime
The Netherlands is seeing an increase in the number of Poles, Bulgarians, Romanians and other Central and Eastern Europeans who have turned to crime. The total number of burglaries and attempted burglaries in the Netherlands has also gone up by 4 % and now stands at 7 300. It has emerged that Central and Eastern European criminals sometimes operate in so-called flying squads, where they commit a series of burglaries in a short period of time and then leave the country before the police can detect patterns in their behaviour. Bulgarian criminals are also often involved in skimming.
The Council of Police Force Commanders has launched an investigation into the criminal activities among Eastern Europeans in the Netherlands.







1.


Is the Commission familiar with the articles 










1.


Is the Commission familiar with the articles 



‘Jobless Eastern Europeans increasingly turn to crime’ (156) and ‘An investigation into criminal activities among Eastern Europeans’? (157)






2.


What is the Commission’s view of the increase in the number of criminals from Central and Eastern Europe in the Netherlands?










3.


Does the Commission agree with the PVV that the Netherlands should be able to close its borders in order to keep criminals out? If not, which measures does the Commission think that the Netherlands can take?










4.


Does the Commission consider it reasonable to recover the damage caused by criminals from EU Member States from the perpetrator or, if the latter has insufficient financial resources, from the country of origin? If not, why not?




Answer given by Ms Malmström on behalf of the Commission
(1 March 2012)
The Commission refers the Honourable Member to the response it provided to Question E‐012318/2011 (158).
(Nederlandse versie)
Vraag met verzoek om schriftelijk antwoord E-001512/12
aan de Raad
Auke Zijlstra (NI)
(8 februari 2012)

Betreft: Griekenland bouwt een hek langs de grens met Turkije
Griekenland is gestart met de bouw van een hek van 10 kilometer langs de grens met Turkije, als barrière tegen mensen die via Griekenland de EU willen binnenkomen en vervolgens door de hele EU kunnen gaan zwerven. Boven op het hek komen prikkeldraad en bewakingscamera's.
Daarmee toont Griekenland aan niet in staat te zijn de buitengrenzen van de EU voldoende te bewaken.







1.


Is de Raad op de hoogte van en stemt hij in met de stelling van de Commissie dat 










1.


Is de Raad op de hoogte van en stemt hij in met de stelling van de Commissie dat 



„elke beslissing over de uitbreiding van het Schengengebied en de afschaffing van de controles aan de binnengrenzen wordt genomen door de Raad” (159) en dus niet door de Commissie? Zo neen, waarom niet?






2.


Is de Raad bekend met het bericht 










2.


Is de Raad bekend met het bericht 



„Griekenland bouwt hek langs grens met Turkije” (160)?





3.


Is de Raad ertoe bereid te erkennen dat de grensbewaking en grenscontroles van Griekenland niet in overeenstemming zijn met de afspraken in het Verdrag? Zo ja, is de Raad ertoe bereid de lidstaten toe te staan en op te roepen tot het invoeren van grenscontroles en grensbewaking met Griekenland, inclusief het luchtverkeer? Zo neen, is de Raad dan ertoe bereid Griekenland uit Schengen te plaatsen?




Antwoord
(12 april 2012)
In overeenstemming met het Verdrag zijn de bepalingen van het Schengenacquis in een lidstaat slechts van toepassing krachtens een daartoe strekkend besluit, dat de Raad vaststelt nadat is nagegaan of aan de nodige voorwaarden voor toepassing van alle onderdelen van het acquis is voldaan. Zodra de Raad dit heeft nagegaan overeenkomstig de toepasselijke Schengenevaluatie‐procedures van het Besluit van het Uitvoerend Comité van 16 september 1998 tot oprichting van een Permanente Schengenbeoordelings‐ en toepassingscommissie (SCH/Com-ex (98) 26 def.) (161), neemt hij een besluit over de opheffing van personencontroles aan de grenzen.
Wat betreft het artikel in de pers waarnaar het geachte Parlementslid verwijst, is het niet aan de Raad om daar commentaar op te geven.
De Raad wijst erop dat hij overeenkomstig bovengenoemd Besluit (SCH/Com-ex (98) 26 def.) regelmatig de naleving van het Schengenacquis door de lidstaten beoordeelt, en aanbevelingen doet over hoe in voorkomend geval tekortkomingen moeten worden aangepakt. Voorts herinnert hij eraan dat het aan de Commissie is om onder de controle van het Hof van Justitie toe te zien op de toepassing van het recht van de Unie (artikel 17, lid 1, VWEU).
Overeenkomstig artikelen 23 tot en met 26 van de Schengengrenscode kunnen alleen lidstaten, en niet de Raad, onder bepaalde omstandigheden besluiten om opnieuw het toezicht aan binnengrenzen in te voeren in geval van ernstige bedreiging van de openbare orde of de binnenlandse veiligheid.
Tot slot vestigt de Raad de aandacht van het geachte Parlementslid op punt 22 van de conclusies van de Europese Raad van 23 en 24 juni 2011 (162), waarin de Europese Raad stelt dat er een mechanisme moet worden ingevoerd „

om te kunnen reageren op buitengewone omstandigheden die een bedreiging vormen voor de Schengensamenwerking in haar algemeenheid, zonder dat het beginsel van vrij personenverkeer in gevaar wordt gebracht, [dat] een reeks op graduele, gedifferentieerde en gecoördineerde wijze toe te passen maatregelen [moet] omvatten, waarmee een lidstaat die geconfronteerd wordt met zware druk aan de buitengrenzen kan worden bijgestaan

”

en waarin

„

in allerlaatste instantie een beschermingsclausule [kan] worden opgenomen op grond waarvan, in een werkelijk kritieke situatie, als een lidstaat niet langer in staat is zijn verplichtingen op grond van de Schengenvoorschriften na te komen, bij wijze van uitzondering opnieuw controles aan de binnengrenzen kunnen worden ingevoerd

”
.
De Raad en het Parlement bespreken op dit moment twee wetgevingsvoorstellen die de Commissie naar aanleiding van dit verzoek heeft ingediend, te weten: een gewijzigd voorstel voor een verordening van het Europees Parlement en de Raad betreffende de instelling van een evaluatie‐ en toezichtmechanisme voor de controle van de toepassing van het Schengenacquis (163), en een ontwerp‐verordening van het Europees Parlement en de Raad tot wijziging van de Schengengrenscode wat betreft de tijdelijke herinvoering van het grenstoezicht aan de binnengrenzen in uitzonderlijke omstandigheden (164).
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001512/12
to the Council
Auke Zijlstra (NI)
(8 February 2012)

Subject: Greece is building a fence along its border with Turkey
Greece has started the construction of a 10 kilometre fence along its border with Turkey to deter people who want to enter the EU through Greece and then be able to scatter all over the EU. The fence will be topped by barbed wire and surveillance cameras.
Greece thus demonstrates its inability to guard the EU’s external borders adequately.







1.


Does the Council know of and agree with the Commission’s position that 










1.


Does the Council know of and agree with the Commission’s position that 



‘every decision about the expansion of the Schengen area and the removal of the controls at the internal borders is made by the Council’ (165) and thus not by the Commission? If not, why not?






2.


Is the Council familiar with the article, 










2.


Is the Council familiar with the article, 



‘Greece is building a fence along its border with Turkey’? (166)






3.


Is the Council prepared to recognise that Greece’s efforts in the area of border surveillance and border control do not comply with the agreements in the Treaty? If so, is the Council prepared to allow and call upon the Member States to introduce border controls and border surveillance at the borders with Greece, including borders crossed by air? If not, is the Council then prepared to remove Greece from the Schengen area?




Reply
(12 April 2012)
In line with the Treaty, the provisions of the Schengen acquis shall apply in a Member State pursuant to a Council decision to that effect only after verification that the necessary conditions for the application of all parts of the acquis have been met. Once the Council has verified this in accordance with the applicable evaluation procedures set out in the decision of the Executive Committee of 16 September 1998 setting up a Standing Committee on the evaluation and implementation of Schengen (SCH/Com-ex (98) 26 def.) (167), it takes a decision on the lifting of checks on persons at borders.
As regards the press article to which the Honourable Member referred in her question, it is not for the Council to comment on press articles.
The Council recalls that it regularly evaluates Member States' compliance with the Schengen acquis in accordance with the abovementioned decision (SCH/Com-ex (98) 26 def.) and makes recommendations on how to deal with shortcomings if and where these are detected. It further recalls that it is for the Commission to ‘oversee the application of Union law under the control of the Court of Justice’ (Article 17(1) TEU).
According to Articles 23 to 26 of the Schengen Borders Code, it is only Member States and not the Council that may decide, under certain conditions, to reintroduce border controls at internal borders when there is a serious threat to public policy or internal security.
Lastly, the Council would draw the Honourable Member's attention to paragraph 22 of the European Council conclusions of 23-24 June 2011 (168), in which it called for the introduction of a mechanism ‘to respond to exceptional circumstances putting the overall functioning of Schengen cooperation at risk, without jeopardising the principle of free movement of persons [which] should comprise a series of measures to be applied in a gradual, differentiated and coordinated manner in order to assist a Member State facing heavy pressure at the external borders’ and which ‘as a very last resort’ could include ‘a safeguard clause (…) to allow the exceptional reintroduction of internal border controls in a truly critical situation where a Member State is no longer able to comply with its obligations under the Schengen rules’.
The Council and the Parliament are currently examining two legislative proposals presented by the Commission in response to this request, i.e. an Amended proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the establishment of an evaluation and monitoring mechanism to verify the application of the Schengen acquis
 (169) and a draft Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending the Schengen Borders Code as regards the temporary reintroduction of border control at internal borders in exceptional circumstances (170).
(Versão portuguesa)
Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-001513/12
à Comissão
Nuno Teixeira (PPE)
(8 de fevereiro de 2012)

Assunto: Propostas para a redução do desemprego jovem
Tendo em conta que:






—


Ao longo dos últimos anos, alguns Estados-Membros da União Europeia têm vindo a implementar medidas de austeridade, tendo como principal objetivo diminuir as despesas do Estado nas mais diversas áreas setoriais;










—


Apesar da política seguida, as agências de notação e os mercados internacionais continuam a não acreditar nas medidas adotadas pelos diversos líderes europeus, constatando-se que a austeridade está a contribuir para uma diminuição acentuada do rendimento disponível das famílias e, consequentemente, para uma forte redução do consumo interno;










—


Segundo o Eurostat, a taxa de desemprego no final de 2011 alcançou resultados históricos, sendo de destacar os valores verificados em Espanha (22,9 %), Irlanda (14,5 %) e Portugal (13,6 %);










—


No passado dia 30 de janeiro de 2012, o Conselho Europeu aprovou uma resolução que insta os Estados-Membros a adotarem medidas que visem reforçar o crescimento económico e a geração de emprego;










—


O presidente da Comissão Europeia escreveu uma carta ao primeiro-ministro de Portugal e aos outros sete chefes de Governo de países da União Europeia com maiores taxas de desemprego, no intuito de sugerir que seja adotada uma ₫metodologia de trabalho₻ para se atingirem ₫progressos concretos₻ no combate ao desemprego entre os jovens. Foi ainda sugerido o lançamento imediato de programas-piloto para reduzir este fenómeno, que contarão com o apoio de 82 mil milhões de euros de fundos comunitários ainda não programados;




Pergunta-se à Comissão:







Pretende aumentar as verbas comunitárias dos programas de juventude e ação que visam estimular a criação de emprego jovem e apoiar as iniciativas ao nível de empreendedorismo?











Qual o valor de fundos comunitários que irá disponibilizar a Portugal para estimular o crescimento económico e a geração de emprego?




Resposta dada por László Andor em nome da Comissão
(10 de abril de 2012)







1.


Com a sua iniciativa 










1.


Com a sua iniciativa 



₫Oportunidades para a Juventude₻ (171), a Comissão intensificou os seus esforços no sentido de apoiar os Estados-Membros na luta contra o desemprego dos jovens. São necessárias medidas de incentivo ao crescimento para criar novos empregos, embora tal não seja por si só suficiente para responder ao problema do desemprego dos jovens. Por conseguinte, a iniciativa inclui uma série de medidas, por exemplo, de assistência técnica no sentido de apoiar os jovens empresários em início de atividade, ações em prol de garantias a favor dos jovens, estágios adicionais no âmbito dos programas Erasmus e Leonardo da Vinci para ajudar os jovens a encontrar trabalho, lugares de aprendizes e estágios.
O Fundo Social Europeu (FSE) continuará a ser o principal instrumento financeiro da UE para investir em capital humano e uma programação estratégica reforçada deverá assegurar, em especial, que os futuros programas do FSE sejam ainda mais focalizados na resolução de questões importantes, tais como o desemprego dos jovens.






2.


Nas semanas que se seguem, o Governo português deverá concluir a reprogramação do Quadro de Referência Estratégico Nacional (QREN) e apresentar à Comissão um pedido circunstanciado de alteração do mesmo, assim como dos programas operacionais. O emprego dos jovens será uma das principais prioridades, juntamente com o apoio às PME e com a criação de novos instrumentos financeiros para estimular o crédito. Tal surge na sequência da reprogramação técnica de dezembro último, que implicou 380 milhões de euros e permitiu reforçar, entre outras, as medidas com um impacto positivo a nível do emprego dos jovens. 




(English version)
Question for written answer E-001513/12
to the Commission
Nuno Teixeira (PPE)
(8 February 2012)

Subject: Proposals for reducing youth unemployment
Taking into account that:







Over the last few years, some European Union Member States have put in place austerity measures, whose main objective is to reduce state spending on a wide range of sectors.











Despite the policy that has been followed, the rating agencies and the international markets remain unconvinced by the measures adopted by European leaders, and it is being said that austerity is contributing to a marked decline in families’ disposable incomes and hence to a sharp fall in domestic consumption.











According to Eurostat, the unemployment rate hit all-time highs at the end of 2011, particularly in Spain (22.9 %), Ireland (14.5 %) and Portugal (13.6 %).











On 30 January 2012, the European Council adopted a resolution calling on the Member States to adopt measures aimed at increasing economic growth and job creation.











The Commission President has written to the Portuguese Prime Minister and the heads of government of the other seven EU countries with the highest unemployment rates, suggesting the adoption of a ‘way of working’ in order to make ‘concrete progress’ on combating youth unemployment. He also suggested the immediate launch of pilot programmes to reduce this phenomenon, which will receive EUR 82 000 million in EU funds that have not yet been allocated.











Will the Commission increase EU funding for youth and action programmes to help create jobs for young people and support entrepreneurship initiatives?











How much EU funding will be made available to Portugal to stimulate economic growth and job creation?




Answer given by Mr Andor on behalf of the Commission
(10 April 2012)







1.


With its 










1.


With its 



‘Youth Opportunities Initiative’ (172) (YOI) the Commission has stepped up its efforts to support Member States in fighting youth unemployment. Growth-enhancing measures are necessary to create new jobs, but will not be sufficient to tackle the problem of youth unemployment. Therefore, the YOI includes a series of measures, e.g. technical assistance to support young business starters, actions to support youth guarantees, additional placements under Erasmus and Leonardo da Vinci, which will help young people find jobs, apprenticeships and traineeships.
The European Social Fund (ESF) will remain the main EU financial instrument for investment in human capital, and reinforced strategic programming should ensure in particular that future ESF programmes are even better aligned to tackle major issues such as youth unemployment.






2.


In the next few weeks, the Portuguese Government should complete the reprogramming of the National Strategic Reference Framework (CRSN) and present a detailed application for the amendment of the CRSN and operational programmes. Youth employment will be one of the key priorities, along with support for SMEs and the creation of new financial instruments to boost credit. This follows the technical reprogramming last December involving EUR 380 million and which has, among other things, made it possible to strengthen measures which have a positive impact on youth employment. 




(Versão portuguesa)
Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-001514/12
à Comissão
Nuno Teixeira (PPE)
(16 de fevereiro de 2012)

Assunto: Criação de uma norma europeia de inovação
Tendo em conta que:






—


No passado dia 7 de fevereiro de 2012, a Comissão Europeia publicou o ₫Painel de Inovação da União de 2011₻, ranking este liderado pela Suécia, Dinamarca, Alemanha e Finlândia. No entanto, a instituição europeia salientou que quase todos os Estados-Membros melhoraram o seu desempenho no domínio da inovação, mas o crescimento está a abrandar, persistindo o fosso entre a União Europeia e os líderes mundiais da inovação, designadamente Estados Unidos, Japão e Coreia do Sul;










—


Segundo o referido ranking de inovação, Portugal ocupa a 16° posição, estando integrado no grupo de ₫inovadores moderados₻;










—


Segundo a Comissão Europeia, Portugal apresenta como pontos ₫relativamente fortes₻ os sistemas de investigação abertos e o financiamento da vertente de inovação, enquanto que os pontos ₫relativamente fracos₻ são os investimentos das empresas, os ativos intelectuais e os efeitos económicos;










—


Ao longo dos últimos anos, Portugal desenvolveu uma norma nacional de inovação (NP4457:2007) que visa estimular a adoção de uma cultura de inovação nas empresas, tornando-a uma atividade sistémica e transversal a toda a organização;










—


Vários países europeus têm vindo a adotar normativas nacionais na área da inovação, mas não existe uma norma europeia que permita uniformizar a interpretação da gestão da inovação, à semelhança do existente na área da qualidade;










—


Segundo a Comissária europeia responsável pela Investigação, Inovação e Ciência, Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, ₫é urgente dispor de um Espaço Europeu da Investigação para gerar mais concorrência, mais excelência, atrair e reter os melhores talentos mundiais₻;




Pergunta-se à Comissão:







Qual o atual estado de criação de um quadro normativo europeu na área de inovação, à semelhança da norma já existente para a área da qualidade?











Não considera que seria uma mais valia o facto de as empresas estarem certificadas por esta nova norma europeia para acederem aos fundos comunitários do Programa ₫Horizon 2020₻?




Resposta dada por Máire Geoghegan-Quinn em nome da Comissão
(20 de março de 2012)







1.


A iniciativa emblemática União da Inovação tem por objetivo melhorar as condições-quadro aplicáveis aos investimentos privados em investigação e inovação. Uma das condições-quadro fundamentais é o contexto regulamentar que deve permitir e incentivar a inovação. Neste espírito, em 2011 a Comissão realizou progressos significativos e apresentou propostas legislativas nos domínios da normalização, da proteção de patente unitária, dos fundos de capital de risco e da modernização da legislação da UE em matéria de contratos públicos. Além disso, em 2012 a Comissão apresentará a sua proposta relativa a um enquadramento para o Espaço Europeu da Investigação. No primeiro relatório de progresso










1.


A iniciativa emblemática União da Inovação tem por objetivo melhorar as condições-quadro aplicáveis aos investimentos privados em investigação e inovação. Uma das condições-quadro fundamentais é o contexto regulamentar que deve permitir e incentivar a inovação. Neste espírito, em 2011 a Comissão realizou progressos significativos e apresentou propostas legislativas nos domínios da normalização, da proteção de patente unitária, dos fundos de capital de risco e da modernização da legislação da UE em matéria de contratos públicos. Além disso, em 2012 a Comissão apresentará a sua proposta relativa a um enquadramento para o Espaço Europeu da Investigação. No primeiro relatório de progresso




 (173), publicado em Dezembro de 2011, são apresentadas informações pormenorizadas sobre a implementação da União da Inovação.






2.


Uma vez que existem diferentes interpretações nacionais do conceito 










2.


Uma vez que existem diferentes interpretações nacionais do conceito 



₫capacidade de gestão da inovação por parte das empresas₻, a Comissão acompanha com interesse os trabalhos do Comité Europeu de Normalização CEN/TC389 (174) relativos à gestão da inovação, lançados pelos organismos nacionais de normalização. Contudo, neste momento, a Comissão não está a prever a emissão de um mandato de normalização para este grupo de trabalho nem a introdução de tal requisito de certificação no âmbito do Programa-Quadro Horizonte 2020 devido aos potenciais impactos negativos nas empresas em termos de encargos administrativos. (English version)
Question for written answer E-001514/12
to the Commission
Nuno Teixeira (PPE)
(16 February 2012)

Subject: Creation of a European innovation standard
Taking into account that:






—


On 7 February 2012, the European Commission published the ‘European Innovation Scoreboard 2011’, whose league table is led by Sweden, Denmark, Germany and Finland. The Commission stressed that the performance of almost all the Member States in the area of innovation has improved, but growth is slowing down and there is still a gap between the European Union and the world leaders in innovation, specifically the United States, Japan and South Korea;










—


Portugal is in 16th place in that innovation league table, and is part of the group of ‘moderate innovators’;










—


According to the European Commission, Portugal’s ‘relative strengths’ are its open research systems and finance for innovation, while its ‘relative weaknesses’ are company investments, intellectual assets and economic effects;










—


In recent years, Portugal has developed a national innovation standard (NP 4457:2007) intended to encourage companies to adopt a culture of innovation, making it a systemic activity that cuts across the whole organisation;










—


A number of European countries have adopted national standards in the area of innovation, but there is no European standard which provides for a uniform interpretation of innovation management, as exists in the area of quality;










—


According to the European Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science, Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, ‘We urgently need a European Research Area to inject fresh competition, generate more excellence, and attract and retain the best global talent’;




In view of this:







Can the Commission say what progress has been made to date on the creation of a European framework of standards in the area of innovation like the one already in place in the area of quality?











Does the Commission not believe it would be of benefit if companies were certified by this new European standard in order to access EU funds under the ‘Horizon 2020’ programme?




Answer given by Ms Geoghegan-Quinn on behalf of the Commission
(20 March 2012)







1.


The Innovation Union flagship initiative aims to improve framework conditions for private investments in research and innovation. One of the key framework conditions is regulatory environment which should enable and drive innovation. In this context, in 2011, the Commission has made significant progress and made legislative proposals in the areas of standardisation, unified patent protection, venture capital funds and modernisation of EU public procurement law. Furthermore, in 2012, the Commission will table its proposal for a European Research Area framework. Details on progress made in implementing the Innovation Union are available in the first progress report










1.


The Innovation Union flagship initiative aims to improve framework conditions for private investments in research and innovation. One of the key framework conditions is regulatory environment which should enable and drive innovation. In this context, in 2011, the Commission has made significant progress and made legislative proposals in the areas of standardisation, unified patent protection, venture capital funds and modernisation of EU public procurement law. Furthermore, in 2012, the Commission will table its proposal for a European Research Area framework. Details on progress made in implementing the Innovation Union are available in the first progress report




 (175) issued in December 2011.






2.


As there are different national interpretations of 










2.


As there are different national interpretations of 



‘innovation management capacity of enterprises’, the Commission follows with interest the work of the European Committee for Standardisation CEN/TC389 (176) on innovation management, launched by national standardisation bodies. However, at present, the Commission does not plan to issue a standardisation mandate to this working group, or introduce such certification requirement for Horizon 2020, due to potential negative impacts on businesses in terms of administrative burden. (Versão portuguesa)
Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-001515/12
à Comissão
Nuno Teixeira (PPE)
(16 de fevereiro de 2012)

Assunto: Ajuda ao desenvolvimento dos países ACP
Tendo em conta que:






—


No período de 2007/2013, a Comissão Europeia reestruturou o Fundo Europeu para o Desenvolvimento (FED) que tem como objetivo apoiar o desenvolvimento económico, social e humano dos países ACP (África, Caraíbas e Pacífico), assim como potencializar os projetos de cooperação e integração a nível regional;










—


Com uma linha de financiamento de 22 682 milhões de euros, a Comissão Europeia é responsável por monitorizar a realização efetiva dos projetos e realizar concursos na área da cooperação regional, cooperação bilateral com outro país ou cooperação setorial;










—


Em junho de 2011, a Comissão Europeia apresentou o Quadro Financeiro Plurianual para o período 2014/2020, orçamentando 23 000 milhões de euros ao Instrumento de Cooperação para o Desenvolvimento (ICD), destinando-se a erradicar a pobreza e contribuir para alcançar os Objetivos do Milénio;










—


Este valor será acrescentado aos 30 000 milhões de euros provenientes do Fundo Europeu para o Desenvolvimento que é financiado fora do orçamento comunitário;










—


Na visita realizada ao Parlamento Europeu no passado dia 24 de janeiro de 2012, Bill Gates referiu que ₫apesar das dificuldades económicas existentes na União Europeia, é fundamental que as instituições continuem a liderar na ajuda ao desenvolvimento₻




Pergunta-se à Comissão:







Quais os fundos comunitários (ICD e FED) que ainda se encontram disponíveis para financiar as atividades desenvolvidas pelos países ACP durante o período 2007/2013?











Quando se perspetiva a abertura de novos concursos de candidaturas, quais as áreas prioritárias de atuação e quais as entidades elegíveis?











Qual a prioridade de atuação no período de programação 2014/2020?




Resposta dada por Andris Piebalgs em nome da Comissão
(12 de abril de 2012)
No que diz respeito ao Fundo Europeu de Desenvolvimento (FED), dos 22 682 mil milhões de euros mencionados na pergunta, 21 152 mil milhões de euros são geridos pela Comissão (sendo o montante restante gerido pelo Banco Europeu de Investimento — BEI).
Esta quantia de 21 152 mil milhões de euros foi aumentada por meio de duas decisões (uma para o Sudão: 150 milhões de euros; e outra para o Sul do Sudão: 200 milhões de euros — por transferência a partir das reservas do 9.° FED ou anteriores), num total de 350 milhões de euros, o que eleva o total gerido pela Comissão a 21 502 mil milhões de euros. Deste montante, 13 791 mil milhões de euros foram utilizados no final de 2011, sobrando um saldo de 7 711 mil milhões de euros.
O quadro de síntese (ver anexo) apresenta os dados relativos às autorizações antecipadas em 2012 e 2013 para os programas geográficos que visam os Estados de África, das Caraíbas e do Pacífico (ACP) ao abrigo do Instrumento de Cooperação para o Desenvolvimento (ICD). Os montantes para 2012 refletem as dotações de autorização efetivamente aprovadas. Os valores relativos a 2013 mostram o que deve ser autorizado nesse ano a fim de se proceder à autorização da totalidade das dotações previstas nos respetivos Programas Indicativos Plurianuais 2011/2013.
A Comissão e o Serviço Europeu para a Ação Externa (SEAE) começaram a preparar a programação do próximo quadro financeiro plurianual para 2014/2020 e esperam concluir este processo antes do final de 2013. Tanto para os países ACP como para os países abrangidos pelo ICD, as estratégias e os programas nacionais são com eles negociados tendo por base as suas prioridades de desenvolvimento nacional e os documentos pertinentes da política de desenvolvimento da UE, tais como a nova Agenda para a Mudança (177). 
Para todos os países (ACP e ICD), serão lançados os primeiros projetos e os respetivos convites para apresentação de propostas a partir de 2014, em conformidade com as prioridades de cooperação determinadas nessa data.
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001515/12
to the Commission
Nuno Teixeira (PPE)
(16 February 2012)

Subject: Development aid for ACP countries
Taking into account that:






—


In the period from 2007‐2013, the European Commission restructured the European Development Fund (EDF), which is aimed at supporting economic social and human development in the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries, as well as encouraging cooperation and integration projects at regional level;










—


With a budget of EUR 22.682 billion, the European Commission is responsible for monitoring the effective implementation of projects and organising competitions in the areas of regional cooperation, bilateral cooperation with another country or sectoral cooperation;










—


In June 2011, the European Commission presented the 2014-2020 Multiannual Financial Framework, allocating EUR 23 billion to the Development Cooperation Instrument (DCI), aimed at eradicating poverty and contributing to the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals;










—


This amount will be increased by EUR 30 billion from the EDF, which is not financed from the EU budget;










—


In a visit to the European Parliament on 24 January 2012, Bill Gates emphasised that, despite the economic difficulties the European Union is facing, it is vital that its institutions continue to take the lead in development aid.




I would ask the Commission:







What EU funding (DCI and EDF) is still available for supporting activities undertaken by the ACP countries during the period 2007‐13?











When are new calls for application expected to open, what are the priority areas for action and what are the eligible entities?











What is the priority action for the programming period 2014-2020?




Answer given by Mr Piebalgs on behalf of the Commission
(12 April 2012)
For the European Development Fund (EDF), of the EUR 22.682 billion mentioned in the text of the question, EUR 21.152 billion are managed by the Commission (the rest is managed by the European Investment Bank (EIB)).
The EUR 21.152 billion were increased by two Decisions (for Sudan — EUR 150 million and South Sudan EUR 200 million — transfer from reserves of the 9th EDF or earlier) by a total of EUR 350 million, bringing the total managed by the Commission to EUR 21.502 billion. Of that, EUR 13.791 billion have been used as of the end of 2011, leaving a balance of EUR 7.711 billion.
The summary table (see annex) gives the figures for expected commitments in 2012 and 2013 for geographical programmes targeting African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries under the Development Cooperation Instrument (DCI). The amounts for 2012 reflect the actual approved commitment credits. The figures for 2013 show what should be committed in 2013 in order to fully commit the allocations provided in the respective Multiannual Indicative Programmes 2011-2013.
The Commission and the European External Action Service (EEAS) have started to prepare the programming of the next Multiannual Financial Framework 2014-2020 and expect to finalise this process before the end of 2013. For both ACP countries and countries covered by the DCI, countries' strategies and programmes are negotiated with them taking as the basis their national development priorities as well as relevant EU Development Policy documents such as the new Agenda for Change (178). 
For all (ACP and DCI) countries, first projects and associated calls will be launched as from 2014, in line with the then identified cooperation priorities.
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001516/12
to the Commission
Diane Dodds (NI)
(16 February 2012)

Subject: CAP post 2013
Can the Commission explain, in connection with its legislative proposals concerning CAP post 2013 (Article 32 of the proposal for establishing rules for direct payments), what constitutes an ecological focus area, and make it clear what landscape features such an area includes?
Answer given by Mr Cioloş on behalf of the Commission
(4 April 2012)
According to the Commission proposal, farmers shall ensure that at least 7 % of their eligible hectares as defined in Article 25(2), excluding areas under permanent grassland, is ecological focus area (EFA) such as land left fallow, terraces, landscape features, buffer strips and afforested areas. This provision gives the context within which the 7 % EFA shall be situated. The more detailed definitions of the types of areas which will count as EFA as well as the definition of further types of such areas are to be set in delegated acts. 
Consequently, it is at the moment of elaborating the delegated act that a decision will be taken on which landscape features can be counted as EFA in concrete cases. Without pre-empting the analysis and conclusions which will be drawn at that stage, a possible point of departure might be, for instance, the landscape features for which payments are granted today, e.g. those protected under cross complianceespecially under the standard related to Good Agricultural and Environmental Conditions (GAEC). It could also be examined if the current provisions allowing not to exclude e.g. hedges and ditches from the areas for which payments are granted should be extended to cover further types of features which could count as EFA. 
(Nederlandse versie)
Vraag met verzoek om schriftelijk antwoord E-001519/12
aan de Commissie
Auke Zijlstra (NI)
(8 februari 2012)

Betreft: Top tien van landen waar christenen worden vervolgd
De door „Open Doors” (179) samengestelde lijst van de top tien van landen waar christenen uitsluitend op grond van hun geloofsovertuiging worden vervolgd, wordt aangevoerd door Noord-Korea. De rest van de lijst bestaat uit achtereenvolgens Afghanistan, Saudi-Arabië, Somalië, Iran, de Malediven, Oezbekistan, Jemen, Irak en Pakistan — die allemaal islamitische landen blijken te zijn.







1.


Is de Commissie bekend met de Open Doors-lijst van de top tien van landen waar christenen worden vervolgd, en met het bijhorende verslag 










1.


Is de Commissie bekend met de Open Doors-lijst van de top tien van landen waar christenen worden vervolgd, en met het bijhorende verslag 



„Christenvervolging ergst in Noord-Korea” (180)?





2.


Wat is het standpunt van de Commissie ten aanzien van de top tien van landen waar christenen worden vervolgd?










3.


Trekt ze conclusies uit het feit dat 90 procent van de top tien bestaat uit landen met een overwegend islamitische ideologie? Zo niet, wat is dan de reden?




Antwoord van hoge vertegenwoordiger/vice-voorzitter Ashton namens de Commissie
(10 mei 2012)
De Commissie is bekend met de „Open Doors World Watch list”, waarin de vervolgingen aan de orde worden gesteld waarmee de Christelijke gemeenschap wereldwijd te maken heeft. De EU volgt de situatie van personen die tot religieuze minderheden behoren over de hele wereld op de voet, ongeacht de heersende religie van het betreffende land, en zet zich in om de discriminatie, de onverdraagzaamheid en het geweld waarmee velen van hen worden geconfronteerd, een halt toe te roepen.
Vrijheid van denken, geweten, godsdienst of overtuiging, welke vrijheid het recht inhoudt om uit vrije wil een godsdienst of levensovertuiging aan te nemen of op te geven en van godsdienst of levensovertuiging te veranderen, alsook het recht om in het geheel geen godsdienst of geloofsovertuiging aan te hangen, vormt een prioriteit van het mensenrechtenbeleid van de EU en acties op dit gebied zijn versterkt. In 2011 werden alle EU-delegaties gemobiliseerd om de situaties in landen te onderzoeken en om, in coördinatie met de lidstaten, passende actie te ondernemen op het gebied van vrijheid van godsdienst of levensovertuiging. Daarbij gaat het om onderzoek en verslaglegging, het leggen van contacten met autoriteiten en het maatschappelijk middenveld en het financieren van lokale projecten. Meer dan 100 EU-delegaties dienden verslagen in en de conclusies die uit deze gang van zaken werden getrokken, zullen bijdragen tot de verdere ontwikkeling van het EU-beleid. 
Bij de dialogen, verklaringen en stappen van de EU op gebied van de mensenrechtensituatie in veel van de in de Open Doors-lijst genoemde landen, ligt de nadruk onder meer op de vrijheid van godsdienst of levensovertuiging. De inzet van sommige landen blijft een moeilijk punt; een voorbeeld daarvan is de DVK (181), die het EU-voorstel voor het houden van een specifieke mensenrechtendialoog afwees. In de door de EU gesteunde VN-resolutie (182) die de Algemene Vergadering in december 2011 heeft aangenomen over de mensenrechtensituatie in de DVK, worden onder meer de niet-aflatende berichten over systematische, wijdverbreide en ernstige schendingen van de vrijheid van godsdienst specifiek onder de aandacht gebracht. 
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001519/12
to the Commission
Auke Zijlstra (NI)
(8 February 2012)

Subject: Top 10 countries persecuting Christians
The list of the top 10 countries persecuting Christians exclusively for their religious beliefs, compiled by ‘Open Doors’ (183), is headed by North Korea. The rest of the list is made up of, in this order, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Iran, the Maldives, Uzbekistan, Yemen, Iraq and Pakistan — all of which appear to be Islamic countries.







1.


Is the Commission familiar with the Open Doors list of the top 10 countries persecuting Christians, and with the related report entitled 










1.


Is the Commission familiar with the Open Doors list of the top 10 countries persecuting Christians, and with the related report entitled 



‘Persecution of Christians most severe in North Korea’ (‘

Christenvervolging ergst in Noord-Korea

’
)? (184)






2.


What is the Commission’s view of the top 10 countries persecuting Christians?










3.


Does it draw any conclusions from the fact that 90 % of the top 10 are countries with a predominantly Islamic ideology? If not, why not?




Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Ashton on behalf of the Commission
(10 May 2012)
The Commission is aware of the Open Doors World Watch list that points out persecutions faced by the Christian community worldwide. The EU pays close attention to the situation of people belonging to religious minorities around the world, regardless of the dominant religion of the country at stake, and is working to end the discrimination, intolerance and violence that affect many of them.
Freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief, covering the right to adopt, change or abandon one's religion or belief, of one's own free will, and the right not to have a religion or belief, is a priority under the EU's human rights policy and actions in this field have been strengthened. All EU delegations were mobilised in 2011 to analyse countries’ situations and to take appropriate action on freedom of religion or belief, in coordination with Member States. This includes analysis and reporting, making contact with authorities and civil society and funding for local projects. Reports from more than 100 EU Delegations were received, and the findings from this exercise will help further to develop the EU policy. 
Dialogues, statements and demarches carried out by the EU on the human rights situation of many countries mentioned in the Open Doors' list include a focus on freedom of religion or belief. Some countries remain difficult to engage, such as DPRK (185), which rejected the EU proposal to hold a specific human rights dialogue. In the EU‐sponsored Resolution of the UN (186) General Assembly adopted in December 2011 on the situation on human rights in the DPRK, one of the specific issues raised is the persistence of reports of systematic widespread and grave violations of freedom of religion. 
(Version française)
Question avec demande de réponse écrite P-001521/12
à la Commission
Christine De Veyrac (PPE)
(14 février 2012)

Objet: Le statut des sapeurs-pompiers volontaires
La Commission européenne a dernièrement publié une proposition de directive sur le temps de travail susceptible d'assimiler l'activité volontaire des sapeurs-pompiers à une activité salariée, dont découlerait une obligation de repos quotidien de onze heures. Cette modification de statut empêcherait ces volontaires de poursuivre leur activité bénévole et d'apporter, avec la même qualité de service, la réponse aux demandes de secours formulées par les citoyens.
Les modèles d'organisation des secours de plusieurs États membres, et notamment celui de la France, sont ainsi faits qu'ils reposent essentiellement sur l'engagement des sapeurs-pompiers volontaires (2 des 2,5 millions de sapeurs-pompiers européens, et 80 % en France). Cette directive remettrait ainsi en cause un système d'intervention qui a fait ses preuves, à la pleine et entière satisfaction des citoyens.
En outre, le remplacement, même partiel, des volontaires par des sapeurs-pompiers professionnels aurait un coût qui serait difficilement supportable par les collectivités en ces temps de crise. Il créerait un double préjudice envers les citoyens, qui disposeraient d'un service public de secours plus onéreux tout en étant moins performant.
Ainsi, de quelle manière la Commission entend-elle prendre en compte la situation particulière des sapeurs-pompiers volontaires en France, et dans d'autres États membres, afin d'éviter de mettre à mal les services publics d'incendie et d'urgence dont l'importance est vitale pour nos sociétés?
Réponse donnée par M. Andor  au nom de la Commission
(9 mars 2012)
La Commission n'a pas récemment publié de proposition de modification de la directive sur le temps de travail (187). Peut-être l'auteur de la question se réfère-t-elle à une communication de 2010 (188) sur la consultation des partenaires sociaux au niveau de l'Union européenne concernant d'éventuels changements à apporter à cette directive.
La Commission est parfaitement consciente du rôle que les pompiers volontaires jouent dans de nombreux États membres, où ils assurent une gamme complète de services d'urgence au profit des citoyens, et singulièrement dans les zones rurales. Le document de consultation auquel il est fait référence indique qu'il y a lieu de considérer la situation particulière des pompiers volontaires. Il ne conviendrait pas, de l'avis de la Commission, d'exclure l'activité de ces derniers du domaine d'application des dispositions réglementaires de l'Union en matière de temps de travail, eu égard, notamment, à l'article 31 de la Charte des droits fondamentaux de l'Union européenne. Cependant, d'autres solutions pourraient apporter une réponse adaptée aux caractéristiques spécifiques de ladite activité, tout en protégeant de façon appropriée la santé et la sécurité de ceux qui l'exercent (189). La Commission n'a pas proposé de remplacer les pompiers volontaires par des pompiers professionnels.
Elle rappelle que les principaux partenaires sociaux intersectoriels au niveau européen ont décidé, en novembre 2011, d'ouvrir des négociations sur la révision de la directive sur le temps de travail, comme les y autorise l'article 154 du Traité sur le fonctionnement de l'Union européenne. Par respect pour leur autonomie, la Commission s'abstiendra de soumettre toute proposition de modification de la directive pendant la durée de ces négociations, telle qu'elle est fixée par le Traité.
(English version)
Question for written answer P-001521/12
to the Commission
Christine De Veyrac (PPE)
(14 February 2012)

Subject: The status of voluntary fire-fighters
The Commission has recently published a draft working hours directive which would bring voluntary fire-fighting into line with salaried employment and therefore subject to an obligatory daily rest period of 11 hours. This change of status would prevent these volunteers from carrying out their volunteer activity and responding with the same quality of service to citizens’ requests for help.
The organisational structures for emergency services in several Member States, particularly in France, are based essentially on deployment of voluntary fire-fighters (two million out of the 2.5 million fire-fighters in Europe, and 80 % in France). This directive would jeopardise a response system which is tried and tested and which operates to the complete satisfaction of citizens.
In addition, the replacement, even partial, of volunteers by professional fire-fighters would involve a cost that communities would find hard to meet in these difficult times. It would be a double blow for citizens who would receive a more expensive and less effective public emergency service.
How, therefore, does the Commission intend to take account of the specific situation of voluntary fire-fighters in France and other Member States, to avoid damaging public fire and emergency services of vital importance to our societies?
Answer given by Mr Andor  on behalf of the Commission
(9 March 2012)
The Commission has published no proposal recently to amend the Working Time Directive (190). The Honourable Member may be referring to a 2010 communication (191) consulting the social partners at European level on various possible changes to the directive. 
The Commission is fully aware of the importance of volunteer firefighters in many Member States for the provision of comprehensive emergency services to citizens, particularly in rural areas. The consultation paper referred to states that there is a need to consider the particular situation of volunteer firefighters. Excluding them from the scope of EU working time rules would, in the Commission's view, be inappropriate, having regard in particular to Article 31 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. However, other solutions could provide an appropriate response to the special characteristics of this activity, while ensuring proper protection for volunteers' health and safety (192). The Commission has not proposed to replace volunteer firefighters with professional firefighters. 
The Commission recalls that the main cross-sectoral social partners at European level decided in November 2011 to negotiate on reviewing the Working Time Directive, as they are entitled under Article 154 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. Out of respect for their autonomy, the Commission will refrain from putting forward any proposal to amend the directive during the period provided for under the Treaty for their negotiations. 
(Ελληνική έκδοση)
Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-001524/12
προς την Επιτροπή
Antigoni Papadopoulou (S&D)
(16 Φεβρουαρίου 2012)

Θέμα: Φυλακισμένοι δημοσιογράφοι στην Τουρκία
Ο αριθμός των φυλακισμένων δημοσιογράφων στην Τουρκία ανήλθε στους 105, όπως αναφέρει σε μια πρόσφατη έκθεσή του ο συνασπισμός ₫Πλατφόρμα Αλληλεγγύης στους Φυλακισμένους Δημοσιογράφους₻ (Platform of Solidarity with Imprisoned Journalists). Σύμφωνα με την Πλατφόρμα, ₫η Τουρκία έχει τον υψηλότερο αριθμό συλληφθέντων δημοσιογράφων παγκοσμίως και βρίσκεται στην κορυφή της λίστας. Το Κόμμα Δικαιοσύνης και Ανάπτυξης (AKP) καταχράται την αντιτρομοκρατική νομοθεσία₻. Εκτός τούτου, ο συνασπισμός υπενθυμίζει την οπισθοδρόμηση της Τουρκίας στην κατάταξη για την ελευθερία του Τύπου, σημειώνοντας πτώση 10 θέσεων και καταλήγοντας στην 148η θέση επί συνόλου 178 αναφερόμενων χωρών στον Παγκόσμιο Δείκτη Ελευθερίας του Τύπου (World Press Freedom Index) της οργάνωσης ₫Δημοσιογράφοι χωρίς Σύνορα₻ (Reporters without Borders — RSF) για το 2011.
Οι ανωτέρω κατηγορίες συμφωνούν πλήρως με όσα ανέφεραν οι Ahmet Insel (Καθηγητής), Akin Atalay (δικηγόρος) και Emma Nicolai-Webb (ερευνήτρια), ως προσκεκλημένοι ομιλητές, στη διάρκεια της τελευταίας συνάντησης της Μικτής Κοινοβουλευτικής Επιτροπής ΕΕ-Τουρκίας (Βρυξέλλες), στις 31 Ιανουαρίου 2012.
Σε αυτό το πλαίσιο, τίθενται στην Επιτροπή τα ακόλουθα ερωτήματα:







Στο πλαίσιο της τρέχουσας υποψηφιότητας της Τουρκίας για προσχώρηση στην ΕΕ, γιατί συμπεριφέρεται η ΕΕ με τέτοιο αξιολύπητο τρόπο και δεν επιβάλλει κυρώσεις στην Τουρκία για τις σοβαρές παραβιάσεις των ανθρωπίνων δικαιωμάτων και την αδυναμία εφαρμογής της ευρωπαϊκής και διεθνούς νομοθεσίας και των Συνθηκών, τις οποίες η Τουρκία έχει υπογράψει;











Ποια άμεσα μέτρα προτίθεται να αναλάβει η ΕΕ για να θέσει τέρμα σε αυτή την απαράδεκτη συμπεριφορά των τουρκικών αρχών και για την απελευθέρωση των φυλακισμένων;




Απάντηση του κ. Füle εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής
(15 Μαρτίου 2012)
Η Επιτροπή παραπέμπει το Αξιότιμο Μέλος στο διαπραγματευτικό πλαίσιο που εγκρίθηκε ομόφωνα τον Οκτώβριο του 2005 από τα κράτη μέλη. Το πλαίσιο αυτό ορίζει τους κανόνες και τις αρχές που διέπουν τις διαπραγματεύσεις προσχώρησης της Τουρκίας και καθορίζει τον ρόλο και τις δράσεις της Επιτροπής κατά τις διαπραγματεύσεις, ιδίως όπως περιγράφεται στην παράγραφο 5.
Όσον αφορά τον αριθμό των φυλακισμένων δημοσιογράφων, η Επιτροπή επανέλαβε σε πολλές ευκαιρίες και λεπτομερώς τις ανησυχίες της για το ότι η τουρκική νομοθεσία και η δικαστική πρακτική δεν εγγυώνται το δικαίωμα της ελευθερίας της έκφρασης και το δικαίωμα σε μια δίκαιη δίκη σύμφωνα με την Ευρωπαϊκή Σύμβαση ανθρωπίνων δικαιωμάτων και τη νομολογία του Ευρωπαϊκού Δικαστηρίου Ανθρωπίνων Δικαιωμάτων. 
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001524/12
to the Commission
Antigoni Papadopoulou (S&D)
(16 February 2012)

Subject: Imprisoned journalists in Turkey
The number of imprisoned journalists in Turkey rose to 105, as stated in a recent report issued by the Platform of Solidarity with Imprisoned Journalists. According to the Platform ‘Turkey has the highest number of arrested journalists in the world and it is on the top of the list. The Justice and Development Party (AKP) abuse the anti-terror law’. Moreover, the group reminds Turkey's step backwards in press freedom rankings losing 10 places to rank 148th out of 178 countries in the reporters with Borders' (RSF) World Freedom Index for 2011.
The above accusations are in full compliance with what Ahmet Insel (Professor), Akin Atalay (lawyer) and Emma Nicolai-Webb (researcher) mentioned, as invited guests, during the last EU‐Turkey Joint Parliamentary Committee meeting(Brussels), on 31 January, 2012.
In this context, the Commission is asked:







In the framework of Turkey's current candidacy for accession to the EU, why is the EU so pathetic and does not impose sanctions against Turkey, for the severe violations of Human Rights and the non-implementation of European and international legislation as well as the Treaties, to which Turkey is a signatory?











What immediate actions does the EU intend to take in order to stop this inadmissible behaviour by Turkish authorities and to release prisoners?




Answer given by Mr Füle  on behalf of the Commission
(15 March 2012)
The Commission refers the Honourable Member to the Negotiating Framework unanimously adopted in October 2005 by the Member States; it defines the rules and principles governing Turkey's accession negotiations, and determines the Commission's role and actions in the negotiations, notably as set out in paragraph five.
Regarding the number of imprisoned journalists, the Commission has at many occasions and in great detail reiterated its concern that Turkish legislation and judicial practice do not guarantee the right to freedom of expression and the right to a fair trial in line with the European Convention on Human Rights and the case law of the European Court of Human Rights. 
(Versione italiana)
Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-001525/12
al Consiglio
Fiorello Provera (EFD)
(16 febbraio 2012)

Oggetto: Complotto ispirato da Al Qaeda per un attacco bomba a Londra
Il 1o febbraio 2012 i media britannici hanno riportato il caso di quattro terroristi ispirati da Al Qaeda, provenienti da varie città del Regno Unito, che si sono dichiarati colpevoli di aver progettato un attacco bomba durante le feste natalizie contro la London Stock Exchange (la Borsa londinese), l'ambasciata americana, la casa del sindaco di Londra Boris Johnson e due rabbini. Questi terroristi avevano anche previsto di attaccare il Parlamento britannico con uno stile simile a quello degli attentati di Mumbai del 2008, di spedire ordigni esplosivi alla Royal Mail e di attaccare anche bar e discoteche locali.
I quattro individui sono cittadini britannici di etnia mista del Pakistan e del Bangladesh, e si ritiene che siano stati influenzati dal gruppo Al-Qaeda nella Penisola Araba (AQAP). Utilizzavano la rivista in lingua inglese di AQAP come guida: secondo le notizie riportate dai media, in essa spiccava un servizio intitolato ₫Costruisci una bomba nella cucina di tua mamma₻. Essi si sono inoltre ispirati all'imam yemenita-americano Anwar al-Awlaki, ucciso da un drone statunitense lo scorso anno. I membri del gruppo si erano incontrati tramite la predicazione musulmana e la messaggistica istantanea online.






1.


È il Consiglio a conoscenza degli arresti summenzionati?










2.


Secondo la relazione aggiornata del Consiglio sul piano d'azione dell'UE per la lotta contro il terrorismo, quali sono alcune delle nuove proposte che potrebbero affrontare il problema esistente degli islamisti radicali ispirati da gruppi come AQAP?










3.


Secondo le valutazioni del Consiglio stesso, qual è la portata della minaccia rappresentata da AQAP per l'UE?










4.


Al fine di prevenire attacchi terroristici in altri paesi dell'UE, quali procedure sono attualmente applicate per monitorare AQAP e i suoi affiliati in Europa?




Risposta
(2 aprile 2012)
Il Consiglio è a conoscenza del caso citato dall'onorevole parlamentare.
Il Consiglio ha seguito con preoccupazione la recente evoluzione della minaccia terrorista, anche nelle sue conclusioni del 12 settembre 2011 (193), che hanno rilevato l'importanza di continuare a contrastare l'estremismo e la radicalizzazione in tutte le sue forme, quale ne sia la motivazione, e le modalità operative dei terroristi, affrontando i temi della diffusione della propaganda estremista su Internet, del reclutamento e dell'istigazione a commettere atti di terrorismo.
Il Consiglio ha accolto con favore l'iniziativa della Commissione di creare una rete UE di sensibilizzazione al problema della radicalizzazione (194), basata sulla convinzione che sia possibile contenere al massimo la radicalizzazione ai fini terroristici intervenendo quanto più possibile sugli individui più esposti nelle comunità più vulnerabili. Da allora la Commissione, con il sostegno del coordinatore antiterrorismo dell'UE e del SEAE, ha inoltre organizzato una riunione con gli USA per esaminare come meglio dialogare con la diaspora pakistana per combattere l'estremismo violento.
AQAP rappresenta una notevole fonte di minacce per l'Unione europea, come frequentemente rilevato nelle relazioni del coordinatore antiterrorismo dell'UE, da ultimo nella relazione del novembre 2011 (195) che ha posto in luce l’immaginazione dimostrata dal gruppo nella ricerca di falle nelle nostre misure di sicurezza.
Prevenire gli attacchi terrroristici è soprattutto compito delle pertinenti agenzie degli Stati membri, poiché in virtù dell'articolo 72 del TFUE, le misure nazionali per il mantenimento dell'ordine pubblico e la salvaguardia della sicurezza interna rientrano nelle competenze degli Stati membri. Vi sono tuttavia periodici scambi di informazioni e di esperienze tramite le pertinenti agenzie dell'UE come l'Europol. É inoltre missione del SITCEN dell'UE fornire analisi d'intelligence, allarme rapido e una conoscenza della situazione all'Alto Rappresentante Catherine Ashton, al servizio europeo per l'azione esterna (SEAE), ai vari organi decisionali dell’UE (in materia di politica estera e di sicurezza comune, politica di sicurezza e di difesa comune e antiterrorismo) e agli Stati membri.
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001525/12
to the Council
Fiorello Provera (EFD)
(16 February 2012)

Subject: Al-Qaeda terror bomb plot in London
On 1 February 2012, the British media reported on the case of four al-Qaeda-inspired terrorists from various British cities, who have pleaded guilty to plotting a Christmas bomb attack on the London Stock Exchange, the US Embassy, the home of London's mayor Boris Johnson, and two rabbis. These men also planned to target the UK Parliament, in a style similar to the Mumbai attacks of 2008, and to send bombs to the Royal Mail, and also discussed attacking local pubs and nightclubs.
The four individuals were British nationals of mixed Pakistani and Bangladeshi heritage, and were believed to have been influenced by al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP). They used their English-language magazine as a guide: it contained, according to media reports, a feature headlined ‘Make A Bomb In The Kitchen Of Your Mom’. They were also inspired by the Yemeni-American Anwar al-Awlaki, who died in a US-launched drone attack last year. The members of the group met through Muslim preaching and online instant messaging.






1.


Is the Council aware of the arrests mentioned above?










2.


According to the Council's updated report on the EU action plan for combating terrorism, what are some of the new proposals which could address the existing problem of radical Islamists inspired by groups such as AQAP?










3.


According to the Council's own assessments, how great is the threat posed by AQAP to the EU?










4.


In order to prevent terrorist attacks in other EU countries, what procedures are currently in place to monitor AQAP and its affiliates within Europe?




Reply
(2 April 2012)
The Council is aware of the case mentioned by the Honourable Member.
The Council has followed with concern the recent evolution of the terrorist threat, including in its conclusions of 12 September 2011 (196), which underlined the importance of continuing to tackle extremism and radicalisation in all its forms, regardless of motivation, and terrorist modus operandi, dealing with the spreading of extremist propaganda via the Internet, recruitment and incitement to commit terrorist acts.
The Council has welcomed the Commission initiative to launch an EU radicalisation awareness network (197), based on the belief that terrorist radicalisation can be best contained at a level closest to the most susceptible individuals in the most vulnerable communities. Since then, the Commission, with the support of the EU Counter Terrorism Coordinator and the EEAS, has also organised a meeting with the US to discuss how best to engage with the Pakistani Diaspora in countering violent extremism.
AQAP is a significant source of threat to the EU, as mentioned frequently in the reports of the EU Counter-Terrorism Coordinator, most recently his report in November 2011 (198) which pointed to the group's imagination in finding gaps in our security measures.
Prevention of terrorist attacks is primarily the task of the relevant agencies of the Member States, as pursuant to Article 72 TFEU, national measures in the field of maintenance of public order and safeguarding of internal security fall within the competence of Member States. There are, however, regular exchanges of information and experience through the relevant agencies of the EU such as Europol. It is also the mission of EU SITCEN to provide intelligence analyses, early warning and situational awareness to the High Representative Catherine Ashton, to the European External Action Service (EEAS), to the various EU decision making bodies (in the fields of the common foreign and security policy, the Common Security and Defence Policy, and Counter Terrorism), as well as to the Member States.
(Version française)
Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-001526/12
à la Commission
Jean-Luc Bennahmias (ALDE)
(16 février 2012)

Objet: Agriculture et normes
Les éleveurs ovins s'inquiètent d'être lourdement pénalisés par une très récente loi européenne qui a classé la laine de tonte parmi d'autres sous-produits de l'équarrissage. Ainsi s'appliqueraient à la laine de tonte les exigences d'hygiène et de traçabilité posées légitimement pour la corne, les peaux, les sabots, etc. Symboliquement comme pratiquement, la laine, matériau noble, est traitée comme un déchet sanitaire.
Cela implique et coûtera:






—


la réalisation de plates-formes de tonte dans chaque élevage, là où un bâchage provisoire convenait jusqu'à présent;










—


un ramassage et un transport distinct par élevage, là où les éleveurs s'arrangeaient pour partager des camions;










—


sans doute à terme également une vision ₫sanitaire₻ du métier de tondeur, avec des contraintes.




Ma question sera donc triple:







La Commission peut-elle rappeler les raisons profondes de son initiative?











A-t-elle évalué l'impact de cette mesure pour les agriculteurs européens?











Dans le but de garantir une concurrence parfaitement équitable, a-t-elle eu le souci de prendre des dispositions identiques pour les produits d'importation et comment compte-t-elle veiller explicitement aux contrôles de cette nouvelle norme pour les producteurs hors de l'Union européenne?




Réponse donnée par M. Dalli au nom de la Commission
(20 mars 2012)
Les conditions de police sanitaire régissant la mise sur le marché de la laine, y compris son importation, sont établies par le règlement (CE) no 1069/2009 du Parlement européen et du Conseil (199) sur les sous-produits animaux et par le règlement (UE) 142/2011 de la Commission (200) portant application dudit règlement. L'instauration de ces conditions vise en particulier à protéger la santé des animaux, puisque le commerce de la laine peut être un vecteur de propagation de maladies animales.
La Commission a procédé à une analyse d'impact qui était jointe à sa proposition de nouveau règlement du Parlement européen et du Conseil sur les sous-produits animaux (201). Cette analyse d'impact reposait sur une consultation publique et faisait suite à des discussions approfondies ayant duré plus de deux ans avec les États membres, les pays tiers et les parties prenantes.

Les conditions à l'importation de la laine en provenance de pays tiers sont équivalentes à celles qui s'appliquent à la mise sur le marché de la laine au sein de l'Union. Les experts de la Commission (202) effectuent des contrôles officiels réguliers dans les pays tiers pour vérifier la conformité ou l'équivalence de la législation et des systèmes des pays tiers au regard de la législation européenne relative aux sous-produits animaux.
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001526/12
to the Commission
Jean-Luc Bennahmias (ALDE)
(16 February 2012)

Subject: Agriculture and standards
Sheep farmers are concerned about being heavily penalised by the very recent European law which classifies wool fleece among other by-products of carcass disposal. Thus, all the hygiene and traceability requirements legitimately applying to horn, skins, hooves etc., would apply to wool fleece. Wool, a noble material, would be treated, in both symbolic and practical terms, as health waste.
This will require the following to be paid for:






—


the creation of shearing platforms at each farm, whereas temporary sheeting was all that was needed heretofore;










—


separate collection and transport for each farm, where farmers previously made arrangements amongst themselves to share transport;










—


undoubtedly, in the long term, a ‘health’ approach to the profession of shearer, with constraints.




My question is therefore threefold:







Can the Commission remind us of the reasons that lie at the bottom of this initiative?











Has it assessed the impact of this measure on European farmers?











In the aim of guaranteeing perfectly fair competition, has it made an effort to take identical measures in relation to imported products and how does it intend to ensure that there are checks on the implementation of this new standard for producers from outside the European Union?




Answer given by Mr Dalli on behalf of the Commission
(20 March 2012)
The health conditions for the placing on the market, including import of wool, are laid down in the regulation (EC) No 1069/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council on animal by-products (203) and in Commission Regulation (EU) 142/2001 (204) implementing that regulation. Those conditions have been established for the protection of animal health in particular, as trade in wool may cause the spread of animal disease agents. 
The Commission did carry out an impact assessment that accompanied its proposal for a new Regulation of the European Parliament and the Council on animal by-products (205). That impact assessment was based on a public consultation and followed in-depth discussions with Member States, third countries and stakeholders that lasted more than two years.
The conditions for import of wool from third countries are equivalent to those applying to the placing on the EU market. The Commission experts (206) regularly carry out official controls in third countries in order to verify the compliance or equivalence of third-country legislation and systems with the EU animal by-products legislation. 
(Version française)
Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-001527/12
à la Commission
Christine De Veyrac (PPE) et Brice Hortefeux (PPE)
(16 février 2012)

Objet: Rémunération des fonctionnaires européens
La Commission a décidé de poursuivre devant la Cour le Conseil, qui a refusé d'augmenter de 1,7 %, pour 2012, la rémunération, ainsi que les pensions des fonctionnaires européens.
En soutenant cette augmentation, la Commission estime-t-elle faire preuve de ₫discipline budgétaire₻?
Estime-t-elle favoriser l'adhésion des peuples au projet européen, ou favorise-t-elle au contraire la montée du sentiment anti-européen au sein des 27 États membres?
Ne considère-t-elle pas en outre et enfin que cette posture renforcera une fois de plus l'idée d'une Commission totalement déconnectée des réalités quotidiennes des habitants de l'Union, à l'heure où l'on exige chaque jour des efforts et des sacrifices de nos concitoyens pour surmonter l'une des crises les plus aigües de l'après-guerre?
Réponse donnée par M. Šefčovič au nom de la Commission
(20 mars 2012)
En 2011, certains des huit États membres de référence, dont la France, ont augmenté les traitements de leurs fonctionnaires nationaux en termes nominaux (207). En vertu du statut des fonctionnaires de l'UE, les rémunérations et pensions du personnel de l'ensemble des institutions et agences de l'Union sont adaptées chaque année conformément aux décisions politiques des États membres sur les rémunérations des fonctionnaires nationaux. En matière salariale, toute augmentation ou diminution concernant les fonctionnaires nationaux est répercutée sur le personnel de l'Union européenne.
Il en a résulté qu'en moyenne, les fonctionnaires nationaux ont subi une perte de pouvoir d'achat de 1,8 % en termes réels. La Commission a proposé au Conseil, dans le strict respect de la législation, que cette perte soit appliquée à l'identique aux fonctionnaires européens, quel que soit leur lieu d'affectation. Pour les effectifs travaillant à Bruxelles, où l'inflation s'est établie à 3,6 %, cette mesure a donné lieu à une adaptation nominale de + 1,7 %.
En dépit des considérations exposées ci-dessus, le Conseil a pris la décision formelle de ne pas adopter la proposition de la Commission. Estimant qu'elle est contraire au statut, la Commission conteste cette décision devant la Cour de justice de l'Union européenne. En 2010, dans une affaire similaire, cette dernière avait rendu un arrêt favorable à la Commission, qui avait été soutenue par le Parlement européen, en qualité de partie intervenante. 
La Commission a proposé parallèlement un certain nombre de modifications du statut permettant d'économiser 1 milliard d'euros entre 2013 et 2020 (208), en plus des 5 milliards d'euros d'économies prévus au cours de la même période à la suite de la réforme de 2004.
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001527/12
to the Commission
Christine De Veyrac (PPE) and Brice Hortefeux (PPE)
(16 February 2012)

Subject: European officials' pay
The Commission has decided to bring proceedings before the Court of Justice against the Council which has refused to increase the pay and pensions of European officials by 1.7 % for 2012.
Does the Commission believe that, by supporting this increase, it is showing ‘budgetary discipline’?
Does it think that it is promoting public support for the European project, or is it rather promoting an upsurge in anti-European feeling within the 27 Member States?
What is more, does it not ultimately think that this stance will just add more weight to the belief that the Commission is utterly disconnected from the everyday realities of EU residents, at a time when our fellow citizens are being called on to make efforts and sacrifices on a daily basis to overcome one of the worst crises in the post-war period? 
Answer given by Mr Šefčovič  on behalf of the Commission
(20 March 2012)
In 2011, France and some other of the eight reference Member States increased salaries of their national officials in nominal terms (209). Under the EU Staff Regulations (SR), salaries and pensions of EU staff in all institutions and agencies are adjusted annually according to political decisions taken by Member States regarding the salaries of national civil servants. When salaries of national officials increase or decrease, the same change is reflected in the pay of EU staff.
On average, this meant that national officials lost 1.8 % of their purchasing power in real terms. The Commission, in strict compliance with the law, proposed to the Council that the same loss be applied to EU officials in all places of employment. For staff based in Brussels where inflation is 3.6 %, this translates into a nominal adjustment of +1.7 %.
Despite the above considerations, the Council took a formal decision not to adopt the Commission proposal. The Commission considers that this decision breaches the SR and challenges it before the European Court of Justice, which ruled in its favour in a similar case in 2010, in which the Commission was supported by the Parliament, as intervener.
The Commission proposed a number of changes to the Staff Regulations at the same time in order to save EUR 1 billion between 2013 and 2020 (210), in addition to the EUR 5 billion to be saved over the same period as a result of the 2004 reform.
(Versione italiana)
Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-001531/12
alla Commissione
Mara Bizzotto (EFD)
(9 febbraio 2012)

Oggetto: Piste ciclabili e sicurezza
I dati diffusi dall'ANIA, la Fondazione per la sicurezza stradale, confermano che l’Italia è terza in Europa per mortalità stradale in bicicletta. Negli ultimi dieci anni sulle strade italiane sono morti 2 556 ciclisti, di cui 263 nel solo 2010, cifra che corrisponde al 6 % del totale delle vittime di pirati della strada.
La bicicletta ha un ruolo fondamentale nella realizzazione di una politica dei trasporti sostenibile per l'ambiente, ma a causa della ristrettezza di bilancio le amministrazioni pubbliche locali, coinvolte dalla crisi, devono sacrificare le risorse destinate alla costruzione di piste ciclabili, per la realizzazione di altre priorità. 
Alla luce di quanto sopra può la Commissione far sapere:







se nella futura programmazione 2013-2020 intende sostenere progetti dedicati e riservati alla realizzazione di infrastrutture sicure e











se intende sostenere e diffondere informazioni sulla sicurezza stradale nelle scuole e presso le associazioni territoriali che promuovono l'uso di questo mezzo di trasporto?




Risposta data da Siim Kallas a nome della Commissione
(22 marzo 2012)
La Commissione ricorda all'onorevole parlamentare che, per beneficiare di finanziamenti, i progetti infrastrutturali in campo stradale devono essere conformi agli standard di sicurezza di cui alla direttiva 2008/96/CE sulla gestione della sicurezza delle infrastrutture stradali (211), in virtù della quale gli Stati membri sono tenuti a effettuare valutazioni d'impatto e audit sulla sicurezza stradale per i progetti infrastrutturali che rientrano nella rete stradale transeuropea. Valutazioni e audit riguardano anche aspetti relativi alla sicurezza degli utenti della strada vulnerabili, quali sono i ciclisti. La Commissione incoraggia gli Stati membri ad applicare tali disposizioni anche alle infrastrutture stradali nazionali non inserite nella rete stradale transeuropea.
Per quanto concerne il secondo quesito posto dall'onorevole parlamentale, la Commissione incoraggia la diffusione di informazioni sulla sicurezza stradale. L'Unione europea ha contribuito e continua a contribuire con sovvenzioni al finanziamento di progetti relativi a diversi aspetti della sicurezza stradale.
Per quanto riguarda il trasporto in bicicletta, sono attualmente in fase di sviluppo due progetti, BIKEPAL e SAFECYCLE: il primo concerne la raccolta e la divulgazione delle migliori pratiche e il secondo la valutazione e la divulgazione delle applicazioni di e-safety finalizzate a migliorare la sicurezza dei ciclisti.
Molti altri progetti nel campo della sicurezza stradale finanziati con sovvenzioni dell'UE riguardano la diffusione di informazioni. Un elenco completo degli stessi può essere consultato sul sito web della Commissione dedicato alla sicurezza stradale: http://ec.europa.eu/transport/road_safety/specialist/projects/index_en.htm.
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001531/12
to the Commission
Mara Bizzotto (EFD)
(9 February 2012)

Subject: Cycle lanes and safety
Figures released by the ANIA road safety foundation show that Italy ranks third in Europe for cyclist road deaths. In the last 10 years, 2 556 cyclists have died on Italian roads, 263 of them in 2010 alone, a figure that corresponds to 6 % of the total number of victims of irresponsible drivers.
The bicycle plays a fundamental role in efforts to pursue an environmentally sustainable transport policy. However, owing to budget constraints, local authorities, under pressure from the crisis, are obliged to sacrifice resources earmarked for the construction of cycle lanes in order to pursue other priorities. 
In light of the above, can the Commission state:







whether in the 2013-2020 programming period it intends to support projects specifically dedicated to the construction of safe infrastructure, and











whether it intends to encourage the dissemination of road safety information to schools and to local associations that promote the use of this mode of transport?




Answer given by Mr Kallas on behalf of the Commission
(22 March 2012)
Concerning the financing of road infrastructure projects, the Commission draws the attention of the Honourable Member that infrastructure projects have to comply with safety standards in accordance with Directive 2008/96/EC on road infrastructure safety management (212). This directive requires Member States to carry out road safety impact assessments and road safety audits for infrastructure projects belonging to the trans-European road network. The safety of vulnerable road users, including cyclists, is amongst the aspects covered by road safety impact assessments and road safety audits. The Commission encourages Member States to apply these provisions to national road transport infrastructure not included in the trans-European road network.
In relation to the Honourable Member's second question, the Commission encourages the dissemination of road safety information. The EU has contributed in the past and contributes today with grants to the financing of projects related to various aspects of road safety.
Concerning cycling, two projects are now in development, BIKEPAL and SAFECYCLE, the former including the collection and dissemination of best practises and the latter for the assessment and dissemination of e-safety applications which enhance the safety of cyclists.
Many other projects funded by EU grants in the field of road safety concern dissemination of information. The full list can be consulted in the Commission's road safety website: http://ec.europa.eu/transport/road_safety/specialist/projects/index_en.htm
(Versione italiana)
Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-001532/12
alla Commissione
Mara Bizzotto (EFD)
(16 febbraio 2012)

Oggetto: Caso Redi Ht di Barbarano, Vicenza
Lo stabilimento Redi Ht S.r.l. di Barbarano, in provincia di Vicenza, produce tubi e raccordi in plastica per scarichi civili ed è controllato dal gruppo multinazionale belga Aliaxis S.p.A.
A seguito di decisioni organizzative, per il contenimento dei costi e l'incremento dei profitti, la Redi Ht S.r.l. ha reso noto ieri ai propri 43 dipendenti l'approvazione di un progetto di fusione con la società Dalpex S.p.A. che porterà alla chiusura dei due siti produttivi di Barbarano (Redi Ht) e di Campiglia Marittima (Dalpex) e alla delocalizzazione produttiva in Polonia.
Come nel caso DITEC, portato lo scorso gennaio all'attenzione della Commissione europea, l'azienda vicentina vanta un ottimo portafoglio, ordini e un bilancio in attivo, ma è stato comunque deciso di spostarla in un altro Stato membro semplicemente per trarre vantaggio dalle differenze esistenti in termini fiscali e previdenziali.
Occorre inoltre sottolineare che i lavoratori, vittime delle scelte di delocalizzazione compiute da aziende economicamente sane, non hanno nemmeno diritto agli ammortizzatori sociali perché, non essendo in stato di crisi, l'azienda non può far ricorso alla cassa integrazione.
Alla luce di quanto sopra può la Commissione far sapere:






—


Come intende risolvere definitivamente il problema del dumping che mina l'efficienza del mercato interno, impoverendo territori e famiglie di molti Stati membri?










—


Quali misure intende adottare immediatamente per ovviare al problema, ormai quotidiano, della delocalizzazione di imprese sane in Stati membri con legislazioni diverse e più favorevoli, e dei conseguenti tagli occupazionali che a essa si collegano?










—


Se nella prossima revisione del FEG, il Fondo di adeguamento alla globalizzazione, ha pensato di predisporre misure di sostegno per intervenire in queste circostanze che, pur non coinvolgendo grandi numeri, pongono 43 famiglie sul lastrico, a causa di inefficienze del mercato interno?










—


Quali misure concrete suggerisce per fornire immediato sostegno a questi lavoratori?




Risposta data da Laszlo Andor a nome della Commissione
(2 aprile 2012)
La Commissione non ha competenza per interferire nelle decisioni delle imprese in merito all'ubicazione delle loro attività. Tuttavia, diverse direttive dell'UE sono applicabili in caso di 
chiusura di imprese e di trasferimenti (213)
,
 (214)
,
 (215)
,
 (216). Queste direttive sono state recepite in Italia. 
Per quanto concerne la direttiva 2009/38/CE del Consiglio (217) la Commissione ha sollecitato l'Italia nel dicembre 2011 a recepirla. 
Spetta alle autorità nazionali competenti assicurare che le regole nazionali che recepiscono le direttive vengano applicate in modo corretto ed efficace alla luce delle circostanze specifiche di ciascun caso al fine di garantire che il datore di lavoro ottemperi agli obblighi che gli incombono.
La Commissione ritiene necessaria un'attuazione più efficace delle attuali pratiche ottimali in merito a ristrutturazioni d'imprese. Essa ha pubblicato un Libro verde (218) sulla questione e attende di ricevere i contributi di tutte le parti interessate, degli Stati membri e delle istituzioni dell'UE, prima di avviare iniziative in questo ambito.
Il regolamento relativo al FEG (219) stabilisce che a certe condizioni è possibile fornire un aiuto anche al di sotto della soglia dei 500 lavoratori. La Commissione ha proposto di mantenere tale possibilità in futuro. Tuttavia, in questo caso è improbabile che l'autorità di bilancio ritenga ammissibile una simile domanda. Il Fondo sociale europeo, per il tramite del Programma operativo Veneto 2007-13, potrebbe contribuire al reinserimento nel mercato del lavoro dei lavoratori licenziati fornendo loro un sostegno alla formazione in vista di una loro riqualificazione professionale. 
Per quanto concerne il Fondo europeo di sviluppo regionale, il considerando n. 42 del regolamento (CE) n. 1083/2006 stabilisce che il fondo accerta se i contributi finanziari non finiscano per sostenere la rilocalizzazione all'interno dell'UE. L'Autorità di gestione è l'organismo responsabile a tal fine.
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001532/12
to the Commission
Mara Bizzotto (EFD)
(16 February 2012)

Subject: The case of Redi Ht in Barbarano, Vicenza
The Redi Ht srl factory in Barbarano, province of Vicenza, produces plastic pipes and fittings for municipal drains and is controlled by the Belgian multinational group Aliaxis spa.
Following organisational decisions, with a view to reducing costs and increasing profits, Redi Ht srl yesterday announced to its 43 employees that a plan had been approved to merge with the company Dalpex srl, which would lead to the closure of the two production sites in Barbarano (Redi Ht) and Campiglia Marittima (Dalpex) and to the relocation of production to Poland.
As in the DITEC case, brought to the Commission’s attention last January, the Vicenza-based company boasts an excellent portfolio, plenty of orders and a balance sheet in the black, but has nonetheless decided to move to another Member State simply to take advantage of the differences that exist in terms of tax and pensions.
It should also be stressed that the workers, victims of relocation decisions made by economically sound companies, are not even entitled to welfare benefits because, as it is not in crisis, the company cannot apply to use the Cassa Integrazione wage guarantee fund. 
In light of the above, can the Commission state:






—


how it intends to definitively resolve the problem of dumping, which is undermining the efficiency of the internal market and impoverishing regions and families in many Member States;










—


what immediate measures it intends to take to address the now daily problem of sound businesses relocating to Member States which have different, more favourable legislation, and the job losses that entails;










—


whether, in the next revision of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF), it has considered drawing up support measures so that action can be taken in these circumstances which, while not involving large numbers, are leaving 43 families in poverty due to the inefficiency of the internal market;










—


what concrete measures it would suggest in order to provide these workers with immediate support?




Answer given by Mr Andor on behalf of the Commission
(2 April 2012)
The Commission has no power to interfere with the decisions of undertakings concerning the location of their activities. Nevertheless, several EU directives could be applicable in cases of closure of undertakings and relocations (220)
 (221)
 (222)
 (223). These directives have been transposed in Italy. 
As for Council Directive 2009/38/EC (224) the Commission has requested Italy in December 2011 to transpose it. 
It is for the competent national authorities to ensure that the national rules transposing the directives are correctly and effectively applied in the light of the specific circumstances of each case to guarantee that the employer fulfils any duties in that regard.
The Commission considers necessary a more effective implementation of existing best practices on companies restructuring. It has published a Green Paper (225) on this matter and expects contributions from stakeholders, Member States and EU institutions, before launching initiatives in this area.
The EGF Regulation (226) provides that fewer than the threshold number of 500 workers can be helped under some conditions. The Commission proposed to maintain this possibility in the future. However, in this case, it is unlikely that the budgetary authority would consider such an application eligible. The European Social Fund via the Operational Programme Veneto 2007-2013 could help the reallocation of redundant workers in the labour market through training support aimed at their professional requalification. 
Concerning the European Regional Development Fund, Recital No 42 of (EC) Regulation 1083/2006 provides that the Fund will consider whether the financial contribution does not result in supporting relocation within the EU. The Managing Authority is the body responsible for this task.
(Versione italiana)
Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-001533/12
alla Commissione
Andrea Zanoni (ALDE) e Niccolò Rinaldi (ALDE)
(16 febbraio 2012)

Oggetto: Caccia di uccelli in periodo pre-nuziale e migratorio in violazione della direttiva 2009/147/CE (direttiva «Uccelli») da parte della regione Lazio
La regione Lazio, con decreto del Presidente n. T00018 del 20.1.2012, ha clamorosamente e improvvisamente deciso di posticipare la chiusura della stagione venatoria, che normalmente in Italia termina il 31 gennaio, fino al 9 febbraio 2012.
Con tale decreto, l'esercizio venatorio è stato addirittura permesso all'interno delle zone di protezione speciale (ZPS) della rete Natura 2000 e, in particolare, nei confronti di quattro specie di uccelli appartenenti alla fauna selvatica europea: il colombaccio (Columba palumbus), la cornacchia grigia (Corvus corone cornix), la gazza (Pica pica) e la ghiandaia (Garrulus glandarius).
Tale decisione è intervenuta dopo il pronunciamento del TAR (Tribunale amministrativo regionale) del Lazio, che ha riformato il calendario venatorio regionale della regione Lazio così come indicato dall'Istituto per la protezione dell'ambiente (ISPRA), il quale ha invece stabilito che la stagione venatoria deve terminare per molte specie tra fine dicembre e inizio gennaio.
La regione Lazio, pertanto, non solo ha deliberatamente ignorato il pronunciamento del Tribunale amministrativo competente, ma ha agito in senso opposto alle indicazioni scientifiche dell'ISPRA.
L'inaccettabile prolungamento dell'esercizio venatorio in periodo pre-nuziale e migratorio creerà infatti un forte danno e disturbo a molte altre specie di uccelli che si trovano già in fase di migrazione verso il nord Europa.
— La Commissione è al corrente di tale decreto della regione Lazio? Quali azioni intende intraprendere nei confronti di questo ennesimo caso di violazione della direttiva 2009/147/CE (₫Uccelli₻)?
— La Commissione non ritiene utile intervenire urgentemente e con determinazione in considerazione delle ripetute condanne e recidive per la violazione della direttiva ₫Uccelli₻, anche presso le competenti autorità regionali delle regioni Veneto, Lombardia, Liguria e Sardegna?
Risposta data da Janez Potočnik a nome della Commissione
(28 marzo 2012)
La Commissione non era a conoscenza del fatto che la Regione Lazio avesse adottato, il 20 gennaio 2012, il decreto del presidente n. T00018.
Dall’analisi effettuata è emerso che il decreto ha posticipato dal 31 gennaio al 9 febbraio 2012 la chiusura della stagione venatoria nella Regione per quattro specie incluse nell’allegato II della direttiva ₫Uccelli₻ (Columba Palumbus, Corvus corone cornix, Pica pica, Garrulus glandarius).
Poiché il periodo interessato dalla proroga della stagione venatoria prevista dal decreto non coincide con i periodi di nidificazione, riproduzione o migrazione — durante i quali la caccia è vietata — delle quattro specie in questione, la Commissione non ravvisa nella situazione segnalata dall’onorevole parlamentare nessuna violazione dell’articolo 7, paragrafo 4, della direttiva 2009/147/CE (227).
Quanto al secondo quesito, la Commissione è ripetutamente intervenuta con determinazione: sono attualmente pendenti nei confronti dell’Italia quattro procedure d’infrazione per violazione delle disposizioni della direttiva ₫Uccelli₻ riguardo alla caccia sia nelle Regioni citate dall’onorevole parlamentare sia in altre (casi 2004/4242, 2004/4926, 2006/2131, 2011/2205).
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001533/12
to the Commission
Andrea Zanoni (ALDE) and Niccolò Rinaldi (ALDE)
(16 February 2012)

Subject: Hunting of birds during the courtship and migration season: contravention of Directive 2009/147/EC (the ‘Birds Directive’) by the Region of Lazio 
In issuing the President of the Lazio Region’s Decree No T00018 of 20 January 2012, the Lazio Region unexpectedly and dramatically decided to postpone the end of the hunting season, which normally closes on 31 January in Italy, until 9 February 2012.
This decree allowed hunting to be carried out right inside the special protection areas (SPAs) of the Natura 2000 network and, in particular, permitted the hunting of four species of birds in the category of European woodland fauna: the woodpigeon (Columba palumbus), the hooded crow (Corvus corone cornix), the magpie (Pica pica) and the Eurasian jay (Garrulus glandarius).
This decision was made following the judgment by the Lazio Regional Administrative Court which reorganised the regional hunting calendar of the Lazio Region, as recommended by the Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA). That body had stated that the hunting season should end for many species between late December and early January.
In other words, the Lazio Region has not only deliberately ignored the judgment by the relevant administrative court, but has acted in a way that runs counter to ISPRA’s scientific advice.
The unacceptable extension of hunting during the courtship and migration season will cause serious damage and disturbance to many other bird species which are already in the process of migrating to Northern Europe.
— Is the Commission aware of the decree issued by the Lazio Region? What steps does it intend to take to tackle this latest in a series of infringements of Directive 2009/147/EC (the Birds Directive) ?
— Does the Commission agree that, in view of the repeated findings of serial infringements of the Birds Directive, it should take urgent and determined action to bring pressure to bear on the Region in question, as well as the relevant regional authorities in the Veneto, Lombardy, Liguria and Sardinia?
Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission
(28 March 2012)
The Commission was not aware of the adoption by the Lazio region of Presidential Decree No T00018 of 20 January 2012.
The analysis of the Decree has highlighted that the Decree has postponed the end of the hunting season in Lazio, for four species of birds (Columba Palumbus, Corvus corone cornix, Pica pica, Garrulus glandarius) included in Annex II of the Birds Directive (9 February 2012 instead of 31 January 2012).
As there is no overlap between the extended hunting period, as defined by the Decree, and the periods of rearing, reproduction or migration of the four species concerned, during which hunting is not permitted, the Commission cannot identify any breach of Article 7(4) of Directive 2009/147/EC (228) in the situation brought to its attention by the Honourable Member.
Concerning the second question, determined action has repeatedly been taken by the Commission: currently, there are four infringement procedures still ongoing against Italy for breaches to the provisions of the Birds Directive on hunting in the Regions mentioned by the Honourable Member as well as in other Italian regions (Cases 2004/4242, 2004/4926, 2006/2131, 2011/2205). 
(Versione italiana)
Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-001534/12
alla Commissione
Andrea Zanoni (ALDE) e Niccolò Rinaldi (ALDE)
(9 febbraio 2012)

Oggetto: Nuove disposizioni normative della regione Lazio che indeboliscono la tutela delle aree Natura 2000
La regione Lazio, con la delibera n. 612 del 16 dicembre 2011, ha regolamentato la gestione delle aree della rete europea Natura 2000, ovvero le zone di protezione speciale (ZPS) e le zone speciali di conservazione (ZSC).
La rete Natura 2000 interessa circa un quarto del territorio del Lazio ed è notoriamente costituita da una rete ecologica che ha lo scopo di garantire il mantenimento a lungo termine degli habitat naturali e delle specie di flora e fauna minacciate o rare.
L'articolo 10 della citata deliberazione prevede ora che la giunta regionale possa approvare all'interno di queste aree anche progetti ₫impattanti₻, cioè che hanno avuto una valutazione negativa d'incidenza sul sito, per motivi imperativi di rilevante interesse pubblico, inclusi motivi di natura sociale o economica che sono definiti dalla giunta stessa.
In base alla precedente regolamentazione regionale, l'autorizzazione a realizzare progetti che possono avere un impatto importante sull'ambiente era, invece, subordinata a una preventiva e specifica valutazione positiva.
In base alla delibera recentemente approvata, invece, la costruzione di opere ₫impattanti₻, come ad esempio impianti sciistici, cave, impianti eolici industriali, nuove strade, ecc. può essere concessa semplicemente se l'amministrazione regionale lo riterrà opportuno.
— La Commissione è a conoscenza di questa nuova normativa della regione Lazio?
— Ritiene queste disposizioni compatibili con i principi di tutela degli habitat naturali e delle specie di flora e fauna minacciate o rare così come previsto dalla direttiva 92/43/CEE?
Risposta data da Janez Potočnik a nome della Commissione
(28 marzo 2012)
La Commissione non era a conoscenza dell’adozione da parte della regione Lazio della delibera n. 612 del 16 dicembre 2011.
L’articolo 10 della delibera riprende testualmente l’articolo 6, paragrafo 4, della direttiva 92/43/CEE (la direttiva Habitat), ai sensi del quale gli Stati membri hanno la facoltà di decidere che un piano o progetto venga realizzato, nonostante le conclusioni negative della valutazione dell’incidenza sul sito, per motivi imperativi di rilevante interesse pubblico e in mancanza di soluzioni alternative.In tal caso lo Stato membro deve adottare ogni misura compensativa necessaria per garantire che la coerenza globale di Natura 2000 sia tutelata e deve rispettare gli obblighi di cui all’articolo 6, paragrafo 4, della direttiva menzionata, tra cui quello di informare la Commissione.
La Commissione non rileva pertanto nel testo della delibera in questione alcuna violazione della direttiva 92/43/CEE.
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001534/12
to the Commission
Andrea Zanoni (ALDE) and Niccolò Rinaldi (ALDE)
(9 February 2012)

Subject: New legislation introduced by the Lazio Region which weakens the protection of Natura 2000 areas
The Lazio Region’s Decision No 612 of 16 December 2011 introduces provisions relating to the management of the areas within the European Natura 2000 network, namely the special protection areas (SPAs) and special areas of conservation (SACs).
The Natura 2000 network covers about a quarter of the territory of Lazio. As is well known, it forms an ecological network whose aim is to guarantee the long-term maintenance of natural habitats and flora and fauna species that are threatened or rare.
Article 10 of the abovementioned decision now provides that the Regional Council can approve projects that would ‘have an impact’ — that is, a negative impact — on sites within these areas for overriding reasons of significant public interest. These include reasons of a social or economic nature, as defined by the Regional Council itself.
Under the regional legislation previously in force, authorisation to carry out projects that could have a significant impact on the environment was conditional on obtaining a prior and positive assessment of the specific project's potential impact .
Pursuant to the decision recently approved, however, the construction of works that ‘have an impact’, such as skiing facilities, quarries, wind farms, new roads, etc. may be allowed provided only that the Regional authority regards them as appropriate.
— Is the Commission aware of the new legislation introduced by the Lazio Region?
— Does the Commission believe that these provisions are compatible with the principles of protection of natural habitats and flora and fauna species that are threatened or rare, as laid down in Directive 92/43/EEC?
Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission
(28 March 2012)
The Commission was not aware of the adoption by the Lazio region's of Decision n. 612 of 16 December 2011.
The text of Article 10 of the decision reflects literally the text of Article 6(4) of Directive 92/43/EEC (the ‘Habitat Directive’), which gives the Member states the right to choose to carry out a plan or project, for imperative reasons of overriding public interest and in absence of alternative solutions, in spite of a negative assessment of the implications for the site.In suchcase, the Member Statemusttake all compensatory measures necessary to ensure that the overall coherence of Natura 2000 is protected and must fulfil all the requirements laid down in Article 6(4) of the directive, including the obligation to inform the Commission.

The Commission, therefore, cannot identify in the text of the mentioned Decision any breach of Directive 92/43/EEC.
(Nederlandse versie)
Vraag met verzoek om schriftelijk antwoord E-001535/12
aan de Commissie
Lambert van Nistelrooij (PPE)
(16 februari 2012)

Betreft: Mogelijkheden compensatie uit EVF voor Nederlandse vissersvloot na onlangs verworpen EU-Marokko visserijovereenkomst
Het Europees Parlement verwierp op 14 december jl. de verlenging van de visserijovereenkomst tussen de EU en Marokko. Het gevolg is dat deze overeenkomst, die visrechten aan Europese vissers in Marokkaanse wateren verleende in ruil voor 46 miljoen euro financiële compensatie aan Marokko, per 28 februari 2011 (met  terugwerkende kracht) ongeldig is. Totdat er een nieuwe overeenkomst is gesloten mogen Europese vissers niet meer in Marokkaanse wateren vissen.
Onlangs melde de New York Times (229) dat de banen van vele Spaanse vissers in gevaar zijn vanwege deze situatie. Minister Miguel Arias Cañete maakte op 27 januari jl. namens de Spaanse regering na overleg met commissaris Damanaki bekend (230) en dat zij financieel met 9,2 miljoen euro schadeloos worden gesteld vanuit het Europees Visserij Fonds (EVF).
Ook de Nederlandse pelagische vissersvloot, die met 32,5 % het grootste gedeelte van de vangstquota in Marokkaanse wateren bezat, heeft aanzienlijke financiële schade opgelopen.
— Overweegt de Commissie het Europees Visserij Fonds te mobiliseren om in navolging van de Spaanse vissers ook de getroffen Nederlandse vissers van financiële compensatie te voorzien?
— Zo niet, waarom niet?
— Zo ja, welke stappen dient Nederland te nemen om de vergoedingsprocedure vanuit het EVF in gang te zetten?
Antwoord van mevrouw Damanaki namens de Commissie
(29 maart 2012)
Het is inderdaad mogelijk om met middelen uit het Europees Visserijfonds (EVF) bij te dragen tot de financiering van steunmaatregelen wanneer een visserijovereenkomst tussen de EU en een derde land niet wordt verlengd. Dergelijke steunmaatregelen — die geflankeerd kunnen zijn door financiële compensaties voor de betrokken vissers en eigenaren van vissersvaartuigen — moeten tot doel hebben de vissersvloot van de EU te helpen zich aan de nieuwe situatie aan te passen. 
Overeenkomstig het beginsel van gedeeld beheer dat wordt toegepast bij het beheer en de tenuitvoerlegging van het EVF, is het de taak van de nationale autoriteiten om maatregelen te selecteren die in aanmerking komen voor financiering uit het EVF. De Spaanse autoriteiten hebben besloten om in het kader van hun operationele programma steun te oormerken voor maatregelen zoals hierboven uiteengezet. 
In het lopende, uit het EVF gecofinancierde operationele programma van Nederland („Perspectief voor een duurzame visserij voor de periode 2007-2013” — C(2007) 6787 van 19 december 2007) is de uitvoering van maatregelen zoals hierboven beschreven, alvast niet aan de orde en de Commissie heeft evenmin vernomen dat de Nederlandse autoriteiten van plan zouden zijn hun programma te wijzigen teneinde alsnog in dergelijke maatregelen te voorzien.
De Commissie stelt voor dat het geachte Parlementslid voor meer informatie rechtstreeks contact opneemt met de beheersautoriteit van het EVF-programma in Nederland.
Beheersautoriteit EVF
Ministerie van Economische Zaken, Landbouw & Innovatie
Prins Clauslaan 8
2595 AJ Den Haag
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001535/12
to the Commission
Lambert van Nistelrooij (PPE)
(16 February 2012)

Subject: Possibilities of compensation from EFF for Dutch fishing fleet following recently rejected EU‐Morocco fisheries agreement
On 14 December 2011, the European Parliament rejected the extension of the fisheries agreement between the EU and Morocco. The result is that this agreement, which provided fishing rights to European fishing vessels in Moroccan waters in exchange for financial compensation to Morocco of EUR 46 million, is invalid as of 28 February 2011 (retroactively). European fishing vessels are no longer allowed to fish in Moroccan waters until a new agreement is reached.
According to a recent report in the New York Times
 (231)
, the jobs of many Spanish fishermen are in danger because of this situation. On 27 January 2012, Minister Miguel Arias Cañete announced (232) on behalf of the Spanish Government after meeting with Commissioner Damanaki that they will receive EUR 9.2 million in compensation from the European Fisheries Fund (EFF). 
The Dutch pelagic fishing fleet, which possessed the largest share (32.5 %) of the catch quota in Moroccan waters, has also suffered considerable financial damage.
— Is the Commission considering mobilising the European Fisheries Fund to also compensate the affected Dutch fishermen financially, just like the Spanish fishermen?
— If not, why not?
— If so, what steps should the Netherlands take to set in motion the compensation procedure from the EFF?
Answer given by Ms Damanaki on behalf of the Commission
(29 March 2012)
The European Fisheries Fund (EFF) indeed includes the possibility to contribute to the financing of aid measures in a case of non-renewal of a fisheries agreement between the EU and a third country. Such aid measures should aim at adjusting the EU fishing fleet to the new situation which can be accompanied by financial compensations for the fishers and the owners of fishing vessels affected.
In line with the shared management principle used for the administration and the implementation of the EFF, the selection of measures to be co-financed by the EFF is the responsibility of the national authorities. The Spanish authorities have decided to provide for such aid under their Operational Programme.
The current Dutch operational programme ‘Perspectives for a sustainable fisheries sector 2007-2013’ (C(2007) 6787 of 19 December 2007), which is co-financed by the EFF, does not foresee the implementation of the abovementioned measures and the Commission is not aware of intention of the Dutch authorities to amend their programme to provide for such measures.
For more information the Commission suggests that the Honourable Member contact directly the Managing Authority of the EFF programme in the Netherlands.
EFF Managing AuthorityMinisterie van Economische Zaken, Landbouw & Innovatie
Prins Clauslaan 8
2595 AJ Den Haag
(Nederlandse versie)
Vraag met verzoek om schriftelijk antwoord E-001536/12
aan de Commissie (Vicevoorzitter — Hoge Vertegenwoordiger)
Peter van Dalen (ECR)
(16 februari 2012)

Betreft: VP/HR — Situatie in Noord-Nigeria
De situatie in Nigeria, vooral in de noordelijke staten, is aan het verslechteren. De  terroristische organisatie Boko Haram voert een gewelddadige campagne om Noord-Nigeria te destabiliseren, met als doel de invoering van de meest extreme vorm van sharia. Veel van de  terroristische acties van Boko Haram zijn gericht tegen christenen. In de afgelopen maanden en jaren zijn christenen in en rond de stad Jos vaak het slachtoffer geworden van geweld. De meest recente geweldsuitbarsting was in januari 2012 in de stad Kano.






1.


Is de vicevoorzitter — hoge vertegenwoordiger het met mij eens dat de serie aanslagen van Boko Haram van 20 januari 2012 in Kano geen incident is, maar onderdeel is van een gewelddadige campagne met als doel de invoering van sharia-wetgeving in Nigeria?










2.


Wat zijn volgens de vicevoorzitter — hoge vertegenwoordiger de oorzaken van het extremistische geweld? En wat moet er gebeuren om deze oorzaken weg te nemen?










3.


Hoe beoordeelt de vicevoorzitter — hoge vertegenwoordiger de acties van de Nigeriaanse autoriteiten om het geweld in te dammen? Hebben de Nigeriaanse autoriteiten voldoende ondernomen om de christenen en andere religieuze maar ook etnische bevolkingsgroepen te beschermen?










4.


Hoe denkt de vicevoorzitter — hoge vertegenwoordiger Nigeria te kunnen bijstaan in zijn strijd tegen Boko Haram en het extremisme?




Antwoord van hoge vertegenwoordiger/vicevoorzitter Ashton namens de Commissie
(23 mei 2012)
Zoals het geachte Parlementslid opmerkt, is de veiligheidssituatie in Nigeria, met name in het noordoosten van het land, reden tot grote bezorgdheid. 
De Europese Unie en Nigeria hebben regelmatig en steeds frequenter contact. Op 8 februari 2012 vond in Abuja een ministeriële bijeenkomst plaats tussen de EU en Nigeria. De Deense minister van Buitenlandse Zaken, de heer Villy Soevndal, heeft hoge vertegenwoordiger/vicevoorzitter Ashton aldaar vertegenwoordigd. 
Er is uitgebreid gesproken over veiligheid en samenwerking op dit gebied. Overeengekomen werd een regelmatige plaatselijke dialoog over vrede, stabiliteit en veiligheid tot stand te brengen. Ook werd overeengekomen deskundigen in te schakelen om een mogelijk actieplan vast te stellen en de samenwerking op het gebied van  terrorismebestrijding op te voeren. Hierbij moet de aandacht vooral uitgaan naar de oorzaken van het veiligheidsprobleem in het noorden van het land. 
Voorts waren Nigeria en de EU het er over eens dat meer inspanningen nodig zijn in het noorden (en met name het noordoosten) om de millenniumdoelstellingen voor ontwikkeling te halen. 
Nigeria zet zich in voor de vrijheid van religie, die is vastgelegd in de grondwet van het land. Boko Haram streeft uitdrukkelijk naar de invoering van sharia-wetgeving, zulks met geweld en niet op grond van de democratische keuze van het Nigeriaanse volk. Hun geweld is in de eerste plaats gericht tegen de staat. Onder hun slachtoffers zijn evenveel moslims als christenen. De EU veroordeelt in alle omstandigheden aanvallen op onschuldige burgers en zal er in samenwerking met Nigeria naar streven dat zij niet meer voor hun leven moeten vrezen. 
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001536/12
to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)
Peter van Dalen (ECR)
(16 February 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — Situation in northern Nigeria
The situation in Nigeria, especially in the northern states, is deteriorating. The terrorist organisation Boko Haram is waging a campaign of violence in order to destabilise northern Nigeria, with the goal of introducing the most extreme form of Sharia law. Christians have been the target of many of Boko Haram’s terrorist attacks. Over the past months and years, Christians in and around the city of Jos have often been victims of violence. The most recent outburst of violence took place in January 2012 in the city of Kano.






1.


Does the Vice-President/High Representative agree with me that the series of attacks by Boko Haram in Kano on 20 January 2012 is not just an incident, but part of a violent campaign aimed at the introduction of Sharia law in Nigeria?










2.


According to the Vice-President/High Representative, what are the causes of the extremist violence? And what must be done in order to remove these causes?










3.


How does the Vice-President/High Representative assess the actions of the Nigerian authorities to contain the violence? Have the Nigerian authorities taken sufficient measures to protect the Christians and other religious and ethnic population groups?










4.


How does the Vice-President/High Representative propose to assist Nigeria in its fight against Boko Haram and extremism?




Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Ashton on behalf of the Commission
(23 May 2012)
As the Honourable Member points out the security situation in Nigeria, particularly in the North East of the country, is a cause for considerable concern. 
The EU and Nigeria have regular contacts and they are intensifying. A Nigeria-EU Ministerial meeting took place in Abuja 8 February 2012. The Danish Foreign Minister, Mr Villy Soevndal, represented High Representative/Vice-President Ashton. 
Security issues and cooperation in this area were discussed extensively. It was agreed to establish a regular local dialogue on peace, stability and security. It was also agreed to engage experts with a view to identifying a possible action plan and to enhance the cooperation in the field of counter-terrorism, while strengthening efforts to address the root causes of the security challenge in the North of the country. 
Nigeria and the EU furthermore agreed that to attain the Millennium development goals enhanced efforts are needed in the North and more particularly in the North East. 
Nigeria is committed to religious freedom, which is enshrined in the country's constitution. It is one of the stated aims of Boko Haram to introduce Sharia law but by use of force not the democratic choice of the people of Nigeria. It is also to be noted that the target of their violence is primarily the state and that as many of their victims are Muslims as Christians. The EU condemns the targeting of innocent civilians, whatever the cause, and will work with Nigeria to reduce the threat to people's lives.
(Versiunea în limba română)
Întrebarea cu solicitare de răspuns scris E-001537/12
adresată Comisiei
Cătălin Sorin Ivan (S&D)
(9 februarie 2012)

Subiect: Combaterea violenței pe stadioane
Violența pe stadioanele din Europa este un fenomen răspândit care, deși nu are o recurență ridicată, trebuie menținut sub control. În contextul actual al creșterii accelerate a rasismului pe continentul european, o abordare practică cu privire la comportamentul pe stadioane devine o necesitate.
În Comunicarea Comisiei „Dezvoltarea dimensiunii europene a sportului”, la punctul 2.3 s-a ridicat această problemă, cu referire la raportul „Racism, ethnic discrimination and exclusion of migrants and minorities in sport: comparative overview of the situation in the European Union” (2010) al Agenției pentru Drepturi Fundamentale a Uniunii Europene. În raportul pe care Parlamentul European l-a adoptat în această lună ca răspuns la comunicarea Comisiei mai sus menționată, am subliniat importanța creării unei liste de persoane cărora să li se interzică accesul pe stadioane, ținându-se cont de antecedente lor.
În acest sens, doresc să adresez Comisiei următoarele două întrebări:







Dacă are în vedere crearea unei astfel de liste la nivel european și măsurile complementare de identificare a persoanele respective?











Și dacă are în vedere alte măsuri concrete pentru combaterea violenței pe stadioane, în afară de îmbunătățirea cooperării între părțile interesate?




Răspuns dat de dna Vassiliou în numele Comisiei
(12 aprilie 2012)
Comisia a lansat recent un studiu privind infractorii violenți care călătoresc, inclusiv suporterii care prezintă un risc ridicat în această privință. Concluziile studiului, care urmează a fi publicat în toamna anului 2012, ar trebui să contribuie la discuțiile privind adoptarea de măsuri suplimentare la nivelul UE pentru a face schimb de informații și a reduce riscul de violență în timpul evenimentelor sportive, respectând în același timp competența statelor membre în materie de ordine publică. 
Comisia va continua să sprijine statele membre în procesul de punere în aplicare a programului de lucru UE pentru perioada 2011 — 2013 privind siguranța și securitatea cu ocazia meciurilor de fotbal internaționale (233). Se acordă un sprijin financiar semnificativ pentru a organiza cursuri de formare paneuropeană pe tema gestionării mulțimilor și a altor aspecte legate de securitate specifice evenimentelor sportive. În plus, în cadrul acțiunilor pregătitoare în domeniul sportului din 2010 și 2011, mai multe proiecte identifică și testează rețele adecvate și bune practici pentru combaterea intoleranței și violenței în sport, printre acestea numărându-se proiecte cu federațiile suporterilor.
Pentru viitor, Comisia a inclus lupta împotriva amenințărilor din domeniul sportului, precum violența, printre obiectivele capitolului dedicat sportului din cadrul propunerii sale de nou program pentru educație, formare, tineret și sport, intitulat „Erasmus pentru toți” (234).
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001537/12
to the Commission
Cătălin Sorin Ivan (S&D)
(9 February 2012)

Subject: Combating violence in football stadiums
Violence in football stadiums in Europe is a widespread phenomenon which, although not occurring frequently, must be kept under control. In the current context of the rapid growth of racism on the European continent, a practical approach needs to be taken to behaviour in football stadiums.
This issue was raised in point 2.3 of the Commission’s communication ‘Developing the European dimension in sport’, which refers to ‘Racism, ethnic discrimination and exclusion of migrants and minorities in sport: comparative overview of the situation in the European Union (2010)’ — report by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights. In the report that the European Parliament adopted this month in response to the Commission communication mentioned above, it stressed the importance of the creation of a list of persons who, taking their past into account, would be banned from entering a football stadium.
In this respect, I wish to put the two following questions to the Commission:







does it intend to create such a list at a Europe‐wide level and to take the complementary measures for identifying such persons?











does it intend to take other concrete measures for combating violence in stadiums, other than improving cooperation between stakeholders?




Answer given by Ms Vassiliou on behalf of the Commission
(12 April 2012)
The Commission has recently launched a study on travelling violent offenders including risk supporters. The findings of the study, to be published in autumn 2012, should contribute to the discussions on further EU measures to exchange information and to reduce risks of violence at sport events, while respecting the competence of Member States in the field of public order. 
The Commission will continue to support Member States in implementing the EU Work Programme 2011-2013 on safety and security around international football matches (235). Significant financial support is provided to develop pan-European training on crowd management and other security issues at sport events. Furthermore, under the Preparatory Actions for sport in 2010 and 2011, various projects are identifying and testing suitable networks and good practices for the fight against violence and intolerance in sport including projects with supporters' federations.
For the future, the Commission has included the fight against threats to sport, such as violence, amongst the objectives of the Sport Chapter of its proposal for ‘Erasmus for All’, the new programme for education, training, youth and sport (236). 
(Versiunea în limba română)
Întrebarea cu solicitare de răspuns scris E-001538/12
adresată Comisiei
Vasilica Viorica Dăncilă (S&D)
(16 februarie 2012)

Subiect: Vitalitatea comunităților rurale
Dimensiunea socială a agriculturii este importantă, deoarece acest sector contribuie semnificativ la angajarea forței de muncă în zonele rurale și la asigurarea unui nivel de trai echitabil locuitorilor din zonele rurale. În România, 90% din ferme sunt ferme de subzistență și semisubzistență, iar 50% din suprafața agricolă este lucrată de acestea. În vederea unei mai bune implementări a PAC și mai ales în ceea ce privește abordarea specificităților regionale, un aspect important îl reprezintă stimularea IMM-urilor, a microîntreprinderilor și a afacerilor de familie în mediul rural, conducând astfel la crearea locurilor de muncă și asigurând, totodată, folosirea forței de muncă disponibile ca urmare a efectelor actualei crize.
Totodată, o atenție deosebită trebuie acordată în special formării profesionale, îndeosebi a tinerilor, precum și promovării noilor tehnologii prietenoase față de mediu și a celor privind asigurarea independenței energetice parțiale sau totale atât în sectorul agricol, cât și în cel non‐agricol din spațiul rural, care să conducă, totodată, și la creșterea competitivității, a productivității și la realizarea unui mediu de afaceri dinamic.
În acest context, ce măsuri specifice are în vedere Comisia pentru a asigura și a spori vitalitatea comunităților rurale?
Răspuns dat de dl Cioloș în numele Comisiei
(21 martie 2012)
Propunerile legislative adoptate de Comisie pentru perioada de după 2013 prevăd că sprijinirea comunităților rurale în UE va fi asigurată prin patru fonduri gestionate în comun cu statele membre (Fondul european agricol pentru dezvoltare rurală — FEADR, Fondul european de dezvoltare regională — FEDR, Fondul social european — FSE, Fondul de coeziune). Sprijinul acordat prin fondurile UE va fi coordonat atât la nivel european, cât și la nivel național.
În contextul politicii UE de dezvoltare rurală în cadrul FEADR va fi extins (237) sprijinul acordat în prezent zonelor rurale. În acest fel, vor fi asigurate serviciile și infrastructura de bază, precum și sprijinul pentru întreprinderi și posibilitățile de formare profesională pentru actorii economici din zonele rurale. Propunerea prevede, de asemenea, posibilitatea creării unor grupuri operative în cadrul Parteneriatului european de inovare pentru productivitatea și durabilitatea agriculturii, precum și sprijin pentru lanțurile scurte de aprovizionare și pentru cooperarea dintre actorii economici din zonele rurale. În același timp, inițiativa LEADER (Liaisons entre actions de développement de l'économie rurale) va continua să aibă o importanță majoră pentru asigurarea unor soluții locale pentru comunitățile rurale.
Fondul social european va sprijini în continuare dezvoltarea resurselor umane, inclusiv prin stagii de ucenicie, pe întreg teritoriul UE, deci și în zonele rurale.
FEDR va fi disponibil pentru sprijinirea IMM-urilor și a investițiilor în infrastructură pe întreg teritoriul României.
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001538/12
to the Commission
Vasilica Viorica Dăncilă (S&D)
(16 February 2012)

Subject: Sustainability of rural communities
Agriculture is of great importance in social terms as it contributes significantly to employment and acceptable standards of living in rural areas. In Romania, 90 % of farms are subsistence or semi-subsistence farms accounting for 50 % of the agricultural area. With a view to implementing the CAP more effectively and especially dealing with specific regional issues, it is important to encourage SMEs, micro-enterprises and family businesses in rural areas thereby creating jobs and absorbing the workforce made available as a result of the current crisis.
At the same time, special attention should be paid to apprenticeships, especially for young people, as well as the promotion of new environmentally-friendly technologies and technologies providing the partial or total energy independence in the farming and other sectors in rural areas, increasing in competiveness and productivity and creating a dynamic business environment.
In this context, what specific measures are being envisaged by the Commission to maintain and increase the sustainability of rural communities?
Answer given by Mr Cioloş on behalf of the Commission
(21 March 2012)
The legal proposals adopted by the Commission for the post-2013 period foresee that support to rural communities in the EU will be ensured by four funds operated under shared management with the Member States (the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development — EAFRD, the European Fund for Regional Development — ERDF, the European Social Fund — ESF, Cohesion Fund). The support of the EU funds will be coordinated on both European and national level.
In the context of the EU rural development policy under the EAFRD, the support currently provided to rural areas will be extended (238). In this way, basic services and infrastructure alongside business support and training opportunities for rural economic actors will be ensured. The proposal also foresees the possibility of setting up operational groups under the European Innovation Partnership for agricultural productivity and sustainability, as well as support for short supply chains and cooperation between rural economic actors. At the same time, Leader will continue to be of major importance for delivering local solutions to rural communities.
The European Social Fund will continue to provide support to human resource development, consisting also of apprenticeships, across the territory of the EU, thus including rural areas. 
The ERDF will be available for SME support and infrastructure investment across the whole territory of Romania. 
(Versão portuguesa)
Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-001539/12
à Comissão
Nuno Teixeira (PPE)
(9 de fevereiro de 2012)

Assunto: Financiamento de infraestruturas ligadas à área da saúde
Considerando que:
Na Região Autónoma da Madeira, fruto do contexto de grave crise económica e de profundo desequilíbrio das contas públicas em Portugal, bem como das dificuldades da obtenção de financiamento, foi decidido abandonar o projeto de construção de uma nova unidade hospitalar central na cidade do Funchal;
Tal projeto apenas seria viável através de uma conjugação de recursos que exigiria um enorme esforço orçamental e dispêndio de verbas por parte dos governos central e regional, que neste momento são impossíveis de mobilizar, dados os programas de ajustamento orçamental que se encontram em curso, quer a nível nacional, quer regional;
Pergunta-se à Comissão:







No quadro das próximas perspetivas financeiras 2014/2020 e das propostas legislativas já apresentadas para o conjunto dos fundos estruturais, existe algum tipo de financiamento à construção de unidades de saúde hospitalar?











Em caso afirmativo, quais e em que condições?




Resposta dada por Johannes Hahn em nome da Comissão
(20 de março de 2012)
De acordo com a proposta da Comissão para o Fundo Europeu de Desenvolvimento Regional para 2014/2020 (239), será possível financiar investimentos em infraestruturas de saúde em todas as regiões da UE. A Comissão considera que os investimentos em infraestruturas de saúde devem contribuir para o desenvolvimento a nível nacional, regional e local, apoiar o acesso a serviços de saúde de qualidade, a sustentabilidade e a eficiência económicas e reduzir as desigualdades em termos de condições de saúde, no contexto do objetivo global de promoção da inclusão social e do combate à pobreza. Desta forma, os investimentos em infraestruturas de saúde podem contribuir para as prioridades da estratégia Europa 2020.
Não está previsto nenhum financiamento para a construção de um hospital no quadro de outros fundos da UE.
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001539/12
to the Commission
Nuno Teixeira (PPE)
(9 February 2012)

Subject: Funding for healthcare infrastructures
It has been decided to abandon the construction of a new central hospital in Funchal, in the Autonomous Region of Madeira, as a result of Portugal’s serious economic crisis and severe budget deficit, as well as difficulties in obtaining funding;
This project would only be viable through a pooling of resources which would require an enormous budgetary effort and huge expenditure on the part of both central and regional government. This is simply not feasible at present, given the budgetary adjustment programmes currently under way at both national and regional level.
In view of the above, can the Commission state:







whether, within the framework of the 2014-2020 financial perspective and the draft legislation for all the Structural Funds already tabled, there is any kind of funding available for hospital construction;











if so, what funding and subject to what conditions?




Answer given by Mr Hahn on behalf of the Commission
(20 March 2012)
According to the Commission’s proposal for the European Regional Development Fund for 2014-2020 (240), it will be possible to finance investments in health infrastructure in all EU regions. The Commission is of the view that investments in health infrastructure should contribute to national, regional and local development, support access to quality health services, economic sustainability and efficiency and reduce inequalities in health status, in the context of the overall objective of promoting social inclusion and combating poverty. In this way, investments in health infrastructure can contribute to the priorities of the Europe 2020 strategy.
There is no funding foreseen for hospital construction under other EU funds. 
(Svensk version)
Frågor för skriftligt besvarande E-001540/12
till kommissionen (Vice-ordföranden / Höga representanten)
Åsa Westlund (S&D) och Göran Färm (S&D)
(9 februari 2012)

Angående: VP/HR – Situationen i Syrien
Det som pågår i Syrien är brott mot mänskligheten. EU har liksom alla andra en skyldighet att sätta stopp för massmordet i Syrien. Rysslands och Kinas blockering av FN:s säkerhetsråd är inte försvarbar. Om det inte går att få fram en ny resolution i säkerhetsrådet måste övriga världen gå vidare utan Ryssland och Kina.
— USA har stängt sin ambassad i Syrien och Storbritannien har kallat hem sin ambassadör. Planerar EU att agera på liknande sätt, och varför har detta inte redan skett?
— Varför har EU och dess medlemsländer inte samordnat sina insatser externt, med exempelvis USA?
— Varför har EU och dess medlemsländer inte lyckats att samordna sina insatser internt?
— Enligt FN-stadgans kapitel 8 finns möjligheter för regionala arrangemang. Detta är en möjlighet som bör prövas för EU och Arabförbundet tillsammans med USA och möjligen Turkiet. Har EU för avsikt att göra detta, eller på annat sätt gå vidare med andra länder för att förmå president Bashar al-Assad att avgå och på så sätt släppa fram en regering vald av folket?
Svar från den höga representanten/vice ordförande Catherine Ashton på kommissionens vägnar
(25 maj 2012)
EU har genomgående fördömt de fortsatta brutala attackerna och systematiska brotten mot mänskliga rättigheter som begås av den syriska regimen. Upprepade gånger, nu senast i utrikesrådets slutsatser den 23 april 2012, har EU hänvisat till den oberoende internationella undersökningskommissionens resultat som pekar på brott mot mänskligheten som begåtts att de syriska säkerhetsstyrkorna. EU:s ståndpunkt är att förövare som begår sådana brott måste ställas inför rätta.
EU har obevekligt drivit på frågan om kraftfulla FN-åtgärder mot Syrien, och uppmanat speciellt Ryssland och Kina att ansluta sig och med gemensamma krafter få ett slut på våldet. EU välkomnar FN:s säkerhetsråds resolutioner 2042 och 2043, och utlovar fullt stöd till FN:s och Arabförbundets gemensamma särskilda sändebud Kofi Annan och hans sexpunktsplan. Den syriska regimens godkännande av planen den 27 mars 2012 är ett första steg mot ett avslut på blodsutgjutelsen. EU uppmanar regimen att handla enligt sexpunktsplanen och gå vidare med ett omedelbart och villkorslöst genomförande av den. EU stöder säkerhetsrådets resolutioner 2042 (2012) av den 14 april och 2043 (2012) av den 21 april vilka måste genomföras omedelbart.
EU är aktivt engagerat i gruppen Syriens vänner som förenar mer än 60 länder och organisationer, däribland USA, Turkiet och Arabförbundet, i en ansträngning att arbeta fram en internationell konsensus om en politisk lösning på krisen. Regionalt deltagande är nyckeln till en sådan lösning. EU ger sitt fulla stöd till Arabförbundets resolutioner av den 22 januari, den 12 februari och den 10 mars 2012.
EU:s diplomatiska närvaro i Syrien är under konstant översyn. Vissa medlemsstater har beslutat att avbryta sina ambassaders verksamhet, andra har valt att behålla dem. EU:s delegation, som lokalt EU-ordförandeskap, kommer att fortsätta sin verksamhet så länge som säkerhetsförhållandena tillåter det. Det är viktigt att få förstahandsinformation om utvecklingen på plats och att behålla kontakten med oppositionen.
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001540/12
to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)
Åsa Westlund (S&D) and Göran Färm (S&D)
(9 February 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — The Situation in Syria
What is happening in Syria is a crime against humanity. Like everyone else, the EU has an obligation to stop the mass killing in Syria. The blocking of the UN Security Council by Russia and China is not justifiable. If it is impossible to obtain a new resolution in the Security Council then the rest of the world must move forward without Russia and China.
— The USA has closed its embassy in Syria and the United Kingdom has called its ambassador home. Does the EU plan to take similar action, and why has this not already happened?
— Why have the EU and its Member States not coordinated their efforts externally, with the United States, for example?
— Why have the EU and its Member States not succeeded in coordinating their efforts internally?
— According to the UN Charter, Chapter 8, there are possibilities for regional arrangements. This is an option that should be considered for the EU and the Arab League together with the USA and possibly Turkey. Does the EU intend to do this, or to use other means to take matters further with other countries to persuade President Bashar al-Assad to step down, allowing the establishment of a government elected by the people?
Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Ashton on behalf of the Commission 
(25 May 2012)
The EU has consistently condemned the continued brutal attacks and systematic human rights violations by the Syrian regime. It has repeatedly, and most recently in its FAC conclusions of 23 April 2012, referred to the findings of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry which point to crimes against humanity committed by Syrian security forces. It is the EU's position that the perpetrators of such alleged crimes must be brought to justice.
The EU has relentlessly pushed for strong UN action on Syria, calling on Russia and China in particular to join efforts to put an end to the violence. It welcomes the UN Security Council's Resolutions 2042 and 2043, pledging full support to the Joint UN-Arab League Special Envoy Kofi Annan and his six point plan. The acceptance of this plan by the Syrian regime on 27 March 2012 is a first step towards ending the bloodshed. The EU calls on the regime to act in accordance with the six points and proceed with immediate and unconditional implementation of the plan. The EU supports SC Resolutions 2042 (2012) of 14 April and 2043 (2012) of 21 April which have to be implemented immediately.
The EU actively engages in the Friends of the Syrian People Group that unites more than 60 countries and organisations, including the United States, Turkey and the Arab League, in an effort to forge international consensus towards a political solution to the crisis. Regional involvement is key to reaching a settlement. The EU fully supports Arab League resolutions of 22 January, 12 February and 10 March 2012. 
The EU's diplomatic presence in Syria is under constant review. Some Member States have decided to suspend their embassies' activities, others have chosen to maintain them. The EU delegation, as local EU Presidency, will continue its activity as long as security conditions permit. It is essential to obtain first hand information on developments on the ground and to maintain contact with the opposition.
(Versão portuguesa)
Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-001542/12
ao Conselho
Miguel Portas (GUE/NGL) e Marisa Matias (GUE/NGL)
(9 de fevereiro de 2012)

Assunto: Restruturação da Dívida Grega detida pelo BCE
A resolução do impasse político na Grécia está dependente de uma restruturação da dívida grega, que tem sido exigida como condição para um novo empréstimo. No entanto, essa exigência foi restringida aos credores privados, apesar de uma parte significativa da dívida grega ser hoje detida pelo BCE (originalmente emitida a privados), que a comprou no mercado secundário, por valores em muito inferiores aos valores faciais.
Isto significa que a manutenção desses títulos por parte do BCE e o seu reembolso ao valor facial representaria uma operação altamente rentável para o próprio banco, garantida pela instabilidade no mercado de dívida pública grega. Sem prejuízo para a autonomia do BCE, é importante perceber que posição têm as instituições que governam a União Europeia sobre a redução dos montantes da dívida grega detida pelo BCE.
Face ao exposto, os membros do Parlamento Europeu abaixo assinados pedem os seguintes esclarecimentos:






—


Que posição tem o Conselho sobre a redução dos montantes da dívida grega detida pelo BCE, nas mesmas condições que forem impostas aos credores privados?










—


Caso essa redução dos montantes seja concretizada pelo Estado grego, será este Estado-Membro vítima de algum tipo de sanções?




Resposta
(2 de abril de 2012)
Conforme disposto no artigo 130.° do TFUE, no exercício dos seus poderes e no cumprimento das suas atribuições e deveres, o Banco Central Europeu (BCE) não pode solicitar ou receber instruções das instituições, órgãos ou organismos da União, nem dos Governos dos Estados-Membros; e as instituições, órgãos ou organismos da União, bem como os Governos dos Estados-Membros, não podem procurar influenciar os membros dos órgãos de decisão do BCE no exercício das suas funções.
Por conseguinte, não compete ao Conselho pronunciar‐‐se sobre a detenção de obrigações por parte do BCE, além do que seria contrário aos Tratados que o Conselho, ou qualquer outra instituição da União, procurasse influenciar os membros dos órgãos de decisão do BCE no exercício das suas funções, incluindo a definição da sua estratégia ou da sua política em matéria de operações de mercado.
Importa tomar em plena consideração o facto de o programa de apoio à estabilidade da Grécia constituir uma questão intergovernamental extensiva à maioria de Estados-Membros pertencentes à área do euro, não sendo por isso da competência do Conselho. O Conselho não debateu assim as questões suscitadas na pergunta, nem sobre elas tomou qualquer posição.
Todavia, após a sua reunião de 20 e 21 de fevereiro, o Eurogrupo publicou uma declaração completa sobre todos os aspetos dos programas de apoio à estabilidade e de ajustamento económico destinados à Grécia, nela incluindo indicações relativas ao tratamento dado às obrigações do tesouro grego detidas pelo Eurossistema (241).
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001542/12
to the Council
Miguel Portas (GUE/NGL) and Marisa Matias (GUE/NGL)
(9 February 2012)

Subject: Restructuring of Greek debt held by the ECB
Resolving the political impasse in Greece depends on restructuring of Greece’s debt, a condition that has been laid down for a new loan. However, this requirement has been confined to private creditors, despite the fact that a significant proportion of the debt (originally issued to private lenders) is now held by the European Central Bank (ECB), which bought it on the secondary market for much less than face value.
This means that the ECB’s bond holdings and their buy-back at face value would be a highly profitable operation for the bank, due to the instability of the Greek public debt market. Without prejudice to the ECB’s independence, it is important to know the views of the European Union’s governing institutions on the question of reducing the amount of Greek debt held by the ECB.






—


What is the Council’s view on reduction of the amount of Greek debt held by the ECB on the same terms as have been imposed on private lenders?










—


If the Greek Government does in fact reduce the amount, will Greece incur any form of sanctions?




Reply
(2 April 2012)
According to Article 130 of the TFEU, the European Central Bank (ECB), in exercising its powers and carrying out its tasks and duties, shall not seek or take instructions from Union institutions, bodies or agencies or from governments of Member States; Union institutions, bodies or agencies and the governments of Member States shall not seek to influence the members of the decision-making bodies of the ECB in the performance of their tasks.
It is therefore not for the Council to take a view on holdings of bonds by the ECB, and it would be contrary to the treaties for the Council or any other Union institution to seek to influence the members of the decision-making bodies of the ECB in the performance of their tasks, including the definition of its strategy or policy with regard to its market operations.
It is also necessary to take full account of the fact that the programme of stability support to Greece is an intergovernmental matter, involving the majority of euro area Member States, and is not therefore a matter for the Council. The Council has therefore not discussed or taken a position on the issues raised in the question.
However, after its meeting on 20-21 February, the Eurogroup published a full statement on all aspects of the stability support and economic adjustment programmes for Greece, which included indications regarding the treatment of Eurosystem holdings of Greek Government bonds (242).
(Versão portuguesa)
Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-001543/12
à Comissão
Miguel Portas (GUE/NGL) e Marisa Matias (GUE/NGL)
(9 de fevereiro de 2012)

Assunto: Restruturação da Dívida Grega detida pelo BCE
A resolução do impasse político na Grécia está dependente de uma restruturação da dívida grega, que tem sido exigida como condição para um novo empréstimo. No entanto, essa exigência foi restringida aos credores privados, apesar de uma parte significativa da dívida grega ser hoje detida pelo BCE (originalmente emitida a privados), que a comprou no mercado secundário, por valores em muito inferiores aos valores faciais.
Isto significa que a manutenção desses títulos por parte do BCE e o seu reembolso ao valor facial representaria uma operação altamente rentável para o próprio banco, garantida pela instabilidade no mercado de dívida pública grega. Sem prejuízo para a autonomia do BCE, é importante perceber que posição têm as instituições que governam a União Europeia sobre a redução dos montantes da dívida grega detida pelo BCE.
Face ao exposto, os membros do Parlamento Europeu abaixo assinados pedem os seguintes esclarecimentos:






—


Que posição tem a Comissão sobre a redução dos montantes da dívida grega detida pelo BCE, nas mesmas condições que forem impostas aos credores privados?










—


Caso essa redução dos montantes seja concretizada pelo Estado grego, será este Estado-Membro vítima de algum tipo de sanções?




Resposta dada por Olli Rehn em nome da Comissão
(28 de março de 2012)
Os ministros do Eurogrupo acordaram, em 20 e 21 de fevereiro de 2012, um conjunto de medidas suplementares relativas ao setor público e incentivaram a uma maior participação do setor privado, a fim de se alcançar os parâmetros estabelecidos em outubro de 2011, relativos à dívida pública e ao segundo empréstimo à Grécia. 
Neste contexto, os ministros do Eurogrupo registaram que as receitas geradas pelos títulos detidos pelo Eurossistema, na sequência da compra de obrigações do Estado grego, serão distribuídas pelos Estados-Membros da área do euro, em consonância com as regras legais aplicáveis à repartição de dividendos. Os governos dos Estados-Membros cujos bancos centrais detêm atualmente na sua carteira de investimentos obrigações do Estado grego (títulos ANFA) comprometem-se a transferir para a Grécia um montante igual aos futuros dividendos dos seus BCN que resultem desta carteira até 2020. Estes fluxos de receitas deverão contribuir para reduzir o rácio de dívida grega em 1,8 pontos percentuais até 2020 e estima-se que reduzam em cerca de 1,8 mil milhões de euros as necessidades de financiamento durante o período de vigência do programa.
O texto integral da declaração do Eurogrupo pode ser consultado no sítio Web do Conselho da União Europeia (243).
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001543/12
to the Commission
Miguel Portas (GUE/NGL) and Marisa Matias (GUE/NGL)
(9 February 2012)

Subject: Restructuring of Greek debt held by the ECB
Resolving the political impasse in Greece depends on restructuring of Greece’s debt, a condition that has been laid down for a new loan. However, this requirement has been confined to private creditors, despite the fact that a significant proportion of the debt (originally issued to private lenders) is now held by the European Central Bank (ECB), which bought it on the secondary market for much less than face value.
This means that the ECB’s bond holdings and their buy-back at face value would be a highly profitable operation for the Bank, due to the instability of the Greek public debt market. Without prejudice to the ECB’s independence, it is important to know the views of the European Union’s governing institutions on the question of reducing the amount of Greek debt held by the ECB.
— What is the Commission’s view on reduction of the amount of Greek debt held by the ECB under the same terms as have been imposed on private lenders?
— If the Greek Government does in fact reduce the amount, will Greece incur any form of sanctions?
Answer given by Mr Rehn on behalf of the Commission
(28 March 2012)
The Eurogroup ministers agreed on 20/21 February 2012 on a number of additional measures of Official Sector Involvement and encouraged stronger Private Sector Involvement to reach the parameters set in October 2011 concerning government debt and the second loan to Greece.
In this context, the Eurogroup ministers took note that income generated by the Eurosystem holdings of Greek Government bonds will be distributed to euro area Member States in line with the applicable statutory profit distribution rules. Governments of Member States where central banks currently hold Greek Government bonds in their investment portfolio (ANFA holdings) commit to pass on to Greece an amount equal to any future income accruing to their NCB stemming from this portfolio until 2020. These income flows are expected to help reducing the Greek debt ratio by 1.8pp by 2020 and are estimated to lower the financing needs over the programme period by approximately EUR 1.8 billion.
The full text of the Eurogroup statement is available on the website of the Council of the European Union (244).
(Versão portuguesa)
Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-001544/12
à Comissão
Miguel Portas (GUE/NGL) e Marisa Matias (GUE/NGL)
(9 de fevereiro de 2012)

Assunto: Fundo financeiro que aposta na morte de cidadãos segurados
O Deutsche Bank, maior banco privado alemão, vendeu um fundo de seguros de vida (de nome db Kompass Life 3) aos clientes, que consiste em apostar na morte de pessoas, lucrando mais se estas morrerem mais cedo. O fundo foi vendido a pequenos investidores totalizando 700 milhões de euros. Alguns dos clientes apresentaram queixa ao Provedor da Associação dos Bancos Privados quando descobriram que tipo de investimento lhes tinha sido sugerido. Cerca de 30 clientes anunciaram que vão recorrer aos tribunais para anular os seus investimentos neste fundo que aposta em seguros de vida de cerca de 500 norte-americanos entre os 72 e os 85 anos. Quanto mais cedo estas pessoas morrerem, mais depressa o fundo deixa de pagar os respetivos seguros, obtendo assim mais dividendos.
A própria Associação de Bancos considerou que a constituição do fundo ₫contraria a ordem de valores vigente, baseada na dignidade da pessoa humana₻.
Face ao exposto, solicito as seguintes informações:







Considera a Comissão legítimo que se comercialize um fundo deste tipo, que aposta na morte precoce de cidadãos?











Tenciona a Comissão avançar com uma proposta legislativa que impeça a comercialização, na União, de fundos deste tipo, que viola claramente os valores pelos quais uma sociedade deve ser regida?




Resposta dada por Michel Barnier em nome da Comissão
(4 de abril de 2012)
A Comissão não examina as condições pormenorizadas e técnicas exatas mediante as quais os fundos de seguros de vida ou quaisquer outros fundos de investimento calculam os retornos para os seus investidores. 
Em termos gerais, a Comissão concorda que a comunidade de investidores e de fornecedores de produtos do tipo fundo de retalho deve atender às consequências éticas das suas escolhas, respetivamente, de comercialização e de investimento. Neste contexto, a Comissão transmitiu à Autoridade Europeia dos Valores Mobiliários e dos Mercados (ESMA), para apreciação, elementos do produto mencionado pelos Senhores Deputados.
A Comissão está convicta de que é vital os investidores compreenderem todas as características dos produtos que tencionam comprar, antes de tomarem decisões de investimento. Os produtos devem ser apresentados aos investidores de modo transparente e honesto. A futura iniciativa relativa aos pacotes de produtos de investimento de retalho (PRIPS) abordará esta questão. Na opinião da Comissão, uma transparência acrescida para os investidores comuns reduzirá fortemente a possibilidade de produtos como o mencionado serem concebidos e comercializados.
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001544/12
to the Commission
Miguel Portas (GUE/NGL) and Marisa Matias (GUE/NGL)
(9 February 2012)

Subject: Financial fund that bets on the death of people with life insurance
Deutsche Bank, the largest private bank in Germany, sold clients a life insurance fund (known as db Kompass Life 3) that wagered on people’s deaths, paying out more the sooner they died. The fund was sold to small investors to the tune of EUR 700 million. Some clients complained to the Ombudsman for the Association of Private Banks when they found out what kind of investment had been suggested to them. Some thirty clients announced that they were going to court to annul their investments in this fund, which wagered on the life insurance policies of around 500 US citizens aged between 72 and 85. The earlier these individuals died, the sooner the fund could stop paying the premiums, thus obtaining higher returns.
The Association of Banks itself considered that the existence of this fund ‘violates current values based on the dignity of the human person’.
In view of the above:







Does the Commission consider it legitimate to sell a fund of this kind, which wagers on citizens dying early?











Does the Commission intend to introduce draft legislation to prohibit the marketing within the EU of funds of this kind, which clearly violate the values by which a society should be governed?




Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission
(4 April 2012)
The Commission does not examine the detailed conditions and exact techniques according to which life insurance funds or any other investment funds calculate the returns for their investors. 
Generally speaking, the Commission agrees that the investor community and suppliers of retail fund products should contemplate the ethical consequences of both their marketing and their investment choices. Against this background, the Commission has shared details of the product mentioned with the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) for their consideration.
The Commission believes it is vital that investors understand all the features of the products they intend to purchase before they take any investment decisions. Products shall be presented to investors in a transparent and honest manner. The forthcoming initiative on packaged retail products (PRIPS) will address this issue. The Commission believes that greater transparency for ordinary investors will strongly reduce the possibility of products as the one mentioned being designed and marketed to investors. 
(Versão portuguesa)
Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-001545/12
à Comissão
Marisa Matias (GUE/NGL)
(9 de fevereiro de 2012)

Assunto: Mutilação genital feminina na União Europeia
Em 2010, a Comissão Europeia comprometeu-se a adotar uma estratégia contra a violência contra as mulheres, incluindo a mutilação genital feminina, mas, até hoje, não adotou qualquer medida estruturada e coerente nesta matéria. O Parlamento Europeu estima que 500 mil mulheres e raparigas na Europa estejam a sofrer com as consequências da mutilação genital e que outras 180 mil por ano sejam colocadas em risco. O combate à mutilação genital feminina é dificultado pela sua aceitação cultural, por muitas vezes ser realizada no estrangeiro em viagens de férias ou expressamente efetuadas para o efeito e pela dificuldade dos profissionais médicos em identificarem corretamente a lesão.
Alguns Estados-Membros têm leis em vigor, mas continuam com dificuldades em suster o problema, o que demonstra a necessidade e a urgência de uma estratégia europeia que envolva os membros da comunidade, as famílias e as raparigas.
Face ao exposto solicito as seguintes informações à Comissão:







Que medidas práticas e concretas tomou a Comissão desde 2010 para fazer face à mutilação genital feminina na União Europeia? Que medidas adotar a curto prazo?




Resposta dada por Viviane Reding em nome da Comissão
(4 de abril de 2012)
A mutilação genital feminina constitui uma violação inaceitável dos direitos fundamentais e a Comissão está empenhada em dar uma resposta política forte para combater todas as formas de violência contra as mulheres, incluindo a mutilação genital feminina, tal como confirmado no Programa de Estocolmo e a Estratégia para a igualdade entre homens e mulheres (2010/2015). 
A Comissão trabalha para a emancipação das mulheres, promove campanhas de sensibilização e o intercâmbio de boas práticas e procura melhorar a recolha de dados. 
O Instituto Europeu para a Igualdade de Género (IEIG) está a realizar um estudo em que é feito um levantamento da situação atual e as tendências da mutilação genital feminina. Os resultados deverão ficar disponíveis no segundo semestre de 2012. 
O programa Daphne III prevê apoio financeiro para a realização de projetos transnacionais nesta área. 
No campo da justiça penal, a Comissão apresentou em maio de 2011 um conjunto de medidas para proteger os direitos das vítimas, incluindo uma proposta de diretiva sobre os direitos das vítimas da criminalidade, que se apoia em legislação da UE já em vigor e reforça os direitos das vítimas. Inclui o direito ao respeito e ao reconhecimento, o direito de prestar e receber informações e o direito à proteção. A proposta destina-se ainda a garantir que as necessidades das vítimas sejam individualmente avaliadas e que as mais vulneráveis recebam tratamento específico e adequado às suas necessidades (245). Este conjunto de medidas inclui também uma proposta de regulamento sobre o reconhecimento mútuo das medidas de proteção em matéria civil, que complementa o sistema europeu de proteção (aplicável em matéria penal), recentemente adotado, a fim de assegurar que as medidas de proteção emitidas num Estado-Membro possam ser automaticamente reconhecidas noutro Estado-Membro. 
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001545/12
to the Commission
Marisa Matias (GUE/NGL)
(9 February 2012)

Subject: Female genital mutilation in the EU
In 2010, the Commission committed itself to adopting a strategy to fight violence against women, including female genital mutilation (FGM). However, it has not yet adopted any structured or coherent measures on the FGM issue. Parliament estimates that some half a million women and girls are suffering in the EU as a result of genital mutilation, and another 180 000 are at risk each year. Female genital mutilation is difficult to combat because of cultural tradition, because it is often carried out abroad during holiday trips or trips made specifically for the purpose, and because of the difficulty medical professionals have in correctly identifying the wound.
Although some Member States have laws in place, they still have difficulties in containing this problem. This points up the urgent need for a Europe-wide strategy involving communities, families and the girls themselves.
1.What practical and concrete measures has the Commission taken since 2010 to tackle the problem female genital mutilation in the EU? What short-term measures has it taken?
Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission
(4 April 2012)
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, as confirmed in the Stockholm Programme and the strategy for equality between women and men (2010-2015).
The Commission works for the empowerment of women, awareness raising, the promotion of exchanges of good practices and the improvement of collection of data. 
The European Institute for gender equality (EIGE) is carrying out a study on ‘Mapping of current situation and trends of female genital mutilation’. The results should be available in the second half of 2012. 
The Daphne III Programme provides financial support for the implementation of transnational projects in this field. 
In the criminal justice area, the Commission presented in May 2011 the Victims' Package which includes a proposal for the directive on the rights of victims of crimethat builds on existing EU legislation and strengthens the rights of victims. It includes the right to respect and recognition, the right to provide and receive information, and right to protection. It also aims at ensuring that the needs of victims are individually assessed and that the most vulnerable receive specific treatment appropriate to their requirements (246). This Package also includes a proposal for a regulation on mutual recognition of protection measures in civil matters, which complements the recently adopted European Protection Order (which applies in criminal matters), in order to ensure that protection measures issued in one Member State can be automatically recognised in another Member State.
(Versão portuguesa)
Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-001546/12
à Comissão
Marisa Matias (GUE/NGL)
(9 de fevereiro de 2012)

Assunto: Emissões de gases com efeito de estufa: a possível exceção da aviação
O diretor-geral da Comissão Europeia para a Ação Climática, Jos Delbeke, anunciou publicamente que a União poderá suspender a parte da nova lei sobre as emissões de gases com efeito de estufa que se aplica à aviação. As companhias aéreas ficariam assim excluídas dos limites de emissões se os países fizessem este ano um claro progresso no sentido de estabelecer um controlo global das emissões. Esta declaração surgiu alguns dias após a China ter proibido as companhias aéreas chinesas de pagar a taxa relativa às emissões de carbono que emitem, no quadro do regime de emissões da UE.
Face ao exposto solicito as seguintes informações:







As declarações de Jos Delbeke constituem a posição da Comissão? Esta posição foi condicionada pela decisão da China?











Como pode a Comissão dar este benefício às companhias de aviação, quando a inclusão desta indústria na legislação relativa às emissões de carbono foi também aprovada pelo Parlamento Europeu?











A Comissão não considera que esta manifesta fragilidade do regime de emissões da UE demonstra ser necessária uma grande reforma do mesmo, abandonando o comércio de carbono e adotando limitações de emissões?




Resposta dada por Connie Hedegaard em nome da Comissão
(28 de março de 2012)
O Diretor Geral Jos Delbeke fez algumas declarações que foram mal interpretadas e impropriamente citadas em vários artigos de imprensa, após as quais fez uma declaração, no sítio Web da Direção-Geral da Ação Climática (DG Clima), para corrigir esses mal-entendidos (247).
A UE mantém-se firme relativamente à implementação da legislação para a inclusão da aviação na Diretiva Regime de Comércio de Licenças de Emissão (RCLE) adotada pelo Conselho e pelo Parlamento Europeu. A Comissão não tem poderes para ₫suspender₻ ou ₫adiar₻ a legislação da UE em vigor e não pretende fazer qualquer proposta nesse sentido ao legislador. 
No entanto, estamos, ao mesmo tempo, ativamente envolvidos no trabalho desenvolvido pela Organização da Aviação Civil Internacional (OACI) para a elaboração de medidas com base no mercado. A UE continua fortemente empenhada em encontrar uma solução multilateral. A Comissão irá rever e, eventualmente, propor uma alteração à legislação se e quando se chegar a um acordo sobre medidas globais na OACI, tal como previsto na Diretiva RCLE. Além disso, a legislação em vigor prevê flexibilidade para, a isenção, numa base não discriminatória, de voos de chegada tendo em conta a ação adotada por países terceiros. 
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001546/12
to the Commission
Marisa Matias (GUE/NGL)
(9 February 2012)

Subject: Greenhouse gas emissions: possible exception for aviation
Jos Delbeke, the Commission’s Director-General for Climate Action, has publicly announced that the European Union may suspend those provisions of the new law on greenhouse gas emissions applying to aviation. Airlines would thus be excluded from emission limits if countries made noticeable progress in controlling emissions on a global scale. This statement came a few days after China had prohibited Chinese airlines from paying the carbon emission tax under the EU emission system.






1.


Do Jos Delbeke’s statements reflect the Commission’s position? Has its position been affected by the Chinese decision?










2.


How can the Commission accord this advantage to airlines when Parliament has already approved the inclusion of aviation in the legislation on carbon emissions?










3.


Does the Commission not consider that the obvious lack of robustness of the EU’s emission control system demonstrates the need for major reform, abandoning carbon trading and adopting emission limits?




Answer given by Ms Hedegaard on behalf of the Commission
(28 March 2012)
Mr Delbeke made some statements that were misunderstood and inaccurately reported in various press articles, following which Mr Delbeke made a statement on the website of the Directorate-General for Climate Action (DG CLIMA) to correct these misunderstandings (248).
The EU is firm on the implementation of its aviation ETS legislation, which was adopted by the Council and the European Parliament. The Commission has no power to ‘suspend’ or ‘delay’ EU legislation in force and has no plans to make any such proposal to the legislator. 
At the same time, however, we are engaging positively in the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO)'s accelerated work on market based measures. The EU remains strongly committed to finding a multilateral solution. The Commission will review and possibly propose an amendment to the legislation if and when an agreement on global measures is achieved in ICAO, as provided for in the ETS Directive itself. Moreover, the legislation in force provides flexibility to exempt incoming flights on a non-discriminatory basis to take into account action by third countries. 
(Versão portuguesa)
Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-001547/12
à Comissão
Nuno Teixeira (PPE)
(9 de fevereiro de 2012)

Assunto: Fundos comunitários atribuídos à Alemanha
— A política regional tem as suas origens no Tratado de Roma, tendo sido criado em 1975 o Fundo Europeu de Desenvolvimento Regional (FEDER) com vários objetivos definidos, entre os quais apoiar a construção de ₫Infraestruturas ligadas à investigação e à inovação, às telecomunicações, ao ambiente, à energia e aos transportes₻.
— Ao longo dos anos, os fundos comunitários, especialmente o FEDER, têm vindo a apoiar a construção de infraestruturas rodoviárias.
— Segundo a comunicação da Comissão Europeia intitulada ₫Política de coesão: investir na economia real₻ (COM(2008)0876 final), ₫a política de coesão constitui um apoio considerável para o investimento público, incluindo a nível local e regional₻.
— No período de programação compreendido entre 2007 e 2013, a Comissão Europeia disponibilizou 347 mil milhões de Euros de fundos comunitários para apoiar diversas tipologias de projetos e 38 mil milhões de euros para apoiar as redes transeuropeias na área das infraestruturas de transportes (TEN-T).
— No Quadro Financeiro Plurianual 2014/2020, a Comissão Europeia apresenta o Mecanismo Interligar a Europa no valor de 40 mil milhões de euros, existindo um montante suplementar de 10 mil milhões de euros oriundo do Fundo de Coesão. O referido Mecanismo visa reforçar as ligações europeias na área das TIC (9,2 mil milhões de euros), energia (9,2 mil milhões de euros) e infraestruturas de transportes (31,6 mil milhões de euros), promovendo assim uma maior interligação entre as regiões europeias.
Pergunta-se à Comissão:







Qual o volume total de fundos comunitários atribuídos à Alemanha desde a reunificação e quais as principais tipologias de projetos financiados?











Do volume total de fundos comunitários atribuídos à Alemanha desde a reunificação, qual o montante destinado às infraestruturas rodoviárias, ferroviárias e aeroportuárias?











Quantos quilómetros de autoestradas existiam na Alemanha até 1991 e quantos existem na atualidade?











Qual a relação km/habitante existente na Alemanha?











Qual a evolução do PIB verificada em todas as regiões alemãs desde 1991?




Resposta dada por Johannes Hahn em nome da Comissão
(28 de março de 2012)






1.


Os financiamentos provenientes dos Fundos Estruturais concedidos à Alemanha desde o período de 1994/1999, incluindo o período corrente, ascendem a 67 000 milhões de euros. Os principais tipos de projetos cofinanciados incluem, além de infraestruturas (nomeadamente nas regiões orientais), o apoio às PME, à transferência de inovação e de conhecimento, ao emprego, ao ensino e à inclusão social, assim como o apoio ao reforço de capacidades e à cooperação transnacional. No período de 1989/1993, foram atribuídos 2 600 milhões de euros, mas não há informação disponível sobre a repartição destes fundos por setor.




2. Os programas de transportes a nível federal beneficiaram de um cofinanciamento do FEDER de 1 660 milhões de euros no período de 2000/2006 e de 1 520 milhões de euros no período de 2007/2013. Além disso, foram destinados no âmbito dos programas regionais alemães aproximadamente 3 500 milhões de euros no período de 2000/2006 e 3 100 milhões de euros no período de 2007/2013 para o setor temático ₫Transportes₻. Por outro lado, também foram apoiados, na Alemanha, projetos da RTE-T. Para mais informações sobre esses projetos, consultar:
(http://tentea.ec.europa.eu/en/ten-t_projects/ten-t_projects_by_country/germany.htm).






3.


Os valores do Eurostat indicam que a rede de autoestradas na Alemanha em 1991 era de 10 955 km e, em 2010, 12 819 km.










4.


Com base nos dados de 2010, o rácio de km de autoestrada por habitante é de 0,00016 km.










5.


Verificou-se uma tendência de crescimento do PIB no conjunto das regiões alemãs desde 1991. Um quadro, que enviamos diretamente ao Senhor Deputado e ao Secretariado do Parlamento, apresenta a evolução do PIB por Estado federado de 1995 a 2008.




(English version)
Question for written answer E-001547/12
to the Commission
Nuno Teixeira (PPE)
(9 February 2012)

Subject: Community funding allocated to Germany
— Regional policy derives from the Treaty of Rome; the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) was established in 1975, and a range of objectives were assigned to it, including supporting the construction of ‘Infrastructure connected to research and innovation, telecommunications, the environment, energy and transport’.
— Over the years, Community funding, particularly the ERDF, has been used to support the construction of road networks.
— According to the Commission communication entitled ‘Cohesion policy: Investing in the real economy’ (COM(2008) 0876), ‘Cohesion policy provides considerable support to public investment, at both regional and local level’.
— In the programming period from 2007 to 2013, the Commission provided EUR 347 000 million in Community funding to support various types of projects and EUR 38 000 million to support infrastructure for the trans-European transport networks (TEN‐T).
— The Connecting Europe Facility is allocated EUR 40 000 million in the Commission’s 2014-2020 multi-annual financial framework, with an additional EUR 10 000 million under the Cohesion Fund. The aim of this Facility is to improve interconnections between European regions by enhancing Europe’s digital network (EUR 9 200 million), energy network (EUR 9 200 million) and transport infrastructure (EUR 31 600 million). 






1.


What is the total amount of Community funding allocated to Germany since reunification and what are the main types of projects funded?










2.


Out of the total Community funding allocated to Germany since reunification, how much has been earmarked for road, rail and airport infrastructure?










3.


What was the total length of motorways in kilometres in Germany in 1991 and what is it today?










4.


What is the current km per inhabitant ratio for Germany?










5.


What has been the trend in GDP in the German regions as a whole since 1991?




Answer given by Mr Hahn on behalf of the Commission
(28 March 2012)






1.


Structural funding allocated to Germany since the 1994-1999 period, including the present period, totals EUR 67 billion. The main types of project co-financed include, in addition to infrastructure (particularly in eastern regions), support to SMEs, innovation and knowledge transfer, employment, education and social inclusion as well as capacity building and transnational cooperation. For the 1989-1993 period, EUR 2.6 billion was allocated, but there is no information on the breakdown of these funds by sector.










2.


Transport programmes at the federal level have received ERDF co-financing of EUR 1.66 billion for 2000-2006 and EUR 1.52 billion in 2007-2013. In addition, under the thematic sector 




‘Transport’, some EUR 3.5 billion for 2000-2006 and some EUR 3.1 billion for 2007-2013 have been earmarked within German regional programmes. Moreover, TEN‐T projects have also been supported in Germany. Information about such projects is available at: http://tentea.ec.europa.eu/en/ten-t_projects/ten-t_projects_by_country/germany.htm






3.


Eurostat figures indicate that the length of motorways in Germany in 1991 was 10 955 km and in 2010 it was 12 819 km.










4.


On the basis of the 2010 data, the ratio of km of motorway to inhabitant is 0.00016 km.










5.


There has been an upward trend in GDP in the German regions as a whole since 1991. A table, which is sent directly to the Honourable Member and to Parliaments Secretariat, shows the evolution of the GDP per Bundesland from 1995 to 2008.




(Versione italiana)
Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-001549/12
alla Commissione (Vicepresidente/Alto Rappresentante)
Lorenzo Fontana (EFD)
(9 febbraio 2012)

Oggetto: VP/HR — Funzionamento del sistema giudiziario in Egitto. Il caso di Ahmed Ezz
Ahmed Ezz, uomo d’affari, fondatore ed ex-presidente della principale azienda produttrice d’acciaio egiziana, la Ezzsteel, è stato arrestato il 17 febbraio 2011, a seguito della caduta del governo di Mubarak, ed è ora detenuto in carcere, dove sta scontando la condanna a 10 anni di reclusione per il reato di corruzione.
Prima di diventare businessman, Ezz ha ricoperto il ruolo di segretario del disciolto Partito Nazionale Democratico, il partito di maggioranza guidato da Hosni Mubarak.
Ezz si dichiara innocente. Ritiene di essere vittima dell’arbitrario e politicizzato sistema giudiziario egiziano e delle accuse del governo di transizione, dal quale ritiene di essere stato ingiustamente additato per il ruolo di spicco ricoperto durante la precedente amministrazione.
— Considerando la recente pubblicazione di un rapporto dell'International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute, nel quale si esprime preoccupazione per la politicizzazione e l’arbitrarietà del sistema legale egiziano, che non assicura l’indipendenza giudiziaria ed il giusto processo;
— considerando il supporto finanziario che l’Unione europea ha messo a disposizione dell’Egitto, a sostegno della transizione democratica;
— considerando i numerosi accordi commerciali, energetici e di cooperazione finanziaria che l’Unione europea intrattiene con l’Egitto ed il ₫Partenariato per la democrazia e la prosperità condivisa₻;
si chiede al Vicepresidente/Alto Rappresentante:






—


se sia al corrente del caso sopra descritto e se sia in grado di fornire informazioni più recenti e dettagliate;










—


una valutazione del sistema giudiziario egiziano ed, eventualmente, degli eventuali sviluppi nella tutela dei diritti umani nel paese, soprattutto alla luce dello svolgimento dei processi — conclusi o tuttora in corso — e delle sentenze emanate contro i componenti ed i collaboratori del governo Mubarak;










—


quali misure intenda adottare per sollecitare le necessarie riforme giudiziarie ed il consolidamento dello stato di diritto nel paese.




Risposta data dall'Alta Rappresentante/Vicepresidente Catherine Ashton a nome della Commissione
(23 aprile 2012)
L'Alta Rappresentante/Vicepresidente è a conoscenza dell’arresto di Ahmed Ezz, come pure di altri uomini d'affari, cittadini e politici, a seguito della rivolta egiziana del 25 gennaio 2012 che ha portato alle dimissioni dell'ex presidente Mubarak e al passaggio temporaneo del potere al Consiglio supremo delle Forze armate. L’UE ha più volte ribadito alle autorità egiziane provvisorie l’importanza di tutelare i diritti umani fondamentali, tra cui il diritto a un processo equo dinanzi a tribunali civili indipendenti. Il rispetto di queste norme sui diritti umani fondamentali è un elemento essenziale di ogni società democratica moderna, modello cui aspira la popolazione egiziana. 
Nel 2010 è stato adottato un programma di riforma della giustizia per un importo pari a 10 milioni di EUR allo scopo di modernizzare il sistema giudiziario egiziano. Inoltre, 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 fondamentali rispetto ai quali saranno valutati i progressi compiuti dall'Egitto nel quadro dell’approccio ₫more for more₻ relativo alla nuova politica di vicinato. 
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001549/12
to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)
Lorenzo Fontana (EFD)
(9 February 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — Operation of the judicial system in Egypt — The case of Ahmed Ezz
The businessman Ahmed Ezz, founder and ex-chairman of Ezzsteel, the main Egyptian steel production company, was arrested on 17 February 2011 following the fall of Mubarak’s government and is currently behind bars, after being sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for corruption.
Before he became a businessman, Mr Ezz was secretary to the now-dissolved National Democratic Party, the majority party led by Hosni Mubarak.
Mr Ezz pleads innocent. He claims he is a victim of the arbitrary, politicised Egyptian judicial system and of the accusations of the transitional government, which he believes has made him an unfair target due to the prominent role he played under the previous administration.
The International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute recently published a report expressing concern over the politicisation and arbitrary nature of the Egyptian judicial system, which does not guarantee the independence of the judiciary and a fair trial;
Given that the EU has provided financial support for Egypt to assist it in its democratic transition, has drawn up numerous trade, energy and financial cooperation agreements with Egypt and has established a ‘Partnership for democracy and shared prosperity’ with that country, can the Vice-President/High Representative:






—


say whether she is aware of this case and is able to provide any more recent or detailed information on the matter;










—


provide an assessment of the Egyptian judicial system and, if appropriate, of any developments in the protection of human rights in the country, particularly in the light of proceedings that are either under way or have been concluded, and of the sentences passed against members and collaborators of the Mubarak government;










—


say what measures she intends to take to call for the necessary judicial reforms and consolidation of the rule of law in Egypt?




Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Ashton on behalf of the Commission
(23 April 2012)
The High Representative/Vice-President is aware of the imprisonment of Mr Ezz as well as of other businessmen, individuals and politicians following the Egyptian uprising on 25 January 2012 leading to the subsequent resignation of ex-President Mubarak and handing over of power to the transitional Supreme Council of Armed Forces. The EU has repeatedly emphasised the importance of upholding basic human rights including the right to a fair trial by independent civilian courts in all its contacts with the interim Egyptian authorities. The respect of these fundamental human rights norms is an essential element in any modern democratic society to which the Egyptian population is striving. 
A EUR 10 million Justice Reform Programme has been adopted in 2010 to support the modernisation of the Egyptian judicial system. Besides, 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 progresses made by Egypt in the framework of the ‘more for more approach’ inherent to the new neighbourhood policy.
(Versione italiana)
Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-001550/12
alla Commissione (Vicepresidente/Alto Rappresentante)
Lorenzo Fontana (EFD)
(9 febbraio 2012)

Oggetto: VP/HR — Situazione nelle Maldive e ruolo del SEAE
La crisi politica che ha colpito le Maldive in queste ultime settimane ha implicato le dimissioni del presidente Mohamed Nasheed, sostituito dal suo vice Mohamed Wahleed Hassan. Considerato il coinvolgimento delle forze di polizia nella crisi, allo stato attuale una risoluzione pacifica appare vicina.
Tuttavia, ciò premesso e 
— considerate le dichiarazioni rilasciate il 20 gennaio scorso dal capo della delegazione avente sede a Colombo, responsabile per le Maldive;
— considerato che le Maldive sono un paese in cui il 99 % dei cittadini si dichiara di fede musulmana;
— considerati gli obiettivi strategici che l'UE ha dichiarato di voler perseguire nella regione:
può la Vicepresidente/Alto Rappresentante far sapere:






—


quale sia il ruolo svolto dal Servizio Europeo di Azione Esterna nell'ambito della crisi;










—


se siano stati riscontrati problemi per i fedeli di religione cristiana;










—


se, a prescindere da quanto accaduto durante la crisi, tali fedeli godano delle prerogative legate alla libertà di culto;










—


a quanto ammontino le risorse umane e quale sia il costo annuale sostenuto all'UE per consentire il corretto funzionamento della sede responsabile per lo Sri Lanka e le Maldive?




Risposta data dall'Alta Rappresentante/Vicepresidente Catherine Ashton  a nome della Commissione
(22 maggio 2012)
L'UE continua a seguire attentamente gli eventi nelle Maldive, in stretta collaborazione con l'ONU, il Commonwealth e l'India, per contribuire al ripristino di una situazione politica stabile.
I capi missione dell'UE a Colombo e New Dehli, responsabili anche per le Maldive, hanno visitato le isole dal 12 al 15 febbraio 2012 e hanno incoraggiato tutti i gruppi politici a cooperare per il ripristino della stabilità e dello Stato di diritto. Si è riconosciuto che sarebbe difficile ottenere un consenso senza elezioni anticipate e un'inchiesta indipendente sugli eventi che hanno portato al passaggio di poteri del 7 febbraio 2012. Successivamente l'AR/VP ha rilasciato una dichiarazione a nome dell'Unione europea (A 68/12 del 21 febbraio 2012, http://eeas.europa.eu/statements/index_it.htm).
Non sono stati segnalati danni fisici nei confronti di cristiani durante la crisi. Tuttavia nel paese è stata utilizzata come mezzo politico la retorica islamica estremista.
Nelle Maldive, la libertà di religione è limitata dalla Costituzione e da altre leggi e politiche. La Costituzione del 2008 ha dichiarato che l'Islam (Sunnita) è la religione ufficiale di Stato e controlla tutti gli affari religiosi. Il governo si ispira ad un diritto civile basato sulla sharia. Gli stranieri di religione non mussulmana sono liberi di professare il loro credo nelle loro abitazioni private ed è vietato riunirsi per pregare.
Né l'UE né gli Stati membri hanno uffici permanenti alle Maldive. A causa delle ristrettezze di bilancio le missioni alle Maldive sono limitate. Il capo della delegazione dell'UE e altri capi missione effettuano visite nelle Maldive 2 o 3 volte l'anno. Alla luce degli sviluppi, il servizio europeo per l'azione esterna e gli Stati membri analizzeranno l'eventuale giustificazione di una presenza dell'UE a Malé.
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001550/12
to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)
Lorenzo Fontana (EFD)
(9 February 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — Situation in the Maldives and role of the EEAS
The political crisis which has hit the Maldives in recent weeks has involved the resignation of President Mohamed Nasheed, who was replaced by his Vice-President, Mohamed Wahleed Hassan. Given the involvement of the police forces in the crisis, a peaceful resolution to the current situation appears close at hand.
Nevertheless, that said and:






—


given the statement made on 20 January 2012 by the head of the delegation in Colombo, which is also responsible for the Maldives;










—


given that the Maldives is a country where 99 % of citizens declare themselves to be Muslims;










—


given the strategic objectives that the EU has declared it wishes to pursue in the region,




Can the Vice-President/High Representative state:






—


the nature of the role played by the European External Action Service in the context of this crisis;










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whether any problems have been identified affecting the Christian community;










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whether, regardless of what happened during the crisis, these Christians continue to enjoy freedom of worship;










—


the likely cost of the EU, in terms of human resources and annual financial resources, of ensuring the proper functioning of the office responsible for Sri Lanka and the Maldives?




Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Ashton  on behalf of the Commission
(22 May 2012)
The EU continues to follow the events in the Maldives closely, in coordination with the UN, the Commonwealth and India, in order to contribute to a return to a stable political situation.
EU Heads of Mission based in Colombo or New Delhi and accredited to the Maldives visited the country on 12-15 February 2012. They encouraged all political groupings to cooperate in re-establishing stability and the rule of law. It was recognised that it would be difficult to achieve a consensus without early elections and an independent enquiry into the events which led to the transfer of power on 7 February. Subsequently, the High Representative/Vice-President released a Declaration on behalf of the EU (A 68/12 dated 21 February 2012, http://eeas.europa.eu/statements/index_en.htm).
There were no reports of Christians being physically affected during the crisis. However, extremist Islamic rhetoric has been used as a political tool in the country.
Freedom of religion is restricted by the constitution and other laws and policies in the Maldives. The 2008 Constitution declared that Islam (Sunni) is the official state religion and controls all religious matters. The Government follows civil law based on Shari’a law. Non-Muslim foreigners are free to worship in the privacy of their home; congregating for prayer is illegal. 
The EU does not maintain an office in the Maldives, nor do EU Member States. Due to budget constraints missions to the Maldives are limited. The EU Head of Delegation and other EU Heads of Mission visit the Maldives 2-3 times per year. The European External Action Service and the EU Member States will reflect as to whether an EU presence in Malé would be justified, given recent events.
(Versione italiana)
Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-001551/12
alla Commissione
Andrea Zanoni (ALDE)
(9 febbraio 2012)

Oggetto: Richiesta riapertura Pratica EU-PILOT: 488/09/ENVI — «Quadrante Europa» di Verona
Il Consorzio per la ZAI — Zona Agricolo Industriale — costituito tra la Provincia, il Comune e la Camera di Commercio di Verona con D.L. 24.4.1948 n. 579, modificato con L. 26.7.1975 n. 378, è un Consorzio di sviluppo industriale istituito in base a legge speciale e quindi è un Ente istituzionale a base territoriale con compiti di pianificazione urbanistica e di propulsione allo sviluppo globale del territorio e dell'economia mediante l'organizzazione di zone ed infrastrutture.
Questo Consorzio Z.A.I. gestisce l’Interporto e Centro Intermodale: ₫Quadrante Europa₻, che si estende su un’area di 2 500 000 mq, ed è primo in Italia per volumi di traffico combinato.
In data 6.7.2009 la Commissione europea ha aperto la pratica EU-PILOT 488/09/ENVI relativa a presunte violazioni della direttiva 85/337/CEE da parte del Quadrante Europa, pratica che è stata archiviata nel febbraio 2010, nonostante le continue segnalazioni ad essa pervenute da parte di Comitati di cittadini relativamente a nuovi interventi e nuovi potenziamenti realizzati nel ₫Quadrante Europa₻.
In seguito, il 30 giugno 2011, il Consiglio Comunale di Verona con delibera N. 41 ha approvato il: Programma complesso di cui si da attuazione mediante Piano Particolareggiato dell’Area denominata ₫Quadrante Europa — Area Nord₻ sita in Verona. Richiedenti: ditta Consorzio ZAI Comune di Verona. Approvazione del Piano Urbanistico Attuativo. Artt. 19 e seguenti L.R. 11/2004.
Con l’approvazione del P.U.A.: ₫Quadrante Europa — Area Nord₻ è stato approvata una nuova espansione del Quadrante Europa su un’area di ben 2 676 519 metri quadrati (aggiunti ai 2,5 milioni esistenti), approvazione avvenuta senza alcuna previa sottoposizione alla procedura di VAS.
In merito alla violazione della direttiva VIA, inoltre, la Procura della Repubblica di Verona, sta ancora svolgendo indagini, in quanto ad oggi risulta essere ancora aperto il fascicolo 1217/08/ANCNR.
— Alla luce dei fatti esposti, la Commissione non ritiene necessario riaprire la Pratica EU-PILOT 488/09/ENVI in modo da obbligare le autorità italiane a predisporre una perizia asseverata su quanto realizzato, potenziato e incrementato al Quadrante Europa, almeno a partire dal 14.03.1999 (data dell'entrata in vigore della direttiva 97/11/CE), al fine di poter valutare correttamente le eventuali violazioni alla direttiva: VIA 85/337/CEE — 97/11/CE e alla direttiva VAS: 2001/42/CE, all’interno delle opere realizzate nel Quadrante Europa?
Risposta data da Janez Potočnik a nome della Commissione
(28 marzo 2012)
La Commissione ha recentemente ricevuto una denuncia concernente diverse questioni, tra cui nuove presunte violazioni della normativa UE in materia di ambiente relative all’area ubicata in provincia di Verona denominata ₫Quadrante Europa₻. La denuncia è stata protocollata ed è attualmente al vaglio dei servizi preposti. Se dall’esame di detta denuncia emergerà una violazione del diritto UE in materia di ambiente, la Commissione non esiterà ad adottare le misure appropriate e ne informerà l’onorevole parlamentare. 
La Commissione ha infatti avviato indagini in merito a seguito di una precedente denuncia presentata dallo stesso denunciante di cui sopra, successivamente chiuse una volta constatata l’impossibilità di dimostrare violazioni del diritto UE. 
L’onorevole parlamentare chiede alla Commissione di obbligare le autorità italiane a predisporre una perizia asseverata sui lavori realizzati nel ₫Quadrante Europa₻ dal 1999. È opportuno ricordare che la Commissione non ha alcun potere di ordinare alle autorità pubbliche di uno Stato membro di svolgere attività specifiche, né di dichiarare nulli atti o decisioni da esse emanati. Questo potere appartiene interamente ai giudici nazionali competenti. La Commissione prende atto delle informazioni comunicate dall'onorevole parlamentare, in base alle quali presso le autorità giudiziarie italiane per l'indagine sul ₫Quadrante Europa₻ risulta ancora aperto un fascicolo.
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001551/12
to the Commission
Andrea Zanoni (ALDE)
(9 February 2012)

Subject: Request to reopen EU PILOT: 488/09/ENVI — Verona-Quadrante Europa proceedings
The Agricultural-Industrial Zone (ZAI) Consortium, established by the Province of Verona, the Municipality of Verona and the Chamber of Commerce of Verona under Italian Decree-Law No 579 of 24 April 1948, subsequently amended by Italian Law No 378, is an industrial development consortium established on the basis of a special law that constitutes it as a territorial-based institutional entity, with duties including urban planning and the boosting of overall territorial and economic development by organising zones and infrastructures.
The ZAI Consortium manages the Interport and the Intermodal Centre ‘Quadrante Europa’, which covers a surface area of 2 500 000 square metres and is the most important in Italy in terms of combined traffic volumes.
On 6 July 2009, the Commission initiated proceedings under the heading EU PILOT 488/09/ENVI, over alleged violations of Directive 85/337/EEC by Quadrante Europa. These proceedings were dropped in February 2010, despite numerous complaints by residents’ organisations in relation to the new developments and extensions at ‘Quadrante Europa’.
On 30 June 2011, the Municipal Council of Verona passed Resolution No 41, approving the general programme implemented via the detailed plan for the area known as ‘Quadrante Europa — North Area’ situated in Verona. (‘Applicants: the ZAI Consortium and the Municipality of Verona. Approval of the implementing development plan — Articles 19 et seq. of Regional Law No 11/2004’).
With the adoption of the implementing development plan ‘Quadrante Europa — North Area’, a new extension of the Quadrante Europa was approved, covering an area of 2 676 519 square metres (in addition to the existing 2.5 million). This approval was obtained without any prior strategic environmental assessment (SEA).
With regard to the violation of the EIA Directive, moreover, the Public Prosecutor’s Office in Verona is still carrying out investigations, and the file 1217/08/ANCNR remains open.
— In view of these events, does the Commission not consider it necessary to reopen the EU PILOT 488/09/ENVI proceedings, in order to oblige the Italian authorities to supply an expertise concerning the development and expansion of operations at Quadrante Europa, at least as from 14 March 1999 (the date on which Directive 97/11/EC came into force), in order to correctly evaluate any potential violation of the directive SEA 85/337/EEC — 97/11/EC and of the directive EIA 2001/42/EC by the development works at Quadrante Europa?
Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission
(28 March 2012)
The Commission has recently received from the same complainant a new complaint concerning different issues, including new allegations of breach of the EU environmental legislation in connection with the area in the province of Verona called ‘Quadrante Europa’. The new complaint has been registered and is currently at the stage of internal examination. Should the analysis of the new complaint highlight evidence of any breach of EU environmental law, the Commission would not hesitate to take the appropriate actions, and would inform the Honourable Member accordingly.
A previous complaint from the same person indeed triggered investigations by the Commission. These investigations have been closed as no breach of EU legislation could be established.
The Honourable Member asks the Commission to compel the Italian authorities to establish a sworn expert's report (perizia asseverata) on the works realised since 1999 within the ‘Quadrante Europa’ area. It has to be recalled that the Commission has no power to order public authorities in a Member State to carry out specific activities, nor to declare void acts or decisions of public authorities. This power belongs entirely to the competent national judges. The Commission takes note of the information submitted by the Honourable Member, according to which an investigation on ‘Quadrante Europa’ is pending before the Italian judiciary.
(Versione italiana)
Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-001552/12
alla Commissione
Andrea Zanoni (ALDE)
(9 febbraio 2012)

Oggetto: Richiesta di riapertura della pratica EU-PILOT 240/08/ENVI relativa all'aeroporto di Verona
L'8 marzo 2007 l'aeroporto di Verona ha consegnato all'ENAC lo studio ambientale preliminare relativo al ₫Piano di ammodernamento e sviluppo a breve e medio termine₻, ma ad oggi detto piano di sviluppo aeroportuale non è ancora stato approvato né dal ministero dell'Ambiente né tanto meno dal ministero dei Trasporti e delle infrastrutture.
Il 18 dicembre 2008 la Commissione europea ha aperto la pratica EU-PILOT 240/08/ENVI relativa a presunte violazioni della direttiva VIA da parte dell'aeroporto di Verona.
Il 18 giugno 2009 l'ENAC ha presentato istanza di attivazione della procedura ex art. 21 del decreto legislativo 152-2006 relativa alla procedura di ₫scoping₻ del piano di sviluppo aeroportuale.
Con parere n. 370 del 30.10.2009, la commissione tecnica di verifica dell'impatto ambientale VIA-VAS del ministero dell'Ambiente ha espresso un parere favorevole circa le informazioni che devono essere contenute nello studio d'impatto ambientale del piano di sviluppo aeroportuale.
Considerando che, a seguito delle informazioni fornite dalle autorità italiane, l'aeroporto Catullo sarebbe stato sottoposto a una valutazione d'impatto ambientale, nel febbraio 2010 la Commissione europea ha archiviato la pratica EU-PILOT 240/08/ENVI, stabilendo che la valutazione d'impatto ambientale dell'Aeroporto di Verona deve essere predisposta a partire dalla data di apertura della pratica EU-PILOT 240/08/ENVI e con la ₫raccomandazione₻ che nella procedura di valutazione d'impatto ambientale siano valutati anche gli impatti ambientali a partire dalla data del 14 marzo 1999.
Nelle more del procedimento di valutazione d'impatto ambientale la Società di gestione aeroportuale ha però realizzato nuovi interventi, ha potenziato le infrastrutture di volo e di servizio e ha anche incrementato le capacità operative dell'aeroporto, aprendo poi nuove rotte e nuovi voli, incrementando cosi anche il traffico.
In merito alla violazione della direttiva VIA, la Procura della Repubblica di Verona sta inoltre ancora svolgendo indagini, poiché ad oggi risulta essere ancora aperto il fascicolo 805/08/ANCNR.
Alla luce di quanto sopra esposto, intende la Commissione riaprire la pratica EU-PILOT 240/08/ENVI in modo da obbligare le autorità italiane a predisporre una perizia asseverata su quanto realizzato, potenziato e incrementato all'aeroporto di Verona, almeno a partire dal 14 marzo 1999 (data dell'entrata in vigore della direttiva 97/11/CE), al fine di valutare le eventuali violazioni alla direttiva VIA operate dall'Aeroporto Catullo S.p.A.?
Risposta data da Janez Potočnik  a nome della Commissione
(30 marzo 2012)
Lo stesso denunciante all’origine della pratica EU-Pilot citata dall’onorevole parlamentare (pratica già chiusa, in quanto le indagini non hanno riscontrato alcuna violazione della normativa UE in materia di ambiente), ha presentato una nuova denuncia in merito a una serie di problemi, inclusa la violazione della legislazione UE in materia di ambiente avvenuta in relazione all’aeroporto di Verona. Questa nuova denuncia è stata registrata ed è attualmente all’esame dei nostri servizi. Se dall’esame emergessero elementi a conferma di un’effettiva violazione del diritto UE in materia, la Commissione non esiterà a prendere le misure appropriate e ne informerà l'onorevole parlamentare.
Per quanto riguarda la richiesta di una perizia asseverata sui lavori realizzati nell'aeroporto di Verona a partire dal 14 marzo 1999, la Commissione non ha alcuna competenza in materia, in quanto ciò rientra nei compiti delle autorità italiane. La Commissione prende atto delle informazioni trasmesse dall'onorevole parlamentare, secondo le quali sono attualmente in corso indagini in merito all’aeroporto di Verona presso le autorità giudiziarie italiane.
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001552/12
to the Commission
Andrea Zanoni (ALDE)
(9 February 2012)

Subject: Request to re-open EU‐PILOT 240/08/ENVI proceedings in relation to Verona airport
On 8 March 2007, Verona airport delivered the preliminary environmental study in relation to the ‘Short and medium-term development and modernisation plan’ to the Italian national civil aviation agency (ENAC). As of today, however, this airport development plan has yet to be approved by the Ministry for the Environment and the Ministry for Transport and Infrastructure.
On 18 December 2008, the European Commission initiated the EU‐PILOT 240/08/ENVI proceedings in relation to alleged violations of the SEA Directive by Verona airport.
On 18 June 2009, ENAC filed a request to initiate proceedings pursuant to Article 21 of Italian Legislative Decree No 152-2006 in relation to the airport development plan scoping procedure.
In its opinion No 370 of 30 October 2009, the technical commission of the Ministry for the Environment responsible for verifying the strategic environmental assessment (SEA) and environmental impact assessment (EIA) issued a favourable opinion on the information to be contained in the EIA of the airport development plan.
Considering that, on the basis of the information provided by the Italian authorities, Catullo airport was to be subject to EIA, in February 2010, the European Commission archived the EU‐PILOT 240/08/ENVI proceedings, establishing that the EIA for Verona airport was to be prepared starting from the date on which the EU‐PILOT 240/08/ENVI proceedings were initiated and with the ‘recommendation’ that the EIA should also assess environmental impact as from 14 March 1999.
Whilst awaiting the EIA, however, the airport management company took further action, extending the flight and service infrastructures, increasing the airport’s operating capacity and then opening new routes and new flights, thereby also increasing traffic.
With regards to the violation of the SEA Directive, moreover, the Public Prosecution of Verona is still investigating, as file 805/08/ANCNR is still open today.
In view of the above, does the Commission intend to re-open the EU‐PILOT 240/09/ENVI proceedings in order to oblige the Italian authorities to arrange for a sworn appraisal of the facilities that have been developed, extended and expanded at Verona airport, at least as from 14 March 1999 (the date on which Directive 97/11/EC came into force), in order to ascertain whether there has been any infringement of the SEA Directive by Aeroporto Catullo S.p.A.?
Answer given by Mr Potočnik  on behalf of the Commission
(30 March 2012)
The same complainant of the past EU Pilot investigation mentioned (closed as no breach of EU environmental legislation had been identified) has filed a new complaint concerning a number of different issues, including the breach of EU environmental legislation in connection with Verona Airport. The new complaint has been registered and is currently at the stage of internal examination. Should the analysis of the new complaint highlight evidence of any breach of EU environmental law, the Commission would not hesitate to take the appropriate action, and would inform the Honourable Member accordingly.
As regards the issue of a sworn appraisal of the works realised within Verona Airport since 14.3.1999, the Commission has no competence in this matter which is the responsibility of the Italian authorities. The Commission takes note of the information submitted by the Honourable Member, according to which an investigation on Verona Airport is pending before the Italian judiciary.
(Versione italiana)
Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-001553/12
alla Commissione
Andrea Zanoni (ALDE)
(9 febbraio 2012)

Oggetto: Ruolo dell'ENAC nella mancata applicazione delle direttive 85/337/CEE, 97/11/CE e 2001/42/CE agli aeroporti di Venezia, Treviso e Verona
Con il decreto legislativo n. 250 del 25 luglio 1997 vi è stata l’istituzione dell'Ente Nazionale per l'Aviazione Civile (ENAC) e con il decreto ministeriale del 3 giugno 1999 ne è stato approvato lo statuto dove, all’articolo 1, primo comma, risulta che: ₫L'Ente nazionale per l'aviazione civile, qui di seguito denominato Ente, è un ente pubblico non economico dotato di autonomia regolamentare, organizzativa, amministrativa, patrimoniale, contabile e finanziaria, sottoposto all'indirizzo, vigilanza e controllo del Ministro dei trasporti e della navigazione
₻ e, all’articolo 2, secondo comma, punto ₫i₻, che all’ENAC sono stati assegnati compiti di: ₫regolamentazione, esame e valutazione dei piani regolatori aeroportuali, dei programmi d'intervento e dei piani d'investimento aeroportuale, razionalizzazione e modifiche delle procedure e di altre attività in materia di servizi aeroportuali nonché affidamento dei servizi aeroportuali e relative concessioni
₻.
L'ENAC, tra l’altro, agisce come soggetto promotore nelle procedure di cui alla direttiva 85/337/CEE, svolgendo cosi, per gli aeroporti, sia il ruolo di controllore che di controllato nelle procedure di VIA.
L’ENAC, poi, approva piani di sviluppo aeroportuali e contratti di programma con le società di gestione aeroportuali, senza che questi siano sottoposti alla procedura prevista dalla direttiva 2001/42/CE.
Nella Regione Veneto i tre principali aeroporti, quello di Venezia, quello di Verona e quello di Treviso, mancano ancora tutti e tre del decreto di compatibilità ambientale, in particolare per quanto già realizzato, potenziato e incrementato almeno a partire dal 14.3.1999, data di entrata in vigore, in Italia, della direttiva 97/11/CE.
Alla luce di quanto esposto, si chiede alla Commissione:







Non ritiene che l’ENAC, nella sua qualità di ente pubblico, debba svolgere solo il ruolo di controllo e di verifica preliminare delle procedure di VIA e VAS una volta presentate e predisposte, come proponenti, dalle società di gestione aeroportuali?











Non reputa che l’ENAC debba essere l’ente pubblico cui assegnare le responsabilità sul ruolo di controllo, di verifica e di corretta applicazione delle normative comunitarie e nazionali relativamente alle direttive VIA e VAS sulle infrastrutture aeroportuali italiane, in particolare per quanto concerne i tre aeroporti oggi presenti nella Regione Veneto: gli aeroporti di Venezia, Verona e Treviso?




Risposta data da Janez Potočnik a nome della Commissione
(28 marzo 2012)
I singoli Stati membri designano la o le autorità cui spetta il compito di adempiere agli obblighi imposti dalla direttiva 2011/92/UE (sulla valutazione d’impatto ambientale o direttiva EIA) (249) e dalla direttiva 2001/42/CE (sulla valutazione ambientale strategica o direttiva VAS) (250). Indicare quale sia il ruolo da assegnare ad enti pubblici specifici in un determinato Stato membro esula dalla sfera di competenza della Commissione.
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001553/12
to the Commission
Andrea Zanoni (ALDE)
(9 February 2012)

Subject: Role of ENAC in the failure to implement Directives 85/337/EEC, 97/11/EC and 2001/42/EC at the airports of Venice, Treviso and Verona
The Italian Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC) was established by Legislative Decree No 250 of 25 July 1997 and its statute was adopted by Ministerial Decree of 3 June 1999. According to Article 1, paragraph 1 of the statute: ‘The Civil Aviation Authority, hereinafter referred to as the Authority, is a non-economic public body which is autonomous in its regulatory, organisational, administrative, capital, accounting and financial affairs and is subject to the direction, supervision and control of the Ministry of Transport and Navigation’. Article 2(2)(i) stipulates that ENAC is responsible for the: ‘regulation, examination and evaluation of airport regulatory plans, airport action programmes and investment plans, the rationalisation and modification of procedures and other activities in the field of airport services, and is also responsible for airport services and the relevant franchises’.
ENAC, among other things, acts as a facilitator in the procedures set out in Directive 85/337/EEC. It therefore plays the role of controller, whilst at the same time being controlled in the EIA procedures for airports.
ENAC also approves airport development plans and programme contracts with airport management companies, without these companies being subject to the procedure set out in Directive 2001/42/EC.
In the Veneto region, no environmental compatibility decree has yet been issued for the three main airports, Venice, Verona and Treviso, in particular with regard to that which has already been built, developed and extended — at least since 14 March 1999, when Directive 97/11/EC entered into force in Italy.
In light of the above, can the Commission answer the following questions:







Does it not consider that ENAC, as a public body, should only play the role of monitoring and carrying out preliminary checks on EIA and SEA procedures once they have been submitted and drawn up by the airport management companies?











Does it not agree that ENAC should be the public body which, in relation to Italian airport infrastructure, should be given responsibility for monitoring, checking and ensuring that EU and national legislation concerning the EIA and SEA directives is being properly applied, in particular with regard to the three existing airports in the Veneto region in Venice, Verona and Treviso?




Answer given by Mr Potočnik  on behalf of the Commission
(28 March 2012)
Each Member State defines the authority or the authorities responsible for performing the duties arising by Directive 2011/92/EU (the Environmental Impact Assessment or EIA Directive) (251) and by Directive 2001/42/EC (the Strategic Environmental Assessment or SEA Directive) (252). It falls outside the Commission's competences to indicate which role should be given to any specific public body in any given Member State.
(Versione italiana)
Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-001554/12
alla Commissione (Vicepresidente/Alto Rappresentante)
Sergio Paolo Frances Silvestris (PPE)
(9 febbraio 2012)

Oggetto: VP/HR — Scontri al Cairo
Migliaia di manifestanti giovedì 2 febbraio sono scesi in piazza al Cairo, in Egitto, per protestare contro la strage di mercoledì allo stadio di Port Said, dove le violenze tra tifosi hanno provocato ben 74 morti.
La polizia è quindi intervenuta per disperdere il corteo nelle vicinanze del ministero dell'Interno e oltre 400 manifestanti sono rimasti feriti nelle cariche: la maggior parte sono stati intossicati dai lacrimogeni.
Alla luce dei fatti sopraesposti, s'interroga dunque l'Alto Rappresentante per sapere:







se è a conoscenza dei fatti del Cairo e della repressione della manifestazione pacifica da parte della polizia egiziana, e quali provvedimenti e azioni sono già stati intrapresi ed in quali ancora l'UE intende impegnarsi per garantire che in Egitto ci sia libertà di espressione e si possa manifestare liberamente;











quale seguito si è dato alla risoluzione del Parlamento europeo dello scorso 27 ottobre 2011 sulla situazione in Egitto e in Siria, dove veniva richiamata espressamente e più volte la libertà di espressione.




Risposta data dall'Alta Rappresentante/Vicepresidente Catherine Ashton a nome della Commissione
(2 maggio 2012)
L'Unione europea segue da vicino tali eventi attraverso la sua delegazione al Cairo. L'UE ha ricordato in diverse occasioni alle autorità provvisorie egiziane l'importanza della tutela dei diritti fondamentali dei cittadini, in particolare il diritto a manifestazioni pacifiche e la libertà d'espressione. Le preoccupazioni dell'Unione a riguardo sono state espresse nelle recenti dichiarazioni dell'Alta Rappresentante/Vicepresidente (AR/VP), il 18 dicembre, 20 novembre, 26 novembre e il 10 ottobre del 2011, e nelle conclusioni del Consiglio ₫Affari Esteri₻ del 1o dicembre 2011 e del 27 febbraio 2012. L'Unione solleva inoltre regolarmente tali questioni nei contatti informali con le autorità egiziane a Bruxelles e al Cairo. 
L'UE è fortemente impegnata a rispettare la libertà d'espressione sancita dalla Convenzione internazionale sui diritti civili e politici. La necessità di rispettare tale libertà è alla base degli impegni in materia di diritti umani assunti dalle autorità egiziane nell'ambito dell'accordo di associazione concluso con l'UE ed è chiaramente menzionata nel piano d'azione concordato tra UE ed Egitto.
Nelle conclusioni del Consiglio ₫Affari Esteri₻ e nelle dichiarazioni dell'AR/VP, l'UE ha chiesto ripetutamente al regime siriano di consentire ai media indipendenti e internazionali di operare senza restrizioni in Siria e di non ostacolare l'intervento di agenzie e operatori umanitari. L'UE ha imposto sanzioni a diversi organi di informazione e al ministro dell'Informazione a causa del loro sostegno alle politiche di repressione del regime siriano. 
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001554/12
to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)
Sergio Paolo Frances Silvestris (PPE)
(9 February 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — Clashes in Cairo
On Thursday 2 February 2012 thousands of demonstrators took to the city square in Cairo, Egypt, to protest against the massacre at Port Said stadium on Wednesday 1 February 2012, in which violence between fans caused 74 deaths.
The police intervened to disperse the demonstration near the Ministry of Home Affairs, injuring more than 400 demonstrators, most of whom suffered tear-gas inhalation.
In the light of the above, can the High Representative say:







whether she is aware of the events in Cairo, including the suppression of a peaceful demonstration by Egyptian police, what action has already been taken, and what further steps the EU intends to take in order to guarantee freedom of expression and the freedom to demonstrate in Egypt?











what action has been taken in response to Parliament’s resolution of 27 October 2011 on the situation in Egypt and Syria, which specifically and repeatedly called for freedom of expression?




Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Ashton on behalf of the Commission
(2 May 2012)
The EU has followed these events very closely through its Delegation in Cairo. The EU has recalled on many occasions to the Egyptian interim authorities the importance of protecting the fundamental rights of citizens, in particular the right to demonstrate peacefully and freedom of expression. These concerns have been underlined in recent High Representative/Vice-President (HR/VP) statements (notably on 18 December, 20 November, 26 November and 10 October 2011) as well as in the Foreign Affairs Council conclusions of 1 December 2011 and 27 February 2012. These concerns are also regularly raised in informal contacts with the Egyptian authorities in Brussels and in Cairo. 
The European Union is strongly committed to the respect of freedom of expression as set out in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The need to respect freedom of expression is also at the core of the Human rights commitments undertaken by Egypt under the Association agreement concluded with the EU and is also clearly mentioned in the action plan agreed with Egypt.
The EU has repeatedly called, in its Foreign Affairs Council conclusions and in statements by the HR/VP on the Syrian regime to allow independent and international media to operate in Syria without restrictions and to provide unhindered access to human rights and humanitarian workers and agencies. The EU has imposed sanctions on a number of media outlets and on the Minister of information due to their support to the Syrian regime’s policy of repression. 
(Versione italiana)
Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-001555/12
alla Commissione (Vicepresidente/Alto Rappresentante)
Sergio Paolo Frances Silvestris (PPE)
(9 febbraio 2012)

Oggetto: VP/HR — Ritiro di ambasciatori dalla Siria
I disordini e l'instabilità che stanno caratterizzando la Siria negli ultimi mesi, ed i continui scontri tra le forze di polizia comandate dal presidente Bashar Assad e la popolazione che chiede una riforma democratica, non tendono a diminuire.
Anzi, l'eccessiva pericolosità della zona ha portato vari Paesi, tra cui Italia, Inghilterra e Stati Uniti d’America, sdegnati per le violenze perpetrate dal regime di Damasco, a ritirare ambasciatori e corpi diplomatici.
Alla luce dei fatti sopraesposti, s'interroga dunque l'Alto Rappresentante per sapere:







se è a conoscenza del ritiro dei corpi diplomatici di Italia e Inghilterra;











se è a conoscenza del ritiro di altri ambasciatori di Stati membri europei dalla Siria;











quali azioni intende intraprendere per riportare l'ordine e la stabilità nel Paese.




Risposta data dall'Alta Rappresentante/Vicepresidente Catherine Ashton a nome della Commissione
(25 maggio 2012)
L'Alta Rappresentante/Vicepresidente è a conoscenza delle decisioni da parte di Inghilterra e Italia di sospendere le attività delle loro ambasciate. La questione viene costantemente monitorata dagli Stati membri. A partire dal 4 aprile, la Gran Bretagna, la Francia, la Germania, l'Italia, la Spagna, la Slovenia, i Paesi Bassi e il Belgio hanno deciso la sospensione delle attività delle loro ambasciate, mentre la Finlandia ha temporaneamente ritirato il personale diplomatico. L'Alta Rappresentante/Vicepresidente si impegna a mantenere aperta la delegazione dell'UE a Damasco fintanto che le condizioni di sicurezza lo permetteranno. Questo è importante al fine di ottenere informazioni di prima mano sugli sviluppi in loco e mantenere il contatto con l'opposizione. 
Nell'ottica di trovare una soluzione alla crisi, l'UE appoggia pienamente l'inviato speciale dell'ONU e della Lega araba, Kofi Annan, e il suo piano in sei punti. L'Unione accoglie con favore le risoluzioni 2042 e 2043 dell'ONU a sostegno della missione e del piano di Kofi Annan, incoraggia i membri del Consiglio di sicurezza dell'ONU a proseguire in questa direzione ed esorta il regime siriano a tener fede una volta per tutte alle promesse e ad attuare quanto prima i sei punti del piano. 
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001555/12
to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)
Sergio Paolo Frances Silvestris (PPE)
(9 February 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — Withdrawal of ambassadors from Syria
The disorder and instability seen in Syria in recent months and the continual clashes between President Bashar al-Assad’s police forces and the population, which is demanding democratic reform, show no signs of abating.
The highly dangerous situation there has prompted various countries, including Italy, the United Kingdom and the United States of America, which are up in arms over the violence perpetrated by the Damascus regime, to withdraw their ambassadors and diplomatic corps.
In the light of the above, can the High Representative say:







whether she is aware of the withdrawal of the British and Italian diplomatic corps?











whether she is aware of the withdrawal from Syria of the ambassadors of other Member States? 











what action she intends to take to restore order and stability in Syria?




Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Ashton on behalf of the Commission
(25 May 2012)
High Representative/Vice-President Ashton is aware of the British and Italian decisions to suspend the activities of their embassies. The issue is under constant review by member states. As of 4 April Great Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Slovenia, the Netherlands and Belgium have decided to suspend their embassies' activities, Finland has temporarily withdrawn diplomatic staff. The HR/VP is committed to maintaining the EU's delegation in Damascus open as long as security conditions permit. This is important to obtain first hand information on developments on the ground and to maintain contact with the opposition. 
In view of a settlement to the crisis, the EU fully supports the UN-Arab League Envoy to Syria, Mr Kofi Annan, and his six point plan. It welcomes the UN Security Council's Resolutions 2042 and 2043, also backing Mr Annan's mission and plan, encourages UNSC members to continue working in this direction, and calls on the Syrian regime to finally live up to its promises and comply with the six points without delay. 
(Versione italiana)
Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-001556/12
alla Commissione
Sergio Paolo Frances Silvestris (PPE)
(9 febbraio 2012)

Oggetto: Possibili fondi per il Premio Napoli
La prossima edizione del Premio Napoli, il premio letterario più importante di tutto il Sud Italia, organizzato dalla Fondazione Premio Napoli, è a rischio, sia per mancanza di fondi che per le difficoltà organizzative dovute alle dimissioni del presidente della storica Fondazione.
Nel 1961 il Premio Napoli fu eretto in ente morale con decreto del Presidente della Repubblica (5 giugno 1961, n. 900) e opera sotto l'alto Patronato del Capo dello Stato. Oltre alla diffusione della lettura e della cultura, la Fondazione annovera tra i suoi intenti una particolare attenzione al sociale, promuovendo costantemente, attraverso l'organizzazione di convegni e dibattiti, una lettura dei diversi fenomeni legati al peculiare contesto storico ed economico del Mezzogiorno e incoraggiando al contempo politiche di recupero e di pianificazione dello sviluppo, basate soprattutto su un rilancio effettivo della cultura meridionale.
Alla luce dei fatti sopraesposti, può dunque la Commissione comunicare:







se è a conoscenza delle difficoltà economiche del prestigioso Premio Napoli e delle dimissioni del presidente della Fondazione;











se, considerando le finalità culturali e artistiche del premio, la Fondazione Premio Napoli può usufruire di Fondi europei per finanziare le proprie attività?




Risposta data da Androulla Vassiliou a nome della Commissione
(20 marzo 2012)
La Commissione non era a conoscenza delle difficoltà economiche in cui versa il premio Napoli né delle dimissioni del presidente della fondazione. 
Il programma Cultura dell'UE offre opportunità di cofinanziamento per progetti artistici e culturali transnazionali che sono in linea con gli obiettivi del programma e sono conformi ai criteri di ammissibilità e di selezione. Le sovvenzioni sono concesse a seguito di un bando di inviti a presentare proposte e a una gara di selezione. Per ulteriori informazioni si rinvia al sito:
http://ec.europa.eu/culture/our-programmes-and-actions/culture-programme-(2007-2013)_en.htm 
Nel quadro di questo programma la Commissione sostiene anche quattro premi culturali dell'UE nei settori della letteratura, della musica popolare, dell'architettura e del patrimonio culturale. 
Il premio UE per la letteratura è assegnato ad autori emergenti nel campo della narrativa. Esso promuove una più ampia circolazione della letteratura nell'Europa, in particolare per quanto concerne le opere letterarie di altri paesi dell'UE.
Per ulteriori informazioni sui premi UE per la cultura si rinvia al sito: http://ec.europa.eu/culture/our-programmes-and-actions/prizes/prizes_en.htm.
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001556/12
to the Commission
Sergio Paolo Frances Silvestris (PPE)
(9 February 2012)

Subject: Possible funds for the Premio Napoli (Naples Prize)
The next edition of the Naples Prize, the most important literary prize in the whole of Southern Italy, organised by the Naples Prize Foundation, is at risk due to a lack of funds and organisational difficulties caused by the resignation of the chair of this historic foundation.
The Naples Prize was established in 1961 as a charitable trust by decree of the President of the Republic (No 900 of 5 June 1961), and operates under the high patronage of the Head of State. In addition to encouraging reading and promoting culture, the Foundation’s aims include paying special attention to social issues. By organising conferences and debates it constantly promotes interpretations of the different phenomena stemming from the unique historic and economic context of Southern Italy, whilst at the same time encouraging development and planning policies that are based, above all, on a genuine revival of southern culture.
In light of the above, can the Commission state:







whether it is aware of the economic difficulties which the prestigious Naples Prize is experiencing and of the resignation of the Foundation’s chairman;











whether, in view of the cultural and artistic purpose of the prize, the Naples Prize Foundation could be granted European funding to finance its activities?




Answer given by Ms Vassiliou on behalf of the Commission
(20 March 2012)
The Commission was not aware of the economic difficulties which the Naples Prize is currently facing or of the resignation of the Foundation’s chairman. 
The EU Culture Programme provides co-funding opportunities for transnational artistic and cultural projects that are in line with the Programme objectives and comply with the eligibility and selection criteria. Grants are awarded further to calls for proposals and a competitive selection process. Further information is available at: http://ec.europa.eu/culture/our-programmes-and-actions/culture-programme-(2007-2013)_en.htm
Within the framework of this programme, the Commission also supports four cultural EU Prizes in the fields of literature, popular music, architecture and cultural heritage. 
The EU Prize for literature is awarded to emerging authors in the field of fiction. It promotes greater circulation of literature within Europe, in particular of non-national literary works.
More information about the EU Prizes for culture is available at: http://ec.europa.eu/culture/our-programmes-and-actions/prizes/prizes_en.htm
(Versione italiana)
Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-001557/12
alla Commissione
Sergio Paolo Frances Silvestris (PPE)
(9 febbraio 2012)

Oggetto: Programmi per Fondi diretti, città di Barletta
Gli enti territoriali, quali comuni e province, sono tra i primi possibili beneficiari dei Fondi diretti programmati ed erogati dalle direzioni generali della Commissione europea. Tra i fondi disponibili ci sono ad esempio il programma Cultura, il programma Progress per l'occupazione e la solidarietà sociale, il programma Europa per i cittadini per la cittadinanza, quello per l'ambiente Life +, il programma per la gestione dei flussi migratori, il programma Investire nelle persone, dedicato alle risorse umane, e tanti altri.
In merito a quanto sopra esposto e ad altri programmi disponibili, può la Commissione chiarire:







se ci sono programmi per i quali la città di Barletta ha fatto richiesta;











in caso affermativo, quali sono i progetti che hanno avuto accesso a Fondi europei e con quali risultati suddetti progetti sono stati portati a termine?




Risposta data da Janusz Lewandowski a nome della Commissione
(28 marzo 2012)
Dalle verifiche condotte dalla Commissione è emerso che non sono state registrate richieste di fondi diretti da parte della Città o della Provincia di Barletta per i programmi citati dall'onorevole parlamentare.
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001557/12
to the Commission
Sergio Paolo Frances Silvestris (PPE)
(9 February 2012)

Subject: Direct funding programmes for the city of Barletta
Local and regional authorities, such as municipalities and provinces, are among the first possible beneficiaries of the direct funding administered and allocated by the Directorates-General of the Commission Available funds include, for example, the Culture programme, the Progress programme for employment and social solidarity, the Europe for Citizens programme aimed at promoting citizenship, the Life+ environmental programme, the migration management programme, the Investing in People programme for human resources, and many others.
With regard to the above, and to the other programmes available, can the Commission say:







whether there are programmes under which the city of Barletta has applied for funding;











if so, which projects have been given access to European funds and what was the outcome of the programmes concerned?




Answer given by Mr Lewandowski on behalf of the Commission
(28 March 2012)
Research was undertaken by the Commission and revealed that no application for direct funding by the City or Province of Barletta has been recorded for the programmes mentioned by the Honourable Member.
(Versione italiana)
Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-001559/12
alla Commissione
Sergio Paolo Frances Silvestris (PPE)
(9 febbraio 2012)

Oggetto: Truffa milionaria a danno di ammalati
In quei flaconcini che promettevano la guarigione c'era solo acqua di rubinetto. I terapisti però dicevano che non era semplice acqua e che il liquido proveniva da fonti miracolose, dai santuari mariani di Lourdes e Fatima, ma anche da Medjugorje, San Damiano e Montichiari. Bisognava prenderne alcune gocce al mattino, pomeriggio e sera per favorire una comprensione profonda della malattia, dalla quale scaturiva la possibilità di una guarigione di tutti i piani dell'essere. Con questo misto di religiosità popolare, medicina alternativa, magia e astrologia, una biologa di 71 anni e altri tre falsi medici hanno truffato nei loro studi di Numana (Ancona), Milano, Venezia e Bari circa cinquecento persone affette da patologie anche gravi, molti disperati disposti a lunghi viaggi pur di curarsi. I carabinieri del NAS di Ancona hanno denunciato 39 persone, tutte coinvolte a vario titolo nella truffa oltre ai quattro falsi medici, per associazione a delinquere finalizzata alla truffa, lesioni, esercizio abusivo della professione medica e immissione in commercio di sostanze vantanti proprietà terapeutiche prive di autorizzazione ministeriale. Per avere quei flaconcini i pazienti dovevano pagare da cento a duecento euro. Questa pseudo medicina naturale andava a braccetto anche con una vaga religiosità. Una montagna di teorie senza fondamento scientifico che hanno attirato cinquecento persone e i loro familiari, resi fragili dalla malattia.
Alla luce di quanto esposto, può la Commissione chiarire:







se non ritiene utile e necessario affrontare il fenomeno delle truffe su scala europea con una campagna d'informazione per preparare e sensibilizzare i cittadini europei al problema?











Qual è, nel quadro della politica di qualità dei medicinali nell'Unione europea, la normativa vigente da rispettare in materia di medicinali naturali europei? 




Risposta data da Viviane Reding  a nome della Commissione
(28 marzo 2012)
La direttiva 2005/29/CE sulle pratiche commerciali sleali (253) impone ai professionisti di operare nel rispetto degli obblighi di diligenza professionale e di non trarre in inganno i consumatori per quanto concerne, ad esempio, i benefici, rischi e i risultati che ci si può attendere dall'uso del prodotto o del servizio offerto in vendita. In particolare l'allegato I, punto 17) della direttiva vieta la pratica di ₫affermare falsamente che un prodotto ha la capacità di curare malattie, disfunzioni o malformazioni₻.
Qualsiasi presunta violazione della direttiva deve essere portata all'attenzione delle autorità nazionali e dei tribunali che sono i principali responsabili dell'applicazione di tale normativa, e le cui coordinate figurano al seguente indirizzo web: 
http://ec.europa.eu/consumers/empowerment/cons_networks_en.htm.
Analogamente, in relazione alle presunte frodi messe in luce dall'Onorevole Parlamentare, i cittadini devono rivolgersi agli organismi nazionali italiani incaricati di indagare e impedire attività criminali di questo tipo.
La Commissione sottolinea che ha preso iniziative per portare i consumatori a conoscenza di tali pratiche fuorvianti. Esiste ad esempio un sito web: (http://www.isitfair.eu/index_it.html) che informa i cittadini in merito a quelle più comuni e alle modalità per farsi assistere in caso di pregiudizio. La Commissione pubblicherà a breve una relazione.
Un principio di base della legislazione farmaceutica dell'UE vuole che i pazienti abbiano accesso ai prodotti medicinali di loro scelta, a condizione che siano prese tutte le misure necessarie per garantirne la qualità, la sicurezza e l'efficacia. A tale riguardo, i medicinali per uso umano, di origine naturale o meno, devono ottenere un'autorizzazione all'immissione in commercio sul mercato dell'UE. Tale autorizzazione può essere rilasciata solo se il prodotto risponde alle esigenze di sicurezza, qualità ed efficacia stabilite dalla direttiva 2001/83/CE (254).
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001559/12
to the Commission
Sergio Paolo Frances Silvestris (PPE)
(9 February 2012)

Subject: Million-euro fraud at the expense of the sick
Those bottles that promised to heal contained only tap water. However, the therapists said that it was not just water and that the miracle liquid came from the springs of Marian shrines such as Lourdes and Fatima, but also Medjugorje, San Damiano and Montichiari. All the patients had to do was take a few drops morning, noon and night to promote a deep understanding of their illness, which could lead to healing at all levels of the patient’s being. With this mixture of popular religion, alternative medicine, magic and astrology, a 71-year-old biologist and three other bogus doctors, in their surgeries in Numana (Ancona), Milan, Venice and Bari, swindled approximately 500 people suffering from serious illnesses, many of whom were desperate and willing to travel long distances for a cure. The ‘NAS’ police department responsible for food and drug safety brought the following charges against 39 people who were all involved in the scam to varying degrees, in addition to the four bogus doctors: criminal association for the purpose of committing fraud, personal injury, illegal practice of medicine and the marketing of substances claiming to have therapeutic properties, without ministerial authorisation. Patients had to pay between EUR 100 and EUR 200 to obtain one of these bottles. This pseudo-natural medicine was accompanied by a vague sense of religiosity, proffering an abundance of theories which lacked any scientific basis and attracting 500 people and their families, made vulnerable by their illness.
In light of the above, can the Commission answer the following questions:







Does it not agree that the issue of fraud needs to be addressed at EU level, by launching an information campaign to raise awareness of the problem among EU citizens?











As regards policy on medication standards in the European Union, what are the laws in force that European natural medicines must comply with?




Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission
(28 March 2012)
Directive 2005/29/EC on Unfair Commercial Practices (255) requires traders to operate in accordance with professional diligence and not to mislead consumers, for instance, about the benefits, risks and results to be expected from the use of the product or service offered for sale. In particular, Annex I n. 11 of the directive prohibits the practice of: ‘falsely claiming that a product is able to cure illnesses, dysfunction or malformations’.
Any alleged breach of the directive should be brought to the attention of national authorities and courts which are primarily responsible for the enforcement of this legislation and whose contact details can be found using the following link: http://ec.europa.eu/consumers/empowerment/cons_networks_en.htm.
Similarly, in relation to the fraud allegations raised by the Honourable Member, citizens should address national bodies in Italy which are responsible for investigating and preventing criminal activities of this type.
The Commission would like to emphasise that it has taken initiatives to inform consumers about these practices. There is for example a website called http://www.isitfair.eu/ which informs citizens about the most common misleading practices and provide information to the victims on how to receive help. The Commission will shortly publish a report.
It is an underlying principle of the EU pharmaceutical legislation that patients should have access to the medicinal products of their choice, provided that all necessary measures are taken to ensure the quality, safety and efficacy of the products. In this respect, any medicinal product for human use, whether from natural origin or not, needs to obtain a marketing authorisation before being placed on the EU market. The marketing authorisation can only be granted if the product meets the requirements on the safety, quality and efficacy laid down in Directive 2001/83/EC (256).
(Versione italiana)
Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-001560/12
alla Commissione
Sergio Paolo Frances Silvestris (PPE)
(9 febbraio 2012)

Oggetto: Dati sul mercato del falso in Europa
Nel 2011 il mercato del falso in Italia non ha conosciuto crisi o flessioni: sono stati oltre 105 milioni i prodotti tarocchi sequestrati dalla Guardia di finanza, che ha denunciato 11.198 falsari, di cui 121 arrestati in quanto affiliati a organizzazioni criminali, anche di stampo mafioso, dedite alla contraffazione. Un dato in aumento del 20 % rispetto al 2010.
Oltre la metà delle merci intercettate, cioè circa 60 milioni, sono beni di consumo, vale a dire articoli per la casa e per la scuola, cosmetici, farmaci, pezzi di ricambio.
Alla luce dei fatti sopraesposti, si chiede dunque alla Commissione quanto segue:







È a conoscenza dei dati sul mercato del falso in Italia?











Può fornire un quadro europeo sui dati del mercato del falso nei vari Stati membri?











Quali provvedimenti e azioni intende intraprendere per contrastare questo fenomeno spesso legato a organizzazioni criminali di carattere internazionale?




Risposta data da Michel Barnier a nome della Commissione
(29 marzo 2012)
1.&2. Attualmente a livello unionale non esiste un sistema di raccolta dei dati relativi ai sequestri e ad altre azioni mirate a far rispettare i diritti di proprietà intellettuale, né gli Stati membri hanno l'obbligo di comunicare sistematicamente tali dati. La Commissione non è necessariamente a conoscenza di tutti i dati relativi alle merci contraffatte in tutti i mercati, Italia compresa, tuttavia segue attentamente tutti gli sviluppi a livello nazionale. Nella fattispecie, l'Italia è uno studente modello, poiché comunica alla Commissione informazioni preziose per mezzo della relazione Iperico, stilata dalla Direzione generale lotta alla contraffazione — Ufficio italiano brevetti e marchi.






3.


Al fine di migliorare le conoscenze sulla situazione della contraffazione, nel 2011 la Commissione ha varato uno studio inteso a definire una metodologia suscettibile di agevolare sia la stima della contraffazione nell'UE, sia le relative tendenze (studio effettuato da RAND Europe). La metodologia proposta da RAND sarà attuata in modo sperimentale quest'anno. È altresì opportuno rammentare che nel 2009 la Commissione ha istituito l'Osservatorio europeo sulle violazioni dei diritti di proprietà intellettuale che mira a migliorare la raccolta dei dati, la cooperazione fra le autorità preposte al rispetto dei diritti di proprietà intellettuale nonché il dialogo e la condivisione di conoscenze fra le parti in tutta l'UE. È in corso di adozione un regolamento che trasferirà le mansioni dell'Osservatorio all'Ufficio per l'armonizzazione nel mercato interno, uno strumento efficace per migliorare le conoscenze in materia di contraffazione di beni di consumo. La Commissione intende infine procedere alla revisione della direttiva 2004/48/CE sul rispetto dei diritti di proprietà intellettuale.




(English version)
Question for written answer E-001560/12
to the Commission
Sergio Paolo Frances Silvestris (PPE)
(9 February 2012)

Subject: Data on the market in counterfeit goods in Europe
In 2011, the counterfeit market in Italy has seen neither crisis nor decline: over 105 million fake products were seized by the Guardia di Finanza (Finance Police), which has brought charges against 11 198 counterfeiters, of whom 121 were arrested due to their affiliation to criminal organisations, including the mafia, that were dedicated to counterfeiting. This figure has risen by 20 % compared to 2010.
Over half of the intercepted goods, approximately 60 million items, are consumer goods, that is to say items for the home or for school, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and spare parts.
In light of these facts, I therefore ask the Commission the following:







Is it aware of the data on the counterfeit goods market in Italy?











Can it provide a European outline of the data on the counterfeit goods market in the various Member States?











What measures does it intend to take to counter this phenomenon, which is often connected to criminal organisations of an international nature?




Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission
(29 March 2012)
1.&2. There is no system in place today to collect data on seizures and other IP enforcement actions at the EU level, and there is no obligation for the Member States to systematically report on such data. If the Commission is not necessarily aware of all data on the counterfeit goods in all markets, including in Italy, it nevertheless follows attentively all the developments at national level. Italy in particular sets a good example as it provides the Commission with valuable information through its Iperico report, prepared the Directorate General for the Fight Against Counterfeiting — Italian patent and Trademark Office (I.P.T.O.).






3.


In order to improve the knowledge about the level of counterfeiting, the Commission has launched in 2011 a study to devise a methodology that would facilitate both the estimation of counterfeiting in the EU and the associated trends (study carried out by RAND Europe). The methodology proposed by RAND will be pilot tested this year. It must also be recalled that the Commission has put in place in 2009 the European Observatory on Infringement of Intellectual Property Rights which aims at improving the collection of data, better cooperation between IP enforcement authorities and better dialogue and knowledge sharing with stakeholders, throughout the EU. A regulation is being adopted that will transfer the tasks associated with the Observatory to the Office of Harmonisation for the internal market (OHIM). This could be an efficient tool to improve the knowledge about counterfeiting of consumer goods. Finally, the Commission is currently considering a revision of Directive 2004/48/EC on the enforcement of Intellectual Property rights.




(Deutsche Fassung)
Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-001562/12
an die Kommission
Angelika Werthmann (NI)
(9. Februar 2012)

Betrifft: Projektbonds zur Finanzierung transeuropäischer Transport‐ und Energienetzwerke
Am 6. Februar 2012, während der Sitzung des Haushaltsausschusses, berichtete ein Vertreter der Kommission, dass es eine „Pipeline bereits sehr weit ausgereifter Projekte“ bei der Kommission gebe, welche während der angestrebten Pilotphase durch Projektbonds finanziert werden könnten.






1.


Ich bitte um möglichst detaillierte Informationen, um welche Projekte es sich nach aktuellem Planungs‐ und Wissensstand der Kommission hierbei handelt.










2.


Ich bitte um Information, welche Kofinanzierungspartner gemäß heutigem Wissensstand der Kommission bei der Finanzierung dieser Projekte ggf. infrage kämen.




Antwort von Herrn Kallas im Namen der Kommission
(30. März 2012)
Am 19. Oktober 2011 hat die Kommission einen Vorschlag zur Pilotphase der „Europa-2020-Projetktanleihen“-Initiative angenommen, dessen Ziel es ist, die Kapitalmärkte zu beleben und auszuweiten, um umfangreiche europäische Infrastrukturprojekte in den Bereichen Verkehr, Energie und Informationstechnologie zu finanzieren. Dieser Vorschlag wird zurzeit im Rahmen des Gesetzgebungsverfahrens diskutiert und die Kommission freut sich auf die Zusammenarbeit mit dem Parlament, um das schnelle Inkrafttreten dieser wichtigen Verordnung sicherzustellen.
Was die Bereiche Verkehr und Energie betrifft, so schlägt die Kommission vor, dass nur Projekte aus den TEN-T und TEN-E förderfähig sein sollten. Um für eine Auswahl im Rahmen des geplanten Verfahrens der Europäischen Investitionsbank infrage zu kommen, sollten die Projekte darüber hinaus bereits ausgereift sein, d. h. Studien und Genehmigungen sollten bereits vorliegen und die Ausschreibung sollte bereits eingeleitet worden sein bzw. kurz bevorstehen. In jedem Fall sollten der Projektgesellschaft genau festgelegte Einnahmen (über eine Zweckgesellschaft) zufließen, damit die aufgenommenen Kredite bedient werden können.
Wird dieser Vorschlag von den Gesetzgebern angenommen, so kämen nach Meinung der Kommission genügend förderfähige Projekte in die Auswahl, wodurch die in den Schlussfolgerungen des Europäischen Rates vom 1.-2. März 2012 befürwortete zügige Umsetzung der Initiative gewährleistet wäre; die Kommission ist allerdings nicht in der Lage, eine Liste potenzieller Projekte vorzulegen.
An der Finanzierung werden sich je nach Projekt unterschiedliche Partner beteiligen. Für manche Projekte werden dies ausschließlich Projektsponsoren und Kapitalmärkte sein. In anderen Fällen werden sich öffentliche Einrichtungen wie die Europäische Investitionsbank (EIB) oder nationale Finanzinstitute als Kredit‐ oder Garantiegeber beteiligen. Die Europäische Union und die Mitgliedstaaten könnten die Projekte ferner über Zuschüsse konfinanzieren. Bei einer etwaigen Beteiligung öffentlicher Einrichtungen müssen die einschlägigen EU‐Rechtsvorschriften eingehalten werden. 
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001562/12
to the Commission
Angelika Werthmann (NI)
(9 February 2012)

Subject: Project bonds for funding trans-European transport and energy networks
On 6 February 2012, during the meeting of the Budget Committee, a representative of the Commission reported that the Commission has a ‘pipeline of projects that have already reached a significant level of maturity’ and that could be funded through project bonds during the planned pilot phase.






1.


I would request as much detailed information as possible about the projects in question, according to the current plans and information available to the Commission.










2.


I would request information about which co-funding partners would come under consideration in financing these projects, according to the current information available to the Commission.




Answer given by Mr Kallas on behalf of the Commission
(30 March 2012)
The Commission adopted on 19 October 2011 a proposal as regards the pilot phase of the Europe 2020 Project Bond Initiative which aims to revive and expand capital markets to finance large European infrastructure projects in the fields of transport, energy and information technology. This proposal is currently being discussed in the legislative process, and the Commission is eager to work with the Parliament to ensure the rapid entry into force of this important text.
As regards transport and energy, the Commission proposes that only projects situated on the TEN‐T and TEN‐E can be eligible. Moreover, to qualify for selection under the envisaged European Investment Bank procedure, the proposed projects will have to be mature, with studies and permits phase already completed and procurement about to be launched or already launched. In any case, projects should have clearly identified revenues reserved to the project company (through a Special Purpose Vehicle) to ensure the servicing of the debt contracted.
If adopted by the co-legislators, the Commission believes that enough eligible projects would qualify to ensure a rapid take-up of the initiativeas supported in the conclusions of the European Council of 1-2 March 2012, though it is not in a position to supply a concrete list of potential projects.
The co-funding partners will be of a different nature depending on the projects. In some projects, they will be exclusively project sponsors and capital markets; in other cases, public bodies such as the EIB or national financial institutions will participate through loans and guarantees. The EU and Member states could also provide co-funding to the projects through grants. The possible participation of public bodies shall comply with the relevant European legislation. 
(Deutsche Fassung)
Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-001563/12
an die Kommission
Angelika Werthmann (NI)
(9. Februar 2012)

Betrifft: Projektbonds — Finanzierung in Österreich
Am 6. Februar 2012, während der Sitzung des Haushaltsausschusses, berichtete ein Vertreter der Kommission, dass es eine „Pipeline bereits sehr weit ausgereifter Projekte“ bei der Kommission gebe, welche während der angestrebten Pilotphase durch Projektbonds finanziert werden könnten.






1.


Gehört das Projekt der 




„380-kV-Leitung“ im Salzburger Land zu diesen Projekten?






2.


Wenn ja: Welche Finanzierungspartner wären bei diesem Projekt beteiligt?










3.


Welche etwaigen weiteren Projekte der Kommission betreffen ebenfalls Österreich?




Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-001564/12
an die Kommission
Angelika Werthmann (NI)
(9. Februar 2012)

Betrifft: Projektbonds — europäisches Stromleitungsnetz
Am 6. Februar 2012, während der Sitzung des Haushaltsausschusses, berichtete ein Vertreter der Kommission, dass es eine „Pipeline bereits sehr weit ausgereifter Projekte“ bei der Kommission gebe, welche während der angestrebten Pilotphase durch Projektbonds finanziert werden könnten.
Besteht bei den Vorstellungen der Kommission bezüglich der Projektbonds-Finanzierung ein Zusammenhang zwischen dem Ausbau des europäischen Stromleitungsnetzes und der sogenannten „Desertec“-Initiative, deren Voraussetzung der Ausbau bzw. die Überholung des europäischen Leitungsnetzes ist?
Gemeinsame Antwort von Herrn Oettinger im Namen der Kommission
(28. März 2012)
Im Rahmen der Vorbereitung der Initiative „Europa-2020-Projektanleihen“ begutachten die Dienststellen der Kommission zurzeit in Kooperation mit der Europäischen Investitionsbank potenzielle Projekte, die für die Pilotphase in Betracht kommen könnten. Eine Liste dieser potenziellen Projekte kann zu diesem Zeitpunkt nicht bekannt gegeben werden, da dies nachteilig für die Projekte selbst sein könnte.
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001563/12
to the Commission
Angelika Werthmann (NI)
(9 February 2012)

Subject: Project bonds — funding in Austria
On 6 February 2012, during the meeting of the Budget Committee, a representative of the Commission reported that the Commission has a ‘pipeline of projects that have already reached a significant level of maturity’ and that could be funded through project bonds during the planned pilot phase.






1.


Is the 




‘380 kV Power Supply Line’ project in the Salzburg region included among these projects?






2.


If so, which funding partners would be involved in this project?










3.


What other Commission projects, if any, relate to Austria?




Question for written answer E-001564/12
to the Commission
Angelika Werthmann (NI)
(9 February 2012)

Subject: Project bonds — the European power supply network
On 6 February 2012, during the meeting of the Budget Committee, a representative of the Commission reported that the Commission has a ‘pipeline of projects that have already reached a significant level of maturity’ and that could be funded through project bonds during the planned pilot phase.
Do the Commission’s plans in relation to project bond funding involve a link between the expansion of the European power supply network and the so-called ‘Desertec’ initiative, which requires an expansion and/or overhaul of the European power supply network?
Joint answer given by Mr Oettinger on behalf of the Commission
(28 March 2012)
In preparation of the Project Bond initiative the Commission services, in cooperation with the European Investment Bank, are looking at potential projects that could be likely candidates for the pilot phase. A list of these potential projects cannot be communicated at this stage since it would be detrimental to the projects themselves.
(Deutsche Fassung)
Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-001565/12
an die Kommission
Angelika Werthmann (NI)
(9. Februar 2012)

Betrifft: Freisetzung von genetisch veränderten Moskitos durch ein britisches Biotechnologieunternehmen
Dem deutschen Magazin Der Spiegel (5/2012, Seite 100) zufolge setzt ein britisches Biotechnologieunternehmen mit der Begründung, dass diese Insekten im Labor zur Bekämpfung des Denguefiebers genutzt wurden, absichtlich eine Vielzahl von genetisch veränderten Moskitos frei. Die Anzahl von Denguefieber-Erkrankungen steigt weltweit, und das Virus verbreitet sich schneller als jede andere durch Insekten übertragene Virusinfektion.






1.


Welche Maßnahmen (Verordnungen usw.) hat die Kommission ergriffen, um Forschungen dieser Art in Unternehmen, die daran verdienen, zu kontrollieren?










2.


Wer trägt die Verantwortung für die möglichen Risiken und Folgen solcher Experimente für den Menschen? 










3.


Welchen Standpunkt vertritt die Kommission zu diesem Thema, vor allem in Bezug auf die bestehenden Schutzsysteme?










4.


Wie wirken sich diese genetisch veränderten Moskitos möglicherweise auf die Umwelt aus?




Antwort von Herrn Dalli im Namen der Kommission
(27. März 2012)







1.


Die Richtlinie 2009/41/EG










1.


Die Richtlinie 2009/41/EG




 (257) regelt unter anderem die Anwendung von genetisch veränderten tierischen Zellen in Zellkulturen in geschlossenen Systemen. In dieser Richtlinie werden Mindestvorschriften festgelegt, die von den Mitgliedstaaten auch auf genetisch veränderte Tiere in Forschungslaboratorien ausgeweitet werden können. Im fraglichen Fall (258) sind die Laborforschungstätigkeiten an genetisch veränderten Stechmücken im Vereinigten Königreich durch die nationalen Rechtsvorschriften zur Umsetzung der vorstehend genannten Richtlinie abgedeckt, die vom Vereinigten Königreich auf genetisch veränderte Tiere ausgeweitet wurde. In der EU müssen genetisch veränderte Tiere, die zu Forschungszwecken in die Umwelt freigesetzt werden, die Anforderungen der Richtlinie 2001/18/EG (259) erfüllen. Ausfuhren von genetisch veränderten Tieren in Drittländer sind in der Verordnung (EG) Nr. 1946/2003 (260) geregelt. Für genauere Informationen zur Überstellung der betreffenden genetisch veränderten Stechmücken an Drittländer wird die Frau Abgeordnete auf die Antwort auf die schriftliche Anfrage E-011169/2010 (261) verwiesen.






2.


Die Stellen, die die Experimente durchführen, haften für mögliche Risiken und Auswirkungen derartiger Experimente auf die Menschen. Die Mitgliedstaaten sind dafür verantwortlich, geeignete Regelungsrahmen und Kontrollmaßnahmen festzulegen, um die Tätigkeiten dieser Stellen auf ihrem Hoheitsgebiet zu überwachen.











3.


Bis heute wurde kein Antrag auf Freisetzung genetisch veränderter Stechmücken in die Umwelt der EU eingereicht. Zur Vorbereitung auf mögliche künftige Anträge hat die Kommission die EFSA










3.


Bis heute wurde kein Antrag auf Freisetzung genetisch veränderter Stechmücken in die Umwelt der EU eingereicht. Zur Vorbereitung auf mögliche künftige Anträge hat die Kommission die EFSA




 (262) ersucht, Leitlinien zu entwickeln, u. a. für die Umweltverträglichkeitsprüfung von genetisch veränderten Tieren einschließlich Insekten, die Mitte 2012 vorliegen sollen.(English version)
Question for written answer E-001565/12
to the Commission
Angelika Werthmann (NI)
(9 February 2012)

Subject: Release of genetically modified mosquitoes by British biotech company
According to the German magazine Der Spiegel (5/2012, page 100), a British biotech company is deliberately releasing large numbers of genetically modified mosquitoes, on the sole grounds that these insects have been used to combat dengue fever in the laboratory. Dengue is on the rise worldwide and is spreading faster than any other insect-mediated viral infection.






1.


What measures (regulations, etc.) has the Commission taken to control research of this kind, where conducted for a company which is profiting from it?










2.


Who is responsible for the possible risks and effects of such experiments for humans? 










3.


What is the Commission's stance on this issue, with regard to the existing systems of protection?










4.


What is the likely impact of these genetically modified mosquitoes on the environment?




Answer given by Mr Dalli on behalf of the Commission
(27 March 2012)







1.


Directive 2009/41/EC










1.


Directive 2009/41/EC




 (263) regulates contained use activities on, amongst others, GM animal cells in culture. This directive sets minimum standards, which may be extended by the Member States to also cover genetically modified (GM) animals in research laboratories. In the case at stake (264), laboratory research activities performed in the United Kingdom on the GM mosquitoes are covered by the national legislation transposing the abovementioned Directive extended by the United Kingdom to include GM animals. In the EU, GM animals released in the environment for research purposes must meet the requirements of Directive 2001/18/EC (265). Exports of GM animals towards third countries are regulated under Regulation (EC) No 1946/2003 (266). For more details on shipments to third countries of the GM mosquitoes concerned, the Commission would refer the Honourable Member to the answer to Written Question E‐011169/2010 (267).






2.


Entities performing the experiments are liable for the possible risks and effects of such experiments on humans. Member States are responsible for setting the appropriate regulatory framework and control measures to supervise the activities of these entities on their territories.











3.


To date, no application for the release of GM mosquitoes into the EU environment has been submitted. In order to prepare for possible future applications, the Commission requested EFSA










3.


To date, no application for the release of GM mosquitoes into the EU environment has been submitted. In order to prepare for possible future applications, the Commission requested EFSA




 (268) to develop guidance on inter alia the environmental risk assessment of GM animals, including GM insects, which is foreseen for mid-2012.(Deutsche Fassung)
Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-001566/12
an die Kommission
Angelika Werthmann (NI)
(9. Februar 2012)

Betrifft: Verschwendung von Lebensmitteln
Pro Jahr verschwenden Haushalte, Supermärkte, Restaurants und Stationen der Lebensmittelversorgungskette in der EU bis zu 50 % der essbaren und gesunden Lebensmittel, während 79 Millionen Bürger der EU unter der Armutsgrenze leben und 16 Millionen auf Nahrungsmittelhilfen von Wohltätigkeitsorganisationen angewiesen sind.
Zahlen zur Verschwendung von Lebensmitteln:
Gegenwärtige Verschwendung in den 27 Staaten der EU: 89 Millionen Tonnen pro Jahr (entspricht 179 kg pro Kopf).
Prognose für 2020, wenn keine Maßnahmen ergriffen werden: 126 Millionen Tonnen (d. h. ein Anstieg um 40 %).
Verantwortlich für die Verschwendung von Lebensmitteln:







private Haushalte: 42 % (60 % davon sind vermeidbar), 











Hersteller: 39 %, 











Einzelhändler: 5 %, 











Gastronomie und Catering: 14 % (269). 











Was hat die Kommission dafür getan, dass bedürftige EU‐Bürger einen besseren Zugang zu Lebensmitteln haben?











Welche Maßnahmen hat die Kommission ergriffen, um die Lebensmittelverschwendung zu verringern?











Welche Auswirkungen hat die gegenwärtige Lebensmittelverschwendung auf die europäische Wirtschaft, die Gesellschaft und die Umwelt?











Warum hat die Kommission nicht bereits eine EU-Strategie angenommen, die alle 27 Mitgliedstaaten darin bestärkt, dieses Problem systematisch anzugehen?











Informiert die Kommission die EU-Bürger darüber, wie sie es vermeiden können, Lebensmittel zu verschwenden?




Antwort von Herrn Dalli im Namen der Kommission
(2. April 2012)
Das EU-Programm zur Verteilung von Lebensmitteln an Bedürftige in der Europäischen Union läuft seit Dezember 1987. Dieses Programm hat über die Jahre hinweg wirksam dazu beigetragen, die Ernährungsarmut in Europa zu bekämpfen. Im Dezember 2011 hat der Rat beschlossen, das bestehende System bis 2013 aufrechtzuerhalten. Die Kommission hat in ihrer Mitteilung über den mehrjährigen Finanzrahmen 2014-2020 vom Juni 2011 vorgeschlagen, das Lebensmittelhilfeprogramm ab 2014 in die EU-Sozialpolitik einzugliedern.
In Bezug auf die Lebensmittelverschwendung hat die Kommission in ihrer Mitteilung „Fahrplan für ein ressourcenschonendes Europa“ (270) den Lebensmittelbereich als Schlüsselsektor hervorgehoben, in dem eine höhere Ressourceneffizienz angestrebt werden sollte. Sie hat sich darin verpflichtet, weiter zu bewerten, wie Lebensmittelverschwendung in der gesamten Lebensmittellieferkette am besten verringert werden kann, und Anreize zu prüfen, mit denen die entsorgten genusstauglichen Lebensmittelabfälle in der EU bis 2020 halbiert werden können. Ferner hat sie für 2013 eine Mitteilung über nachhaltige Lebensmittel angekündigt, die sich intensiv mit der Lebensmittelverschwendung befassen soll. Diese Mitteilung wird derzeit verfasst. 
Zu diesem Zweck wird die Kommission die Mitgliedstaaten sowie Sachverständige zu Rate ziehen, um die Maßnahmen auf EU-Ebene zu ermitteln, die sich am besten dazu eignen, die auf nationaler und lokaler Ebene ergriffenen Maßnahmen zu ergänzen.Auch wird sie bewährte Verfahren zur Verringerung der Lebensmittelverschwendung eruieren und ihren Austausch fördern.
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001566/12
to the Commission
Angelika Werthmann (NI)
(9 February 2012)

Subject: Management of food waste
Up to 50 % of edible and healthy food gets wasted in EU households, supermarkets, restaurants and along the food supply chain each year, while 79 million EU citizens live beneath the poverty line and 16 million depend on food aid from charitable institutions.
Food wastage figures:
Current wastage in EU‐27: 89 million tonnes per annum (i.e. 179 kg per capita)
Projection for 2020 (if no action is taken): 126 million tonnes (i.e. a 40 % increase)
Responsibility for food waste:







households: 42 % (60 % of which is avoidable) 











manufacturers: 39 % 











retailers: 5 % 











catering sector: 14 % (271)












What measures has the Commission taken to improve access to food for needy European Unions citizens?











What measures has the Commission taken to reduce food waste?











What are the implications of current food waste for the European economy, society and environment?











Why has the Commission not yet adopted an EU strategy that will encourage all 27 Member States to systematically tackle the issue?











Does the Commission provide EU citizens with information on how to avoid wasting food?




Answer given by Mr Dalli on behalf of the Commission
(2 April 2012)
The European food distribution programme for the Most Deprived Persons in the Union has been in place since December 1987. Over the years, this programme has effectively contributed to the reduction of food poverty in Europe. In December 2011, the Council agreed to continue the current scheme up to 2013. In the context of its communication on the 2014-2020 Multiannual Financial Framework adopted in June 2011, the Commission proposed to incorporate the food aid programme into the EU social policy, with effect from 2014.
With respect to the food waste issue, the Commission's communication on a ‘Roadmap to a Resource Efficient Europe’ (272) identified food as a key sector where resource efficiency should be improved; it includes 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; it also announces a subsequent communication on sustainable food in 2013 that will address food waste extensively. The preparation of this communication is ongoing. 
In this context, the Commission will 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 identify best practices on food waste reduction and facilitate their exchange.
(Deutsche Fassung)
Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-001567/12
an die Kommission
Angelika Werthmann (NI)
(9. Februar 2012)

Betrifft: Biologische Sicherheit
Wissenschaftler von Forschungsteams in den Niederlanden und der University of Wisconsin haben einen äußerst gefährlichen Viren-Hauptstamm der Geflügelinfluenza (H5N1, auch bekannt unter den Trivialnamen Geflügelpest oder Vogelgrippe) erzeugt.






1.


Welche Maßnahmen (Verordnungen usw.) hat die Kommission ergriffen, um Wissenschaftler zu kontrollieren, die in einem Unternehmen tätig sind, das an dieser Forschung verdient?










2.


Wer trägt die Verantwortung für die möglichen Risiken und Folgen dieser Experimente für den Menschen?










3.


Bittet die Kommission um die Veröffentlichung der wichtigsten Erkenntnisse und Ergebnisse dieser Untersuchungen?










4.


Welchen Standpunkt vertritt die Kommission zu diesem Thema, vor allem in Bezug auf die bestehenden Schutzsysteme?










5.


Ist die Kommission der Ansicht, dass sie in der Lage wäre, weitere Forschungen in dieser Richtung zu stoppen?




Antwort von Herrn Dalli im Namen der Kommission
(22. März 2012)
Was die EU-Rechtsvorschriften in Bezug auf in der EU durchgeführte Experimente mit der aviären Influenza, die Zuständigkeit für die Erarbeitung und Durchführung von Maßnahmen zur Prävention und zur Bekämpfung der aviären Influenza sowie die damit einhergehenden Risiken für die öffentliche Gesundheit und die Sicherheit der betreffenden Experimente angeht, möchte die Kommission die Frau Abgeordnete auf ihre Antwort zur schriftlichen Anfrage E-001026/2012 (273) verweisen. 
Beide Experimente wurden von den US-amerikanischen National Institutes of Health (NIH) finanziert. Daher unterliegt die Entscheidung zur Veröffentlichung der Ergebnisse der betreffenden Experimente den Regelungen und Finanzierungsvereinbarungen zwischen den NIH und den beteiligten Forschungsteams. Auf Unionsebene sehen die Bestimmungen des Siebten EU-Rahmenprogramms vor, dass die Teilnehmer für die schnellstmögliche Verbreitung der Ergebnisse sorgen müssen, und zwar unter Berücksichtigung des Schutzes der Rechte an geistigem Eigentum, der Geheimhaltungspflicht und der legitimen Interessen des Eigentümers der Ergebnisse. Diese Bestimmungen schreiben jedoch nicht vor, in welcher Form die Verbreitung zu erfolgen hat.
Die Notwendigkeit, die aviäre Influenza zu erforschen, ist in der Notwendigkeit evidenzbasierter Interventionen begründet. Diese Forschung trägt dazu bei, die Seuchenüberwachung bei Mensch und Tier sowie die Bemühungen unseres Gesundheits‐ und Veterinärwesens um rasche Reaktionsfähigkeit zu stärken. Deshalb beabsichtigt die Kommission, diese Forschungsarbeiten nicht zu stoppen, sondern sicherzustellen, dass die Experimente mit der aviären Influenza im Einklang mit den EU-Rechtsvorschriften durchgeführt werden und den höchsten Sicherheitsstandards genügen.
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001567/12
to the Commission
Angelika Werthmann (NI)
(9 February 2012)

Subject: Biosecurity
Scientists who are members of research teams in the Netherlands and at the University of Wisconsin have created an extremely dangerous major strain of avian influenza or H5N1 (known informally as avian flu or bird flu).






1.


What measures (regulations, etc) has the Commission taken to control scientists who are working for a company which is profiting from this research?










2.


Who is responsible for the possible risks and effects of these experiments for humans?










3.


Is the Commission requesting publication of the key findings of these investigations?










4.


What is the Commission's stance on this issue, with regard to the existing systems of protection?










5.


Does the Commission believe it would be able to stop any further research in this direction?




Answer given by Mr Dalli on behalf of the Commission
(22 March 2012)
Regarding the EU legislation related to experiments on avian influenza carried out within the Union, responsibilities for the development and implementation of measures on prevention and control of avian influenza, related public health risks and the safety of the concerned experiments, the Commission would refer the honourable Member to its answer to Written Question E‐001026/2012 (274). 
Both experiments have been funded by the US National Institutes of Health (NIH). The decision regarding the publication of the conclusions of the concerned experiments are therefore governed by the rules and grant agreements between the NIH and the research teams involved. At the level of the Union, the Rules under the EU's Seventh Framework Programme stipulate that participants have to ensure that results are disseminated as swiftly as possible whilst respecting the protection of intellectual property rights, confidentiality obligations, and the legitimate interests of the owner of the results. However, these rules do not prescribe in which form the dissemination, is accomplished.
The need for research on avian influenza is deeply rooted in the need for evidence based interventions and contributes to further strengthening disease surveillance in animals and humans and our public health and veterinary response efforts. As such, the Commission does not aim at stopping such research but rather at ensuring that experiments on avian influenza are conducted in accordance with the EU legislation to the highest standards of safety and security.
(Versión española)
Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-001568/12
a la Comisión
Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE)
(9 de febrero 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 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 un Reglamento (COM(2011)0688) sobre la seguridad de petróleo en el mar y las actividades de gas de prospección, exploración y producción. En él se explica como reforzar los medios para influir en las normas de seguridad en alta mar y prevé la obligatoriedad de los Estados miembros a informar a la Comisión, de las acciones que puedan sean 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 el reglamento que se está desarrollando entre la Comisión y el Parlamento Europeo?
Respuesta del Sr. Oettinger en nombre de la Comisión
(30 de marzo de 2012)
La concesión de autorizaciones de prospección, exploración y producción de hidrocarburos por los Estados miembros tiene que ajustarse a las disposiciones de la Directiva 94/22/CE (275).
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001568/12
to the Commission
Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE)
(9 February 2012)

Subject: Oil exploration off the Canary Islands coast
On 7 February, the Spanish Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism sent dossiers to the island councils of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, informing them of the launching of a procedure to allow exploration of possible oil deposits off the Canary Islands coast. The places where exploration is to be authorised are next to some of the islands’ areas of greatest ecological value, which would be seriously damaged by increased maritime traffic, as well as the whole area being put at risk in the event of spills. Recently, in response to Question E‐010860/2011, Commissioner Oettinger explained that a regulation (COM(2011) 0688) is being prepared on the safety of offshore oil and gas prospecting, exploration and production activities. It will propose means of strengthening measures bearing on safety at sea, and envisages making it obligatory for Member States to inform the Commission of any activities that may be susceptible to accidents at sea.
What is the Commission’s opinion on starting oil prospection in a region of high ecological value and high economic dependence on tourism like the Canary Islands?
Will the procedure initiated recently by the Spanish Government for granting prospecting licences off the Canary Islands coast be fully compliant with the regulation now being prepared by the Commission and Parliament?
Answer given by Mr Oettinger on behalf of the Commission
(30 March 2012)
The granting by Member States of authorisations for prospection, exploration and production of hydrocarbon resources has to comply with the provisions of Directive 94/22/EC (276).
(Versión española)
Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-001569/12
a la Comisión
Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE)
(9 de febrero de 2012)

Asunto: Política de agua del nuevo Gobierno español
En su primera comparecencia ante el Congreso, el Ministro de Agricultura, Alimentación y Medio Ambiente del Gobierno español anunció su voluntad de poner en marcha la revisión del Plan Hidrológico Nacional. El Ministro se manifestó claramente a favor de nuevos trasvases entre cuencas con invocaciones —no fundamentadas técnicamente— a la existencia de cuencas excedentarias. Estas manifestaciones suponen una manifiesta amenaza de reabrir el proyecto de trasvase del Ebro, aunque sea de forma encubierta. Algunas CCAA como Cataluña, ya han aprobado su plan de gestión de cuencas internas, en cumplimiento de la Directiva Marco del Agua. Todavía están por aprobar el plan de gestión de cuenca del río Ebro que debe contemplar la fijación de sus caudales ecológicos. En 2004, la Dirección General de Medio Ambiente de la Unión Europea y la Dirección General de Economía de la Comisión se mostraron contrarias al trasvase del Ebro. Además, dicho proyecto tubo una contestación social sin precedentes en las zonas afectadas y la oposición de los gobiernos autonómicos perjudicados por el impacto ambiental de la infraestructura.
¿Qué opinión tiene la Comisión respecto a la nueva orientación política del Gobierno español en materia de agua?
¿Considera la Comisión que —a la vista de los extraordinarios costes económicos, el elevado impacto ambiental, la contestación social, la oposición institucional y la falta de consenso territorial— el proyecto de trasvase del Ebro sería aconsejable?
Teniendo en cuenta que las CCAA ya han empezado a desarrollar la Directiva Marco del Agua, ¿considera la Comisión que un trasvase sería acorde con los principios de la Directiva?
Respuesta del Sr. Potočnik en nombre de la Comisión
(28 de marzo de 2012)
La Comisión no considera oportuno hacer observaciones acerca de la compatibilidad de un proyecto hipotético con el Derecho de la UE. La Comisión acoge con satisfacción la intención del nuevo Ministro español (277) de dar prioridad a la aplicación íntegra de la política hídrica de la UE, subsanando los retrasos actuales. 
La Comisión ha instado reiteradamente a las autoridades españolas competentes en materia de gestión hídrica (principalmente a las nacionales y las regionales) a llegar a un acuerdo sobre los principios de una solución sostenible a largo plazo a los problemas cualitativos y cuantitativos a los que se enfrenta el país en el sector del agua, incluidos los debidos a las posibles repercusiones del cambio climático. Esta solución debe basarse en los principios y las obligaciones del Derecho de la UE, tales como la gestión por cuencas hidrográficas, el principio de no degradación, el logro de un buen estado de todas las masas de agua, el principio de que ₫quien contamina, paga₻ y el principio de de recuperación de costes, incluidos los medioambientales.
El proceso de planificación en virtud de la Directiva Marco del Agua (DMA, 2000/60/CE (278)) brinda una excelente oportunidad a este respecto. Los planes hidrológicos de cuenca debían presentarse a más tardar en diciembre de 2009. Hasta ahora, únicamente se ha adoptado hasta ahora un plan de los 25 que tenía que presentar España. La Comisión ha llevado España ante el Tribunal de Justicia de la Unión Europea por este motivo (asunto C-403/11).
En cuanto a regiones afectadas por la escasez de agua y la sequía, la Comisión propuso, en su Comunicación titulada ₫Afrontar el desafío de la escasez de agua y la sequía₻ (279), que se diera prioridad a las medidas dirigidas a reducir el consumo de agua y aumentar la eficiencia.
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001569/12
to the Commission
Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE)
(9 February 2012)

Subject: The new Spanish government's water policy
In his first appearance before the lower house of parliament, the new Spanish government’s Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Environment announced his intention to implement a review of the National Hydrological Plan. The minister was clearly in favour of new transfers between river basins, citing, without any technical substantiation, the existence of surplus basins. These statements represent a clear threat to reopen the Ebro water transfer project, albeit covertly. Some of Spain’s regions, including Catalonia, have already approved internal basin management plans, in compliance with the Water Framework Directive. The management plan for the Ebro river basin, which has yet to be approved, still has to determine its ecological flows. In 2004, the Commission’s Directorate-General for the Environment and Directorate-General for the Economy opposed the Ebro water transfer. Moreover, the project was met with an unprecedented level of public resistance in the areas concerned, and was also opposed by the governments of the regions liable to be affected by the environmental impact of the infrastructure.
What is the Commission’s opinion of the new Spanish Government line on water policy?
In view of the factors of additional financial costs, high environmental impact, public and institutional opposition and lack of consensus at regional level, does the Commission consider the Ebro water transfer project to be advisable?
Given that the regions have already begun to implement the Water Framework Directive, does the Commission consider that this transfer would be consistent with the principles of that directive?
Answer given by Mr Potočnik  on behalf of the Commission
(28 March 2012)
The Commission does not consider it appropriate to comment on the compatibility with EU legislation of a hypothetical project. The Commission welcomes the intention of the new Spanish Minister (280) to give priority to the full implementation of EU water policy overcoming the existing delays. 
The Commission has repeatedly urged the Spanish authorities involved in water management (mainly national and regional) to agree on the principles of a long term sustainable solution to the qualitative and quantitative water challenges that the country faces including those missing from the likely impacts of climate change. This solution should be based on the principles and obligations of EU legislation such as management at river basin scale, the no deterioration principle, the achievement of good status for all water bodies, the polluter pays and cost recovery principles, including environmental costs. 
The planning process under the Water Framework Directive (WFD, 2000/60/EC (281)) offers an excellent opportunity in this regard. The river basin management plans were due in December 2009. Only one plan out of 25 to be submitted by Spain has been adopted so far. The Commission has taken Spain before the Court of Justice of the European Union for this reason (Case C‐403/11). 
As far as regions affected by water scarcity and droughts are concerned ,the Commission, in its communication on Addressing the Challenge of Water Scarcity and Droughts (282), proposed that priority should be given to measures to reduce water consumption and increase efficiency.
(Versión española)
Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-001570/12
a la Comisión (Vicepresidenta / Alta Representante)
Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE)
(9 de febrero de 2012)

Asunto: VP/HR — Condenas a pena de muerte en Bielorrusia
El año pasado la Corte Suprema de Bielorrusia condenó a muerte a dos jóvenes como presuntos responsables de los atentados en el metro de Minsk. Diversas entidades de defensa de los Derechos Humanos insisten en que las declaraciones de los condenados se obtuvieren mediante la tortura y, además, probaron que el proceso no fue un juicio justo, ya que no se garantizó el derecho de defensa de los acusados. En diciembre del pasado año, mediante un comunicado, la Alta Representante para Asuntos Exteriores, Catherine Ashton, instaba a Bielorrusia a unirse a la moratoria sobre la pena capital, ya que es el único país en Europa que practica la pena de muerte, como primer paso hacia su abolición. Hasta el momento, no ha habido respuesta a dicho comunicado. La realidad es que la sentencia es firme, no cabe recurso y, según la legalidad bielorrusa vigente, solamente un indulto del Jefe del Estado podría evitar la ejecución mediante un indulto. Los precedentes de otras ejecuciones en Bielorrusia demuestran que la aplicación de la pena se puede llevar a cabo de un momento a otro y sin previo aviso, con lo que se requiere la máxima celeridad para evitar la aplicación de una sentencia injusta.
¿Tiene previsto la Alta Representante realizar más acciones ante el Gobierno de Bielorrusia y su Jefe del Estado para que se realice una moratoria de la pena de muerte?
En el caso de los dos condenados, ¿va a realizar más acciones para conseguir su indulto inmediato, la apertura de una nueva investigación y la celebración de un juicio justo?
Respuesta de la Alta Representante y Vicepresidenta, Sra. Ashton en nombre de la Comisión
(21 de mayo de 2102)
La UE es consciente de la decisión del Tribunal Supremo de Belarús, de 30 de noviembre de 2011, de condenar a pena de muerte a Dzmitry Kanavalaw y Uladzislaw Kavalyow, y ha mostrado su preocupación a este respecto, en varias ocasiones y por medio de distintos canales, a las autoridades del país.
Tal y como menciona Su Señoría, la Alta Representante y Vicepresidenta (AR/VP) en una declaración el 1 de diciembre de  2011, instó a Belarús, el único país de Europa que aún mantiene la pena de muerte, a unirse a una moratoria mundial sobre la pena capital como primer paso hacia su abolición universal. Además, en una declaración de la Delegación de la UE en Minsk el 7 de febrero de 2012, la UE pidió a las autoridades de Belarús que no lleven a cabo las ejecuciones de Dzmitry Kanavalaw y Uladzislaw Kavalyow y que introduzcan una moratoria sobre la pena de muerte, como un paso hacia su abolición.
El 17 de marzo de 2012, el portavoz de la AR/VP Ashton condenó firmemente la ejecución de Kavalyow. Asimismo, en las conclusiones adoptadas por el Consejo de Asuntos Exteriores el 23 de marzo de 2012, la UE condenó firmemente la ejecución de Uladzislaw Kavalyow y Dzmitry Kanavalaw.
La UE no escatimará esfuerzos para conseguir la introducción por parte de Belarús de una moratoria sobre la pena capital, lo que supondría dar un paso hacia delante en el proceso de abolición.
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001570/12
to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)
Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE)
(9 February 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — Death sentences in Belarus
Last year the Supreme Court of Belarus sentenced two young men to death for their alleged responsibility for the attacks on the Minsk underground railway. Various human rights organisations insist that the statements made by the condemned men were obtained under torture. They have also demonstrated that the accused did not receive a fair trial, since their right to a defence was not guaranteed. In a statement made in December last year, Baroness Ashton, the High Representative for Foreign Affairs, urged Belarus, the only country in Europe still imposing the death penalty, to join the moratorium on capital punishment as a first step towards its abolition. So far, there has been no response to that statement. In fact, the judgment is final, no appeal is allowed and, under current Belarusian law, only a pardon from the Head of State could prevent the sentence from being carried out. Previous executions in Belarus are proof that the death sentence may be carried out, without notice, at any moment. Therefore, action must be taken as quickly as possible to avoid the application of an unjust sentence.
Does the High Representative plan to make further representations to the Government of Belarus and its Head of State with a view to securing a moratorium regarding the death penalty?
In the case of the two condemned men, will she make further efforts to obtain their immediate pardon, a fresh investigation and a fair trial?
Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Ashton on behalf of the Commission
(21 May 2012)
The EU is aware of the decision on 30 November 2011 by the Supreme Court of Belarus to sentence Dzmitry Kanavalaw and Uladzislaw Kavalyow to death, and has on several occasions and through different channels conveyed its concern to the Belarusian authorities in this regard.
As referred to by the Honourable Member, the High Representative/Vice-President (HR/VP) in a statement, on 1 December 2011, urged Belarus, the only country in Europe still applying the death penalty, to join a global moratorium on the death penalty as a first step towards its universal abolition. In addition, in a local statement by the EU Delegation in Minsk on 7 February 2012, the EU called on the authorities of Belarus not to carry out the executions of Dzmitry Kanavalaw and Uladzislaw Kavalyow and to introduce a moratorium on capital punishment as a step towards its abolition. 
On 17 March 2012, the Spokesperson of HR/VP Ashton issued a statement strongly condemning the execution of Kavalyow. Similarly, in the conclusions adopted by the Foreign Affairs Council on 23 March 2012, the EU strongly condemned the execution of Uladzislaw Kavalyow and Dzmitry Kanavalaw. 
The EU will spare no effort in working towards the introduction by Belarus of a moratorium on capital punishment as a step towards its abolition.
(Versión española)
Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-001571/12
a la Comisión
Antolín Sánchez Presedo (S&D)
(9 de febrero de 2012)

Asunto: Fondos europeos para el Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Ourense y para la iniciativa Innova Saude en Galicia
La Xunta de Galicia tiene en marcha la licitación para la reprogramación funcional del Plan Director y la redacción del proyecto básico del Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Ourense y de ejecución de la hospitalización con un presupuesto de 800 000 euros. La inversión total prevista para el conjunto del Plan Director es de 135 millones de euros de la que corresponden 55 millones al bloque de hospitalización. Dentro del bloque de hospitalización está previsto desarrollar el Proyecto de Innovación Hospital 2050 que debe actuar como motor para la puesta en marcha de proyectos que facilitarán la captación de capital humano y tecnológico para dinamizar la provincia de Orense y toda Galicia.
La iniciativa Innova Saude debe promover 14 proyectos de innovación en servicios asistenciales y facilitará el desarrollo del la innovación en el sector sanitario de Galicia.
¿Qué fondos europeos están previstos, comprometidos o en ejecución, y en qué periodos de tiempo a favor de la Xunta de Galicia para el bloque de hospitalización del Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Ourense? ¿Cuál es el desglose que corresponde al Proyecto de Innovación Hospital 2050 incluido en su desarrollo? ¿Qué fondos europeos están previstos, comprometidos o en ejecución y en qué periodos a favor de la Xunta de Galicia para la iniciativa Innova Saude en Galicia? ¿Cuál sería su desglose?
Respuesta del Sr. Hahn en nombre de la Comisión
(30 de marzo de 2012)
Según la información recibida por las autoridades nacionales competentes, los proyectos ₫Hospital 2050₻ e ₫Innova Saúde₻ todavía no han recibido el apoyo de la UE en el marco del programa operativo plurirregional del FEDER 2007-2013 para España ₫Investigación, desarrollo e innovación por y para el beneficio de las empresas. Fondo tecnológico₻. No obstante, la autoridad de gestión del programa ha comunicado a la Comisión que la Dirección General de Transferencia de Tecnología y Desarrollo Empresarial, organismo intermedio de gestión, y el Servizo Galego de Saúde (Sergas) están negociando la ayuda financiera a estos dos proyectos. Si las negociaciones en curso concluyen con éxito, los detalles se publicarán en la base de datos oficial, consultable en la siguiente dirección:
http://www.dgfc.sgpg.meh.es/sitios/DGFC/es-ES/Paginas/BeneficiariosFederCohesion.aspx
En consonancia con el principio de gestión compartida que rige la política de cohesión, los Estados miembros son responsables de la aplicación de los programas sobre el terreno, lo que incluye la selección y la ejecución de los proyectos. Para más información, la Comisión sugiere a Su Señoría que se ponga en contacto directo con la autoridad de gestión, a saber:
Subdirección General de Administración del Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional
Paseo de la Castellana, 162
28046 Madrid
Tel: 91 583 52 23Correo electrónico: aalonso@sgpg.meh.es

(English version)
Question for written answer E-001571/12
to the Commission
Antolín Sánchez Presedo (S&D)
(9 February 2012)

Subject: EU funding for the University Hospital Complex in Ourense and for the ‘Innova Saude’ initiative in Galicia
Functional reprogramming of the Ourense University Hospital’s master plan and the drawing up of its basic plan and operational plan for inpatient care, total budget EUR 800 000, have been put out to tender by the Regional Government of Galicia. Total planned investment for the master plan as a whole comes to EUR 135 million, of which EUR 55 million is for the inpatient care block. The inpatient care block will also house development of the Hospital 2050 Innovation Project, planned to act as a driver for the implementation of projects that will facilitate drawing in human and technological capital to revitalise the province of Orense, and Galicia as a whole.
The Innova Saude initiative is to promote 14 care service innovation projects and facilitate the development of innovation in the health sector in Galicia.
What EU funds have been planned, committed or are in the process of being disbursed to the Galician Regional Government for the Ourense University Hospital Complex inpatient care block, and what are the time frames for these funds? How much of this funding is for development of the Hospital 2050 Innovation Project? What EU funds have been planned, committed or are in the process of being disbursed to the Regional Government of Galicia for the Innova Saude initiative in Galicia and what are their time frames? How are these funds broken down?
Answer given by Mr Hahn on behalf of the Commission
(30 March 2012)
According to the information received by the competent national authorities, the projects ‘Hospital 2050’ and ‘Innova Saude’ have not yet received any EU support under the 2007-2013 Spanish ERDF programme: ‘Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación por y para beneficio de las empresas — Fondo Tecnológico’. Nevertheless, the managing authority of the programme has informed the Commission that there are negotiations between the Dirección General de Transferencia de Tecnología y Desarrollo Empresarial, an intermediate management body, and Servicio Gallego de Salud (SERGAS) about financial support for these two projects. The negotiations are ongoing and if concluded succesfully, details will be published in the official database that can be consulted at the following address:
http://www.dgfc.sgpg.meh.es/sitios/DGFC/es-ES/Paginas/BeneficiariosFederCohesion.aspx
In line with the shared management principle used for administering cohesion policy, the Member States are responsible for implementing programmes on the ground. This includes project selection and implementation. For more information, the Commission suggests that the Honourable Member contact directly the managing authority concerned:
Subdirección General de Administración del Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional
Paseo de la Castellana, 162
28046 MadridTel: 91 583 52 23
e-mail: aalonso@sgpg.meh.es
(Versione italiana)
Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta P-001573/12
alla Commissione
Oreste Rossi (EFD)
(14 febbraio 2012)

Oggetto: Fondi Strutturali: un nuovo sistema di premi per le regioni più virtuose
Il sistema di assegnazione dei nuovi fondi strutturali dell'UE registra una prima battuta di arresto in Italia.
Da una serie di verifiche effettuate dagli ispettori dell'UE emerge una situazione critica: l'Italia rischia di perdere gli incentivi europei, ₫congelati₻ a causa di ₫mancanze significative nel funzionamento dei sistemi di gestione e controllo₻, nella realizzazione dei progetti europei. Ciò che preoccupa maggiormente è, infatti, la sproporzione tra fondi assegnati e fondi ₫recuperati₻ dalle regioni ₫inadempienti₻.
Il dato allarmante riguarda le regioni dell'obiettivo Convergenza: vi è una generale tendenza che accomuna tutte le regioni del Mezzogiorno d'Italia, dove a dispetto della notevole crescita degli aiuti comunitari (e dei cofinanziamenti nazionali, in base al principio dell'addizionalità) erogati in loro favore, si verifica una dispersione delle spese e un ritardo cronico nella gestione dei fondi comunitari stanziati per raggiungere il riequilibrio delle disparità regionali.
Alla Sicilia, ad esempio, spetta il primato negativo del ritardo nella realizzazione di opere infrastrutturali cofinanziate dall'UE.
Pur prevedendo meccanismi di sanzione e di premio per favorire un efficiente utilizzo dei fondi, i regolamenti comunitari hanno lasciato ai singoli Stati la facoltà di adattare il sistema di incentivi utilizzando le modalità e i criteri di attribuzione ritenuti più idonei: ciò rischia maggiormente di penalizzare le regioni che sono invece più ₫virtuose₻, creando un filtro generalizzato di responsabilità per ritardo nell'adempimento di programmi operativi, fondato sul totale complessivo delle somme stanziate.
In considerazione della necessità di una riprogrammazione nell’utilizzo delle risorse disponibili, al fine di ridistribuire la spesa dei programmi regionali cofinanziati dai fondi strutturali, si rende evidente una più equa assegnazione dei vantaggi derivanti dalle politiche strutturali comunitarie. 
Può pertanto la Commissione far sapere se ritiene l'attuale meccanismo conforme alla normativa europea e se non sia necessaria una modifica del sistema di assegnazione, in modo da non penalizzare le regioni più virtuose, in linea con gli obiettivi di Coesione?
Risposta data da Johannes Hahn a nome della Commissione 
(16 marzo 2012)
Gli stanziamenti dei Fondi strutturali agli Stati membri per il periodo 2007-2013 sono determinati sulla base del regolamento (CE) n. 1083/2006 (283) del Consiglio e sono ripresi in decisioni della Commissione che stabiliscono un importo indicativo per Stato membro a partire dagli stanziamenti d'impegno per ciascuno degli obiettivi e dei fondi. Il meccanismo si basa sulle statistiche UE che misurano il livello di sviluppo socioeconomico di ciascuna regione. È pertanto un meccanismo obiettivo ed equo.
Nel corso del periodo di programmazione la Commissione segue da vicino l'attuazione dei programmi e interviene se necessario per accelerarla o per riprogrammare le risorse disponibili in modo da indirizzarle su priorità più promettenti. L'Italia ha introdotto di recente un sistema in base al quale le regioni devono rispettare obiettivi predefiniti di prestazioni. Il loro mancato rispetto potrebbe comportare la riassegnazione degli stanziamenti a programmi meglio funzionanti.
(English version)
Question for written answer P-001573/12
to the Commission
Oreste Rossi (EFD)
(14 February 2012)

Subject: Structural funds: a new system to reward the most deserving regions
The system for allocating new EU structural funds has encountered an initial setback in Italy.
From a series of checks carried out by EU inspectors, it appears that the situation is critical. Italy is at risk of losing European incentives, which have been frozen due to ‘significant failings’ in the functioning of the management and inspection system for the carrying out of European projects. What causes most concern is the disparity between funds allocated to, and funds recovered from, ‘non-compliant’ regions.
The alarming data relates to the regions covered by the ‘Convergence’ objective. It indicates a general trend in all of the regions in Southern Italy, where in spite of the significant growth in EU assistance allocated for their benefit (and of national co‐funding, based on the principle of additionality), money is being wasted and there is a chronic delay in the management of EU funds that are earmarked for the rebalancing of regional disparities.
Sicily, for example, has the worst record in terms of delays in carrying out infrastructure work co‐funded by the EU.
While providing for penalty and reward mechanisms to encourage the effective use of funds, the EU rules leave individual States the right to adapt the system of incentives, using whatever methods and criteria for awarding them they deem most appropriate. This risks seriously penalising those regions that are in fact the most ‘deserving’ by creating a generalised responsibility for delays in the implementation of operational programmes, based on the total of sums allocated.
Given the need to reprogramme the use of available resources so as to redistribute the money from regional programmes co-funded by structural funds, a more equitable allocation of benefits from EU structural policies is clearly required. 
Can the Commission state if it considers that the current mechanism complies with European law and, if not, whether it is necessary to modify the award system so as to avoid penalising the most deserving regions, in line with the objective of Cohesion?
Answer given by Mr Hahn on behalf of the Commission 
(16 March 2012)
The Member State allocations of the Structural Funds for the period 2007-2013 are determined on the basis of Council Regulation (EC) No 1083/2006 (284) and are laid down in Commission Decisions fixing an indicative allocation by Member State of the commitment appropriations for each of the objectives and funds. The mechanism is based on EU statistics measuring the level of socioeconomic development of each region. It is therefore objective and fair.
In the course of the programming period, the Commission closely monitors the implementation of the programmes and takes action whenever necessary to accelerate it or to re-programme available resources towards more performing priorities. Italy has recently introduced a system whereby regions have to respect prefixed performance targets. Their non-respect could result in reallocation to better performing programmes.
(Ελληνική έκδοση)
Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-001574/12
προς το Συμβούλιο
Rodi Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou (PPE)
(9 Φεβρουαρίου 2012)

Θέμα: Προτεραιότητες της Δανικής Προεδρίας σε θέματα ισόσητας των φύλων στο χώρο των επιχειρήσεων
Το Ευρωπαϊκό Κοινοβούλιο, με έκθεσή του σχετικά με τις γυναίκες και τη διοίκηση των επιχειρήσεων, της οποίας είχα την τιμή να είμαι συντάκτρια, ζητάει την πλήρη επισκόπηση της κατάστασης όσον αφορά την εκπροσώπηση των γυναικών στις επιχειρήσεις της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης, καθώς και τα μέτρα, προαιρετικά και υποχρεωτικά, που έχει λάβει αφ' ενός ο επιχειρηματικός τομέας και αφ' ετέρου τα μέτρα που θέσπισαν πρόσφατα τα διάφορα κράτη μέλη ώστε να αυξηθεί η εν λόγω εκπροσώπηση. Επίσης, καλεί την Επιτροπή να παρουσιάσει ένα φύλλο πορείας για τον καθορισμό ειδικών, μετρήσιμων και εφικτών στόχων για την επίτευξη μιας ισορροπημένης εκπροσώπησης στις επιχειρήσεων όλων των μεγεθών και να καταρτίσει ειδικό οδηγό για τις μικρές και μεσαίες επιχειρήσεις καθώς και να δημιουργήσει μία ιστοσελίδα για τις βέλτιστες πρακτικές στον τομέα αυτό, με στόχο την διάδοση και την ανταλλαγή των βέλτιστων πρακτικών.
Λαμβάνοντας υπόψη ότι μία από τις προτεραιότητες της Δανικής Προεδρίας θα είναι το ζήτημα της αναλογίας των γυναικών στα Δ.Σ. των εταιρειών, ερωτάται το Συμβούλιο:







Πώς κρίνει την κατάσταση στις χώρες μέλη;











Σκοπεύει να καθιερώσει συγκεκριμένα κριτήρια και στόχους συμμετοχής των γυναικών στα Δ.Σ. των επιχειρήσεων, αλλά και δείκτες μέτρησης προόδου μέσω υιοθέτησης μίας οδηγίας που θα μετράνε την επαγγελματική ισότητα μεταξύ ανδρών και γυναικών στις ευρωπαϊκές επιχειρήσεις, προκειμένου να διαπιστώνεται η πρόοδος που έχει επιτευχθεί;











Πώς θα αξιοποιήσει το ψήφισμα του Ευρωπαϊκού Κοινοβουλίου και θα ικανοποιήσει τα αιτήματά του;




Απάντηση
(2 Απριλίου 2012)
Στις 17 Φεβρουαρίου 2012, το Συμβούλιο διεξήγαγε συζήτηση πολιτικής σχετικά με τις γυναίκες που κατέχουν θέσεις διευθυντών σε εταιρίες (285), βάσει σχετικού σημειώματος της Προεδρίας (286). Κατά τη συζήτηση εκείνη, οι Υπουργοί εξέφρασαν τις απόψεις τους επί του θέματος, αλλά το Συμβούλιο ως όργανο δεν έλαβε θέση.
Υπενθυμίζεται ότι το Συμβούλιο υποστηρίζει από μακρού την αυξημένη συμμετοχή των γυναικών στις διαδικασίες λήψης οικονομικών αποφάσεων και υιοθέτησε δέσμη δεικτών που χρησιμοποιούνται για την παρακολούθηση των εξελίξεων (287). Το Ευρωπαϊκό Σύμφωνο για την Ισότητα των Φύλων (2011-2020), το οποίο εγκρίθηκε από το Συμβούλιο στις 7 Μαρτίου 2011 (288), επίσης ζητεί την ανάληψη δράσης για την προαγωγή της κυριότητας των γυναικών στην πολιτική και οικονομική ζωή.
Ωστόσο, το Συμβούλιο μπορεί να ενεργήσει ως νομοθέτης μόνο βάσει πρότασης της Επιτροπής. Σύμφωνα με τις πληροφορίες του Συμβουλίου η Επιτροπή, η οποία έχει ήδη καλέσει τις εταιρίες να υπογράψουν εθελουσίως δήλωση ότι θα βελτιώσουν την ισορροπία των φύλων στα διευθυντικά όργανά τους, προτίθεται να εκτιμήσει την κατάσταση το Μάρτιο 2012 και να διερευνήσει διάφορες επιλογές ως προς την πολιτική αυτή.
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001574/12
to the Council
Rodi Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou (PPE)
(9 February 2012)

Subject: Priorities of the Danish Presidency on questions of gender equality in business circles
In a report on women and business leadership, for which I had the honour of being the rapporteur, the European Parliament demands a full review of the situation regarding the representation of women in business corporations in the European Union, and of the measures, optional and mandatory, that have been taken by the business sector on the one hand and on the other hand those that have recently been adopted by the various Member States, with a view to increasing the representation of women. It also calls upon the Commission to present a road map setting out specific, measurable and attainable targets for the achievement of balanced representation in enterprises of all sizes, and to draw up a specific guide for small and medium-sized enterprises as well as to set up a website dedicated to good practice in this area, with a view to disseminating and exchanging best practice.
Taking into account that one of the priorities of the Danish Presidency will be the question of the proportion of women on company boards of directors, will the Council say: 







How does it assess the situation in Member States? 











Does it plan to establish specific criteria and targets for the representation of women on company boards of directors and indices for determining progress by the adoption of a directive for measuring professional equality between men and women in European businesses, with a view to ascertaining what progress has been achieved? 











How will it develop the European Parliament’s resolution and meet its demands?




Reply
(2 April 2012)
On 17 February 2012, the Council held a policy debate on the theme of Women on Company Boards (289), based on a note from the Presidency (290). In this debate, Ministers expressed their views on the matter, but the Council itself did not take a position.
It is recalled that the Council has long supported increasing women's participation in economic decision-making and has adopted a set of indicators that are used to monitor developments (291). The European Pact for Gender Equality (2011-2020), which the Council adopted on 7 March 2011 (292), also urges action to promote women's empowerment in political and economic life.
However, the Council can only act in a legislative capacity on the basis of a proposal from the Commission. It is understood that, having already invited companies to sign a voluntary pledge for the improvement of the gender balance on their boards, the Commission intends to assess the situation in March 2012 and to explore different policy options.
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001575/12
to the Commission
Nicole Sinclaire (NI)
(9 February 2012)

Subject: Impact of Croatian accession
Could the Commission reassure me that it has conducted an impact assessment regarding the employment situation in Member States following the proposed accession of Croatia to the EU?
Given that the UK Government massively underestimated the number of migrant workers that would arrive in the UK following the 2004 enlargement, could the Commission advise me of its estimates as to how many Croatians may emigrate to other EU states in search of work?
Could the Commission further advise me of its estimates of the impact on health and education services in Member States following Croatia’s accession?
Question for written answer E-001576/12
to the Commission
Nicole Sinclaire (NI)
(9 February 2012)

Subject: Impact of Serbian accession on employment
Could the Commission reassure me that it has conducted an impact assessment regarding the employment situation in Member States following the proposed accession of Serbia to the EU?
Given that the UK Government massively underestimated the number of migrant workers that would arrive in the UK following the 2004 enlargement, could the Commission advise me of its estimates as to how many Serbs may emigrate to other EU states in search of work?
Could the Commission further advise me of its estimates of the impact on health and education services in Member States following Serbia’s accession?
Joint answer given by Mr Füle on behalf of the Commission
(21 March 2012)
In line with the December 2006 European Council conclusions, the Commission provides impact assessments, where appropriate, on key policy areas in its opinion on a country's application for membership and in the course of accession negotiations.
In the negotiations with Croatia on ‘Freedom of movement for workers’, an impact study on Access of Croatian Nationals to the EU Labour Market after accession was conducted, covering aspects related to access to the labour market and to cross-border provision of services involving temporary movement of workers. It concluded that, while it is not possible to give a precise estimate of the potential future migration flows of Croatian nationals, it is unlikely that their migration after accession could become a major factor for the EU as a whole. At the same time, an impact cannot be excluded at regional or local level. As in past enlargements, the EU negotiated a transitional arrangement with Croatia on the freedom of movement for workers.
The Commission has not carried out specific estimates of the impact on health and education services in Member States because these areas fall under national competence, and because it does not expect accession to have a significant impact on the provision of these services for Croatian citizens.
For Serbia, the Commission issued an opinion in October 2011 on its application. Serbia was granted candidate status by the March 2012 European Council. The EU has not yet opened negotiations. The opinion contained a preliminary assessment which indicated that Serbia's membership would have a relatively minor impact on the EU labour market. The Commission will provide more details in the course of the negotiations.
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001577/12
to the Commission
Nicole Sinclaire (NI)
(9 February 2012)

Subject: Cost of pre-accession arrangements for Serbia
In its answer to my Question E‐004308/2011 of 26 May 2011, the Commission stated that financial allocations to meet the cost of preparations for Serbia’s accession to the EU amounted to approximately EUR 1.9 billion.
However, in its communication to Parliament and the Council (SEC(2011)1208), the Commission states that the amount allocated for this purpose between 2001 and 2011 is actually in excess of EUR 2 billion in grants and EUR 5.8 billion in so-called ‘soft loans’.
Could the Commission revise its answer and give me an up-to-date figure?
Answer given by Mr Füle on behalf of the Commission
(21 March 2012)
At the time of the reply of 26 May 2011 to the Honourable Member's previous Question E‐4308/11 (293), the allocation of funds for Serbia for the year 2011 had not yet been adopted by the Commission. The allocation of funds amounting to EUR 202 million was adopted by the Commission Implementing Decision on 8 July 2011 (C(2011)4972). Consequently, the total figure indicated in the Commission Opinion on Serbia's application for membership of the European Union (294), to which the Honourable Member refers in his written question dated 16 February 2012, amounts to over EUR 2 billion. 
In addition to the grants allocated under CARDS and the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA), the EU, via Macro-Financial Assistance, the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has disbursed EUR 5.8 billion in soft loans for Serbia since 2000.
(Deutsche Fassung)
Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-001578/12
an die Kommission
Nadja Hirsch (ALDE)
(9. Februar 2012)

Betrifft: Ungarisches Asylsystem
In den vergangenen Wochen haben das ungarische Helsinki-Komitee (HHC) und der UNHCR ernsthafte Bedenken hinsichtlich des ungarischen Asylsystems geäußert.
Anscheinend werden Asylbewerber systematisch festgehalten. Seelische und körperliche Misshandlungen, darunter die erzwungene Einnahme von Medikamenten, sind an der Tagesordnung. Faktisch gibt es keine wirksamen Rechtsmittel gegen das Festhalten.
Schließt sich die Kommission den Schlussfolgerungen des HHC und des UNHCR an? Was hat die Kommission unternommen, um die Defizite des ungarischen Asylsystems zu beseitigen? Wie und wie häufig beurteilt die Kommission die Umsetzung und Einhaltung des europäischen Asylrechts in Ungarn?
Antwort von Frau Malmström im Namen der Kommission
(28. März 2012)
Die Kommission wurde in jüngster Zeit durch Berichte von NRO — u. a. des ungarischen Helsinki-Komitees — auf die Lage von Asylbewerbern in Ungarn aufmerksam gemacht. 
Die Kommission prüft die Bedenken zum Asylverfahren und zu den Aufnahmebedingungen in Ungarn, insbesondere im Hinblick auf die Lage von Asylbewerbern, die nach Maßgabe des durch die Verordnung (EG) Nr. 343/2003 (295) (Dublin-Verordnung) eingeführten Verfahrens überstellt wurden, um sich Klarheit über die Lage und die Maßnahmen zu verschaffen, die von den ungarischen Behörden ergriffen wurden, um ihren Verpflichtungen aus dem EU-Recht nachzukommen. 
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001578/12
to the Commission
Nadja Hirsch (ALDE)
(9 February 2012)

Subject: Hungarian asylum system
During the last weeks the Hungarian Helsinki Committee (HHC) and the UNHCR have raised serious concerns regarding the Hungarian asylum system.
It appears that asylum‐seekers are systematically detained. Mental and physical abuse, including the forced intake of medication, is common. In practice there is no effective legal remedy against detention decisions.
Does the Commission share the HHC's and UNHCR's conclusions? What has the Commission done to address the shortcomings in the Hungarian asylum system? How often and how does the Commission evaluate Hungary's implementation of and adherence to European asylum legislation?
Answer given by Ms Malmström on behalf of the Commission
(28 March 2012)
The Commission's attention has been drawn recently to the situation of asylum‐seekers in Hungary, as reported by some NGOs, including the Hungarian Helsinki Committee. 
The Commission is following up on concerns regarding the asylum procedure and reception conditions in Hungary, in particular as regards the situation of asylum‐seekers transferred under the procedure established by Regulation 343/2003 (296) (Dublin Regulation), in order to clarify the situation and the measures taken by the Hungarian authorities to respect their obligations under EU legislation. 
(Deutsche Fassung)
Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-001579/12
an die Kommission
Herbert Dorfmann (PPE), Christa Klaß (PPE), Astrid Lulling (PPE) und Michel Dantin (PPE)
(9. Februar 2012)

Betrifft: Wein
Am 20. Januar gab EU-Kommissar Dacian Cioloş die Einrichtung einer hochrangigen Expertengruppe zur Zukunft des EU-Weinsektors bekannt, die über die Beibehaltung der Pflanzungsrechte im Weinbau diskutieren soll.
Hintergrund dieser Initiative ist die Tatsache, dass sich mittlerweile 13 Mitgliedstaaten der EU (darunter Deutschland, Italien, Frankreich und Österreich) für die Beibehaltung der Pflanzrechte ausgesprochen haben.
In Bezug auf die Einrichtung der hochrangigen Expertengruppe zur Zukunft des EU-Weinsektors durch EU-Kommissar Dacian Cioloş möchten wir folgende Fragen stellen:







Wie beabsichtigt die Kommission, die hochrangige Expertengruppe zusammenzusetzen?











Wie beabsichtigt die Kommission, das Europäische Parlament einzubeziehen?











Wie wird die Arbeitsweise dieser Expertengruppe zur Zukunft des EU-Weinsektors aussehen? Wurde bereits ein Zeitplan aufgestellt? Wann beginnt die hochrangige Expertengruppe mit ihrer Arbeit, und wann können wir mit den ersten Ergebnissen rechnen?




Antwort von Herrn Cioloș im Namen der Kommission
(28. März 2012)
Am 19. Januar 2012 verkündete EU-Kommissar Cioloş öffentlich den Beschluss zur Einsetzung einer hochrangigen Gruppe zum Thema Pflanzungsrechte für Rebflächen. Anlass waren die von einigen Erzeugermitgliedstaaten, Vertretern des Europäischen Parlaments und bestimmten Verbandsorganisationen des Weinbausektors in den letzten Monaten geäußerten Bedenken, weil die EU-Übergangsregelung für Pflanzungsrechte am 31. Dezember 2015 endet.
Diese Gruppe wird sich aus zwei hochrangigen Vertretern jedes Mitgliedstaates und einem Vertreter der wichtigen Interessenverbände auf europäischer Ebene, die auch an der Beratergruppe „Weinbau“ der Kommission teilnehmen, zusammensetzen. 
Ein Vertreter des Europäischen Parlaments wird zu allen Sitzungen eingeladen. 
Die erste Sitzung der hochrangigen Gruppe wird am 19. April 2012 in Brüssel stattfinden, und eine Reihe weiterer Sitzungen wird sich hieran bis zum Jahresende anschließen. Die Arbeitsergebnisse der hochrangigen Gruppe werden in einen Bericht über die erörterten Fragen eingehen, der bis Ende 2012 fertig gestellt werden soll.
(Version française)
Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-001579/12
à la Commission
Herbert Dorfmann (PPE), Christa Klaß (PPE), Astrid Lulling (PPE) et Michel Dantin (PPE)
(9 février 2012)

Objet: Vins
Le 20 janvier, le commissaire européen Dacian Cioloş a annoncé la création d'un groupe de haut niveau sur l'avenir du secteur vitivinicole européen afin de débattre du maintien des droits de plantation dans ce secteur.
Cette initiative a été prise alors que 13 États membres (notamment l'Allemagne, l'Italie, la France et l'Autriche) se sont prononcés en faveur du maintien des droits de plantation.
En ce qui concerne la création du groupe de haut niveau sur l'avenir du secteur vitivinicole européen par le commissaire Dacian Cioloş, nous voudrions savoir:







Comment la Commission envisage-t-elle de composer ce groupe de haut niveau?











Comment envisage-t-elle de faire participer le Parlement européen?











Comment fonctionnera ce groupe d'experts sur l'avenir du secteur vitivinicole européen? Un calendrier a-t-il déjà été établi? Quand ce groupe de haut niveau commencera-t-il son travail et à partir de quand pouvons-nous espérer en voir les premiers résultats?




Réponse donnée par M. Cioloș au nom de la Commission
(28 mars 2012)
Le 19 janvier 2012, le commissaire Cioloş a annoncé publiquement la décision de créer un groupe de haut niveau (GHN) sur les droits de plantation dans le secteur vitivinicole afin de répondre aux préoccupations exprimées par plusieurs États membres producteurs, les représentants du Parlement européen et certaines organisations sectorielles au cours de ces derniers mois, en raison de la fin du régime transitoire des droits de plantation au niveau de l'Union européenne le 31 décembre 2015.
Ce groupe sera composé de deux représentants de haut niveau de chaque État membre et d'un représentant des principales organisations intéressées au niveau européen qui participent au groupe consultatif vitivinicole géré par la Commission.
Un représentant du Parlement européen sera convié à toutes les réunions. 
La première réunion du groupe de haut niveau aura lieu le 19 avril 2012 et sera suivie de plusieurs autres d'ici la fin de l'année 2012. Les conclusions finales du groupe de haut niveau seront rassemblées dans un rapport sur les thèmes abordés. Ce rapport sera achevé pour la fin de l'année 2012.
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001579/12
to the Commission
Herbert Dorfmann (PPE), Christa Klaß (PPE), Astrid Lulling (PPE) and Michel Dantin (PPE)
(9 February 2012)

Subject: Wine
On 20 January EU Commissioner Dacian Cioloş announced the creation of a high-level group on the future of the EU wine sector in order to discuss the maintenance of planting rights in this sector.
The background of this initiative is that meanwhile 13 EU Member States (amongst others Germany, Italy, France, Austria) have said they are in favour of the maintenance of planting rights.
Regarding the creation of the high-level group on the future of the EU wine sector by EU Commissioner Dacian Cioloş, we would like to ask the following questions:







How does the Commission intend to compose this high-level group?











How does the Commission intend to involve the European Parliament?











How will this expert group on the future of the EU wine sector work? Does a timetable already exist? When will the high-level group start working and when could we expect the first results?




Answer given by Mr Cioloş on behalf of the Commission
(28 March 2012)
On the 19 January 2012 Commissioner Cioloş announced publicly the decision to establish a High Level Group (HLG) on wine planting rights. This follows the concerns expressed by a number of producing Member States, European Parliament representatives and certain sectorial organisations in recent months, related to the end of the transitional planting rights regime at EU level on 31 December 2015.
This HLG will be composed of two High Level representatives of each Member State and one representative of key stakeholder organisations at European level, among the ones participating on the Wine Advisory Group run by the Commission. 
A European Parliament representative will be invited to all meetings. 
The first meeting of the HLG will take place on 19 April 2012, and a number of other meetings will follow until the end of 2012. The final outcome of the HLG will be a report on the issues discussed. This report will be finalised by the end of 2012.
(Versión española)
Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-001580/12
a la Comisión
Antolín Sánchez Presedo (S&D)
(9 de febrero de 2012)

Asunto: Desigualdad en la evolución de los ingresos en la Unión Europea
Según un reciente informe de la OCDE sobre la evolución de los ingresos de los hogares durante las dos décadas anteriores al estallido de la crisis, en la mayoría de los países analizados esos ingresos crecieron significativamente más rápido en el 10 % de los hogares con rentas más altas que en el 10 % con rentas más bajas. Asimismo, los ingresos salariales habrían evolucionado a un ritmo inferior que los proporcionados por las rentas del capital y el patrimonio.
El estudio identifica la integración comercial y el progreso técnico entre las causas de esta situación. Señala además la influencia de las reformas regulatorias y la disminución de los efectos estabilizadores del impuesto sobre la renta, las cotizaciones a la seguridad social y las ayudas sociales. Sostiene también que las reformas estructurales, aun habiendo producido efectos positivos sobre el empleo, han contribuido a incrementar las disparidades salariales.
La creciente brecha en las rentas del trabajo provoca incentivos perversos en el funcionamiento de la economía, frena el potencial de crecimiento del mercado interior y genera privilegios que socavan la cohesión social. Constituye, por lo tanto, un freno para alcanzar las metas de la Estrategia Europa 2020 y cumplir los objetivos de la Unión Europea.
¿Comparte la Comisión este diagnóstico? ¿Va a tenerlo en cuenta en el ejercicio de sus competencias y en particular al elaborar sus recomendaciones sobre reformas en el ámbito del Semestre Europeo y de los programas de asistencia? ¿Va a promover alguna iniciativa que proporcione transparencia y fomente la responsabilidad empresarial así como la inversión y el consumo responsable? ¿Estima necesario adoptar medidas específicas en algún sector? ¿Va a abordar esta problemática a través del diálogo social? ¿Va a estudiar iniciativas de tipo fiscal o relativas a la financiación de los sistemas de protección social?
Respuesta del Sr. Andor en nombre de la Comisión
(2 de abril de 2012)
La Comisión conoce el estudio de la OCDE sobre la desigualdad y está de acuerdo con sus principales conclusiones. De hecho, un aspecto clave para luchar contra las desigualdades es facilitar y fomentar el acceso al empleo para grupos poco representados. Esto exige no solo nuevos puestos de trabajo, sino también empleos de calidad que permitan a las personas a evitar la pobreza y de salir ella. Para reducir la desigualdad de las rentas también es preciso luchar contra las desigualdades entre las formas de empleo típicas y los atípicas. Se necesitan políticas que inviertan en capital humano y promuevan la mejora de las competencias de la mano de obra, con objeto de contrarrestar la desigualdad salarial a largo plazo.
Todas estas cuestiones son prioridades de la Comisión. Las recomendaciones específicas para cada país de finales del primer Semestre Europeo incluyen, entre otras, luchar contra la segmentación, mejorar el acceso a la educación y la formación y la calidad de las mismas y ayudar a los grupos infrarrepresentados a acceder al mercado laboral. Estas prioridades se han tenido también especialmente en cuenta en los memorandos de entendimiento con los países participantes. El Estudio Prospectivo Anual sobre el Crecimiento de 2012, que marca el comienzo del segundo Semestre Europeo, refuerza la necesidad de abordar estos problemas y anima a los Estados miembros a intensificar sus esfuerzos. Recuerda, asimismo, que la ejecución ha de respetar el papel de los interlocutores sociales. Además, el Estudio Prospectivo Anual sobre el Crecimiento de 2012 define nuevas prioridades, entre otras, la inclusión activa y unos sistemas de protección social eficaces, así como el papel de los estabilizadores automáticos sociales. Además, el Informe sobre fiscalidad (adjunto al Estudio Prospectivo Anual sobre el Crecimiento) analiza cómo lograr que los sistemas fiscales sean más favorables al crecimiento y el empleo.
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001580/12
to the Commission
Antolín Sánchez Presedo (S&D)
(9 February 2012)

Subject: Inequality in European Union income trends
According to a recent OECD report on the development of household income in the two decades prior to the beginning of the crisis, in most of the countries analysed these incomes grew significantly faster in the 10 % of households with the highest incomes than in the 10 % with the lowest incomes. Salary income also grew at a slower pace than income from capital and assets.
The report identifies trade integration and technological progress among the causes of this situation. It also notes the influence of regulatory reforms and the reduction in the stabilising effects of income tax, social security contributions and social assistance. It also states that structural reforms, while having a positive impact on employment, have contributed to increased wage disparity.
The widening gap in work income leads to perverse incentives in the functioning of the economy, slows the growth potential of the internal market and generates privileges that undermine social cohesion. Therefore, it constitutes an obstacle to achieving the goals of the Europe 2020 strategy and of the European Union.
Does the Commission agree with this assessment? Will the Commission take this into account in the exercise of its powers and, in particular, when drawing up its recommendations for reforms in the European Semester and in assistance programmes? Will it promote any initiative to provide transparency and to promote corporate responsibility and responsible consumption and investment? Does it consider it necessary to adopt specific measures in any sector? Will it address this issue through social dialogue? Will it consider initiatives of a fiscal nature or regarding the financing of social protection systems?
Answer given by Mr Andor  on behalf of the Commission 
(2 April 2012)
The Commission is aware of the OECD study on inequality and is in agreement with its main conclusions. Indeed, to combat inequality, a key issue is to facilitate and encourage access to employment for under-represented groups. This requires not only new jobs, but quality jobs that enable people to avoid and escape poverty. Combating inequalities between standard and non-standard forms of employment are also needed to reduce income inequality. Policies that invest in human capital and promote the up-skilling of the workforce are needed to counteract wage inequality in the longer run. 
All these issues are priorities for the Commission. At the end of the first European Semester, country specific recommendations targeted — among others — combating segmentation, improving access to and the quality of education and training, and helping underrepresented groups to enter the labour market. These priorities have been also in the focus of the Memoranda of Understandings in case of programme countries. The 2012 Annual Growth Survey (AGS) package — that marks the start of the second European Semester — reinforces the need to tackle these issues and encourages Member States to step up their efforts. It also states, that implementation has to respect the role of the social partners. Furthermore, the 2012 AGS defines new priority issues; among others active inclusion, effective social security systems as well as the role of social automatic stabilisers. Furthermore, the Taxation Report (annexed to the AGS) provides assessment on how to make tax systems more growth and job-friendly. 
(Versão portuguesa)
Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-001584/12
à Comissão
Nuno Melo (PPE)
(9 de fevereiro de 2012)

Assunto: Fogo Bacteriano
O fogo bacteriano (Erwinia amylovora), é um agente patogénico que causa perdas avultadas de produção em pomares de pereira e macieira.
Esta doença é assim apelidada pelos sintomas nos gomos e nos raminhos, que apresentam necroses de cor castanha a negra, fazendo lembrar um aspeto de queima. A progressão da doença é mais rápida em árvores jovens e vigorosas. Nestes casos, em geral, quando os sintomas são detetados a infeção já passou da periferia para o eixo central da árvore, sendo o corte e a sua destruição a única solução.
Pergunta-se à Comissão:
Tem conhecimento desta doença?
Existem, ou estão previstas, ajudas financeiras para o combate e prevenção da doença no espaço da UE?
Resposta dada por John Dalli em nome da Comissão
(20 de março de 2012)
A Comissão tem conhecimento do fogo bacteriano e da bactéria Erwinia amylovora, que provoca a doença. A bactéria consta da Diretiva 2000/29/CE (297) como um organismo prejudicial e a sua introdução e propagação no interior da União são proibidas. As plantas hospedeiras pertinentes (incluindo macieiras e pereiras) têm de cumprir requisitos fitossanitários específicos1 quando são introduzidas ou circulam na União. Determinadas zonas na União, designadas ₫zonas protegidas₻ (298), beneficiam de uma proteção mais rigorosa contra uma eventual introdução da bactéria. Portugal é uma dessas zonas protegidas. 
No âmbito do regime fitossanitário da UE, estabelecido pela Diretiva 2000/29/CE do Conselho, os Estados-Membros podem receber, a seu pedido, uma contribuição financeira da União, para efeitos de controlo fitossanitário, para cobrir as despesas diretamente relacionadas com as medidas necessárias que tenham sido adotadas para efeitos da erradicação ou contenção dos organismos prejudiciais em questão. Sob certas condições, seriam elegíveis os processos de cofinanciamento dos Estados-Membros para o controlo da Erwinia amylovora em zonas protegidas da UE. 
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001584/12
to the Commission
Nuno Melo (PPE)
(9 February 2012)

Subject: Fire blight
Fire blight (Erwinia amylovora) is a pathogen that causes considerable production losses in pear and apple orchards.
The disease is so called because its symptoms, brown and black necrotic lesions on shoots and branches, resemble burns. It spreads most quickly in fast-growing young trees. In such cases, the infection has generally already spread from the surface to the central core of the tree by the time the symptoms are detected, and at that stage the only solution is to fell and destroy the tree.
Is the Commission aware of this disease?
Is any financial assistance available or planned to combat and prevent this disease within the EU?
Answer given by Mr Dalli on behalf of the Commission
(20 March 2012)
The Commission is aware of fireblight and bacterium Erwinia amylovora, which causes the disease. The bacterium is listed in Council Directive 2000/29/EC (299) amongst harmful organisms and its introduction into and spread within the Union is prohibited. The relevant host plants (including apple and pear trees) must comply with specific plant health requirements1 when introduced into or moved within the Union. Certain areas in the Union, so called ‘protected zones’ (300), benefit from stricter protection against a possible introduction of the bacterium. Portugal is one of such protected zones. 
Under the EU plant-health regime, established by Council Directive 2000/29/EC, Member States may receive, at their request, a ‘plant health control’ financial contribution from the Union to cover expenditure relating directly to the necessary measures which have been taken for the purpose of eradication or containment of the harmful organisms in question. Under certain conditions, co-financing dossiers of Member States to control Erwinia amylovora in EU protected zoneswould be eligible. 
(Versão portuguesa)
Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-001585/12
à Comissão
Nuno Melo (PPE)
(9 de fevereiro de 2012)

Assunto: Declarações de Joseph Stiglitz
O Nobel da Economia, Joseph Stiglitz, ao falar numa conferência em Lisboa, afirmou que ₫a Europa tem de perceber que a austeridade não é resposta₻.
₫A Europa não devia estar a pensar na próxima crise, mas sim nesta₻, disse ainda Stiglitz, acrescentando que ₫não ter défices não ia evitar a próxima crise — lembrem-se de que a Espanha e a Irlanda tinham orçamentos equilibrados₻.
Segundo Stiglitz, ₫a confiança não vai ser restaurada sem crescimento₻, tal como se está a verificar em relação a países como Portugal e a Grécia, onde as políticas de austeridade para corrigir as contas públicas não estão a conseguir restaurar a confiança dos investidores.
Pergunto à Comissão:
Que comentários faz às referidas declarações, tendo em conta a avaliação da Comissão, até à data, da correção das contas públicas dos países intervencionados?
Resposta dada por Olli Rehn em nome da Comissão
(28 de março de 2012)
A Comissão não considera que a austeridade, por si própria, constitua um objetivo. A consolidação orçamental é um meio de tornar sustentáveis as finanças públicas e restabelecer a confiança dos investidores, condições prévias para relançar o crescimento económico. 
O crescimento e o emprego são objetivos fulcrais da estratégia Europa 2020 da UE. A Comissão adotou recentemente várias iniciativas orientadas, para benefício dos Estados-Membros em recessão que enfrentam uma taxa elevada de desemprego entre os jovens, bem como condições de financiamento estritas. A Comissão estabeleceu o grupo de trabalho para a Grécia, o grupo de apoio a Portugal e grupos de ação para sete outros Estados-Membros, com o objetivo de combater o desemprego dos jovens e melhorar o acesso ao financiamento por parte das PME.
Além das iniciativas em curso, as políticas de crescimento económico constituem a componente essencial da agenda económica europeia. Na sua análise anual do crescimento em 2012, a Comissão salientou as prioridades políticas que a União Europeia deve adotar tendo em vista o reforço do crescimento e do emprego. A referida análise preconiza a realização de ações concretas para apoiar o crescimento, nomeadamente a utilização do mercado interno como motor, a mobilização do orçamento da UE e iniciativas de aceleração com um impacto elevado no crescimento.
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001585/12
to the Commission
Nuno Melo (PPE)
(9 February 2012)

Subject: Statements by Joseph Stiglitz
Speaking at a conference in Lisbon, Joseph Stiglitz, winner of the Nobel Prize for Economics, said that ‘Europe must realise that austerity is not the answer’.
‘Europe should not be thinking about the next crisis, but about this one’, said Stiglitz, adding that ‘not having deficits would not prevent the next crisis — remember that Spain and Ireland had balanced budgets’.
According to Stiglitz, ‘confidence will not be restored without growth’, as can be seen from the developments in, for example, Portugal and Greece, where austerity measures to correct public accounts are not restoring investor confidence.
What comments does the Commission have to make on the above statements, taking into account its assessment to date of the correction of the public accounts of countries which have undergone intervention?
Answer given by Mr Rehn on behalf of the Commission
(28 March 2012)
The Commission does not consider austerity an end in itself. Fiscal consolidation is a means to achieve sustainable public finances as well as a restoration of investor confidence which are pre-conditions to re-launch economic growth. 
Growth and jobs are central objectives of the EU's Strategy Europe 2020. The Commission recently launched a number of targeted initiatives for the benefit of Member States that are in recession and feature high youth unemployment as well as tight financing conditions. The Commission set up the Task Force for Greece, the Portugal support group and action teams for another seven Member States to fight youth unemployment and improve access to finance for SMEs.
Apart from these ongoing initiatives, economic growth policies are the essential part of the European economic agenda. In its 2012 Annual Growth Survey (AGS), the Commission has highlighted the policy priorities the European Union needs to pursue to enhance growth and employment. The AGS set out concrete actions to support growth, such as using the internal market as a growth engine, mobilising the EU budget, and fast-tracking initiatives with a high growth impact.
(Versão portuguesa)
Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-001586/12
à Comissão
Nuno Melo (PPE)
(9 de fevereiro de 2012)

Assunto: Emigrantes portugueses assassinados na Venezuela
Segundo recentes notícias da imprensa portuguesa, na Venezuela, no espaço de duas semanas foram assassinados por bandos de delinquentes três emigrantes portugueses naturais da Madeira.
A comunidade portuguesa na Venezuela é constituída por cerca de 400 mil emigrantes, na sua maioria oriundos da Madeira, que desde as décadas de 20 e 30 começaram a deslocar-se para este país.
Aqui, a maioria dos emigrantes portugueses exerce actividade empresarial no ramo alimentar (restaurantes, padarias, mercearias, supermercados, etc.) e como são considerados empresários de sucesso, tal facto transforma-os em alvos preferenciais dos bandos de marginais.
Pergunta-se à Comissão:
Tem conhecimento desta situação?
De que forma poderia a Comissão intervir, com vista à resolução deste grave problema que envolve cidadãos da UE?
Resposta dada pela Alta Representante/Vice-Presidente Catherine Ashton em nome da Comissão
(16 de março de 2012)
As taxas de criminalidade e de homicídio são muito elevadas na Venezuela — as mais elevadas da América do Sul — e o número de homicídios diários está a aumentar. Os valores são mais elevados em zonas urbanas como Caracas ou Maracaibo. A UE está a trabalhar em estreita colaboração com os Estados-Membros, tanto localmente como nas capitais, mas não tem conhecimento de que esteja a ser visada uma comunidade nacional específica. A UE apresentou e continuará a apresentar a sua preocupação junto das autoridades venezuelanas. No entanto, esta é uma área em que o processo será lento e necessitará que se reduza a impunidade e se melhore a eficiência das forças de segurança. 
Embora a proteção dos cidadãos continue a ser da competência do país de acolhimento e as autoridades nacionais estejam a aconselhar os viajantes estrangeiros, foram enviados dois agentes de segurança regional para a delegação da UE na Venezuela para avaliar as condições de segurança.
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001586/12
to the Commission
Nuno Melo (PPE)
(9 February 2012)

Subject: Portuguese emigrants murdered in Venezuela
According to recent reports in the Portuguese press, three Portuguese emigrants from Madeira have been murdered by criminal gangs in Venezuela in the space of two weeks.
The Portuguese community in Venezuela consists of about 400 000 emigrants, mainly from Madeira, who started moving to Venezuela in the 1920s and 1930s.
In Venezuela most Portuguese emigrants run businesses in the food sector (restaurants, bakeries, grocery stores, supermarkets, etc.) and the fact that they are considered successful entrepreneurs makes them favoured targets of the criminal gangs.
Is the Commission aware of this situation?
How could it intervene to resolve this serious problem involving EU citizens?
Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Ashton on behalf of the Commission
(16 March 2012)
There are very high murder and crime rates in Venezuela — the highest in South America — and the registered trend of daily homicides number is on the rise. The figures are higher in urban areas such as Caracas and Maracaibo. The EU is working closely with its Member States both locally and in capitals, but is not aware that specific nationals are being targeted. The EU has raised its concern with the Venezuelan authorities and will continue to do so. This is however an area where progress is likely to be slow and will require reducing impunity and improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the security forces. 
While the protection of citizens remains a competence of the host country, and travel advice to foreigners is being issued by the national authorities, two Regional Security Officers have been despatched to the EU Delegation in Venezuela to assess the security situation.
(Versão portuguesa)
Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-001588/12
à Comissão
Nuno Melo (PPE)
(9 de fevereiro de 2012)

Assunto: SuperCooling
Investigadores da Universidade de Coimbra desenvolveram uma tecnologia de refrigeração inovadora que permite arrefecer alimentos e bebidas dez vezes mais rápido do que os equipamentos tradicionais, como os frigoríficos.
O SuperCooling é um sistema de refrigeração rápido comparável ao aquecimento de produtos num microondas. O novo sistema de refrigeração, por vácuo, encontra-se ainda em protótipo mas os primeiros resultados são promissores para os investigadores, ao conseguirem arrefecer uma garrafa de água de 33 cl em três minutos, segundo uma nota hoje divulgada pela Universidade de Coimbra (UC).
Pergunto à Comissão:
Tem conhecimento deste novo sistema de refrigeração, que revela evidentes vantagens energéticas e ambientais?
Justifica-se ou não o incremento deste novo sistema e o apoio a esta investigação?
Resposta dada por Máire Geoghegan-Quinn em nome da Comissão
(10 de abril de 2012)
A Comissão tem conhecimento da nova tecnologia referida pelo Senhor Deputado, mas não se encontra em posição de responder à pergunta, devido à escassez das informações divulgadas pelos investigadores portugueses.
Quanto a um eventual apoio da Comissão, nomeadamente no contexto do 7.° Programa‐Quadro, aplicam‐se as normas gerais da UE.
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001588/12
to the Commission
Nuno Melo (PPE)
(9 February 2012)

Subject: SuperCooling
Researchers at the University of Coimbra (Portugal) have developed an innovative cooling technology that allows food and drink to be cooled 10 times faster than traditional equipment such as refrigerators.
SuperCooling is a rapid cooling system comparable to the heating of products in a microwave. The new vacuum cooling system is still at the prototype stage, but early results are promising for the researchers; they were able to a cool a 33 cl bottle of water in three minutes, according to a press release issued today by the university.
Is the Commission aware of this new cooling system, which appears to have obvious energy and environmental benefits?
Does it consider the development of this new system and support for this research to be justified or not?
Answer given by Ms Geoghegan-Quinn on behalf of the Commission
(10 April 2012)
The Commission has read about the new technology mentioned by the Honourable Member but is not in a position to answer the question due to the limited information released by the Portuguese researchers. For any support by the Commission, standard EU rules apply, for example for FP7. 
(Versão portuguesa)
Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-001589/12
à Comissão
Nuno Melo (PPE)
(9 de fevereiro de 2012)

Assunto: Guimarães — Capital Europeia da Cultura
— Tendo em conta que a iniciativa Guimarães — Capital Europeia da Cultura tem relevantíssimo interesse cultural e transcende a realidade portuguesa;
— Tendo em conta que esta iniciativa replica outras equivalentes, designadamente: Liverpool (Reino Unido) e Stavanger (Noruega) em 2008, Linz (Áustria) e Vilnius (Lituânia) em 2009, Alemanha/Hungria em 2010, e por último em 2011, Turku (Finlândia) e Tallinn (Estónia) exemplos antes de Guimarães.
Pergunto à Comissão:
Que balanço faz do ponto de vista das vantagens para as cidades designadas no passado com a respetiva escolha para capitais europeias?
Como avalia até ao presente a execução dos trabalhos de ₫Guimarães — Capital Europeia da Cultura₻?
Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-001656/12
à Comissão
Nuno Melo (PPE)
(10 de fevereiro de 2012)

Assunto: Guimarães — Capital Europeia da Cultura II
Tendo em conta que a capital europeia da cultura é uma organização de interesse europeu que envolve financiamento comunitário. Tendo em conta também que têm ocorrido incidentes que põem em causa alguns aspetos de gestão da respetiva fundação.
Pergunto à Comissão:






—


Qual o montante de financiamento atribuído a Portugal para efeitos da Guimarães — Capital Europeia da Cultura?










—


Tem conhecimento de quaisquer irregularidades cometidas a este propósito?




Resposta conjunta dada por Androulla Vassiliou em nome da Comissão
(10 de abril de 2012)
Está demonstrado que o estatuto de Capital Europeia da Cultura proporciona notáveis vantagens económicas e sociais, empregos e crescimento, para além de um forte impacto na vida cultural. 
Algumas capitais da cultura de anos anteriores estimam que cada euro investido gerou mais oito euros de retorno. O número de visitantes que pernoitam aumenta em média 12 %, mas, nalguns casos, chega a 25 %. A melhoria das infraestruturas culturais gera benefícios económicos a mais longo prazo, para além de tornar a cidade simplesmente mais atraente para viver, e a dimensão do evento fomenta as competências de gestão cultural dos operadores culturais e os decisores políticos na região.
Este impacto está longe de ser automático e existem diferenças significativas entre as capitais. O título de capital europeia da cultura é uma oportunidade para impulsionar o desenvolvimento a longo prazo de uma cidade através da cultura, mas o êxito e o impacto dependem da forma como é executado. 
Os resultados das capitais europeias da cultura de cada ano são avaliados por um avaliador externo e independente, em conformidade com a Decisão n.° 1622/2006/CE. A Comissão apresenta todos os anos um relatório às Instituições Europeias baseado nas conclusões da avaliação externa. Quanto a Guimarães 2012, o relatório será transmitido ao Parlamento antes do final de 2013.
Em conformidade com a decisão que institui esta iniciativa, a Comissão atribuiu a Guimarães o prémio Melina Mercouri, no valor de 1,5 milhões de euros, no quadro do programa Cultura. Além disso, o chamado ₫Programa de Ação Guimarães 2012 — Capital Europeia da Cultura₻, promovido pela Fundação Cidade de Guimarães, recebe o montante de 18 milhões de euros em cofinanciamento do FEDER, no quadro do Programa Operacional Regional Norte de 2007/2013 (301).
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001589/12
to the Commission
Nuno Melo (PPE)
(9 February 2012)

Subject: Guimarães — European Capital of Culture
— Bearing in mind that the initiative making Guimarães (Portugal) European Capital of Culture is of highly relevant cultural interest, and not just to Portugal;
— Bearing in mind that this follows on from similar initiatives, notably: Liverpool (UK) and Stavanger (Norway) in 2008, Linz (Austria) and Vilnius (Lithuania) in 2009, Germany/Hungary in 2010, and most recently, in 2011, Turku (Finland) and Tallinn (Estonia) as predecessors of Guimarães,
Can the Commission state:






—


what its evaluation is of the advantages for the cities chosen in the past;










—


what its view is on the progress of the work carried out to date for the initiative ‘Guimarães — European Capital of Culture’?




Question for written answer E-001656/12
to the Commission
Nuno Melo (PPE)
(10 February 2012)

Subject: Guimarães — European Capital of Culture II
Taking into account that the European Capital of Culture is an entity of European interest involving Community funding, and also taking into account that there have been incidents that have cast doubt on certain aspects of this foundation’s management,
Can the Commission:






—


specify the amount of funding granted to Portugal for the purposes of ‘Guimarães — Capital of Culture’;










—


state whether it is aware of any irregularities in relation to this?




Joint answer given by Ms Vassiliou on behalf of the Commission
(10 April 2012)
The status of European Capital of Culture has been shown to bring remarkable economic and social benefits, jobs and growth as well as enhancing cultural life. 
Some past Capitals estimated that each euro invested generated an additional 8 euro in return. The number of overnight visitors increases on average by 12 % but in some cases up to 25 %. Improved cultural infrastructure brings longer term economic benefits, as well as quite simply making the city a more attractive place to live, and the scale of the event fosters the cultural management skills of cultural operators and policy-makers in the region.
This impact is far from being automatic of course and significant differences exist between Capitals. The title is an opportunity to boost the long term development of a city through culture, but success and impact depend on its implementation. 
The results of the each year's Capitals are assessed by an external and independent evaluator, in accordance with Decision 1622/2006/EC. The Commission sends every year a report to the European institutions on the basis of the findings from the external evaluation. Regarding Guimarães 2012, this report will be transmitted to the Parliament before end 2013.
In accordance with the decision establishing the title, the Commission granted the EUR 1.5 million Melina Mercouri Prize to Guimarães in the framework of the Culture programme. In addition, the so-called ‘Action Programme Guimarães 2012 — European Capital of Culture’, promoted by the Guimarães City Foundation, receives EUR 18 million in co-financing from the ERDF under the Regional Operational Programme Norte 2007-2013 (302).
(Versão portuguesa)
Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-001590/12
à Comissão
Nuno Melo (PPE)
(9 de fevereiro de 2012)

Assunto: Participação de fundos brasileiros no FEEF
O primeiro-ministro português afirmou quinta-feira, em Brasília, que é ₫perfeitamente possível₻ que fundos brasileiros participem do processo de alavancagem do Fundo Europeu de Estabilização Financeira (FEEF), aprovado na última Cimeira Europeia.
Pergunto à Comissão:
Qual a posição da Comissão relativamente a esta matéria?
Resposta dada por Olli Rehn em nome da Comissão
(20 de março de 2012)
De acordo com a segunda opção, para tirar partido do FEEF aprovado pelos Chefes de Estado e de Governo da área do euro em 26 de Outubro de 2011 (ver parágrafo 19 da declaração dos Chefes de Estado e de Governo da área do euro (303)), foi criada uma ₫Facilidade de Investimentos Europeus em Obrigações do Estado₻. O objetivo é a obtenção de uma combinação de recursos de instituições financeiras privadas e públicas, e de investidores, incluindo fora da Europa. A ativação de opções do FEEF iria, porém, exigir um pedido de um Estado-Membro potencialmente beneficiário.
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001590/12
to the Commission
Nuno Melo (PPE)
(9 February 2012)

Subject: Brazilian funding for the EFSF
The Portuguese Prime Minister said last Thursday in Brasilia that it was ‘perfectly possible’ that Brazilian funding might be used in the leveraging process for the European Financial Stability Fund approved at the last EU summit.
What is the Commission’s view on this subject?
Answer given by Mr Rehn on behalf of the Commission
(20 March 2012)
Under the second option for leveraging the EFSF agreed by Heads of State and Government of the Euro Area on 26 October 2011 (see paragraph 19 of the statement by Euro Area Heads of State and Government (304)), a ‘European Sovereign Bond Investment Facility’ was created. The aim is to achieve a combination of resources from private and public financial institutions and investors, including from outside Europe. Activation of the leverage options of the EFSF would however require a request from a potential beneficiary Member States. 
(Versão portuguesa)
Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-001591/12
à Comissão
Nuno Melo (PPE)
(9 de fevereiro de 2012)

Assunto: Jacinto-de-água pode ameaçar áreas de regadio do Alqueva
A Confederação Hidrográfica do Guadiana colocou 60 pessoas entre a barragem espanhola de Alange e o limite urbano de Mérida para recolherem uma planta invasora, o jacinto-de-água (Eichhornia crassipes), com receio de que este possa deslocar-se em direção a Badajoz.
O jacinto-de-água desenvolve-se nos cursos de água doce onde se transforma num manto vegetal. A sua beleza é enganadora, porque esse manto espesso, que cobre completamente a superfície da água, impede a luz de passar, altera as características físico-químicas do rio e ameaça as espécies que aí habitam, dificultando também a navegação.
A equipa de limpeza tenta a todo o custo evitar que o jacinto-de-água chegue ao troço do rio que atravessa a cidade fronteiriça de Badajoz. Se tal acontecer, os especialistas espanhóis admitem ₫não ser possível₻ evitar a sua propagação em território português.
A consumar-se este cenário, fica em risco a albufeira de Alqueva, o que seria uma ₫autêntica ruína₻ para as áreas de regadio, sustenta a confederação, porque pode inutilizar os sistemas de distribuição de água.
Pergunto à Comissão:
De que informações dispõe sobre a disseminação desta praga em Portugal?
Está em posição de fornecer dados concretos sobre a atual situação da implantação e propagação desta praga no território da UE?
Existem apoios para combate a esta praga? Quais?
Portugal já os solicitou?
Resposta dada por Janez Potočnik em nome da Comissão
(28 de março de 2012)
A Comissão está atenta aos problemas causados pelas espécies exóticas invasoras em geral, incluindo os associados ao jacinto de água (Eichhornia crassipes) na orla mediterrânica, nomeadamente no curso espanhol do Guadiana. 
De acordo com o projeto de investigação DAISIE (305), a espécie está presente e estabelecida em Espanha, Portugal (incluindo os Açores), França (incluindo a Córsega) e Itália. O compêndio das espécies invasoras organizado pelo CABI (306) contém mais informações sobre o jacinto de água. A Comissão não dispõe de dados concretos especificamente sobre a propagação desta espécie em Portugal ou na UE. No âmbito da preparação de um instrumento legislativo sobre as espécies exóticas invasoras, com início previsto no final de 2012, está a ponderar a criação de um sistema de informações sobre estas espécies.
O mecanismo de financiamento LIFE+ pode prestar apoio na gestão do Eichhornia crassipes. Até à data, Portugal não solicitou esse tipo de apoio relativamente a esta espécie. Além do mecanismo LIFE, não se exclui, a priori, que o Fundo Europeu Agrícola de Desenvolvimento Rural (Feader) e o Fundo Europeu de Desenvolvimento Regional (FEDER) também possam ser utilizados para esses fins. Essa possibilidade é analisada caso a caso.
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001591/12
to the Commission
Nuno Melo (PPE)
(9 February 2012)

Subject: Potential water hyacinth threat to the Alqueva irrigation system
The Guadiana Hydrographical Confederation in Spain has put 60 people to work collecting water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), an invasive plant, between the Alange dam and the municipal boundaries of the city of Mérida, due to concern that the plant invasion might spread in the direction of the city of Badajoz.
Water hyacinth develops in fresh watercourses, which the plant proceeds to blanket. Its beauty is deceptive, because this thick blanket completely covers the surface of the water, preventing light from passing, changing the physical and chemical characteristics of the river and putting the species contained in it at risk, while also impeding navigation.
The clearing team is trying at all costs to prevent the water hyacinth reaching the stretch of river that passes through the border city of Badajoz. Were it to do so, the Spanish experts admit that ‘it will be impossible’ to prevent its spread into Portugal.
Should this scenario develop, the Alqueva reservoir in Portugal would be put at risk. The Confederation believes this would be a ‘veritable disaster’ for the irrigated areas, making the water distribution systems inoperable.
Can the Commission state:






—


what information it possesses about the spread of this pest in Portugal;










—


whether it is in a position to provide concrete data on the presence and spread of this pest in the EU;










—


whether support is available to combat this pest, and if so of what type;










—


whether Portugal has applied for any such support?




Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission
(28 March 2012)
The Commission is aware of the problems caused by invasive alien species in general and in particular by water hyacinth Eichhornia crassipes in the Mediterranean region and in the Guadiana River in Spain. 
According to the research project DAISIE (307) the species is present and established in Spain, Portugal, including the Azores, France, including Corsica, and Italy. Further information about this species can also be found in the CAB International Invasive Species Compendium (308), but the Commission is not in possession of specific concrete data on the spread of this species in Portugal or in the EU. The Commission is considering the development of an EU dedicated information system on invasive alien species in the framework of its preparation of a dedicated legislative instrument on this issue, planned to be launched by the end of 2012.
Support to manage Eichhornia crassipes may be obtained through the LIFE+ funding mechanism. To date, Portugal has not applied for such support in relation to Eichhornia crassipes. Apart from LIFE, it is not a priori excluded that the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) could also be used for such purposes. This should be examined on a case-by-case basis.
(Ελληνική έκδοση)
Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-001592/12
προς την Επιτροπή (Αντιπρόεδρος/Ύπατη Εκπρόσωπος)
Ioannis A. Tsoukalas (PPE)
(9 Φεβρουαρίου 2012)

Θέμα: VP/HR — Πετρελαϊκό εμπάργκο κατά του Ιράν
Σε συνέχεια της απάντησης του Επιτρόπου Ενέργειας, κ. Έτινγκερ, στις 16.01.2012, σε κοινοβουλευτική ερώτησή μου υπ’ αριθμόν E-011035/2011 σχετικά με τον εφοδιασμό της Ελλάδας σε πετρέλαιο, και λαμβάνοντας υπόψη τις αποφάσεις της συνόδου των Υπουργών Εξωτερικών της ΕΕ στις 23.01.2012 αναφορικά με το πετρελαϊκό εμπάργκο κατά του Ιράν, ερωτάται η Ύπατη Εκπρόσωπος:
Θεωρεί ότι η απάντηση του κ. Έτινγκερ ότι ₫η Ελλάδα μπορεί να εφοδιάζεται από αλλού με πετρέλαιο₻ έχει επαφή με την πολιτική και οικονομική πραγματικότητα, εφόσον είναι αυτονόητο ότι, εκτός του Ιράν, υπάρχουν εναλλακτικοί προμηθευτές πετρελαίου, αλλά το πρόβλημα της Ελλάδας έγκειται στην αδυναμία της να εξασφαλίσει πίστωση από τους προμηθευτές δεδομένης της οικονομικής κατάστασης και του φόβου χρεοκοπίας;
Δεν θεωρεί ότι υποτιμά το πρόβλημα εφοδιασμού της χώρας από εναλλακτικούς προμηθευτές, οι οποίοι δεν δέχονται να πωλούν στην Ελλάδα το πετρέλαιο χωρίς χρηματικές εγγυήσεις (γεγονός που θα μπορούσε να πλήξει ακόμη παραπάνω την προβληματική ελληνική οικονομία); 
Λαμβάνοντας υπόψη ότι στην ανακοίνωση του Συμβουλίου Εξωτερικών Υποθέσεων της 23ης Ιανουαρίου δεν αναφέρονται συγκεκριμένα μέτρα για τη στήριξη της Ελλάδας και τη διασφάλιση εναλλακτικών πηγών προμήθειας πετρελαίου, ενώ οι επιπτώσεις του εμπάργκο έχουν ήδη οδηγήσει σε μικρή αύξηση των τιμών των καυσίμων, τι μέτρα προτίθεται να λάβει προκειμένου να εξασφαλισθεί η αδιάκοπη τροφοδοσία της Ελλάδας σε πετρέλαιο, και πέραν του Ιουλίου, από εναλλακτικούς προμηθευτές που θα πωλούν πετρέλαιο στην Ελλάδα με ευνοϊκούς όρους αντίστοιχους με αυτούς που προσφέρει το Ιράν; 
Απάντηση της Ύπατης Εκπροσώπου/Αντιπροέδρου Ashton εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής
(23 Απριλίου 2012)
Η απόφαση για τη θέσπιση σταδιακής απαγόρευσης στην εισαγωγή ιρανικού πετρελαίου πρέπει να συνοδεύεται από διαδικασία προσαρμογής της ΕΕ και των κρατών μελών της στο μέτρο αυτό. Σε αυτό το πλαίσιο, καταβάλλονται προσπάθειες ώστε να διασφαλιστεί η διαθεσιμότητα εναλλακτικών πηγών προμήθειας πετρελαίου με ευνοϊκούς όρους, ιδίως για τα κράτη μέλη για τα οποία η εξασφάλιση αυτών των εναλλακτικών πηγών εφοδιασμού είναι πιο επείγουσα. Το ζήτημα της εξασφάλισης εναλλακτικών πηγών προμήθειας με ευνοϊκούς όρους αγοράς αποτελεί μέρος της προσπάθειας αυτής. Έχει δοθεί άμεση προτεραιότητα στη διευθέτηση του θέματος αυτού με τη συμμετοχή της ΕΕ και των κρατών μελών.
Η απόφαση για την απαγόρευση της εισαγωγής πετρελαίου περιλαμβάνει συμφωνία για την επανεξέταση του μέτρου τον Απρίλιο του 2012, με στόχο να αξιολογηθούν τα βήματα που έχουν αναληφθεί και να εξεταστούν τα ενδεχόμενα μέτρα παρακολούθησης που θα απαιτηθούν για να διασφαλιστεί ότι οι εναλλακτικές πηγές προμήθειας με ευνοϊκούς όρους θα είναι πράγματι διαθέσιμες εγκαίρως.
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001592/12
to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)
Ioannis A. Tsoukalas (PPE)
(9 February 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — Iran oil embargo
Following the answer given by the Energy Commissioner, Günther Oettinger, on 16.1.2012 to my Question E‐011035/2011 regarding oil supplies to Greece, and taking into account the decisions of the meeting of EU Foreign Ministers on 23.1.2012 regarding the oil embargo against Iran, will the High Representative say:
Does she consider that Mr Oettinger's answer that ‘Greece can receive supplies from elsewhere’ is in line with political and economic reality, since it is obvious that there are alternative suppliers of oil, apart from Iran, but the problem lies in Greece's inability to obtain credit from suppliers given the economic situation and fear of default?
Does she not consider that she underestimates the problem of supplying Greece through alternative suppliers who refuse to sell oil to Greece without financial guarantees (which could hurt Greece's stricken economy even more)?
Bearing in mind that the declaration by the Council of Foreign Affairs of 23 January makes no reference to concrete measures to support Greece and secure alternative sources of oil supply, while the impact of the embargo has already led to a slight increase in fuel prices, what steps will it take to ensure uninterrupted supplies of oil to Greece beyond July, from alternative suppliers selling oil to Greece on favourable terms comparable to those offered by Iran?
Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Ashton on behalf of the Commission
(23 April 2012)
The decision to introduce a phased ban on the import of Iranian oil must be accompanied by a process of adjustment to this measure by the EU and its Member States. In this context, efforts are ongoing to ensure the availability of alternative supplies under favourable conditions, in particular for Member States in more urgent need of securing such alternative sources. The issue of securing the alternative supply at favourable market conditions is part of this effort. The matter is being pursued with priority with involvement of the EU and Member States.
The decision on the oil ban includes an agreement to review the measure in April 2012, with a view to take stock of steps taken and to address possible follow up measures necessary to ensure that alternative sources of supply on favourable conditions will indeed be available in a timely fashion.
(Versione italiana)
Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-001593/12
alla Commissione (Vicepresidente/Alto Rappresentante)
Lorenzo Fontana (EFD)
(9 febbraio 2012)

Oggetto: VP/HR — Traffico di esseri umani e di organi in Sudan
Organizzazioni per i diritti umani denunciano la tragica situazione che si è creata sul confine fra Sudan ed Eritrea. Le stime parlano di centinaia d'eritrei prigionieri dei ₫predoni del Sinai₻. Complici di questa situazione sarebbero anche delle unità della polizia sudanese accusate di ₫vendere₻ gli eritrei ai trafficanti d'esseri umani. I gruppi di ostaggi parlano di abusi sessuali subiti da donne e minori di entrambi i sessi oltre a torture di svariata natura. Le cifre riguardanti il traffico di essere umani negli ultimi anni sono assolutamente spaventose, in quanto si stimano in circa centomila fra uomini, donne e bambini.
Vista la gravità della situazione e la richiesta di aiuto delle popolazioni colpite da questi crimini, può il Vicepresidente/Alto Rappresentante far sapere:






—


quali iniziative ha intenzione di intraprendere;










—


quali iniziative ha intrapreso in passato e con quali risultati;










—


con quale livello di priorità l'Unione europea farà pressioni sul governo sudanese per far sì che questo traffico aberrante finisca?




Risposta data dall'Alta Rappresentante/Vicepresidente Catherine Ashton a nome della Commissione
(27 marzo 2012)
L'Alta Rappresentante/Vicepresidente è allarmata dalle notizie sulla tratta degli Eritrei e sui maltrattamenti inflitti a questi ultimi lungo il confine eritreo-sudanese. L'UE è inoltre preoccupata dall'aumento del flusso di profughi eritrei verso il Sudan, che secondo l'UNHCR ammonta attualmente a 2 000 persone al mese.
Nonostante il difficile contesto politico, l'UE, attraverso il Capo delegazione recentemente nominato a Khartoum, proseguirà nel suo impegno per avviare un dialogo politico costante con il governo del Sudan, anche in tema di diritti umani e tratta di esseri umani. L'Alta Rappresentante/Vicepresidente stessa segue attentamente la situazione in Sudan e nel luglio 2011 ha incontrato a Bruxelles il ministro degli Affari esteri sudanese Ali Karti.
La delegazione dell'Unione in Sudan ha ripetutamente sottolineato la necessità di stabilire con le autorità sudanesi un dialogo ampio in materia di migrazione che comprenda tutte le questioni ad essa correlate, fra cui la tratta di esseri umani. Ciò riveste senz'altro una notevole importanza per il governo sudanese, che condivide con l'UE l'interesse ad affrontare la questione in maniera seria e coerente. 
In linea generale, i Capi missione dell'UE sul campo danno la priorità agli sviluppi nel Sudan orientale, come dimostrato dalla loro recente visita nella regione, in occasione della quale hanno incontrato il Governatore dello Stato del Mar Rosso e sollevato la questione della cooperazione in materia di migrazione.
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001593/12
to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)
Lorenzo Fontana (EFD)
(9 February 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — Human and organ trafficking in Sudan
Human rights organisations have denounced the tragic situation that has arisen along the border between Sudan and Eritrea. According to estimates, hundreds of Eritreans are now prisoners of the ‘Sinai bandits’. Units of the Sudanese police are also said to be accessories to this situation, and are accused of ‘selling’ Eritreans to human traffickers. Groups of hostages talk of sexual abuse against women and minors of both genders, as well as all other kinds of torture. Figures on human trafficking in recent years are absolutely appalling, as estimates talk of approximately 100 000 men, women and children.
In the light of the seriousness of the situation and the request for help from the communities affected by these crimes, can the Vice-President/High Representative state:






—


what initiatives she intends to undertake?










—


what initiatives she has undertaken in the past and with what results?










—


with what level priority the European Union will exert pressure on the Sudanese Government to stop this aberrant trafficking?




Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Ashton on behalf of the Commission
(27 March 2012)
The High Representative/Vice-President is alarmed by reports of trafficking and ill-treatment of Eritreans across the Eritrean-Sudanese border. The EU is moreover concerned about the increasing flow of Eritrean refugees to Sudan, which according to the UNHRC currently amounts to 2 000 per month.
Despite the difficult political context, the EU, through its newly appointed Head of Delegation in Khartoum, will continue to make attempts to establish a regular political dialogue with the Government of Sudan, including on human rights issues such as human trafficking. The High Representative/Vice-President herself is following the situation in Sudan very closely and has met, in July 2011, with Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Karti in Brussels.
In addition, the EU Delegation to Sudan has repeatedly emphasised the necessity of establishing a comprehensive dialogue on migration with Sudanese authorities, comprising all migration-related matters including human trafficking. It can be established that the issue is of concern to the Sudanese government which shares the EU's interest to address the issue in a serious and coherent manner. 
In general, EU Heads of Missions on the ground give priority to developments in Eastern Sudan. This was recently illustrated when they visited the region and met with the Governor of Red Sea State where the issue of cooperation in the area of migration was raised.
(Versione italiana)
Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-001594/12
alla Commissione (Vicepresidente/Alto Rappresentante)
Lorenzo Fontana (EFD)
(9 febbraio 2012)

Oggetto: VP/HR — Disordini in Nigeria
Nella zona Nord-orientale della Nigeria, in particolare nelle città di Damataru e Maiduguri, la setta fondamentalista islamica Boko Haram ha attaccato ripetutamente, nelle ultime settimane, chiese e commissariati di polizia, al fine di dare seguito alla minaccia di colpire i cristiani qualora non avessero abbandonato il Nord del Paese, zona a maggioranza islamica, in tempi brevi.
Lo scopo della setta è l'applicazione diffusa della legge islamica su tutto il territorio nigeriano.
Tali attacchi armati hanno già provocato svariate decine di morti e centinaia di feriti e, secondo quanto affermano le forze di sicurezza nigeriane, starebbero continuando tuttora attraverso l'operato di attentatori suicidi e cecchini. Gran parte delle vittime fanno parte dell'etnia Igbo, prevalentemente cristiana.
— Considerando che si tratta dell'ennesima spirale di violenza dopo i tristi fatti di Natale;
— considerando che i cosiddetti ₫talebani nigeriani₻ di Boko Haram intendono imporre la sharia;
— considerando la risoluzione del Parlamento europeo del 6 maggio 2010 sugli eccidi a Jos, Nigeria (2011/C 81 E/24);
— considerando i numerosi progetti che la Commissione sostiene e finanzia in Nigeria, (EU-Nigeria Country strategy) con i Micro Projects Programmes per lo sviluppo delle zone rurali e diversi programmi e, tra gli altri, i programmi per la tutela dei diritti umani e per la riforma istituzionale del Paese;
si chiede al Vicepresidente/Alto Rappresentante:






—


come stanno operando questi programmi nel clima di tensione esistente nel Paese?










—


quale apporto hanno dato, soprattutto i programmi umanitari, nel cercare di mitigare il clima di tensione?










—


come s'intende intervenire per la tutela dei diritti umani, con particolare riferimento alla minoranza religiosa cristiana nel Nord del Paese?




Risposta data dall’Alta Rappresentante/Vicepresidente Catherine Ashton a nome della Commissione
(10 maggio 2012)
Benché le condizioni di sicurezza possano incidere sull’attuazione dell’assistenza, finora gli interventi dell’Unione europea non hanno subito ripercussioni negative. 
I programmi dell’UE in Nigeria sono infatti intesi in parte ad allentare il clima di tensione, concentrandosi su problemi di cattivo funzionamento, in particolare a livello di governance e di misure anticorruzione, oppure su problemi socioeconomici come la disoccupazione. Serve però un maggiore impegno. La Nigeria e l’UE hanno convenuto che si debbono intensificare gli sforzi nella parte settentrionale del paese e soprattutto nel Nordest.
L’Unione europea e la Nigeria mantengono contatti regolari. Il ministro degli Esteri danese Villy Soevndal ha rappresentato l’Alta Rappresentante/Vicepresidente Ashton alla riunione ministeriale Nigeria-UE (Abuja, 8 febbraio 2012) e il 14 marzo 2012 ha rilasciato una dichiarazione sulla Nigeria in Parlamento a nome dell’Alta Rappresentante/Vicepresidente. La Nigeria e l’UE intrattengono inoltre a livello locale un dialogo regolare in materia di diritti umani, l’ultima riunione del quale si è svolta il 3 febbraio 2012.
La Nigeria tutela la libertà di religione, sancita dalla sua costituzione. L’instaurazione della Sharia, non per scelta democratica del popolo nigeriano ma tramite l’uso della forza, è uno degli obiettivi dichiarati del Boko Haram, la cui violenza è rivolta principalmente contro lo Stato e le cui vittime sono in gran parte sia musulmani che cristiani. L’UE condanna gli attacchi contro civili innocenti, a prescindere dalla causa, e collaborerà con la Nigeria per ridurre la minaccia alla vita dei cittadini.
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001594/12
to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)
Lorenzo Fontana (EFD)
(9 February 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — Unrest in Nigeria
In the last few weeks in north-eastern Nigeria and especially in the cities of Damataru and Maiduguri, the Islamic fundamentalist sect Boko Haram is reported to have attacked churches and police stations in the wake of its threat of violence against Christians should they not have left the (mostly Muslim) north of the country within a short time.
The aim of this sect is to impose Islamic law on all of Nigeria. These armed attacks have already caused dozens of deaths and left hundreds of people wounded and, according to the Nigerian security forces, are continuing through the agency of suicide bombers and snipers. Most of the victims are from the Igbo ethnic group, which is mainly Christian.
Considering:






—


that this represents yet another cycle of violence following lamentable events at Christmas;










—


the intention of Boko Haram, knows as the ‘Nigerian Taliban’, to impose Sharia law;










—


the resolution of Parliament of 6 May 2010 on the massacres in Jos, Nigeria (2011/C 81 E/24);










—


the numerous projects that the Commission is supporting and financing in Nigeria (under the EU‐Nigeria country strategy), including the micro-project programmes for the development of rural areas and the programmes for the protection of human rights and for national institutional reform,




can the Vice-President/High Representative:






—


provide information on how those programmes are now functioning, given the climate of tension prevailing in Nigeria;










—


explain what contribution the programmes, particularly those of a humanitarian nature, have made to the attempts to mitigate the climate of tension;










—


state what action it will take to protect human rights, with particular reference to the Christian minority in the north of the country?




Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Ashton on behalf of the Commission
(10 May 2012)
The security situation can have an impact on the implementation of assistance, but until now the EU has not registered any negative impact on its interventions. 
Indeed, EU programmes in Nigeria are partly designed to mitigate the climate of tension by focusing either on dysfunctions, especially in governance and anti-corruption, or socioeconomic grievances such as unemployment. However, more is clearly needed. Nigeria and the EU have agreed that enhanced efforts are needed in the north and particularly the northeast.
There are regular contacts between the EU and Nigeria. The Danish Foreign Minister, Mr Villy Soevndal, represented High Representative/Vice-President (HRVP) Ashton at the Nigeria-EU Ministerial meeting (Abuja 8 February 2012). Foreign Minister Soevndal delivered a statement on Nigeria in Parliament on 14 March 2012 on behalf of HRVP. Nigeria and the EU also have a regular local human rights dialogue, the most recent of which was on 3 February 2012.
Nigeria is committed to religious freedom, which is enshrined in the country's constitution. It is one of the stated aims of Boko Haram to introduce Sharia law but by use of force not the democratic choice of the people of Nigeria. The target of their violence is primarily the state and as many of their victims are Muslims as Christians. The EU condemns the targeting of innocent civilians, whatever the cause, and will work with Nigeria to reduce the threat to people's lives.
(Deutsche Fassung)
Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-001595/12
an die Kommission
Britta Reimers (ALDE)
(9. Februar 2012)

Betrifft: EU-Strategie gegen invasive Tierkrankheiten
In den letzten Jahren ist es wiederholt zu Tierkrankheiten in Europa gekommen, die durch Viren hervorgerufen wurden, die normalerweise nicht in der jeweiligen Region beheimatet sind. Beispiele hierfür sind das Auftreten der Blauzungenkrankheit in Mitteleuropa sowie das Schmallenberg-Virus. Experten führen die Verbreitung solcher invasiver Krankheiten auf die zunehmende Internationalisierung des Handels sowie den weltweiten Tourismus zurück, die ein Einschleppen von exotischen Krankheitserregern nach Europa ermöglichen.
In der Regel dauert es eine gewisse Zeit, bis das Auftreten einer invasiven Tierkrankheit erkannt wird und entsprechende Gegenmaßnahmen ergriffen werden (Meldepflicht, Quarantäne-Zonen, Transportbeschränkungen, evtl. Impfstoffentwicklung, etc.). Jegliche Verzögerung bei der Bekämpfung einer invasiven Krankheit bedeutet allerdings wirtschaftliche Verluste für die Tierhalter.
Vor diesem Hintergrund ergeben sich mehrere Fragen an die Kommission:







Hat die Kommission aufgrund der jüngeren Erfahrungen mit invasiven Tierkrankheiten eine umfassende Strategie zur Erkennung und Bekämpfung solcher Krankheiten?











Wenn nein, hat die Kommission die Absicht, in der nächsten Zeit eine solche umfassende Strategie anzunehmen?











Welche Elemente enthält die bestehende bzw. die zukünftige Strategie, um sicherzustellen, dass:











das Auftreten invasiver Krankheiten frühzeitig erkannt wird?











(sofern sinnvoll) Impfstoffe entwickelt werden?











die EU gegenüber Drittländern, die bei einer invasiven Krankheit in Europa den Import von Tieren/tierischen Produkten aus der EU unterbinden, mit einer Stimme spricht?




Antwort von Herrn Dalli im Namen der Kommission
(22. März 2012)
Die Kommission hat eine umfassende Tiergesundheitsstrategie für die Europäischen Union (2007-2013) ausgearbeitet („Vorbeugung ist die beste Medizin“), die von einem Aktionsplan flankiert wird (309).
Mehrere der im Aktionsplan festgelegten konkreten Maßnahmen sind darauf angelegt, die Bekämpfung von Tierseuchenerregern zu verbessern, z. B. ein Kommissionsvorschlag für einen neuen Rechtsrahmen („EU-Tiergesundheitsrecht“), der im zweiten Halbjahr 2012 angenommen werden soll, eine bessere Krisenvorsorge in der EU, einschließlich des optimalen Einsatzes von Impfungen, und die Einrichtung eines Tierseuchen-Nachrichten-Systems („Animal Disease Information System“, ADIS). 
Andere Maßnahmen im Rahmen des Plans zielen darauf ab, dass die EU auf internationaler Ebene geschlossen auftritt, worunter der Ausbau ihrer Beziehungen zur Weltorganisation für Tiergesundheit und die Ausarbeitung einer Strategie zur Exportförderung fällt.
Weitere Informationen zum Aktionsplan der Kommission und seiner Umsetzung können auf der Europa-Website (310) abgerufen werden. 
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001595/12
to the Commission
Britta Reimers (ALDE)
(9 February 2012)

Subject: EU strategy to combat invasive animal diseases
In recent years we have repeatedly seen outbreaks of animal diseases caused by viruses not normally indigenous to the regions in which they occur. Examples of this are the outbreak of Bluetongue in Central Europe and the Schmallenberg virus. Experts attribute the spread of such invasive diseases to the increasing internationalisation of trade and worldwide tourism, enabling exotic pathogenic agents to be carried into Europe.
As a rule, it can take some time for an outbreak of an invasive animal disease to be detected and for appropriate countermeasures to be taken (mandatory reporting, quarantine zones, transport restrictions, possible development of vaccines, etc.). However, any delay in combating an invasive disease means economic losses for livestock breeders.
In view of this situation, will the Commission say:







In light of recent experiences with invasive animal diseases, has the Commission drawn up a comprehensive strategy for detecting and combating such diseases?











If not, does it intend to adopt such a comprehensive strategy in the near future?











What elements does the existing or future strategy contain in order to ensure that:











outbreaks of invasive diseases are rapidly detected?











vaccines are developed (where appropriate)?











the EU speaks with one voice to third countries that ban the import of animals/animal products from the EU in the event of the outbreak of an invasive disease in Europe?




Answer given by Mr Dalli on behalf of the Commission
(22 March 2012)
The Commission has drawn up a comprehensive EU Animal Health Strategy for 2007-2013 (‘Prevention is better than cure’), followed by an Action Plan (311).
Several specific actions foreseen in the action plan are relevant to achieve a better control of animal disease agents, e.g.: a Commission proposal for a new legal framework (the ‘Animal Health Law’), which is foreseen for adoption in the second half of 2012; the improvement of the EU emergency preparedness, including the best use of vaccination; and the development of an Animal Disease Information System. 
The abovementioned plan also foresees actions to ensure that the EU speaks with a single voice at international level, including the strengthening of its relationship with the World Organisation for Animal Health and the establishment of a strategy to support exports.
Further information on the Commission Action Plan and its implementation can be found on the Europa website (312)

(Deutsche Fassung)
Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-001596/12
an die Kommission
Angelika Werthmann (NI)
(9. Februar 2012)

Betrifft: Katastrophale Zustände in italienischen Tierheimen (canili)
Das italienische Gesetz 2081/91 aus dem Jahr 1991 verpflichtet italienische Kommunen, streunende Hunde in Tierheimen, den sogenannten canili, unterzubringen. Da die Gemeinden mit der Unterbringung der Hunde überfordert waren, wurden Privatfirmen mit dem Unterhalt der Auffanglager betraut. Zwischen 1,80 und 7 EUR erhält der Betreiber am Tag pro Tier. Dies hat zu einer rein wirtschaftlichen Betreibung der canili mit Fokus auf Profitmaximierung geführt, ohne dabei das Wohl der Tiere zu berücksichtigen.
Der Großteil der Einrichtungen ist heillos überfüllt, und die Hunde erwarten untragbare Zustände: Tierschutzorganisationen zufolge werden die Hunde in viel zu engen Zwingern untergebracht und erhalten nur so viel Futter, dass es gerade zum Überleben reicht. Aufgrund der katastrophalen hygienischen Bedingungen und der fehlenden veterinärmedizinischen Versorgung sterben viele Hunde an Verletzungen oder Infektionen.






1.


Ist sich die Kommission der katastrophalen Zustände in den italienischen 




canili
 bewusst?






2.


Sieht die neue Tierschutzstrategie (2012-2015) der Kommission konkrete Bestimmungen zu Tierheimen vor?










3.


Inwieweit besitzt die Kommission Kompetenzen im Tierschutzbereich, um zur Verbesserung der Situation der 




canili
 beizutragen und gemeinsame europäische Mindeststandards für Tierheime vorzuschlagen?






4.


Inwieweit kann die Kommission im Rahmen von Art. 13 AEUV tätig werden, wonach die EU und die Mitgliedstaaten bei der Durchführung ihrer Politiken den Erfordernissen des Wohlergehens der Tiere als fühlende Wesen in vollem Umfang Rechnung zu tragen haben?




Antwort von Herrn Dalli im Namen der Kommission
(20. März 2012)
Die Kommission möchte die Frau Abgeordnete auf ihre Antwort auf die schriftlichen Anfragen E-006543/2011 und E-009337/2011 (313) zur Zuständigkeit der Union für das Wohlergehen streunender Hunde verweisen.
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001596/12
to the Commission
Angelika Werthmann (NI)
(9 February 2012)

Subject: Catastrophic conditions in Italian animal shelters (canili)
Italian Law No 2081/91 of 1991 obliges Italian local authorities to accommodate stray dogs in animal shelters, known as canili. Because the local authorities found themselves unable to cope with housing the dogs, private companies were given the task of running the shelters. Operators receive between EUR 1.80 and EUR 7 per animal per day. This has led to the shelters being run purely along economic lines, with the focus on maximising profits with no concern for the welfare of the animals.
The majority of the shelters are hopelessly overcrowded and the dogs experience intolerable conditions: according to animal protection organisations, the dogs are housed in kennels that are far too small and receive barely enough food to survive. Because of the catastrophic hygiene conditions and the lack of veterinary care, many dogs die from injuries or infections.






1.


Is the Commission aware of the catastrophic conditions in the Italian 




canili 
animal shelters?






2.


Does the Commission’s new animal protection strategy (2012-2015) contain specific provisions for animal shelters?










3.


Does the Commission have powers in the area of animal protection in order to contribute to an improvement in the situation at the 




canili
 and to propose European minimum standards for animal shelters?






4.


To what extent can the Commission take action within the framework of Article 13 TFEU, which stipulates that the EU and the Member States must take full account of the requirements for the welfare of animals as sentient creatures when implementing its policies?




Answer given by Mr Dalli on behalf of the Commission
(20 March 2012)
The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its replies to Written Questions E‐006543/2011 and E‐009337/2011 (314) on the Union's competence on the welfare of stray dogs.
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001597/12
to the Commission
Roger Helmer (ECR)
(9 February 2012)

Subject: Corruption in Croatia
Is the Commission aware of the case of Ramiz Pandžić, a Croatian national attempting to draw attention to corruption in the country, who was allegedly kidnapped and tortured, and then was denied any help from the local police? Will the Commission investigate these claims? Does the Commission agree with me that this is further evidence that the rule of law is not well-established in Croatia, and that Croatia is not at all ready for EU membership?
Answer given by Mr Füle on behalf of the Commission
(16 March 2012)
The Commission is aware of reports on this case, which reportedly involves an indictment by Croatia's Office for the Suppression of Corruption and Organised Crime, at the end of January 2012, for corruption offences. An investigation is currently being conducted by the Croatian authorities.
It is not within the Commission's competences to intervene in and investigate individual cases. However, developments in individual cases contribute to building up a picture of the overall situation concerning the rule of law in the country. Croatia has made much progress in the rule of law area in recent years. Moreover, Croatia's continued progress in the field of judiciary, fundamental rights and the fight against corruption and organised crime was an important factor in the closure of accession negotiations between the EU and Croatia in June 2011. 
In its opinion on Croatia's application for accession (315), the Commission considered that Croatia meets the political criteria and expects Croatia to meet the economic and acquis criteria and to be ready for membership by 1 July 2013. Member States and the European Council shared this view, which is why the Accession Treaty was signed in December 2011. The Commission will continue to monitor closely Croatia's fulfilment of all the commitments undertaken in the accession negotiations, in particular on commitments undertaken by Croatia in the area of the judiciary, the fight against corruption, and fundamental rights, in the area of justice, freedom, and security, including border management, as well as in the area of competition policy. 
(Versión española)
Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-001598/12
a la Comisión
Ana Miranda (Verts/ALE)
(9 de febrero de 2012)

Asunto: Reconocimiento de la profesión de redera a nivel europeo y sello homologador
El papel de las rederas en la pesca artesanal y de pequeña escala es fundamental en el sector pesquero. Sin embargo, su reconocimiento social y económico no siempre es tratado con igualdad en relación con otras profesiones y varía mucho en los Estados miembros. El trabajo de reparación y armado de redes y aparejos de pesca es realizado mayoritariamente por mujeres. En Galicia, por ejemplo, la edad media del colectivo de rederas está cerca de los 50 años, representando el colectivo de rederas menores de treinta años sólo un 2 %. Si tenemos en cuenta el nivel de ingresos de las rederas, cerca del 70 % no alcanza el salario mínimo interprofesional, que no alcanza 700 euros. Además, las rederas no trabajan todos los meses del año: de hecho en muchas zonas costeras pasan largas temporada sin actividad y, por tanto, sin ingresos.
En la actualidad, el sector cuenta con un alto grado de intrusismo (sobre todo en el caso de las artes menores de pesca), escasa rentabilidad, deficientes condiciones laborales y como consecuencia, la falta de recambio generacional que asegure el futuro del oficio.
Es necesario que la Comisión promueva el desarrollo de una normativa que obligue a que las redes y aparejos a bordo de los barcos lleven un instrumento de identificación electrónica para conocer la procedencia y legalidad de la construcción del aparejo, el cumplimiento de las normas y medidas técnicas de pesca y la fácil identificación en caso de abandono o uso ilegal. Por ello, desde los colectivos de rederas se propone la creación de un sello homologador para las redes, que garantice: que la red cumple con la normativa de tamaño de enmalle y material; que fue elaborada por una redera legal e identificada en un registro de rederas; que registre la calidad de los materiales usados; que tenga información del año y fechas de su elaboración y sus reparaciones, y que esté registrada con un código con el que el armador pueda dar de alta o baja la red o el aparejo.
Este sistema controlaría el número de redes que lleva cada barco, ayudaría al reconocimiento profesional de las rederas, controlando el número de rederas y su legalidad hacia una mejor cualificación del sector. También aseguraría que las redes que llevan los barcos de pesca cumplen la normativa facilitando así las tareas de inspección pesquera. ¿Va a promover la Comisión la existencia de un sello homologador de las redes de pesca europeas?
Respuesta de la Sra. Damanaki en nombre de la Comisión
(4 de abril de 2012)
Actualmente no existen requisitos específicos aplicables al marcado detallado de los artes de pesca. Sin embargo, el Reglamento de Ejecución (UE) n° 404/2011 de la Comisión (316), relativo al Reglamento (CE) n° 1224/2009 del Consejo (317) sobre control, establece algunas normas generales aplicables al marcado y la identificación de los artes fijos (es decir, las redes de enmalle, los palangres, las nasas y las trampas) y las redes de arrastre de vara. Conforme a estas normas, los artes fijos y las redes de arrastre de vara utilizados por todos los buques pesqueros de la UE en todas las aguas de la UE deben llevar una etiqueta de material duradero que indique claramente las letras y números externos de matrícula del buque al que pertenezcan. Las especificaciones relativas al tipo de arte de pesca, las dimensiones y el tamaño de la malla deben registrarse de manera rutinaria en el cuaderno diario de pesca del buque, que es objeto de controles periódicos por parte de inspectores de pesca.
En distintas ocasiones y, más recientemente, durante las negociaciones de 2006 sobre un nuevo Reglamento relativo a medidas técnicas, destinado a sustituir al Reglamento (CE) n° 850/98, así como en el marco de estudios anteriores sobre la medición y el marcado de los artes de pesca, la Comisión ha examinado la idea de un sistema de certificación de los artes de pesca, conforme a las sugerencias de Su Señoría. Aunque es factible desde el punto de vista técnico, este sistema no ha sido respaldado en el pasado por los Estados miembros ni por Eurocord, que representa los intereses de numerosos fabricantes europeos de redes, principalmente por motivos de responsabilidad y aplicabilidad jurídicas. Sin embargo, ello no impediría el desarrollo de un sistema de certificación voluntario aplicable a los fabricantes de redes de una misma región y, por otro lado, el desarrollo de esta iniciativa podría beneficiarse de la ayuda del FEP o del FEMP (318).
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001598/12
to the Commission
Ana Miranda (Verts/ALE)
(9 February 2012)

Subject: Recognition of the profession of net maker at European level with an approval seal
The role of net makers in traditional and small-scale fishing is fundamental to the fishing sector. However, they are not always given the same social and economic recognition as other professions and this recognition varies greatly among Member States. The work of repairing and assembling nets and fishing tackle is carried out mostly by women. In Galicia, for example, the average age of net makers is close to 50 years, with net makers under 30 representing just 2 %. With regard to the income level of net makers, about 70 % of them do not achieve minimum wage, which is under EUR 700. Moreover, net makers do not work during all months of the year: in fact, in many coastal areas they are inactive, and therefore without income, for long periods.
Currently, the sector has a high degree of unqualified workers (especially in the case of small tackle), low profitability, poor working conditions and, therefore, a lack of generational renewal to ensure the profession’s future.
The Commission must promote the development of legislation making it obligatory for nets and tackle onboard ships to carry an electronic identification device indicating the origin and legality of the tackle’s construction, its compliance with fishing standards and technical measures and easy identification in case of being discarded or used illegally. Therefore, net maker groups propose the creation of a seal of approval for nets, containing the following guarantees: that the net complies with standards on mesh size and materials; that it was made by a legal net maker, identified in a register of net makers; the recorded quality of the materials used; information about years and dates of manufacture and repairs; and that it is registered with a code that the owner can use to register or deregister the net or tackle.
This system would control the number of nets carried by each ship and help to bring about recognition of net making as a profession, controlling the number of net makers and their legal status in order to improve qualifications in the sector. It would also ensure that nets carried by fishing boats comply with regulations, thus facilitating fisheries inspection tasks. Will the Commission promote the creation of a European seal of approval for fishing nets?
Answer given by Ms Damanaki on behalf of the Commission
(4 April 2012)
There are currently no specific requirements for the detailed marking of fishing gears. However, general rules for the marking and identification of passive gears (i.e. gillnets, longlines, pots and traps) and beam trawls are contained in the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 404/2011 (319) to the Control Regulation (EU) No 1224/2009 (320). These rules require that passive gears and beam trawls deployed by all EU fishing vessels in all EU waters should be clearly marked with durable labels that show the external registration letters and numbers of the vessel to which they belong. Specifications regarding the type of gear, dimensions and mesh size must be recorded routinely in the vessel's logbook, which are subject to regular checks by fisheries inspectors.
On several occasions, most recently during negotiations in 2006 on a new technical measures regulation to replace Regulation (EC) No 850/98 and also as part of previous studies on the measuring and marking of fishing gear, the Commission has explored the idea of a certification system for fishing gears along the lines suggested by the Honourable Member. It is clear that this is technically feasible but in the past there has been neither support for such a system among Member States nor EUROCORD, which represent the interests of many of the European net manufacturing companies, primarily for reasons of legal liability and enforceability. However, this would not prevent the development of a voluntary certification scheme amongst netmakers from the same region and support to develop such an initiative would be eligible under the EFF/EMFF (321).
(Versione italiana)
Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-001599/12
alla Commissione
Elisabetta Gardini (PPE)
(9 febbraio 2012)

Oggetto: Sicurezza su Internet
Una recente indagine finanziata dall'Unione europea e coordinata dalla London School of Economics and Political Science ha fotografato il rapporto con Internet di oltre 25 000 ragazzi (e loro genitori) in 25 Paesi UE.
I rischi evidenziati dallo studio sono numerosi e vanno dalla pornografia al bullismo sui social network come twitter e facebook, dal sexting (invio di messaggi a sfondo sessuale) agli incontri con persone sconosciute online (sfociati, in svariate occasioni, anche in drammatici episodi di cronaca nera).
Tenuto conto che nell'UE ben il 49 % dei ragazzi tra i 9 e i 16 anni naviga sulla rete senza il controllo dei genitori (con punte del 62 % in paesi come l'Italia), si chiede alla Commissione quanto segue:







sono in programma azioni (anche attraverso lo stanziamento di fondi ad hoc) al fine di colmare il gap di alfabetizzazione digitale delle generazioni più adulte, affinché queste ultime siano maggiormente consapevoli dei rischi corsi dai loro figli su Internet?











Sono in programma iniziative da parte della Commissione per far in modo che in tutti gli Stati membri sia resa obbligatoria l'installazione nei luoghi pubblici dei cosiddetti ₫filtri dinamici₻ per la navigazione differenziata, come ad esempio già avviene nelle scuole e nelle biblioteche degli USA?




Risposta data da Neelie Kroes  a nome della Commissione
(16 marzo 2012)
La Commissione condivide la preoccupazione dell’onorevole parlamentare riguardo al miglioramento della sicurezza dell’ambiente online per i più giovani. Per far sì che i ragazzi possano utilizzare internet in modo sicuro e responsabile è necessario fornire loro, e ai genitori, informazioni e consigli adatti alle loro esigenze e all’evoluzione dell’ambiente in linea.
A tal fine, il programma ₫Internet più sicuro₻ (Safer Internet Programme) (322), apporta un sostegno finanziario ai centri ₫Internet più sicuro₻ presenti in tutti gli Stati membri, per attività quali il miglioramento degli strumenti di sensibilizzazione e l’organizzazione di campagne e sessioni informative per ragazzi, genitori, educatori, assistenti sociali e insegnanti.
In occasione del Safer Internet Day, la Giornata per un internet più sicuro, celebratasi recentemente e dedicata quest’anno al tema ₫Connettere le generazioni₻, sono stati organizzati in 96 paesi di tutto il mondo eventi volti a incoraggiare le famiglie a agire insieme per navigare su internet in tutta sicurezza. Ad esempio, Save the children Italy e Adiconsum, il referente italiano della rete europea dei centri ₫Internet più sicuro₻, hanno lanciato una campagna pubblica destinata proprio a genitori e ragazzi (323).
Per garantire che anche i più giovani abbiano a loro disposizione gli strumenti per navigare in modo più sicuro, la Commissione sostiene l’autoregolamentazione del settore, in conformità con i principi e i valori europei. Uno degli obiettivi esposti nella dichiarazione di intenti della ₫CEOs Coalition₻ (324), un’iniziativa lanciata lo scorso dicembre per rendere internet un ambiente migliore per i più giovani e che riunisce su base volontaria le principali imprese del settore, è accrescere la disponibilità e l’utilizzo degli strumenti di controllo parentale. Inoltre, il programma ₫Internet più sicuro₻ sostiene uno studio comparativo, i cui ultimi risultati sono stati pubblicati di recente, sull’efficienza degli strumenti disponibili sul mercato per poter valutare quale sia il sistema di controllo parentale più appropriato (325).
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001599/12
to the Commission
Elisabetta Gardini (PPE)
(9 February 2012)

Subject: Internet safety
A recent survey financed by the European Union and coordinated by the London School of Economics and Political Science has looked into the relationship of more than 25 000 children (and their parents), in 25 different EU Member States, with the Internet.
The study highlights several risks, ranging from pornography and bullying on social networks such as Twitter and Facebook to ‘sexting’ (sending sexually-themed text messages) and meeting strangers online (which, on several occasions, has resulted in tragedy).
Considering that in the EU as many as 49 % of children between the ages of 9 and 16 use the Internet without their parents’ supervision (with peaks of 62 % in countries such as Italy), can the Commission say:







whether any action is being planned (such as the allocation of specific funds) to bridge the digital literacy gap affecting older generations, with the aim of enabling them to be more aware of the risks to which their children are exposed on the Internet;











whether it is planning any measures to ensure that the installation of ‘dynamic filters’ for differentiated Internet use becomes compulsory in public places, as, for example, is already the case in schools and libraries in the US?




Answer given by Ms Kroes  on behalf of the Commission
(16 March 2012)
The Commission shares the Honourable Member's concern to provide a safer online environment for children. Children and their parents need to get the advice and knowledge suited to their needs and the evolution of the online environment to ensure that children act safely and responsibly online.
To achieve this the Safer Internet Programme (326) provides financial support to Safer Internet Centres in all Member States in order to develop awareness raising material, organise campaigns and information sessions for children, parents, carers, social workers and teachers. 
This year the theme of the Safer Internet Day, which has just been celebrated, was ‘Connecting generations’, with events in 96 countries across the world to encourage families to work together to stay safe online; for example ‘Save the Children Italy’ and ‘Adiconsum’, the Italian members of the European network of Safer Internet Centres, have launched a public campaign targeting parents and children (327).
In order to ensure that children are also equipped with tools enabling a safer use of the Internet, the Commission supports industry self-regulation, in accordance with European values and principles. One of the statement of purpose the CEOs Coalition (328) launched last December to make the Internet a better place for kids is about providing wider availability and use of parental controls. In order to choose the most appropriate parental control, the Safer Internet programme supports as well a benchmarking study, comparing performance of the tools available on the market and whose last results have just been published (329).
(Versione italiana)
Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-001601/12
alla Commissione
Mara Bizzotto (EFD)
(9 febbraio 2012)

Oggetto: Diminuzione delle forniture di gas russo e sicurezza degli approvvigionamenti
A seguito dell'eccezionale ondata di maltempo che ha investito l'Europa, le forniture di gas proveniente dalla Russia sono in calo rispetto alla soglia normale. Le autorità italiane e gli enti fornitori di gas in Italia hanno fatto sapere che, se la quantità di gas proveniente dalla Russia continuerà ad attestarsi al di sotto del normale flusso, si sarà costretti a tagliare le forniture di gas alle aziende per far fronte al fabbisogno nazionale complessivo. La vicenda riporta quindi in luce l'annosa questione della sicurezza dell'approvvigionamento energetico in Europa, dal momento che il problema, in questi giorni come in passato, non riguarda soltanto l'Italia ma anche altri Stati membri dell'UE, come la Germania e la Romania.
Considerato che nel complesso l'Europa importa la gran parte del gas di cui necessita per la produzione di energia e stante l'importanza strategica della questione riguardante la sicurezza dell'approvvigionamento di fonti energetiche, come ha intenzione la Commissione di operare al fine di garantire agli Stati membri dell'UE una maggiore sicurezza delle forniture di gas da parte dei paesi terzi?
Intende essa avviare negoziati con i paesi terzi fornitori per garantire che in futuro situazioni di pur eccezionale maltempo o altre cause (come nel caso della querelle politico-diplomatica tra Ucraina e Russia che creò interruzioni e irregolarità del transito di gas russo verso l'Europa) mettano in crisi Stati interi e impediscano l'afflusso di gas necessario a soddisfare il fabbisogno energetico nazionale o continentale?
Può dire se esistono ad oggi accordi di tal genere tra l'UE e i maggiori paesi terzi fornitori di gas?
Risposta data da Günther Oettinger a nome della Commissione
(28 marzo 2012)
L’UE sviluppa regolarmente partenariati con i suoi principali fornitori di energia per garantire la sicurezza dell’approvvigionamento energetico agli Stati membri dell’UE.
La comunicazione della Commissione del 7 settembre 2011 sulla sicurezza dell’approvvigionamento energetico e la cooperazione internazionale stabilisce che è opportuno concludere accordi a livello UE soltanto se essi incidono in modo rilevante sugli obiettivi di politica energetica dell’Unione e qualora esista un chiaro valore aggiunto per l’Unione, come nel caso della recente adozione di un mandato per la negoziazione di un accordo con l’Azerbaigian e il Turkmenistan sul sistema del gasdotto transcaspico.
La Commissione ha istituito con la Russia un meccanismo di allarme rapido di ampia portata (330). Grazie a questo strumento, la Commissione è tempestivamente informata di ogni eventuale interruzione delle forniture energetiche, sia essa dovuta a incidenti, interventi di manutenzione o a controversie commerciali o di altro genere. Con la Bielorussia e l’Ucraina, paesi di transito, sono in corso di definizione meccanismi analoghi.
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001601/12
to the Commission
Mara Bizzotto (EFD)
(9 February 2012)

Subject: Reduction in the supply of Russian gas and security of supply
Following the exceptional wave of bad weather gripping Europe, supplies of gas from Russia have fallen below normal levels. The Italian authorities and gas suppliers have indicated that if this continues, they will be forced to cut the supply of gas to companies in order to meet total national demand. This situation serves to highlight the longstanding issue of energy supply security in Europe, since the problem today, as in the past, concerns not only Italy but also other Member States such as Germany and Romania.
Given that, overall, Europe imports most of the gas it requires for energy production and in view of the strategic importance of the security of energy supplies, how does the Commission intend to guarantee the other EU Member States more secure gas supplies from third countries?
Does it intend to begin negotiations with third countries supplying energy to ensure that, in future, exceptionally bad weather conditions or other causes (as in the case of the political and diplomatic dispute between Ukraine and Russia that caused interruptions and irregularities in the Russian gas supplies to Europe) do not throw entire countries into a crisis and do not impede the flow of gas required to satisfy national or European energy demand?
Can it say if such agreements exist today between the EU and the major gas-supplying third countries?
Answer given by Mr Oettinger on behalf of the Commission
(28 March 2012)
The EU is continuously developing partnerships with its key energy suppliers in order to ensure the security of energy supplies to the EU Member States. 
The Commission communication of 7 September 2011 on the security of energy supply and international cooperation states that EU agreements should be concluded when they have a large bearing on the EU energy policy objectives and where there is a clear common EU added value, for example as in the recently adopted negotiating mandate for an agreement with Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan for a Trans-Caspian gas pipeline system. 
The Commission and Russia have set up a comprehensive Early Warning Mechanism (331). It ensures that the Commission receives a warning of any threat of a potential disruption of gas supplies from Russia, be it due to an accident, maintenance or disputes over commercial or other matters. Similar mechanisms are being finalised with the transit countries Belarus and Ukraine.
(Versiunea în limba română)
Întrebarea cu solicitare de răspuns scris E-001603/12
adresată Comisiei
Rareş-Lucian Niculescu (PPE)
(9 februarie 2012)

Subiect: Exploatarea gazelor de șist
Uniunea Europeană nu dispune de o legislație care să reglementeze utilizarea metodei fracționării hidraulice pentru exploatarea gazelor de șist. Potrivit unui raport elaborat recent de experți ai Parlamentului European, metoda fracționării hidraulice prezintă unele pericole pentru mediu, sănătatea umană și biodiversitate. Comisia este rugată să precizeze dacă a realizat un studiu cu privire la această problemă și dacă are intenția de a iniția o propunere legislativă în acest domeniu.
Răspuns dat de dl Potočnik în numele Comisiei
(4 aprilie 2012)
Comisia a efectuat o evaluare juridică a acquis-ului Uniunii Europene în domeniul mediului, aplicabil proiectelor de prospectare și extracție care presupun utilizarea combinată a fracturării hidraulice cu volum mare și a forajului orizontal. Pe baza informațiilor tehnice disponibile, Comisia consideră că legislația UE existentă se aplică acestor practici, din stadiul de planificare și până în stadiul de încheiere a activităților. Cu toate acestea, având în vedere gradul de noutate al acestor practici pe teritoriul UE și posibilele riscuri specifice implicate, sunt necesare mai multe informații pentru a evalua adecvarea nivelului de protecție a mediului și a sănătății umane prevăzut de legislația UE existentă.

Direcția Generală Mediu a lansat un studiu care să sprijine identificarea posibilelor riscuri pentru mediu și sănătatea umană ale unor atare practici în Europa, ale cărui rezultate sunt preconizate până în vara anului 2012. 
Comisia va continua să monitorizeze evoluțiile științifice și dezvoltarea proiectelor, precum și activitățile de reglementare din interiorul și din exteriorul Europei. Comisia va fi pregătită să își utilizeze dreptul de inițiativă dacă în viitor se va dovedi necesar să se ia măsuri specifice la nivelul UE, în plus față de cadrul legislativ și de normele actuale. 
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001603/12
to the Commission
Rareş-Lucian Niculescu (PPE)
(9 February 2012)

Subject: Shale gas exploration
The EU does not have legislation in place that would regulate the use of hydraulic fracturing in shale gas exploration. According to a recent report by European Parliament experts, the hydraulic fracturing method poses certain dangers to the environment, human health and biodiversity. Can the Commission clarify whether it has carried out a study regarding this issue and whether it intends to initiate a legislative proposal in this domain?
Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission
(4 April 2012)
The Commission has conducted a legal assessment of the EU environmental acquis applicable to exploration and extraction projects involving the combined use of high volume hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling. Based on the available technical information, the Commission considers that existing EU legislation applies to such practices from the planning until cessation stage. However, given the novelty of these practices in the EU and the possible specific risks involved, more information is needed to assess whether the level of environment and human health protection provided by existing EU legislation is adequate.

The Directorate-General for Environment has launched a study to support the identification of potential risks to environment and human health of such practices in Europe, with results expected by summer 2012. 
The Commission will continue to monitor scientific and project developments as well as regulatory activities in Europe and beyond. It will be ready to use its right of initiative, should specific measures at EU level, beyond the existing legislative framework and standards, become necessary in the future. 
(Versiunea în limba română)
Întrebarea cu solicitare de răspuns scris E-001604/12
adresată Comisiei
Rareş-Lucian Niculescu (PPE)
(9 februarie 2012)

Subiect: Efectele fenomenelor meteo extreme asupra producătorilor agricoli
Fenomenele meteorologice extreme care au avut loc în unele din statele membre ale UE au cauzat pierderi importante producătorilor agricoli, care nu au avut posibilitatea de a-și transporta produsele perisabile în vederea comercializării. Comisia este rugată să precizeze dacă există posibilitatea unei intervenții în sprijinul acestora, având în vedere faptul că este vorba despre o situație de criză.
Răspuns dat de dl Cioloș în numele Comisiei
(30 martie 2012)
Politica agricolă comună și, în special, regimul fructelor și al legumelor prevăd diferite instrumente de prevenire și management al situațiilor de criză pentru organizațiile de producători, inclusiv asigurarea recoltei. Obiectivul măsurilor de asigurare a recoltei este de a contribui la protejarea veniturilor producătorilor și la acoperirea pierderilor de pe piață cauzate de catastrofe naturale, fenomene meteorologice și, dacă este cazul, boli sau infestări cu paraziți; prin urmare, pierderile cauzate de imposibilitatea transportării produselor perisabile nu sunt acoperite. Există însă alte instrumente, precum retragerile de pe piață, care pot fi utilizate în această situație. 
Cu toate acestea, din cauza vremii reci, a crescut consumul anumitor produse specifice perioadei de iarnă, ceea ce, în unele cazuri, a avut ca rezultat creșterea prețurilor în beneficiul producătorilor.
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001604/12
to the Commission
Rareş-Lucian Niculescu (PPE)
(9 February 2012)

Subject: Impact of extreme weather conditions on farmers
The extreme meteorological conditions that have occurred in certain EU Member States have caused significant losses for farmers unable to transport their perishable produce to sales outlets. Will the Commission say whether action can be taken to assist them, given that this is a crisis situation?
Answer given by Mr Cioloş on behalf of the Commission
(30 March 2012)
The Common Agricultural Policy and, in particular, the regime for fruits and vegetables provides different crisis prevention and management tools for producer organisations, including harvest insurance. The aim of the harvest insurance measures is to contribute to safeguarding producers' incomes and covering market losses caused by natural disasters, climatic events and, where appropriate, diseases or pest infestations, so losses due to inability to transport perishable products are not covered. However other tools such as withdrawals could be implemented in this situation. 
Nevertheless, due to cold weather, consumption of some typical winter products increased which resulted in some cases in higher prices to the benefit of producers.
(Ελληνική έκδοση)
Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-001605/12
προς την Επιτροπή
Niki Tzavela (EFD)
(9 Φεβρουαρίου 2012)

Θέμα: Παράνομες χωματερές
Σύμφωνα με δημοσιεύματα του Τύπου, στην Ελλάδα εντοπίστηκαν δύο παράνομοι χώροι υγειονομικής ταφής. Ο πρώτος βρίσκεται στο εθνικό θαλάσσιο πάρκο της νήσου Ζακύνθου και ο δεύτερος στη περιοχή Τεμπλόνι της Κέρκυρας.
Όσον αφορά τη χωματερή της Ζακύνθου, στη περιοχή που βρίσκεται έχει δημιουργηθεί πάρκο για τη προστασία της θαλάσσιας χελώνας καρέτα-καρέτα, είδος προτεραιότητας που κατατάσσεται στα απειλούμενα με εξαφάνιση.
Ερωτάται η Επιτροπή:







Λαμβάνοντας υπόψη ότι οι παράνομοι χώροι υγειονομικής ταφής απειλούν την ανθρώπινη υγεία και το περιβάλλον, καθώς και προκαλούν βλάβες σε είδη προς εξαφάνιση, όπως η χελώνα καρέτα-καρέτα, τι μέτρα προτίθεται να λάβει;











Προτίθεται να ανανεώσει την ενωσιακή νομοθεσία περί χώρων υγειονομικής ταφής;











Προτίθεται να εξασφαλίσει νέα προγράμματα που θα ενισχύουν τα ταμεία των χωρών για την εγκατάσταση χώρων υγειονομικής ταφής που θα λειτουργούν νόμιμα και βάση της νομοθεσίας περί αποβλήτων της ΕΕ;




Απάντηση του κ. Potocnik εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής
(28 Μαρτίου 2012)






1.


Η Επιτροπή έχει ήδη αναλάβει δράση, με τη δρομολόγηση τριών διαδικασιών επί παραβάσει: η μία αφορά όλες τις παράνομες χωματερές στην Ελλάδα (υπόθεση 2001/2273, για την οποία η Ελλάδα 




καλείται να εφαρμόσει απόφαση του Δικαστηρίου C-502/03), ένα για τη Ζάκυνθο (2009/2340) και ένα για το Τεμπλόνι (2010/2048). Για τις δύο τελευταίες περιπτώσεις, απεστάλη στην Ελλάδα στις 27 Ιανουαρίου 2012 αιτιολογημένη γνώμη βάσει του άρθρου 258 της ΣΛΕΕ, για παραβίαση της περιβαλλοντικής νομοθεσίας της ΕΕ.







2.


Σύμφωνα με το άρθρο 5,2 της οδηγίας περί υγειονομικής ταφής










2.


Σύμφωνα με το άρθρο 5,2 της οδηγίας περί υγειονομικής ταφής




 (332), το 2014 η Επιτροπή θα συντάξει έκθεση, συνοδευόμενη, ενδεχομένως, από νομοθετική πρόταση για την αναθεώρηση των στόχων για την εκτροπή των βιοαποδομήσιμων αστικών αποβλήτων από τους χώρους υγειονομικής ταφής, προκειμένου να εξασφαλιστούν υψηλά επίπεδα προστασίας του περιβάλλοντος. Δεν προβλέπονται σήμερα άλλες νομοθετικές προτάσεις για την τροποποίηση της οδηγίας περί υγειονομικής ταφής.






3.


Η Επιτροπή θα συνεχίσει τις προσπάθειές της για να εξασφαλίσει την ορθή εφαρμογή του κοινοτικού κεκτημένου που σχετίζ










3.


Η Επιτροπή θα συνεχίσει τις προσπάθειές της για να εξασφαλίσει την ορθή εφαρμογή του κοινοτικού κεκτημένου που σχετίζ



εται με τη διαχείριση αποβλήτων στην Ελλάδα, συμπεριλαμβανομένης της οικονομικής υποστήριξης για την περαιτέρω ανάπτυξη των υποδομών επεξεργασίας αποβλήτων (π.χ. στο πλαίσιο του Ταμείου Συνοχής ή και του ΕΤΠΑ). Ωστόσο, η δημιουργία νέων χώρων υγειονομικής ταφής δεν πρέπει να αποτελεί προτεραιότητα κατά την κατανομή των ενωσιακών κονδυλίων. Σύμφωνα με την ιεράρχηση των αποβλήτων που καθορίζεται στο άρθρο 4 της οδηγίας πλαίσιο για τα απόβλητα (333), η υγειονομική ταφή είναι η λιγότερο επιθυμητή επιλογή. Επιπλέον, σύμφωνα με τον χάρτη πορείας Χάρτης πορείας για μια αποδοτική, από πλευράς πόρων, Ευρώπη (334), στην κατανομή της χρηματοδότησης της ΕΕ, η Επιτροπή προτίθεται να δώσει προτεραιότητα σε δραστηριότητες που βρίσκονται υψηλότερα στην ιεράρχηση των αποβλήτων (π.χ. προτεραιότητα σε εγκαταστάσεις ανακύκλωσης για τη διάθεση των αποβλήτων).(English version)
Question for written answer E-001605/12
to the Commission
Niki Tzavela (EFD)
(9 February 2012)

Subject: Illegal landfills
According to articles in the press, two illegal landfills have been identified in Greece. One is situated in the National Marine Park of the island of Zakynthos; the other in the Temploni district of Corfu.
As far as the Zakynthos landfill is concerned, it is located in a park created to protect the Caretta caretta sea turtle, a priority species listed as endangered.
In view of the above, will the Commission say:







Bearing in mind that illegal landfills threaten human health and the environment, as well as causing harm to endangered species, such as the Caretta caretta turtle, what measures does it propose to take?











Does it intend to update EU legislation on landfill sites?











Does it intend to secure new programmes to boost funding in Member States for the establishment of new landfills that will operate legally and on the basis of EU legislation on waste disposal?




Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission
(28 March 2012)






1.


The Commission has already taken action by launching three infringement proceedings: one concerning all illegal landfills in Greece (case 2001/2273, for which Greece has to implement Court ruling C-502/03), one for Zakynthos (2009/2340) and one for Temploni (2010/2048). For the last two cases a reasoned opinion under Article 258 of the TFEU was sent to Greece on 27 January 2012 for breach of the EU environmental legislation. 











2.


According to Article 5.2 of the Landfill Directive










2.


According to Article 5.2 of the Landfill Directive




 (335), in 2014 the Commission will prepare a report, accompanied, if appropriate, by a legislative proposal to review the targets on diversion of biodegradable municipal waste from landfills in order to ensure a high level of environmental protection. No other legislative proposals to amend the Landfill Directive are currently foreseen.






3.


The Commission will continue its efforts to ensure the proper implementation of EU










3.


The Commission will continue its efforts to ensure the proper implementation of EU




 acquis related to waste management in Greece, including financial support for further development of waste treatment infrastructure (e.g. within the framework or Cohesion Fund and ERDF). However the establishment of new landfills should not be a priority in the allocation of EU funds. In accordance with the waste hierarchy set out in art 4 of the Waste Framework Directive (336), landfilling is the least desirable option. Moreover, in line with the Roadmap to a Resource Efficient Europe (337), in the allocation of EU funding, the Commission intends to give priority to activities higher up the waste hierarchy (e.g. priority to recycling plants over waste disposal).(Ελληνική έκδοση)
Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-001606/12
προς την Επιτροπή
Niki Tzavela (EFD)
(9 Φεβρουαρίου 2012)

Θέμα: Θάνατοι στη Μεσόγειο
Περισσότεροι από 1 500 άνθρωποι πνίγηκαν ή εξαφανίστηκαν το 2011 προσπαθώντας να διασχίσουν τη Μεσόγειο, σύμφωνα με σημερινή ανακοίνωση της Ύπατης Αρμοστείας του ΟΗΕ για τους Πρόσφυγες UNHCR.
Η Μεσόγειος, αναφέρεται, αποδείχθηκε η πιο φονική θάλασσα για τους πρόσφυγες την περσινή χρονιά.
Ερωτάται η Επιτροπή αν γνωρίζει τα συγκεκριμένα στοιχεία και τι προτίθεται να πράξει ώστε να μην χαθούν και άλλες ανθρώπινες ζωές;
Απάντηση της κας Malmström εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής
(11 Απριλίου 2012)
Η Επιτροπή έχει πλήρη επίγνωση της δραματικής κατάστασης των μεταναστών που διασχίζουν τη Μεσόγειο και εκφράζει τη βαθύτατη λύπη της που τόσοι άνθρωποι χάνουν τη ζωή τους. Η Επιτροπή κάνει ήδη, και θα συνεχίσει να κάνει, ό,τι καλύτερο μπορεί ώστε να αποφευχθούν στο μέλλον παρόμοιες τραγωδίες. Ένας από τους βασικούς στόχους της πρότασης για την ίδρυση του EUROSUR (338) είναι να μειωθούν σημαντικά οι απώλειες ανθρώπινων ζωών, μέσω της βελτίωσης της ανίχνευσης, της αναγνώρισης και του εντοπισμού μικρών σκαφών, διευκολύνοντας έτσι τις επιχειρήσεις ανεύρεσης και διάσωσης, σε στενή συνεργασία με τα υπεύθυνα κέντρα συντονισμού έρευνας και διάσωσης. Η έκδοση του νέου κανονισμού FRONTEX (339) που ενισχύει περαιτέρω τη διάσταση των ανθρωπίνων δικαιωμάτων στη διαχείριση των συνόρων, θα διασφαλίσει επίσης ότι οι συνοριοφύλακες της ΕΕ θα είναι επιπλέον εξοπλισμένοι με τις απαραίτητες γνώσεις και εμπειρογνωσία ώστε να διασφαλίζεται ο πλήρης σεβασμός των ανθρωπίνων δικαιωμάτων και των διεθνών υποχρεώσεων στα εξωτερικά σύνορα της ΕΕ.
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001606/12
to the Commission
Niki Tzavela (EFD)
(9 February 2012)

Subject: Deaths in the Mediterranean
More than 1 500 people drowned or disappeared in 2011 while attempting to cross the Mediterranean, according to an announcement made today by the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
The Mediterranean, it said, proved to be the most deadly sea for refugees last year.
Is the Commission aware of these figures and what does it intend to do to avert further loss of human life?
Answer given by Ms Malmström on behalf of the Commission
(11 April 2012)
The Commission is well aware of the dramatic situation of migrants crossing the Mediterranean Sea and deeply regrets that so many are losing their lives. The Commission is and will continue to do its outmost to try to avoid such tragedies. One of the main objectives of the proposal on the establishment of Eurosur (340) is to considerably reduce the loss of human lives, by improving the detection, identification and tracking of small boats, thereby facilitating search and rescue operations in close cooperation with responsible Rescue Coordination Centres. The adoption of the new Frontex Regulation (341), which further strengthens the human rights dimension of border management, will also ensure that the Union's border guards are further equipped with the necessary knowledge and expertise to ensure full respect of human rights and international obligations at EU external borders.
(Ελληνική έκδοση)
Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-001607/12
προς την Επιτροπή
Niki Tzavela (EFD)
(9 Φεβρουαρίου 2012)

Θέμα: Δικαιώματα των γυναικών στο Αφγανιστάν
Τραγικό θάνατο βρήκε στα χέρια του ιδίου του συζύγου της καθώς και της πεθεράς της μια άτυχη 30χρονη Αφγανή η οποία τόλμησε να ₫ατιμάσει₻ την οικογένεια γεννώντας … κορίτσι και μάλιστα το τρίτο κατά σειρά. ₫Η Στόρεϊ, μια 30χρονη μητέρα τριών παιδιών, δολοφονήθηκε από τον σύζυγό της και την πεθερά της σε ένα απομακρυσμένο χωριό στην περιοχή Καναμπάντ της επαρχίας Κουντούζ … Ο σύζυγός της της είχε πει ότι, αν γεννούσε πάλι κορίτσι, θα τη σκότωνε₻, δήλωσε ο εκπρόσωπος της αφγανικής αστυνομίας, σύμφωνα με τον οποίο η δολοφόνος-πεθερά έχει ήδη συλληφθεί ενώ ο σύζυγος διαφεύγει και αναζητείται.
Ωστόσο, αν και αποτρόπαιο, το παραπάνω έγκλημα δεν αποτελεί εξαίρεση αλλά μάλλον κανόνα στο Αφγανιστάν, καθώς εκεί, σύμφωνα με στοιχεία έκθεσης του 2010 των Ηνωμένων Εθνών, το 1/3 των γυναικών εκτίθενται σε κάποιον βαθμό σωματικής και ψυχολογικής βίας και περίπου το 25 % αυτών πέφτει θύμα σεξουαλικής κακοποίησης. Ενδεικτική της κατάστασης είναι και η περίπτωση μιας έφηβης, η οποία τον περασμένο μήνα απελευθερώθηκε από την αστυνομία στην επαρχία Μπαγκλάν. Και αυτή φέρεται να περνούσε τα πάνδεινα στα χέρια των πεθερικών της, τα οποία την κρατούσαν φυλακισμένη για έξι ολόκληρους μήνες μέσα σε μια τουαλέτα και τη βασάνιζαν στην προσπάθειά τους να την πείσουν να … εκπορνευθεί.
Ερωτάται η Επιτροπή ποια είναι η επίσημη θέση της και ποιες οι δράσεις της για τα δικαιώματα των γυναικών τα οποία καταπατούνται στις χώρες αυτές.
Απάντηση της Ύπατης Εκπροσώπου/Αντιπροέδρου Ashton εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής
(10 Μαΐου 2012)
Ο ειδικός εντεταλμένος της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης/επικεφαλής της αντιπροσωπείας της ΕΕ στο Αφγανιστάν παρακολουθεί επιτόπου την κατάσταση των ανθρωπίνων δικαιωμάτων στο Αφγανιστάν, σε στενή συνεργασία με τους αρχηγούς αποστολών της ΕΕ, ιδίως σχετικά με την ειδεχθή, συνεχιζόμενη βία κατά των γυναικών. Το αναφερόμενο περιστατικό είναι, δυστυχώς, μόνο ένα μεταξύ των πολλών, ενώ πολλά δεν κοινοποιούνται. Η βοήθεια της ΕΕ μέσω του προϋπολογισμού ΕΕ συνεχίζει να εστιάζεται στη διακυβέρνηση, τη γεωργία και την υγεία, στηρίζοντας τα αφγανικά εθνικά προγράμματα, και σε στενή συνεργασία με την αφγανική κυβέρνηση. Προγράμματα όπως το εθνικό πρόγραμμα αλληλεγγύης, που στηρίζει η ΕΕ μέσω του ειδικού ταμείου για την ανασυγκρότηση του Αφγανιστάν, αποδείχθηκαν αποτελεσματικά στην αντιμετώπιση των αναγκών πληθυσμών που κατοικούν σε απομακρυσμένες και μη αστικές περιοχές.
Επιπλέον, η ΕΕ στηρίζει τις κοινωνικές υπηρεσίες προς τις πιο ευπαθείς ομάδες, οι υπηρεσίες αυτές περιλαμβάνουν παροχή συμβουλών, νομική συνδρομή και διαμεσολάβηση για γυναίκες που αντιμετωπίζουν δύσκολη οικογενειακή κατάσταση. Άλλα προγράμματα καλύπτουν μακροπρόθεσμους στόχους, όπως η ενίσχυση των υφιστάμενων φορέων ώστε να εξασφαλιστεί η παροχή κοινωνικής πρόνοιας και η προστασία των δικαιωμάτων των αφγανών γυναικών κάθε ηλικίας που κινδυνεύουν από ενδοοικογενειακή βία ή είναι θύματα της.
Η αφγανική κυβέρνηση από την πλευρά της έχει αναλάβει σταθερές δεσμεύσεις για τη βελτίωση της θέσης των γυναικών στο πλαίσιο των διεθνών διασκέψεων που πραγματοποιήθηκαν το 2010 στο Λονδίνο και την Καμπούλ, τον Δεκέμβριο του 2011 στη διάσκεψη της Βόννης, καθώς και σε δήλωση της 18ης Ιανουαρίου 2012.
Η ΕΕ έχει δεσμεύσει 440,50 εκατομμύρια ευρώ το 2010 και το 2011 για την ανάπτυξη, καθώς και για ανθρωπιστική βοήθεια.
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001607/12
to the Commission
Niki Tzavela (EFD)
(9 February 2012)

Subject: Women's rights in Afghanistan
An unfortunate 30-year-old Afghan woman met her tragic death at the hands of her own husband and mother-in-law for having dared to ‘dishonour’ her family by giving birth to a third daughter. ‘Storai, a thirty-year-old mother of three children, was murdered by her husband and her mother-in-law in a remote village in the Khan Abad district of the Kunduz province… Her husband had told her that if she gave birth to another girl, he would kill her’, declared the Afghan police spokesman, indicating that the mother-in-law had already been arrested for her part in the murder, while the husband had escaped and was currently at large.
Nevertheless, although abhorrent, this crime is less the exception than the rule in Afghanistan, according to a 2010 United Nations report, which indicates that one-third of women are exposed to some degree of physical or mental abuse and around 25 % are victims of sexual abuse. Indicative of the situation is the case of a teenage girl who last month was freed by the police in the province of Baghlan, having reportedly suffered a terrible ordeal at the hands of her in-laws, who kept her imprisoned for six whole months in a toilet and tortured her in an attempt to force her into prostitution.
What is the Commission’s official position and what action is it taking to defend women’s rights, which are being violated in these countries?
Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Ashton on behalf of the Commission
(10 May 2012)
The European Union Special Representative/Head of Delegation of Afghanistan monitors the human rights situation on the ground in Afghanistan, in close consultation with EU Heads of Mission, notably also with respect to the deplorable and continued violence against women. The incident referred to in question is, regrettably, only one of many and not all of these are reported. 
EU assistance under the EU budget continues to focus on governance, agriculture and health, in support of Afghan National Programmes, and in close cooperation with the Afghan Government. Programmes like the National Solidarity Programme, supported by the EU through the Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund, have proven effective in addressing the needs of populations in remote and non-urban areas.
Furthermore, the EU supports social services to the most vulnerable including counselling, legal aid and mediation for women faced with difficult family circumstances. 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.
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.
The EU has committed EUR 440.50 million in 2010 and 2011, for both development and humanitarian assistance.
(Ελληνική έκδοση)
Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-001608/12
προς την Επιτροπή
Niki Tzavela (EFD)
(9 Φεβρουαρίου 2012)

Θέμα: Τιμές ναύλων στη ακτοπλοΐα
Παραμένουν σε αδικαιολόγητα υψηλά επίπεδα οι ναύλοι στις ακτοπλοϊκές εταιρίες για την γραμμή Ελλάδα-Ιταλία, οι οποίοι τις περισσότερες φορές είναι σχεδόν διπλάσιοι από τους αντίστοιχους που καταβάλλουν αλλοδαποί μεταφορείς χωρίς αυτό να δικαιολογείται από οποιοδήποτε λόγο, σπουδαίο ή μη, ή να υπαγορεύεται από αντικειμενικά κριτήρια, όπως καταγγέλλει σε σχετικό δελτίο Τύπου του η ΟΦΑΕ.
Η τελευταία θεωρεί ότι θα πρέπει άμεσα να βρεθεί τρόπος να σταματήσει αυτή η αυθαιρεσία και η ₫ρατσιστική₻ αυτή διάκριση και να υπάρξουν κανόνες ισονομίας και υγιούς ανταγωνισμού.
Ερωτάται η Επιτροπή τι πιέσεις μπορούν να ασκηθούν ώστε να μειωθούν οι ναύλοι στις ακτοπλοϊκές εταιρείες;
Απάντηση του κ. Kallas εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής
(15 Μαρτίου 2012)
Η Επιτροπή δεν έχει συγκεκριμένες πληροφορίες όσον αφορά τις τιμές των ναύλων που χρεώνονται από τις ακτοπλοϊκές εταιρίες στη γραμμή Ελλάδα-Ιταλία. 
Η Επιτροπή λαμβάνει υπόψη τις ανησυχίες του Αξιότιμου Μέλους του Κοινοβουλίου αλλά θα ήθελε να τονίσει πως οι ακτοπλοϊκές εταιρίες έχουν το δικαίωμα να καθορίζουν μεμονωμένα τις τιμές των υπηρεσιών τους, κυρίως ανάλογα με τις διακυμάνσεις της ζήτησης ή τις μεταβολές της τιμής των καυσίμων. 
Παράλληλα, οι ενωσιακοί κανόνες ανταγωνισμού απαγορεύουν στις ακτοπλοϊκές εταιρίες να συνάπτουν συμφωνίες ή να εφαρμόζουν εναρμονισμένες πρακτικές σχετικά με τους όρους πώλησης, όπως, για παράδειγμα, τα επίπεδα τιμών, ή να επιβάλλουν ανόμοιους όρους σε ισοδύναμες συναλλαγές, που θα συνεπάγονται διακρίσεις μεταξύ των εμπορικών εταίρων. Επιπλέον, οι ενωσιακοί κανόνες ανταγωνισμού απαγορεύουν σε εταιρίες που κατέχουν δεσπόζουσα θέση να κάνουν κατάχρηση της θέσης τους αυτής, χρεώνοντας, για παράδειγμα, εξαιρετικά υψηλές τιμές ή κάνοντας διακρίσεις μεταξύ των εμπορικών εταίρων. 
Η Επιτροπή εφιστά την προσοχή του Αξιότιμου Μέλους του Κοινοβουλίου στο γεγονός ότι οι εθνικές αρχές ανταγωνισμού των κρατών μελών είναι επίσης αρμόδιες για την εφαρμογή των ενωσιακών κανόνων ανταγωνισμού. Επιπλέον, η αρχή ανταγωνισμού ενός κράτους μέλους μπορεί να ζητήσει τη συνδρομή της αρχής ανταγωνισμού ενός άλλου Κράτους Μέλους στις έρευνές της. Δεδομένου ότι πρόκειται για την ακτοπλοϊκή γραμμή μεταξύ Ιταλίας και Ελλάδας, οποιαδήποτε από τις αρχές ανταγωνισμού της Ιταλίας ή της Ελλάδας είναι σε θέση να διερευνήσει τις ανησυχίες που εκφράζει το Αξιότιμο Μέλος. Τα στοιχεία επικοινωνίας των αρχών ανταγωνισμού της Ιταλίας και της Ελλάδας είναι διαθέσιμα στο Διαδίκτυο (http://www.agcm.it/ και http://www.epant.gr/main.php?Lang=en).
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001608/12
to the Commission
Niki Tzavela (EFD)
(9 February 2012)

Subject: Ticket prices charged by ferry companies
According to a press release from the Greek Lorry Drivers’ Federation, the ticket prices charged by ferry companies operating the Greece-Italy route are still unjustifiably high, in most cases almost double the prices paid by foreign hauliers, although there is not the slightest justification and no objective reason for this.
The Federation considers it necessary, without delay, to find a way to stop this arbitrary and ‘racist’ discrimination, and ensure compliance with the principles of equality before the law and healthy competition.
Can the Commission say what pressure can be brought to bear so that ticket prices charged by ferry companies can be reduced?
Answer given by Mr Kallas on behalf of the Commission
(15 March 2012)
The Commission has no specific information as to the ticket prices charged by ferry companies operating the Greece-Italy route. 
The Commission takes note of the concerns of the Honourable Member but would like to emphasise that ferry companies are free to individually set the prices of their services, notably in response to demand fluctuations or variations in the price of fuel. 
At the same time, the EU competition rules prohibit ferry companies to agree or concert on sales conditions, such as for example price levels, or to apply dissimilar conditions to equivalent transactions, thereby discriminating between trading partners. Moreover, the EU competition rules prohibit a company in a dominant position to abuse that dominance, for example by charging excessively high prices or discriminating between its trading partners. 
The Commission draws the Honourable Member's attention to the fact that the national competition authorities of the Member States are also competent to apply the EU competition rules. Moreover, the competition authority in one Member State may ask the competition authority in another Member State to assist it in its investigation. Since the ferry route at stake is the route between Italy and Greece, either of the competition authorities of Italy and Greece seems well placed to investigate the concerns raised by the Honourable Member. The contact details of the Italian and Greek competition authorities can be found in the Internet (http://www.agcm.it/ and http://www.epant.gr/main.php?Lang=en).
(Ελληνική έκδοση)
Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-001609/12
προς την Επιτροπή
Niki Tzavela (EFD)
(9 Φεβρουαρίου 2012)

Θέμα: Έρευνες για πρόληψη των σεισμών
Ένας μεγάλος σεισμός στο Τόκιο είναι πολύ πιο πιθανός από όσο προβλέπει η κυβέρνηση, ανακοίνωσαν ερευνητές στο Πανεπιστήμιο της ιαπωνικής πρωτεύουσας, προειδοποιώντας κυβέρνηση και πολίτες για ένα τέτοιο ενδεχόμενο.
Υπάρχουν 70 % πιθανότητες να σημειωθεί σεισμός 7 βαθμών στο νότιο τμήμα της μητροπολιτικής περιοχής του Τόκιο, μέσα στα επόμενα τέσσερα χρόνια, ανακοίνωσε το Ινστιτούτο Σεισμικών Ερευνών του πανεπιστημίου.
Η ιαπωνική κυβέρνηση εκτιμά πως υπάρχουν 70 % πιθανότητες να συμβεί κάτι τέτοιο τις επόμενες τρεις δεκαετίες.
Ερωτάται η Επιτροπή αν μπορεί να χρηματοδοτήσει παρόμοιες μελέτες και για τις χώρες της ΕΕ, ιδιαίτερα για τις σεισμογενείς.
Απάντηση της κας Geoghegan-Quinn εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής
(22 Μαρτίου 2012)
Η ικανότητα πρόβλεψης είναι ένα πρόβλημα που απασχολεί όλες τις χώρες οι οποίες πλήττονται από σεισμούς. Οι ευρωπαϊκές χώρες που αντιμετωπίζουν μεγαλύτερο πρόβλημα έχουν αναπτύξει μια βάση γνώσεων που τους επιτρέπει να εκτιμούν την πιθανότητα εμφάνισης σεισμού.
Ωστόσο, η ₫μακροπρόθεσμη₻ πρόβλεψη μεγάλων σεισμών εξακολουθεί να είναι δύσκολο να επιτευχθεί με αρκετή ακρίβεια ώστε να είναι επιχειρησιακά χρήσιμη. Η ₫βραχυπρόθεσμη₻ πρόβλεψη σεισμών έχει σημειώσει σημαντική πρόοδο και η Ιαπωνία είναι μία από τις πρωτοπόρες χώρες στη χρήση αυτών των μεθόδων.
Σε ευρωπαϊκό επίπεδο, το εν εξελίξει 7ο Πρόγραμμα Πλαίσιο για την Έρευνα και την Τεχνολογική Ανάπτυξη (7ο ΠΠ, 2007-2013) στηρίζει ερευνητικές δραστηριότητες που σχετίζονται με τον σεισμικό κίνδυνο. Ειδικότερα, το έργο REAKT (342) (Στρατηγικές και εργαλεία για τη μείωση του σεισμικού κινδύνου σε πραγματικό χρόνο) υλοποιείται από μεγάλη διεθνή κοινοπραξία στην οποία συμμετέχουν, μεταξύ άλλων, η Ιαπωνική Μετεωρολογική Υπηρεσία και το Πανεπιστήμιο της Νότιας Καλιφόρνιας των Ηνωμένων Πολιτειών. Το έργο αναπτύσσει και ενσωματώνει νέες γνώσεις σε ένα σύστημα μείωσης του σεισμικού κινδύνου σε πραγματικό χρόνο, συμπεριλαμβανομένων των βέλτιστων πρακτικών όσον αφορά την πρόβλεψη σεισμού. Ένας από τους στόχους του REAKT είναι η βαθμονόμηση των προβλέψεων ώστε να είναι δυνατόν να γεφυρωθεί το χάσμα μεταξύ των βραχυπρόθεσμων και των μακροπρόθεσμων προβλέψεων που διατίθενται σήμερα και να καταστεί δυνατός ο καθορισμός προτεραιοτήτων για την άμβλυνση των επιπτώσεων.
Σε μια πιο μακροπρόθεσμη προοπτική, το έργο SHARE (343) (Εκτίμηση του σεισμικού κινδύνου στην Ευρώπη) έχει αντικείμενο ένα ολοκληρωμένο ευρωπαϊκό μοντέλο πιθανολογικής ανάλυσης του σεισμικού κινδύνου. Εκπονούνται επίσης χάρτες επικινδυνότητας προκειμένου να χρησιμοποιούνται από τους μηχανικούς (με χρήση κωδίκων κατασκευής όπως ο Eurocode 8). Οι εν λόγω χάρτες καταρτίζονται προκειμένου να καταδειχθεί η πιθανότητα εμφάνισης διαφόρων επιπέδων δονήσεων του εδάφους σε δεδομένη περιοχή εντός συγκεκριμένου χρονικού πλαισίου.
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001609/12
to the Commission
Niki Tzavela (EFD)
(9 February 2012)

Subject: Research into earthquake prediction
A major earthquake in Tokyo is much more probable than indicated by government predictions, university researchers in the Japanese capital have announced, warning the government and citizens of such a likelihood.
There is a 70 % probability of an earthquake of magnitude 7 on the Richter scale occurring in the next four years in the southern section of the metropolitan area of Tokyo, the university’s Institute of Seismic Research has announced.
The Japanese Government estimates that there is a 70 % probability of such an event occurring in the next three decades.
Will the Commission say if it is able to fund similar studies for EU Member States, particularly earthquake-prone countries?
Answer given by Ms Geoghegan-Quinn on behalf of the Commission
(22 March 2012)
The forecasting capacity is a concern for all countries prone to earthquakes. Most concerned European countries have developed a knowledge base enabling them to estimate the probability of occurrence of an earthquake. 
However, ‘long-term’ forecasting of large earthquakes is still difficult to perform with sufficient precision to be operationally useful. ‘Short term’ earthquake identification has well progressed and Japan is one of the leading countries in these methods.
At the European level, the ongoing 7th Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (FP7, 2007-2013) is supporting research activities related to seismic hazards. In particular, the REAKT (344) project (Strategies and tools for real time earthquake risk reduction) is carried out by a large international consortium involving amongst other the Japanese Meteorological Agency and the University of Southern California in the United States. The project develops and integrates new knowledge into a real-time earthquake risk reduction system including best practices in earthquake forecasting. One target within REAKT is to calibrate forecasts so that they can bridge the gap between the short‐ and long-term forecasts currently available and can help defining priorities for risk mitigation.
In the longer-term perspective, the SHARE (345) project (Seismic Hazard Assessment in Europe) is working on an integrated European probabilistic seismic hazard assessment model. Hazard maps of use for the engineering communities (using building codes like Eurocode 8) are also being produced. These maps are drawn in order to show the probability of occurrence of various levels of ground motion for a given territory within given time frames. 
(Ελληνική έκδοση)
Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-001610/12
προς την Επιτροπή
Niki Tzavela (EFD)
(9 Φεβρουαρίου 2012)

Θέμα: Τρομοκρατία στην ΕΕ
Βομβιστική επίθεση εναντίον του Χρηματιστηρίου του Λονδίνου παραδέχτηκαν πως σχεδίαζαν να πραγματοποιήσουν τέσσερις Βρετανοί, μέλη μιας ισλαμιστικής οργάνωσης.
Οι Μοχάμεντ Τσοουντάρι, Σαχ Ραχμάν, Γκουρουκάντ Ντεσάι και Αμπντούλ δήλωσαν ένοχοι ότι ₫προετοίμαζαν τρομοκρατική ενέργεια₻. Οι τέσσερις, οι οποίοι κατοικούσαν στο Λονδίνο και το Κάρντιφ (Ουαλία), είχαν συλληφθεί το Δεκέμβριο του 2010. Σχεδίαζαν να τοποθετήσουν μια βόμβα στις τουαλέτες της έδρας του London Stock Exchange.
Πέντε άλλοι παραδέχτηκαν την ενοχή τους για άλλες λιγότερο σημαντικές κατηγορίες, όπως ότι παρευρέθηκαν σε συγκεντρώσεις προετοιμασίας τρομοκρατικών ενεργειών.
Μολονότι δεν ήταν μέλη της αλ Κάιντα, οι ισλαμιστές εμπνέονταν, σύμφωνα με τον εισαγγελέα, από το δίκτυο αυτό και ειδικότερα από τον Ανουάρ αλ Αουλάκι, έναν ριζοσπάστη ιμάμη που διηύθυνε τον κλάδο της αλ Κάιντα στην Υεμένη και σκοτώθηκε τον περασμένο Σεπτέμβριο από αμερικανικό μη επανδρωμένο αεροπλάνο.
Ερωτάται η Επιτροπή ποια είναι η επίσημη θέση της για την τρομοκρατία η οποία δείχνει να αποκτά δύναμη στην ΕΕ.
Απάντηση της κας Malmström εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής
(13 Μαρτίου 2012)
H τρομοκρατία συνιστά απειλή που δεν αναγνωρίζει σύνορα και μπορεί να πλήξει κράτη και ανθρώπους ανεξάρτητα από τη γεωγραφική θέση, τις πολιτικές πεποιθήσεις, τη θρησκεία και τη φυλή τους. Τα κράτη μέλη της ΕΕ και οι Ευρωπαίοι πολίτες δεν αποτελούν εξαίρεση. Άτομα και ομάδες που θεωρούν ότι μπορούν να προωθήσουν τους πολιτικούς στόχους τους χρησιμοποιώντας την τρομοκρατία, απειλούν σοβαρά τις δημοκρατικές αξίες των κοινωνιών μας και τα δικαιώματα και τις ελευθερίες των πολιτών μας, ιδίως διότι θέτουν στο στόχαστρο αθώους ανθρώπους αδιακρίτως. Οι τρομοκρατικές ενέργειες είναι εγκληματικές και αδικαιολόγητες πράξεις, και πρέπει να αντιμετωπίζονται ως τέτοιες σε κάθε περίσταση.
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001610/12
to the Commission
Niki Tzavela (EFD)
(9 February 2012)

Subject: Terrorism in the EU
Four Britons, members of an Islamist organisation, have admitted to planning to carry out a bomb attack on the London Stock Exchange.
Mohammed Chowdhury, Shah Rahman, Gurukanth Desai and Abdul Malik Miah pleaded guilty to ‘preparing an act of terrorism’. The four, who lived in London and Cardiff (Wales), were arrested in December 2010. They had been planning to place a bomb in the toilets of the London Stock Exchange headquarters.
Five others pleaded guilty on other less serious charges, such as attending meetings for preparing acts of terrorism.
Although not members of Al Qaeda, the Islamists, according to the prosecutor, were inspired by that network and in particular by Anwar Al-Awlaki, a radical imam who directed the branch of Al Qaeda in Yemen and was killed last September by an American drone.
What is the Commission’s official position on terrorism, which appears to be gaining in strength in the EU?
Answer given by Ms Malmström on behalf of the Commission
(13 March 2012)
Terrorism is a threat that does not recognise borders and may affect states and people irrespective of their geographical location, political beliefs, religion and race. EU Member States and European citizens are not an exception. Individuals and groups who believe that they can advance their political aims by using terror pose a serious threat to the democratic values of our societies and to the rights and freedoms of our citizens, especially by indiscriminately targeting innocent people. Acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, and must be treated as such under all circumstances.
(Ελληνική έκδοση)
Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-001611/12
προς την Επιτροπή
Niki Tzavela (EFD)
(9 Φεβρουαρίου 2012)

Θέμα: Σχέδιο δράσης για τη φτώχεια
Η φτώχεια πλήττει πλέον τη μεσαία τάξη της Ευρώπης, σύμφωνα με το δισέλιδο αφιέρωμα της ισπανικής εφημερίδας El Pais.
Υπάρχουν άνθρωποι που πρέπει να διαλέξουν αν θα φάνε ή θα πληρώσουν το δάνειό τους. Σύμφωνα με την Ευρωπαϊκή Ένωση, το 2009 υπήρχαν στις 27 χώρες 115 εκατομμύρια άνθρωποι κάτω από το όριο της φτώχειας και του κοινωνικού αποκλεισμού (23,1 % του πληθυσμού).
Αλλα 100 με 150 εκατομμύρια κινδυνεύουν επίσης, καθώς δύο μήνες ανεργίας και ένα δάνειο που δεν μπορεί να πληρωθεί μπορούν να βυθίσουν οποιονδήποτε στον όλεθρο. Το 2007, πριν ξεσπάσει η χρηματοπιστωτική κρίση, κάτω από το όριο της φτώχειας βρίσκονταν 85 εκατομμύρια άνθρωποι (17 % του πληθυσμού). Στον κατάλογο περιλαμβάνονται χώρες όπως η Ισπανία, η Ιρλανδία και η Ελλάδα.
Τα πράγματα δεν είναι καλύτερα στη Βρετανία, όπου η φτώχεια των παιδιών είναι τόσο μεγάλη, ώστε η χώρα κατατάσσεται 22η μεταξύ των 27, σύμφωνα με στοιχεία του Ιδρύματος John Rowntree. Το Λονδίνο είναι η πόλη με το μεγαλύτερο ποσοστό ανηλίκων κάτω από το όριο της φτώχειας στη Βρετανία.
Ερωτάται η Επιτροπή αν έχει εκπονηθεί σχέδιο δράσης για την καταπολέμηση της φτώχειας στην Ευρώπη.
Απάντηση του κ. Andor εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής
(28 Μαρτίου 2012)
Η Επιτροπή συμμερίζεται τις ανησυχίες της κ. βουλευτή σχετικά με τη φτώχεια σε ολόκληρη την Ευρώπη. Ο αριθμός των ανθρώπων που ζουν σε συνθήκες φτώχειας αυξάνεται στην ΕΕ, ιδίως όσον αφορά τη φτώχεια των παιδιών, ενώ αυξάνεται και ο κοινωνικός αποκλεισμός και επιδεινώνεται το πρόβλημα των αστέγων στις πιο ακραίες περιπτώσεις.
Με σκοπό την αντιμετώπιση της φτώχειας και του κοινωνικού αποκλεισμού στην ΕΕ, η Επιτροπή κινητοποίησε ορισμένα μέσα στους τομείς του συντονισμού της πολιτικής και της χρηματοοικονομικής υποστήριξης. 
Η στρατηγική ₫Ευρώπη 2020₻ είναι ένας ολοκληρωμένος χάρτης πορείας για την οικονομική ανάκαμψη και μεγέθυνση της ΕΕ. Μέσω της στρατηγικής αυτής, η Επιτροπή στοχεύει σε υψηλό επίπεδο απασχόλησης, επιτυγχάνοντας παράλληλα κοινωνική συνοχή και μειώνοντας τη φτώχεια. Ένας από τους πέντε στόχους της στρατηγικής — μείωση τουλάχιστον κατά 20 εκατομμύρια των ατόμων που βρίσκονται ή κινδυνεύουν να βρεθούν σε κατάσταση φτώχειας και κοινωνικού αποκλεισμού έως το τέλος της δεκαετίας — είναι μια απτή έκφραση της δέσμευσης των κρατών μελών να μειώσουν τη φτώχεια σε ολόκληρη την ΕΕ. Βάσει του δεύτερου ₫Ευρωπαϊκού Εξαμήνου₻, που βρίσκεται πλέον σε εξέλιξη, η Επιτροπή θα επανεξετάσει την πρόοδο των κρατών μελών στον τομέα αυτό και, εφόσον ενδείκνυται, θα προτείνει ειδικές για κάθε χώρα συστάσεις.
Η ₫Ευρωπαϊκή πλατφόρμα για την καταπολέμηση της φτώχειας₻ είναι ένα ακόμη σημαντικό μέσο για τη σύζευξη διάφορων πολιτικών που συμβάλλουν στη μείωση της φτώχειας. Στα παραδοτέα της Επιτροπής, το 2012, περιλαμβάνονται μια σύσταση για τη φτώχεια των παιδιών και μια έκθεση σχετικά με την εφαρμογή στρατηγικών ενεργητικής ένταξης.
Διάφορα προγράμματα της ΕΕ συμβάλλουν, επίσης, στη μείωση της φτώχειας, ιδίως το Ευρωπαϊκό Κοινωνικό Ταμείο, το Ευρωπαϊκό Ταμείο Περιφερειακής Ανάπτυξης, ο ευρωπαϊκός μηχανισμός μικροχρηματοδοτήσεων για την απασχόληση και την κοινωνική ένταξη (Progress) και το πρόγραμμα διανομής τροφίμων στους απόρους της ΕΕ.
(English version)
Question for written answer E-001611/12
to the Commission
Niki Tzavela (EFD)
(9 February 2012)

Subject: Action plan on poverty
Poverty is now affecting the middle class in Europe, according to a two-page special report in the Spanish newspaper El País.
Some people have to choose between eating and paying off their loans. According to the European Union, in 2009 there were, in its 27 countries, 115 million people living below the poverty line and the threshold of social exclusion (23.1 % of the population).
Another 100 to 150 million are also in danger, because two months of unemployment and a loan that cannot be repaid can bring ruin upon anybody. In 2007, before the financial crisis broke, there were 85 million people (17 % of the population) below the poverty threshold. Spain, Ireland and Greece are among the countries most affected.
Things are no better in the United Kingdom, where there is such great child poverty that the country ranks 22nd out of 27, according to figures of the John Rowntree Foundation. London is the city with the highest proportion in the United Kingdom of minors living below the poverty threshold.
Will the Commission say whether an action plan has been drawn up to tackle poverty in Europe?
Answer given by Mr Andor on behalf of the Commission
(28 March 2012)
The Commission shares the concerns of the Honourable Member regarding poverty throughout Europe. The number of people experiencing poverty is rising across the EU, notably child poverty, but also social exclusion is growing, including homelessness in the most extreme of the cases.
With a view to tackling poverty and social exclusion in the EU, the Commission has mobilised a number of instruments in the areas of policy coordination and financial support. 
The Europe 2020 strategy is a comprehensive roadmap for the EU’s economic recovery and growth. Through this strategy, the Commission aims at high employment, while at the same time delivering social cohesion and reducing poverty. One of the five targets of the strategy — at least 20 million fewer people in or at risk of poverty and social exclusion by the end of the decade — is a tangible expression of Member States' commitment to reducing poverty throughout the EU. Under the second European Semester now underway, the Commission will review the Member States' progress in this area and, where appropriate, propose country-specific recommendations.
The European Platform against Poverty and Social Exclusion is another important tool for bringing together various policies that contribute to the reduction of poverty. Among the Commission’s deliverables in 2012 are a recommendation on child poverty and a report on the implementation of active inclusion strategies.
Several EU programmes also contribute to the reduction of poverty, notably the European Social Fund, the European Regional Development Fund, the European Progress Microfinance Facility and the Food distribution programme to the most deprived persons in the EU.


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(2)  COM(2001) 615 final of 6.10.2011.

(3)  http://www.europarl.europa.eu/QP-WEB/home.jsp

(4)  Übereinkommen über handelsbezogene Aspekte der Rechte des geistigen Eigentums in Anhang 1C des Übereinkommens zur Errichtung der Welthandelsorganisation, das am 15. April 1994 in Marrakesch unterzeichnet wurde (Marrakesch-Übereinkommen).

(5)  http://www.europarl.europa.eu/QP-WEB/home.jsp

(6)  Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights, Annex AC of the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organisation, signed in Marrakesh, 15 April 1994.

(7)  Comunicação da Comissão ₫Abordagem comunitária sobre a prevenção de catástrofes naturais ou provocadas pelo homem₻, COM(2009)82 final.

(8)  (www.climate-adapt.eea.europa.eu).

(9)  Decisão n.° 2007/779/CE, Euratom do Conselho.

(10)  COM(2011)0934 final.

(11)  COM(2011)627 final/2.

(12)  Artigos 3.° das Diretivas 2009/72/CE e 2009/73/CE.

(13)  Regulamento (CEE) n.° 3730/87 do Conselho.

(14)  Regulamento (UE) n.° 121/2012 do Parlamento Europeu e do Conselho, JO L 44.

(15)  Communication ‘A Community approach on the prevention of natural and man-made disasters’, COM(2009) 82 final.

(16)  www.climate-adapt.eea.europa.eu.

(17)  Council Decision 2007/779/EC, Euratom.

(18)  COM(2011) 0934 final.

(19)  COM(2011) 627 final/2.

(20)  Articles 3 of Directives 2009/72/EC and 2009/73/EC.

(21)  Council Regulation (EEC) No 3730/87.

(22)  Regulation (EU) No 121/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council, OJ L 44.

(23)  COM(2010)546 final de 6.10.2010.

(24)  COM(2010)245 de 19.5.2010.

(25)  http://cordis.europa.eu/home_en.html/resultados (relatórios de síntese prontos para publicação, disponibilidade total de relatórios esperados do 6.° e do 7.° PQ em vigor até ao final de 2012), http://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/ (o CCI depósito de publicações).

(26)  (http://www.openaire.eu/en).

(27)  COM(2010) 546 final, 6.10.2010.

(28)  COM(2010) 245, 19.5.2010.

(29)  http://cordis.europa.eu/results/home_en.html (publishable summary reports, full availability of existing FP6 and FP7 reports expected by the end of 2012), http://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/ (the JRC's Publications Repository).

(30)  http://www.openaire.eu/en.

(31)  COM(2010)546 final de 6.10.2010.

(32)  COM(2010)245 de 19.5.2010.

(33)  (http://www.openaire.eu).

(34)  COM(2010) 546 final, 6.10.2010.

(35)  COM(2010) 245, 19.5.2010.

(36)  http://www.openaire.eu.

(37)  Direttiva 2009/147/CE del Parlamento europeo e del Consiglio, del 30 novembre 2009, concernente la conservazione degli uccelli selvatici (GU L 20 del 26.1.2010, pag. 7) che codifica la direttiva 79/409/CEE del Consiglio, del 2 aprile 1979, sulla conservazione degli uccelli selvatici (GU L 103 del 25.4.1979).

(38)  GU L 206 del 22.7.1992.

(39)  Directive 2009/147/EC of the Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on the conservation of wild birds, OJ L 20, 26.1.2010, that codifies Council Directive 79/409/EEC of 2 April 1979 on the conservation of wild birds, OJ L 103, 25.4.1979.

(40)  OJ L 206, 22.7.1992.

(41)  http://ec.europa.eu/food/animal/welfare/actionplan/docs/aw_strategy_19012012_en.pdf

(42)  COM(2012) 6 final.

(43)  OJ C 83, 30.3.2010, p. 1.

(44)  OJ L 94, 9.4.1999, p. 24.

(45)  http://www.europarl.europa.eu/QP-WEB.

(46)  SHADE = Share Awareness and Deconfliction Mechanism.

(47)  In this document, the Horn of Africa is defined as the countries belonging to the Inter-Governmental Authority for Development (IGAD) — Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan and Uganda.

(48)  CSDP = Common Security and Defence Policy.

(49)  OJ L 280, 26.10.2010.

(50)  See Annex A5 to SEC(2011) 1102.

(51)  See SEC(2011) 1103, p. 10.

(52)  http://www.elsevier.nl/web/Nieuws/Cultuur-Televisie/329547/Egyptische-filmster-moet-de-cel-in-na-beledigen-islam.htm#.

(53)  http://www.elsevier.nl/web/Nieuws/Cultuur-Televisie/329547/Egyptische-filmster-moet-de-cel-in-na-beledigen-islam.htm#.

(54)  Regolamento (UE) n. 994/2010 del Parlamento europeo e del Consiglio, del 20 ottobre 2010, concernente misure volte a garantire la sicurezza dell'approvvigionamento di gas e che abroga la direttiva 2004/67/CE del Consiglio, GU L 295 del 12.11.2010.

(55)  COM(2011)885 definitivo.

(56)  Regulation (EU) No 994/2010 of the Parliament and of the Council of 20 October 2010 concerning measures to safeguard security of gas supply and repealing Council Directive 2004/67/EC, OJ L 295, 12.11.2010.

(57)  COM(2011) 885 final.

(58)  (http://www.europarl.europa.eu/QP-WEB/application/home.do?language=PT).

(59)  (http://www.who.int/influenza/human_animal_interface/consensus_points/en/index.html).

(60)  (http://ec.europa.eu/health/preparedness_response/hsc/index_en.htm).

(61)  http://www.europarl.europa.eu/QP-WEB/application/home.do?language=EN.

(62)  http://www.who.int/influenza/human_animal_interface/consensus_points/en/index.html

(63)  http://ec.europa.eu/health/preparedness_response/hsc/index_en.htm

(64)  Comité Científico dos Riscos para a Saúde Emergentes e Recentemente Identificados.

(65)  (http://ec.europa.eu/health/scientific_committees/emerging/docs/scenihr_o_034.pdf).

(66)  Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks.

(67)  http://ec.europa.eu/health/scientific_committees/emerging/docs/scenihr_o_034.pdf

(68)  Diretiva 2005/29/CE relativa às práticas comerciais desleais, JO L 149 de 11.6.2005.

(69)  Diretiva 2000/31/CE sobre o comércio eletrónico, JO L 178 de 17.7.2000.

(70)  Diretiva 1999/44/CE relativa a certos aspetos da venda de bens de consumo e das garantias a ela relativas, JO L 171 de 7.7.1999.

(71)  Diretiva 2011/83/UE sobre os direitos dos consumidores, JO L 304 de 22.11.2011.

(72)  COM(2011)942 final.

(73)  SEC(2011)1640 final.

(74)  (http://ec.europa.eu/consumers/ecc/docs/mystery_shopping_report_en.pdf).

(75)  Regulamento (CE) n.° 2006/2004, de 27 de outubro de 2004 de JO L364 de 9.12.2004, p. 1.

(76)  Para mais informações, consultar o seguinte endereço Web:
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(77)  Directive 2005/29/EC on unfair commercial practices, OJ L 149, 11.6.2005.

(78)  Directive 2000/31/EC on e-Commerce, OJ L 178, 17.7.2000.

(79)  Directive 1999/44/EC on certain aspects of the sale of consumer goods and associated guarantees, OJ L 171, 7.7.1999.

(80)  Directive 2011/83/EU on consumer rights, OJ L 304, 22.11.2011.

(81)  COM(2011) 942 final.

(82)  SEC(2011) 1640 final.

(83)  http://ec.europa.eu/consumers/ecc/docs/mystery_shopping_report_en.pdf

(84)  Regulation (EC) No 2006/2004 of 27 October 2004, OJ L364, 9.12.2004, p. 1.

(85)  More details can be found at the following webpage: http://ec.europa.eu/consumers/enforcement/sweeps_en.htm

(86)  COM(2011) 424 final.

(87)  COM(2011) 424 final.

(88)  GU L 157 del 15.6.2011, pag. 1.

(89)  OJ L 157, 15.6.2011, p. 1.

(90)  DE, ES, FR, PL, PT, SE e SI.

(91)  BG, EE, LT, LV, MT, RO e UK.

(92)  DE, ES, FR, PL, PT, SE and SI.

(93)  BG, EE, LT, LV, MT, RO and UK.

(94)  Regolamento (UE) n. 994/2010 del Parlamento europeo e del Consiglio, del 20 ottobre 2010, concernente misure volte a garantire la sicurezza dell'approvvigionamento di gas e che abroga la direttiva 2004/67/CE del Consiglio, GU L 295 del 12.11.2010.

(95)  Regulation (EU) No 994/2010 of the Parliament and of the Council of 20 October 2010 concerning measures to safeguard security of gas supply and repealing Council Directive 2004/67/EC, OJ L 295, 12.11.2010.

(96)  Ευρωπαϊκή Αρχή για την Ασφάλεια των Τροφίμων.

(97)  ΕΕ L 106 της 17.4.2001.

(98)  European Food Safety Agency.

(99)  OJ L 106, 17.4.2001.

(100)  http://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/docs/2012/february/tradoc_149168.pdf

(101)  http://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/docs/2012/february/tradoc_149102.pdf

(102)  http://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/docs/2012/february/tradoc_149103.pdf

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(104)  http://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/docs/2012/february/tradoc_149102.pdf .

(105)  http://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/docs/2012/february/tradoc_149103.pdf .

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(108)  COM(2011) 933.

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(110)  Preguntas E-4576/2010, de 18 de junio de 2010 (Alyn Smith), y P-9820/2010, de 23 de noviembre de 2010 (Vicky Ford).

(111)  Directiva 91/496/CEE del Consejo, de 15 de julio de 1991, por la que se establecen los principios relativos a la organización de controles veterinarios de los animales que se introduzcan en la Comunidad procedentes de países terceros y por la que se modifican las Directivas 89/662/CEE, 90/425/CEE y 90/675/CEE (DO L 268 de 24.9.1991).

(112)  Decisión 97/794/CE de la Comisión, de 12 de noviembre de 1997, por la que se establecen las disposiciones de aplicación de la Directiva 91/496/CEE del Consejo en lo referente a los controles veterinarios de los animales vivos que vayan a importarse de terceros países.

(113)  Questions E-4576/2010, of 18 June 2010 (Alyn Smith), and P‐9820/2010, of 23 November 2010 (Vicky Ford).

(114)  Council Directive 91/496/EEC of 15 July 1991 laying down the principles governing the organisation of veterinary checks on animals entering the Community from third countries and amending Directives 89/662/EEC, 90/425/EEC and 90/675/EEC, OJ L 268, 24.9.1991.

(115)  Commission Decision 97/794/EC of 12 November 1997 laying down certain detailed rules for the application of Council Directive 91/496/EEC as regards veterinary checks on live animals to be imported from third countries.

(116)  http://www.europarl.europa.eu/meetdocs/2009_2014/documents/com/com_com%282010 %290625_/com_com%282010 %290625_es.pdf

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(118)  Reglamento (CE) n° 1927/2006 del Parlamento Europeo y del Consejo, de 20 de diciembre de  2006, por el que se crea el Fondo Europeo de Adaptación a la Globalización, DO L 406 de 30.12.2006.

(119)  http://www.europarl.europa.eu/meetdocs/2009_2014/documents/com/com_com%282010 %290625_/com_com%282010 %290625_en.pdf

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(121)  Regulation (EC) No 1927/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2006 on establishing the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund, OJ L 406, 30.12.2006.

(122)  http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=WQ&reference=E-2011-000364&language=ES.

(123)  http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=WQ&reference=E‐2011-000364&language=EN.

(124)  http://www.volkskrant.nl/vk/nl/7264/Schuldencrisis/article/detail/3160301/2012/02/07/Neelie-Kroes-Euro-kan-best-zonder-Athene.dhtml.

(125)  http://www.z24.nl/economie/artikel_259465.z24/Rutte__we_kunnen_vertrek_Griekenland_aan.html

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(129)  http://www.z24.nl/economie/artikel_259465.z24/Rutte__we_kunnen_vertrek_Griekenland_aan.html

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(132)   http://berkeleyearth.org/pdf/berkeley-earth-decadal-variations.pdf

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(134)  Verordening (EG) nr. 1/2005 van de Raad van 22 december 2004 inzake de bescherming van dieren tijdens het vervoer en daarmee samenhangende activiteiten en tot wijziging van Richtlijnen 64/432/EEG en 93/119/EG en van Verordening (EG) nr. 1255/97.

(135)  PB L 3 van 5.1.2005.

(136)  http://www.europarl.europa.eu/QP-WEB/home.jsp?language=nl.

(137)  http://www.trouw.nl/tr/nl/5948/Dierenwelzijn/article/detail/3116105/2012/01/11/Dieren-komen-uitgehongerd-en-met-botbreuken-aan-in-Turkije.dhtml.

(138)  Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 of 22 December 2004 on the protection of animals during transport and related operations and amending Directives 64/432/EEC and 93/119/EC and Regulation (EC) No 1255/97.

(139)  OJ L 3, 5.1.2005.

(140)  http://www.europarl.europa.eu/QP-WEB/home.jsp?language=en.

(141)  COM(2011) 735 definitief.

(142)  COM(2011) 455 definitief.

(143)  COM(2011) 735 final.

(144)  COM(2011) 455 final.

(145)  http://ec.europa.eu/commission_2010-2014/malmstrom/news/default_en.htm#20111216.

(146)  http://www.niesr.ac.uk/index.html

(147)  http://mpg-info.posterous.com/study-documents-migrants-contribution-to-spai.

(148)  http://www.repubblica.it/economia/2011/01/07/news/senza_gli_stranieri_negli_ultimi_dieci_anni_ci_sarebbero_il_62_di_imprese_in_meno-10943825/.

(149)  http://ec.europa.eu/commission_2010-2014/malmstrom/news/default_en.htm#20111216.

(150)  http://www.niesr.ac.uk/index.html

(151)  http://mpg-info.posterous.com/study-documents-migrants-contribution-to-spai.

(152)  http://www.repubblica.it/economia/2011/01/07/news/senza_gli_stranieri_negli_ultimi_dieci_anni_ci_sarebbero_il_62_di_imprese_in_meno-10943825/.

(153)  http://www.ad.nl/ad/nl/1040/Den-Haag/article/detail/3103241/2012/01/03/Werkloze-Oost-Europeaan-steeds-vaker-op-het-criminele-pad.dhtml.

(154)  http://www.elsevier.nl/web/Artikel/326815/Onderzoek-naar-criminaliteit-OostEuropeanen.htm

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(157)  http://www.elsevier.nl/web/Artikel/326815/Onderzoek-naar-criminaliteit-OostEuropeanen.htm

(158)  http://www.europarl.europa.eu/QP-WEB.

(159)  Antwoord van mevrouw Malmström namens de Commissie op schriftelijke vraag E-012317/2011 (3.2.2012).

(160)  http://www.telegraaf.nl/buitenland/11458835/__Hek_bij_grens_Griekenland-Turkije__.html?sn=buitenland.

(161)  PB L 239 van 22.9.2000, blz. 138.

(162)  EUCO 23/1/11 REV 1, punt 22.

(163)  14358/11.

(164)  14359/11.

(165)  Answer given by Ms Malmström on behalf of the Commission to Written Question E‐012317/2011 (3.2.2012).

(166)  http://www.telegraaf.nl/buitenland/11458835/__Hek_bij_grens_Griekenland-Turkije__.html?sn=buitenland.

(167)  OJ L 239, 22.9.2000, p. 138.

(168)  EUCO 23/1/11 REV 1 paragraph 22.

(169)  14358/11.

(170)  14359/11.

(171)  COM(2011)933 de 20.12.2011.

(172)  COM(2011) 933, 20.12.2011.

(173)  COM(2011)849 de 2.12.2011.

(174)  (http://www.cen.eu/cen/Sectors/Sectors/Innovation/Pages/TC%20389.aspx).

(175)  COM(2011) 849, 2.12.2011.

(176)  http://www.cen.eu/cen/Sectors/Sectors/Innovation/Pages/TC%20389.aspx.

(177)  Aumentar o impacto da política de desenvolvimento da UE: uma Agenda para a Mudança [COM(2011)637 final].

(178)  ‘Increasing the impact of EU Development Policy: an Agenda for Change’ [COM(2011) 637 final].

(179)  http://www.opendoors.nl/vervolgdechristenen/ranglijst-christenvervolging/landenoverzicht1/.

(180)  http://nos.nl./artikel/327573-christenvervolging-ergst-in-noordkorea.html

(181)  DVK= Democratische Volksrepubliek Korea.

(182)  VN = Verenigde Naties.

(183)  http://www.opendoors.nl/vervolgdechristenen/ranglijst-christenvervolging/landenoverzicht1/.

(184)  http://nos.nl./artikel/327573-christenvervolging-ergst-in-noordkorea.html

(185)  DPRK = Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

(186)  UN = United Nations.

(187)  Directive 2003/88/CE du Parlement européen et du Conseil du 4 novembre 2003 concernant certains aspects de l'aménagement du temps de travail — JO L 299 du 18.11.2003, p. 9.

(188)  Révision de la directive sur le temps de travail (deuxième phase de consultation des partenaires sociaux au niveau de l'Union au titre de l'article 154 du TFUE) — COM(2010) 801 du 21 décembre 2010, point 5.2, v).

(189)  Document de la Commission sur la deuxième phase de consultation en relation avec la révision de la directive sur le temps de travail — COM(2010) 801, point 5.2, v), p. 14.

(190)  Directive 2003/88/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 4 November 2003 concerning certain aspects of the organisation of working time, OJ L 299, 18.11.2003, p. 9.

(191)  Reviewing the Working Time Directive (Second-phase consultation of the social partners at European level under Article 154 TFEU) (COM(2010)801 of 21 December 2010), Section 5.2(v).

(192)  Commission's second-stage consultation paper on Working Time review, COM(2010)801, Section 5.2(v) on page 13.

(193)  http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/en/jha/124566.pdf

(194)  Idem.

(195)  17595/11.

(196)  http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/en/jha/124566.pdf

(197)  Idem.

(198)  17595/11.

(199)  JO L 300 du 14.11.2009.

(200)  JO L 54 du 26.2.2011.

(201)  http://ec.europa.eu/governance/impact/ia_carried_out/docs/ia_2008/sec_2008_1994_en.pdf

(202)  Office alimentaire et vétérinaire de la direction générale de la santé et des consommateurs, http://ec.europa.eu/food/fvo/index_en.cfm.

(203)  OJ L 300, 14.11.2009.

(204)  OJ L 54, 26.2.2011.

(205)  http://ec.europa.eu/governance/impact/ia_carried_out/docs/ia_2008/sec_2008_1994_en.pdf

(206)  DG Health and Consumers Food and Veterinary Office, http://ec.europa.eu/food/fvo/index_en.cfm.

(207)  Belgique (+3,6 %), France et Pays-Bas (+2 %), Allemagne et Royaume-Uni (+1,3 %). L'Italie, l'Espagne et le Luxembourg ont par ailleurs enregistré de légères baisses salariales.

(208)  Les propositions de la Commission prévoient notamment de porter le temps de travail à 40 heures par semaine, d'abaisser les traitements pour certaines fonctions d'appui, de relever l'âge de la retraite à 65 ans et de réduire, de 5 %, les effectifs de l'ensemble des institutions. Ces propositions sont en cours d'examen.

(209)  Belgium (+3.6 %), France and the Netherlands (+2 %), Germany and the United Kingdom (+1.3 %). In addition, there were small salary decreases in Italy, Spain and Luxembourg.

(210)  The Commission's proposals notably include increasing work time to 40h/week, lower salaries for certain support functions, increasing the retirement age to 65 and a reduction of staff in all institutions by 5 %. The proposals are pending.

(211)  GU L 319 del 29.11.2008.

(212)  OJ L 319, 29.11.2008.

(213)  Direttiva 98/59/CE sui licenziamenti collettivi.

(214)  Direttiva 2001/23/CE sulla protezione dei lavoratori in caso di trasferimenti di imprese.

(215)  Direttiva 2002/14/CE sull'informazione e la consultazione dei lavoratori.

(216)  Direttiva 2008/94/CE sulla tutela dei lavoratori in caso di insolvenza del datore di lavoro.

(217)  Direttiva 2009/38/CE del Consiglio relativa al comitato aziendale europeo.

(218)  COM(2012)7, ₫Ristrutturare e anticipare i mutamenti: quali insegnamenti trarre dall'esperienza recente?₻.

(219)  Regolamento (CE) n. 1927/2006 del 20.12.2006 che istituisce un Fondo europeo di adeguamento alla globalizzazione.

(220)  Directive 98/59/EC on collective redundancies. .

(221)  Directive 2001/23/EC on the protection of workers in case of transfer of undertakings.

(222)  Directive 2002/14/EC on information and consultation of workers.

(223)  Directive 2008/94/EC on the protection of workers in case of insolvency of the employer.

(224)  Council Directive 2009/38/EC concerning the European Works Councils.

(225)  COM(2012) 7, ‘Restructuring and anticipation of change, what lessons from the economic crisis?’.

(226)  Regulation (EC) No 1927/2006 of 20.12.2006 on establishing the EGF.

(227)  GU L 49 del 20.2.2009.

(228)  OJ L 49, 20.2.2009.

(229)  http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/11/world/europe/official-vows-fishing-treaty-unity.html?_r=1.

(230)  http://fis.com/fis/worldnews/worldnews.asp?monthyear=1-2012&day=27&id=49443&l=e & country=&special=&ndb=1&df=0.

(231)  http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/11/world/europe/official-vows-fishing-treaty-unity.html?_r=1.

(232)  http://fis.com/fis/worldnews/worldnews.asp?monthyear=1-2012&day=27&id=49443&l=e&country=&special=&ndb=1&df=0.

(233)  16421/10, ENFOPOL 337.

(234)  Comisia Europeană: Propunere de regulament al Parlamentului European și al Consiliului de înființare a programului „Erasmus pentru toți”: Programul Uniunii pentru educație, formare, tineret și sport, 23 noiembrie 2011.

(235)  16421/10, ENFOPOL 337.

(236)  European Commission: Proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing ‘Erasmus for All’: the Union Programme for Education, Training, Youth and Sport, 23 November 2011.

(237)  Dispozițiile relevante pot fi găsite în documentele COM(2011) 627 final/2; 19 octombrie 2011.

(238)  The relevant provisions can be found in COM(2011) 627 final/2; 19 October 2011.

(239)  COM(2011)614 final.

(240)  COM(2011) 614 final.

(241)  A Declaração do Eurogrupo pode ser consultada no seguinte sítio Internet:
(http://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/1440478/statement_on_greece_21_february_2012.pdf).

(242)  The Eurogroup statement can be found at the following website address: http://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/1440478/statement_on_greece_21_february_2012.pdf

(243)  (http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/en/ecofin/128075.pdf).

(244)  http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/en/ecofin/128075.pdf

(245)  (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=COM:2011:0275:FIN:PT:PDF).

(246)  http://ec.europa.eu/justice/policies/criminal/victims/docs/com_2011_275_en.pdf

(247)  (http://ec.europa.eu/clima/news/articles/news_2012020801_en.htm).

(248)  http://ec.europa.eu/clima/news/articles/news_2012020801_en.htm

(249)  GU L 26 del 28.1.2012.

(250)  GU L 197 del 21.7.2001.

(251)  OJ L 26, 28.1.2012.

(252)  OJ L 197, 21.7.2001.

(253)  GU L 149 dell'11.6.2005.

(254)  http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2001:311:0067:0067:IT:PDF.

(255)  OJ L 149, 11.6.2005.

(256)  http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2001:311:0067:0067:EN:PDF.

(257)  Richtlinie 2009/41/EG über die Anwendung genetisch veränderter Mikroorganismen, ABl. L 125 vom 21.5.2009.

(258)  Die Frage bezieht sich auf einen Feldversuch vom September 2009 auf der Kaimaninsel Grand Cayman des britischen Unternehmens Oxitec, der in Zusammenarbeit mit der Mosquito Research and Control Unit der Insel und nach Rücksprache mit Regierungsbehörden und lokalen Vertretern durchgeführt wurde. Bei diesem Vorhaben wurden männliche Stechmücken (die nicht stechen) freigesetzt, deren Nachkommen genetisch so verändert wurden, dass sie nicht fortpflanzungsfähig sind. Einige Wochen nach der experimentellen Freisetzung war die Anzahl dieser Art von Stechmücken, die Überträger (Vektor) des Denguefiebers ist, im Versuchsgebiet um 80 % zurückgegangen.

(259)  Richtlinie 2001/18/EG über die absichtliche Freisetzung genetisch veränderter Organismen in die Umwelt, ABl. L 106 vom 17.4.2004.

(260)  Verordnung (EG) Nr. 1946/2003 über grenzüberschreitende Verbringungen genetisch veränderter Organismen, ABl. L 287 vom 5.11.2003.

(261)  http://www.europarl.europa.eu/QP-WEB/application/search.do.

(262)  Europäische Behörde für Lebensmittelsicherheit.

(263)  Directive 2009/41/EC on the contained use of genetically modified micro-organisms, OJ L 125, 21.5.2009.

(264)  The question refers to a September 2009 field test in the Grand Cayman islands by the British company Oxitec, carried out in collaboration with the islands' Mosquito Research and Control Unit after consultation with government authorities and local representatives. The project released male mosquitoes, which do not bite, and whose offspring were genetically engineered to be sterile. Weeks after the experimental release the numbers of that species of mosquito, the vector for dengue fever, had decreased in the trial area by 80 %.

(265)  Directive 2001/18/EC on the deliberate release into the environment of GMOs, OJ L 106, 17.4.2004.

(266)  Regulation (EC) No 1946/2003 on transboundary movements of GMOs, OJ L 287, 5.11.2003.

(267)  http://www.europarl.europa.eu/QP-WEB/application/search.do.

(268)  European Food Safety Agency.

(269)  http://ec.europa.eu/environment/eussd/pdf/bio_foodwaste_report.pdf

(270)  KOM(2011)571 endgültig vom 20. September 2011.

(271)  http://ec.europa.eu/environment/eussd/pdf/bio_foodwaste_report.pdf

(272)  COM(2011) 571 final adopted on 20 September 2011.

(273)  http://www.europarl.europa.eu/QP-WEB/home.jsp

(274)  http://www.europarl.europa.eu/QP-WEB/home.jsp .

(275)  Directiva 94/22/CE del Parlamento Europeo y del Consejo, de 30 de mayo de 1994, sobre las condiciones para la concesión y el ejercicio de las autorizaciones de prospección, exploración y producción de hidrocarburos (DO L 164 de 30.6.1994).

(276)  Directive 94/22/EC of the Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 1994 on the conditions for granting and using authorisations for the prospection, exploration and production of hydrocarbons, OJ L 164, 30.6.1994.

(277)  http://www.magrama.es/es/prensa/12.02.01 %20Intervenci%C3 %B3n%20Comisi%C3 %B3n_tcm7-190339.pdf

(278)  DO L 327 de 22.12.2000.

(279)  COM(2007) 414 final.

(280)  http://www.magrama.es/es/prensa/12.02.01 %20Intervenci%C3 %B3n%20Comisi%C3 %B3n_tcm7-190339.pdf

(281)  OJ L 327, 22.12.2000.

(282)  COM(2007) 414 final.

(283)  GU L 210 del 31.7.2006.

(284)  OJ L 210, 31.7.2006.

(285)  6461/12.

(286)  5956/12 + COR 1.

(287)  Βλ. τη σύσταση 96/694/EΚ του Συμβουλίου, της 2ας Δεκεμβρίου 1996, για την ισόρροπη συμμετοχή γυναικών και ανδρών στη διαδικασία λήψης αποφάσεων (ΕΕ L 319 της 10.12.1996) και τα συμπεράσματα του Συμβουλίου για τη διαδικασία λήψης οικονομικών αποφάσεων, τα οποία εγκρίθηκαν το 2003 στα πλαίσια των επακόλουθων εργασιών του προγράμματος δράσης του Πεκίνου (15205/03).

(288)  ΕΕ C 155 της 25.5.2011, σ. 10.

(289)  6461/12.

(290)  5956/12 + COR 1.

(291)  See Council Recommendation 96/694/EC of 2 December 1996 on the balanced participation of women and men in the decision-making process (OJ L 319, 10.12.1996) and the Council conclusions on economic decision-making adopted in 2003 as follow-up to the Beijing Platform for Action (15205/03).

(292)  OJ C 155, 25.5.2011, p. 10.

(293)  http://www.europarl.europa.eu/QP-WEB/application/home.do?language=EN.

(294)  (SEC(2011) 1208).

(295)  ABl. L 50 vom 25.2.2003.

(296)  OJ L 50, 25.2.2003.

(297)  Diretiva 2000/29/CE do Conselho, de 8 de maio de 2000, relativa às medidas de proteção contra a introdução na Comunidade de organismos prejudiciais aos vegetais e produtos vegetais e contra a sua propagação no interior da Comunidade (JO L 169 de 10.7.2000).

(298)  Regulamento (CE) n.° 690/2008 da Comissão, de 4 de julho de 2008, que reconhece zonas protegidas na Comunidade expostas a riscos fitossanitários específicos (JO L 193 de 22.7.2008).

(299)  Council Directive 2000/29/EC of 8 May 2000 on protective measures against the introduction into the Community of organisms harmful to plants or plant products and against their spread within the Community (OJ L 169, 10.7.2000).

(300)  Regulation (EC) No 690/2008 recognising protected zones exposed to particular plant health risks in the Community (OJ L 193, 22.7.2008).

(301)  (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2006:304:0001:0006:PT:PDF).

(302)  http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2006:304:0001:0006:EN:PDF.

(303)  (http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/en/ec/125644.pdf).

(304)  http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/en/ec/125644.pdf

(305)  (http://www.europe-aliens.org/speciesFactsheet.do?speciesId=5380#).

(306)  (http://www.cabi.org/isc/?compid=5&dsid=20544&loadmodule=datasheet&page=481&site=144).

(307)  http://www.europe-aliens.org/speciesFactsheet.do?speciesId=5380#.

(308)  http://www.cabi.org/isc/?compid=5&dsid=20544&loadmodule=datasheet&page=481&site=144.

(309)  KOM(2007)539 endg. und KOM(2008)545 endg.

(310)  http://ec.europa.eu/food/animal/diseases/strategy/pillars/action_en.htm

(311)  COM(2007) 539 final and COM(2008) 545 final.

(312)  http://ec.europa.eu/food/animal/diseases/strategy/pillars/action_en.htm

(313)  http://www.europarl.europa.eu/QP-WEB.

(314)  http://www.europarl.europa.eu/QP-WEB.

(315)  COM(2011) 667 final of 12.10.2011.

(316)  DO L 112 de 30.4.2011, p. 1.

(317)  DO L 343 de 22.12.2009, p. 1.

(318)  Fondo Europeo de Pesca/Fondo Europeo Marítimo y de Pesca.

(319)  OJ L 112, 30.4.2011, p. 1.

(320)  OJ L 343, 22.12.2009, p. 1.

(321)  European Fisheries Fund/European Marine and Fisheries Fund.

(322)  Programma ₫Internet più sicuro₻, decisione n. 1351/2008/CE del Parlamento europeo e del Consiglio.

(323)  http://www.sicurinrete.it/.

(324)  http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/11/1485&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en.

(325)  http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/activities/sip/projects/filter_label/sip_bench2/index_en.htm

(326)  Safer Internet Programme 2009-2013 Decision No 1351/2008/EC of the European Parliament and Council.

(327)  http://www.sicurinrete.it/.

(328)  http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/11/1485&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en.

(329)  http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/activities/sip/projects/filter_label/sip_bench2/index_en.htm

(330)  http://ec.europa.eu/energy/international/russia/russia_en.htm

(331)  http://ec.europa.eu/energy/international/russia/russia_en.htm

(332)  Οδηγία 1999/31/ΕΚ περί υγειονομικής ταφής των αποβλήτων, EE L 182 της 16.7.1999.

(333)  Οδηγία 2008/98/ΕΚ του Ευρωπαϊκού Κοινοβουλίου και του Συμβουλίου, της 19ης Νοεμβρίου 2008, για τα απόβλητα και την κατάργηση ορισμένων οδηγιών, ΕΕ L 312 της 22.11.2008.

(334)  Ανακοίνωση της Επιτροπής στο Ευρωπαϊκό Κοινοβούλιο, το Συμβούλιο, την Ευρωπαϊκή Οικονομική και Κοινωνική Επιτροπή και την Επιτροπή των Περιφερειών ₫Χάρτης πορείας για μια αποδοτική, από πλευράς πόρων, Ευρώπη₻ COM(2011)571 τελικό.

(335)  Directive 1999/31/EC on the landfill of waste, OJ L 182, 16.7.1999.

(336)  Directive 2008/98 of the Parliament and of the Council of 19 November 2008 on waste and repealing certain directives, OJ L 312, 22.11.2008.

(337)  Communication from the Commission to the Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions ‘Roadmap to a Resource Efficient Europe’ COM(2011) 571 final.

(338)  Πρόταση κανονισμού του Ευρωπαϊκού Κοινοβουλίου και του Συμβουλίου για την ίδρυση του ευρωπαϊκού συστήματος επιτήρησης των συνόρων (EUROSUR), COM(2011)873 τελικό.

(339)  ΚΑΝΟΝΙΣΜΟΣ (ΕΕ) αριθ. 1168/2011 ΤΟΥ ΕΥΡΩΠΑΪΚΟΥ ΚΟΙΝΟΒΟΥΛΙΟΥ ΚΑΙ ΤΟΥ ΣΥΜΒΟΥΛΙΟΥ, της 25ης Οκτωβρίου 2011, για την τροποποίηση του κανονισμού (ΕΚ) αριθ. 2007/2004 του Συμβουλίου σχετικά με τη σύσταση ευρωπαϊκού οργανισμού για τη διαχείριση της επιχειρησιακής συνεργασίας στα εξωτερικά σύνορα των κρατών μελών της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης ΕΕ L 304 της 22.11.2011, σ. 1.

(340)  Proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the European Border Surveillance System (Eurosur), COM(2011) 873 final.

(341)  Regulation (EU) No 1168/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2011 amending Council Regulation (EC) No 2007/2004 establishing a European Agency for the Management of Operational Cooperation at the External Borders of the Member States of the European Union, OJ L 304, 22.11.2011, p. 1.

(342)  http://www.reaktproject.eu/.

(343)  http://www.share-eu.org/.

(344)  http://www.reaktproject.eu/.

(345)  http://www.share-eu.org/.