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

(2014/C 47 E/01)

Contents

E-006465/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: US lobbying for genetically modified organisms (GMO)

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-006466/13 by Véronique Mathieu Houillon and Agustín Díaz de Mera García Consuegra to the Council

Subject: Tabling of a legislative proposal for the reform of CEPOL

Versión española

Version française

English version

E-006467/13 by Cristiana Muscardini to the Commission

Subject: Bank bailouts

Versione italiana

English version

E-006468/13 by Lucas Hartong to the Commission

Subject: Impossibility of monitoring the effectiveness of ESF funding for older workers

Nederlandse versie

English version

E-006469/13 by Raül Romeva i Rueda to the Commission

Subject: Exploration for oil in Ibiza

Versión española

English version

E-006470/13 by Ingeborg Gräßle to the Commission

Subject: Moneyval-Deloitte report on money laundering in Cyprus

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-006471/13 by Phil Bennion to the Commission

Subject: Staff conditions on cruise ships

English version

E-006472/13 by Keith Taylor to the Commission

Subject: European Cooperation Group on Undercover Activities and EU secret police networks

English version

E-006473/13 by Sir Graham Watson to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Oppression of the political opposition in Bahrain

English version

E-006474/13 by Roberta Angelilli to the Commission

Subject: Possible infringement of the principles of sound and proper financial management and accounting procedures in the municipality of Monteriggioni

Versione italiana

English version

E-006475/13 by Minodora Cliveti to the Commission

Subject: Need to create a uniform European market in professional qualifications as a vital counterpart to the single European labour market

Versiunea în limba română

English version

E-006479/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Transparency of industry electricity prices in the EU

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-006481/13 by Antigoni Papadopoulou to the Commission

Subject: Sale of Cypriot bank branches to Piraeus Bank

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-006483/13 by Antigoni Papadopoulou to the Commission

Subject: Tax evasion and tax havens

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-006484/13 by David Campbell Bannerman to the Commission

Subject: Greek ‘special import tax’ on cars

English version

E-006485/13 by Zigmantas Balčytis to the Commission

Subject: Delayed implementation of the B1 Interim Spent Fuel Storage Facility Project at the Ignalina nuclear power plant

Tekstas lietuvių kalba

English version

E-006486/13 by Keith Taylor to the Commission

Subject: Commission progress on developing an EU legal framework for the protection of pets and stray animals

English version

E-006487/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: 100% safe implants

Version française

English version

E-006489/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Dog trafficking and animal welfare

Version française

English version

E-006491/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Same-sex marriage: slanderous comments under the European banner

Version française

English version

E-006492/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Release of a Tunisian FEMEN activist

Version française

English version

E-006493/13 by Lorenzo Fontana to the Commission

Subject: Violations of religious freedom in Vietnam — the case of Montagnard Christians

Versione italiana

English version

E-006494/13 by Lorenzo Fontana to the Commission

Subject: Forty-three employees of foreign NGOs sentenced in Egypt

Versione italiana

English version

E-006495/13 by Lorenzo Fontana to the Commission

Subject: Eight workers arrested during protests in Cambodia

Versione italiana

English version

P-006496/13 by Marianne Thyssen to the Commission

Subject: Road safety — height of bumpers

Nederlandse versie

English version

E-006497/13 by Eider Gardiazábal Rubial, Sergio Gutiérrez Prieto, Alejandro Cercas and María Irigoyen Pérez to the Commission

Subject: Fate of the EUR 82 billion in structural funds reallocated to help tackle unemployment, particularly youth unemployment

Versión española

English version

E-006498/13 by Rosa Estaràs Ferragut to the Commission

Subject: Qualité Tourisme

Versión española

English version

E-006499/13 by Rosa Estaràs Ferragut to the Commission

Subject: Follow-up to application of UN Convention

Versión española

English version

E-006500/13 by Dolores García-Hierro Caraballo to the Commission

Subject: Gender statistics on the fishing industry

Versión española

English version

E-006501/13 by Dolores García-Hierro Caraballo to the Commission

Subject: Monitoring of illegal fishing in the EU

Versión española

English version

E-006502/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Regulation of shadow banking entities

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-006503/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: High interest rates on overdrafts despite reductions in the base rate

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-006505/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Food speculation

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-006506/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Information on the security of bank loans

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-006508/13 by Nikolaos Salavrakos to the Commission

Subject: Operation of Community support framework Management Body (MOD-AE)

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-006509/13 by Nikolaos Salavrakos to the Commission

Subject: Appalling conditions at the Halandri Roma encampment in Attiki

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-006510/13 by Josef Weidenholzer to the Commission

Subject: Sources and interpretation of statistics on the retention of passenger name records

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-006511/13 by Marta Andreasen to the Commission

Subject: Commission's referral of the United Kingdom to the ECJ regarding its ‘right to reside’ test for social security benefits

English version

E-006512/13 by Véronique Mathieu Houillon to the Council

Subject: Importing vehicles into a new Member State of residence

Version française

English version

E-006514/13 by Mario Borghezio to the Commission

Subject: Call for the Commission to review its position on the extraction of shale gas

Versione italiana

English version

P-006515/13 by Gabriel Mato Adrover to the Commission

Subject: Regulating fishing for deep-sea stocks

Versión española

English version

E-006516/13 by Francisco Sosa Wagner to the Council

Subject: Homophobia and discrimination — study by the European Fundamental Rights Agency

Versión española

English version

E-006517/13 by Francisco Sosa Wagner to the Commission

Subject: Homophobia and discrimination — study by the European Fundamental Rights Agency

Versión española

English version

E-006518/13 by Francisco Sosa Wagner to the Commission

Subject: New synthetic drugs and the need to improve the Early Warning System in Europe

Versión española

English version

E-006519/13 by Rosa Estaràs Ferragut to the Commission

Subject: The unjustified refusal to make reasonable accommodations in the workplace

Versión española

English version

E-006520/13 by Rosa Estaràs Ferragut to the Commission

Subject: ‘ICT and tourism’ platform

Versión española

English version

E-006521/13 by Rosa Estaràs Ferragut to the Commission

Subject: Pilot project to network institutions related to tourism

Versión española

English version

E-006522/13 by Rosa Estaràs Ferragut to the Commission

Subject: European mobility card

Versión española

English version

E-006524/13 by Auke Zijlstra to the Commission

Subject: Mismanagement by the Troika of the Greek bailout

Nederlandse versie

English version

E-006525/13 by Sophia in 't Veld, Antonyia Parvanova, Jean Lambert, Sirpa Pietikäinen and Véronique Mathieu Houillon to the Commission

Subject: Development Cooperation Instrument I

българска версия

Version française

Nederlandse versie

Suomenkielinen versio

English version

E-006526/13 by Sophia in 't Veld, Antonyia Parvanova, Jean Lambert, Sirpa Pietikäinen and Véronique Mathieu Houillon to the Commission

Subject: Development Cooperation Instrument II

българска версия

Version française

Nederlandse versie

Suomenkielinen versio

English version

P-006527/13 by Pat the Cope Gallagher to the Commission

Subject: European Investment Bank funding

English version

E-006528/13 by James Nicholson to the Commission

Subject: Commission country-specific recommendations

English version

E-006529/13 by James Nicholson to the Commission

Subject: Gender pension gap in the EU

English version

E-006530/13 by James Nicholson to the Commission

Subject: Partnership and Cooperation Agreement with Kazakhstan

English version

E-006531/13 by James Nicholson to the Commission

Subject: Participation in European Parliament elections

English version

E-006532/13 by James Nicholson to the Commission

Subject: EU Civil Society Platform

English version

E-006533/13 by James Nicholson to the Commission

Subject: Additional Commissioner portfolios

English version

E-006534/13 by James Nicholson to the Commission

Subject: Aid to Jordan

English version

E-006535/13 by Pat the Cope Gallagher to the Commission

Subject: Long-term unemployment

English version

E-006536/13 by Jim Higgins to the Commission

Subject: Language schools in Europe

English version

E-006537/13 by Raül Romeva i Rueda to the Commission

Subject: Law on the prevention of money laundering

Versión española

English version

E-006540/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: 2013 report: an increasingly dangerous world for refugees and migrants

Version française

English version

E-006541/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Attacks on aid workers in Afghanistan

Version française

English version

E-006542/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Positive steps in the Dominican Republic

Version française

English version

E-006543/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Uganda — activists arrested against a worrying backdrop of media repression

Version française

English version

E-006544/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: South Sudan — still no justice for demonstrators killed

Version française

English version

E-006545/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Expropriating Mittal

Version française

English version

E-006546/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Google Android: abuse of dominant position (follow-up)

Version française

English version

E-006547/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: EU-India agreement: monitoring

Version française

English version

E-006548/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Transport of horses: (further to Question E-011234/2012)

Version française

English version

E-006550/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Gaddafi at the International Criminal Court

Version française

English version

E-006551/13 by Edite Estrela to the Commission

Subject: Commission representative in Portugal

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-006552/13 by Esther Herranz García and Eva Ortiz Vilella to the Commission

Subject: Importing citrus pests

Versión española

English version

E-006553/13 by Esther Herranz García and Eva Ortiz Vilella to the Commission

Subject: Blight imported in citric fruit

Versión española

English version

E-006554/13 by Willy Meyer to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Irregularities in the Rwandan judicial system in the case of Victoire Ingabire

Versión española

English version

E-006560/13 by Andreas Mölzer to the Commission

Subject: Implementation of the Water Framework Directive

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-006561/13 by Andreas Mölzer to the Commission

Subject: Securing level crossings

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-006562/13 by Andreas Mölzer to the Commission

Subject: Increasing bicycle use by making more bicycle parking places available

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-006563/13 by Angelika Niebler to the Commission

Subject: Regulation (EU) No 260/2012: direct debiting systems

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-006564/13 by Antigoni Papadopoulou to the Commission

Subject: Impact of the memorandum of understanding on Greece

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-006565/13 by Antigoni Papadopoulou to the Commission

Subject: Economic crisis and the memorandum of understanding

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-006566/13 by Nicole Sinclaire to the Commission

Subject: VAT rates

English version

E-006567/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Major brands and toxic clothes

Version française

English version

P-006568/13 by Anni Podimata to the Commission

Subject: IMF evaluation report on programme for Greece

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-006570/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Rise in gas prices in the EU

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-006572/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Revival of the fashion industry by the Commission

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-006575/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Increase in electricity prices in the EU

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-006577/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Iceland's accession to the European Union

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-006578/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Renewal of the gas transit pipeline in Ukraine

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-006580/13 by David Martin to the Commission

Subject: Assistance to women who have suffered miscarriage, stillbirth or neonatal loss

English version

E-006581/13 by Monika Panayotova to the Commission

Subject: Liberalisation of the smoking ban in public areas in Bulgaria

българска версия

English version

E-006582/13 by Nigel Farage to the Commission

Subject: Austrian aviation case

English version

E-006583/13 by Nikolaos Chountis to the Commission

Subject: Implementation of Statistical Confidentiality

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-006584/13 by Nikolaos Chountis to the Commission

Subject: ATE sell-off and borrowers' rights

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-006585/13 by Nikolaos Chountis to the Commission

Subject: Sale of Cypriot bank branches to Piraeus Bank

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-006587/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Origin of fish sold in the EU

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-006588/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Brussels wishes to scrap ‘roaming’

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-006589/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Cow's milk introduced too early into babies' diets

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-006590/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Sex offenders' register

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-006591/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Malnutrition

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-006593/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Pregnant women — iodine supplement

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-006594/13 by Vasilica Viorica Dăncilă to the Commission

Subject: Indirect change of land use for agricultural land

Versiunea în limba română

English version

E-006595/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: The Commission's forecasts of the change in Portugal's GDP

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-006596/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Franco-German proposal to fight unemployment

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-006598/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Disappearance of a third of bees in the United States last winter

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-006599/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Unemployment in Germany

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-006600/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Anti-malaria vaccine

Versão portuguesa

English version

P-006602/13 by Hermann Winkler to the Commission

Subject: Availability of appropriations from the European Solidarity Fund

Deutsche Fassung

English version

P-006603/13 by Susy De Martini to the Commission

Subject: Online contracts and consumer protection

Versione italiana

English version

P-006604/13 by Françoise Castex to the Commission

Subject: Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Amendment Act and EU citizens' personal data

Version française

English version

E-006606/13 by Mara Bizzotto to the Commission

Subject: Further seizures of sub-standard Chinese toys

Versione italiana

English version

E-006608/13 by Oreste Rossi to the Commission

Subject: Pesticides: new strategies for pest control, what benefits from chemistry and nature

Versione italiana

English version

E-006609/13 by Oreste Rossi to the Commission

Subject: Food security in developing countries: new prospects for EU intervention guidelines

Versione italiana

English version

E-006610/13 by Oreste Rossi to the Commission

Subject: Fisheries policy between the EU and third countries

Versione italiana

English version

E-006611/13 by Oreste Rossi to the Commission

Subject: Mislabelled fishery products: new risks to consumer health

Versione italiana

English version

E-006612/13 by Oreste Rossi to the Commission

Subject: Situation in the European steel industry: action required following the recent scandals concerning goods produced in India

Versione italiana

English version

E-006613/13 by Mario Borghezio to the Commission

Subject: Violations of the Schengen and Dublin Agreements

Versione italiana

English version

E-006614/13 by Giovanni La Via and Gianni Pittella to the Commission

Subject: Safeguarding competition in airport retail services

Versione italiana

English version

E-006615/13 by Philip Claeys to the Commission

Subject: Participation of Commissioners in the Bilderberg conference

Nederlandse versie

English version

E-006618/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Frankfurt — Protesters block ECB headquarters

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-006619/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Syria: Russia and United States at loggerheads

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-006620/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Moscow supplying weapons to Damascus

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-006621/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Genetic manipulation of mosquitoes

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-006622/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: United States growing faster than EU countries

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-006623/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: New treatment for AIDS

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-006624/13 by Sergio Gutiérrez Prieto, Alejandro Cercas and Eider Gardiazábal Rubial to the Commission

Subject: Measures to tackle the economic exile of young Europeans

Versión española

English version

E-006625/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Nuclear arsenals

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-006626/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Russia blocks humanitarian aid to Syria

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-006627/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — EU lifts arms embargo on Syrian rebels

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-006628/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Amnesty International report

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-006629/13 by Zbigniew Ziobro to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Arrest of Vano Merabishvili, former Prime Minister of Georgia

Wersja polska

English version

E-006632/13 by David Martin to the Commission

Subject: Airlines forcing passengers to change wheelchairs before boarding flights

English version

E-006633/13 by Elena Băsescu to the Commission

Subject: Evaluation mechanism to verify the application of the Schengen acquis

Versiunea în limba română

English version

P-006634/13 by Louis Michel to the Commission

Subject: Political situation in Madagascar

Version française

English version

P-006635/13 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: Commissioner Rehn's statements on the IMF

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-006636/13 by Raül Romeva i Rueda to the Commission

Subject: Hate crime in Paris

Versión española

English version

E-006637/13 by Raül Romeva i Rueda to the Commission

Subject: Additional charges concealed by airlines

Versión española

English version

E-006638/13 by Lorenzo Fontana to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Human rights violations in Saudi Arabia

Versione italiana

English version

E-006639/13 by Lorenzo Fontana to the Commission

Subject: Food scandal in Taiwan

Versione italiana

English version

E-006640/13 by Lorenzo Fontana to the Commission

Subject: North Korean children forced to leave school to plant rice

Versione italiana

English version

E-006642/13 by Andrea Zanoni to the Commission

Subject: Danger of aquifer contamination from the planned expansion of a landfill site in Trevignano, north-eastern Italy

Versione italiana

English version

E-006643/13 by Carlo Fidanza to the Commission

Subject: Uber service

Versione italiana

English version

E-006644/13 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — International Arms Trade Treaty

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-006645/13 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: Financial transaction tax — State of play and prospects

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-006647/13 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: Possible new reduction in Greek sovereign debt

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-006648/13 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: Need to recapitalise Greek banks

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-006649/13 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — ILO: reduced inequality in emerging and developing countries

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-006652/13 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: Social media malware

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-006653/13 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: Increased euro area stability

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-006654/13 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: Italy: three coronavirus cases

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-006655/13 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Manufacture of chemical weapons by al-Qaeda

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-006656/13 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: Floods in Central Europe

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-006658/13 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: United States: Solar plane

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-006659/13 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: Belgian Prime Minister's email hacked

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-006660/13 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: Directive 2011/84/EU — tooth whitening or bleaching products

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-006661/13 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Possible EU support for the future demobilisation of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia — People's Army (FARC-EP)

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-006662/13 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: Another European call to combat youth unemployment

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-006663/13 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: Crisis in the construction sector

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-006664/13 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: Discovery of the chemical structure of the HIV capsid

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-006665/13 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: EU action to combat the ‘hacker economy’

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-006666/13 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: Increased economic confidence in the euro area

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-006667/13 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: Germany's growth forecast lowered by the IMF

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-006668/13 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: Sentence for using asbestos in factories

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-006669/13 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: E-books: Apple accused of conspiring to increase prices

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-006670/13 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Production of chemical weapons by al-Qaeda

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-006671/13 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Supplying arms to the opposition in Syria

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-006672/13 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: Link between the attack in Paris and al-Qaeda's terrorist strategy

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-006673/13 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: French companies involved in defrauding UN programme

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-006674/13 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Russia giving Syria S-300 missiles

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-006675/13 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Syria: UN commission reports use of chemical weapons in the country

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-006676/13 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: Ban on sale of Apple products for breaching Samsung patents

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-006677/13 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: Adapting the Ariane 5

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-006678/13 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: Development of the Ariane 6

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-006679/13 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: Toyota announces potential problem with 242 000 vehicles

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-006680/13 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: Latvia's future adoption of the euro: risks and opportunities

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-006681/13 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: Directive 2009/30/EC — Maximum petrol vapour pressure

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-006682/13 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: Directive 2009/31/EC — Geological storage of carbon dioxide

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-006683/13 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: Directive 2009/126/EC — Stage II petrol vapour recovery at service stations

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-006684/13 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: Directive 2011/37/EU — End-of-life vehicles

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-006685/13 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: Directive 2010/79/EU — ISO 11890-1 analytical method

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-006686/13 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: Directive 2008/8/EC

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-006687/13 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: Directive 2009/110/EC

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-006688/13 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Myanmar: release of political prisoners announced

Versão portuguesa

English version

P-006689/13 by Rachida Dati to the Council

Subject: Imposition of an antidumping duty on Chinese photovoltaic panels imported into the European Union

Version française

English version

P-006690/13 by Martina Anderson to the Commission

Subject: EU Platform for Tax Good Governance, Aggressive Tax Planning and Double Taxation

English version

E-006692/13 by Willy Meyer to the Commission

Subject: Ban on the publication of independent studies by consumers

Versión española

English version

E-006693/13 by Francisco Sosa Wagner to the Commission

Subject: Delays in funding research projects

Versión española

English version

E-006694/13 by Francisco Sosa Wagner to the Commission

Subject: Subsidies for Spain's regional broadcasters

Versión española

English version

E-006696/13 by Francisco Sosa Wagner to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Defending freedom of expression and communication

Versión española

English version

P-006697/13 by Franco Frigo to the Commission

Subject: Austrian tax on purchases of vehicles abroad

Versione italiana

English version

E-006698/13 by Rosa Estaràs Ferragut to the Commission

Subject: Approval of products for disabled persons. Development of universally designed goods and services

Versión española

English version

E-006699/13 by Rosa Estaràs Ferragut to the Commission

Subject: Educational exchanges on European tourism

Versión española

English version

E-006700/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Renewal of the gas transit pipeline in Ukraine

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-006701/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Products offered free of charge to EU officials and temporary staff

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-006702/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Cost of EU battlegroups

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-006703/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Promotion of floating hydroelectric power stations

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-006704/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Days lost to strikes by Commission officials

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-006705/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Flood defence cooperation

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-006706/13 by Angelika Werthmann to the Commission

Subject: Military operations in Sudan

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-006707/13 by Jens Geier to the Commission

Subject: Competition and occupational safety legislation as it relates to shop opening times

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-006708/13 by Morten Løkkegaard to the Commission

Subject: Discrimination against language teachers at Italian universities

Dansk udgave

English version

E-006709/13 by David Casa to the Commission

Subject: Youth participation in European elections

Verżjoni Maltija

English version

E-006710/13 by David Casa to the Commission

Subject: Commission's and CERN's support for SESAME

Verżjoni Maltija

English version

E-006711/13 by David Casa to the Commission

Subject: Country-specific recommendations

Verżjoni Maltija

English version

E-006712/13 by David Casa to the Commission

Subject: New European Industrial Strategy for Electronics

Verżjoni Maltija

English version

E-006713/13 by Julie Girling to the Commission

Subject: Impact assessment under the Habitats Directive

English version

E-006714/13 by Catherine Stihler to the Commission

Subject: Driving examiners

English version

E-006717/13 by Marina Yannakoudakis to the Commission

Subject: Invasive alien species and the non-native oak processionary moth

English version

E-006718/13 by Emma McClarkin to the Commission

Subject: New financial reporting requirements in Spain

English version

E-006719/13 by Sandrine Bélier to the Commission

Subject: GM plants with stacked genes

Version française

English version

E-006720/13 by Catherine Grèze to the Commission

Subject: Financing of the peace process in the Basque Country

Version française

English version

E-006722/13 by Inês Cristina Zuber to the Commission

Subject: Unemployment in the district of Viana do Castelo

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-006723/13 by Inês Cristina Zuber to the Commission

Subject: Redundancies at Solvay Portugal in Santa Iria de Azóia, Portugal

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-006724/13 by Inês Cristina Zuber to the Commission

Subject: The situation of the manufacturer Rodman — planned unit in Valença

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-006725/13 by Inês Cristina Zuber to the Commission

Subject: Answer to Question E-001809/2013

Versão portuguesa

English version

P-006728/13 by Bart Staes to the Commission

Subject: Possible meetings between the Commission President and the tobacco industry in Portugal

Nederlandse versie

English version

E-006729/13 by Francisco Sosa Wagner to the Commission

Subject: Defending freedom of expression and communication

Versión española

English version

E-006730/13 by Rosa Estaràs Ferragut to the Commission

Subject: Inclusion of Member States' popular traditions on the World Heritage List

Versión española

English version

E-006731/13 by Rosa Estaràs Ferragut to the Commission

Subject: 75% employment target in 2020 strategy

Versión española

English version

E-006732/13 by Rosa Estaràs Ferragut to the Commission

Subject: Some airlines unjustifiably discriminate against persons with reduced mobility

Versión española

English version

E-006733/13 by Sirpa Pietikäinen to the Commission

Subject: Application of Article 19 of the regulation on nutrition and health claims

Suomenkielinen versio

English version

P-006735/13 by Rosa Estaràs Ferragut to the Commission

Subject: Funding for waste incinerators

Versión española

English version

P-006736/13 by Martin Ehrenhauser to the Commission

Subject: PRISM and Europol

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-006737/13 by Morten Løkkegaard to the Commission

Subject: The ‘Prism’ programme

Dansk udgave

English version

E-006738/13 by Antigoni Papadopoulou to the Commission

Subject: Classification of Cyprus among the poor countries

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-006739/13 by Antigoni Papadopoulou to the Commission

Subject: Economic migration

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-006740/13 by Antigoni Papadopoulou to the Commission

Subject: Social dumping

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-006741/13 by Leonidas Donskis to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Posthumous trial of Russian lawyer Sergei Magnitsky

Tekstas lietuvių kalba

English version

E-006743/13 by Marietje Schaake to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Unanswered priority question: ‘Fulfilling full Unifil mandate in Lebanon and EU assistance to Lebanese Armed Forces’

Nederlandse versie

English version

E-006744/13 by Mairead McGuinness to the Commission

Subject: EU future plans in relation to biofuels

English version

E-006745/13 by Mara Bizzotto to the Commission

Subject: Italian car market in crisis

Versione italiana

English version

E-006746/13 by Mara Bizzotto to the Commission

Subject: Intention of an Islamist party to impose sharia law in Belgium

Versione italiana

English version

E-006747/13 by Fabrizio Bertot to the Commission

Subject: Direct and indirect costs to government budgets as a result of earthquakes, particularly the last two violent earthquakes in Italy

Versione italiana

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E-006748/13 by Sergio Berlato to the Commission

Subject: Childhood: alarming figures on the risk of poverty and social exclusion in Europe

Versione italiana

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P-006749/13 by Pino Arlacchi to the Commission

Subject: Offshore drilling: natural disaster prevention

Versione italiana

English version

E-006750/13 by Teresa Riera Madurell, Sergio Gutiérrez Prieto, Francisco Sosa Wagner, Raül Romeva i Rueda, Andrés Perelló Rodríguez and Alejandro Cercas to the Commission

Subject: Risk of a new Spanish bank bailout due to the possible bankruptcy of thousands of small photovoltaic (PV) investors

Versión española

English version

E-006752/13 by Nikolaos Chountis to the Commission

Subject: The health sector in Greece

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-006753/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Commercial war between Europe and China

Version française

English version

E-006754/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Belarus: Chinese outpost with tax breaks

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E-006755/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Anti-competitive agreements between pharmaceutical groups

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E-006756/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Performance of EU ports

Version française

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E-006757/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: ‘A better Internet for children’ at grave risk

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E-006758/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Consequences of a ban on roaming charges

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E-006759/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Total charged for roaming services

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E-006760/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: El Salvador: torture of Beatriz

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E-006761/13 by Alfredo Antoniozzi to the Commission

Subject: High youth unemployment and shortage of qualified workers in Europe

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E-006762/13 by Alfredo Antoniozzi to the Commission

Subject: European measures to combat excessive alcohol consumption in the EU

Versione italiana

English version

P-006763/13 by Ioannis A. Tsoukalas to the Commission

Subject: Gazprom withdrawal from DEPA privatisation

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-006764/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: NSA retrieval of Skype user data

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-006765/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Use of Internet services affected by NSA spying

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-006766/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Possible financing of the acquisition of Skype by the US intelligence services

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-006767/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Communication transfer via the USA

Deutsche Fassung

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E-006768/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: The Commission's knowledge with regard to PRISM

Deutsche Fassung

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E-006769/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Council

Subject: The Council's knowledge of PRISM

Deutsche Fassung

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P-006770/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — US access to internal EEAS information via PRISM

Deutsche Fassung

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E-006771/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Establishment of a European Internet industry

Deutsche Fassung

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E-006772/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: The gathering of personal information on EU citizens through PRISM

Deutsche Fassung

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E-006773/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Gathering of personal data in the EU

Deutsche Fassung

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E-006774/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Use of PRISM information by the UK

Deutsche Fassung

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E-006775/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Inclusion of the Joint Situation Centre in PRISM surveillance

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-006776/13 by Ingeborg Gräßle to the Commission

Subject: The costs associated with Commission Members' cabinets

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-006777/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Council

Subject: US access to internal Council information through PRISM

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-006778/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: US access to internal Commission information through PRISM

Deutsche Fassung

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E-006779/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Legal steps as a result of the exposure of the PRISM programme

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-006780/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Use of software and hardware produced by companies involved in NSA surveillance

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-006781/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Protection of EU citizens against illegal access to private data by the British authorities

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-006782/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Council

Subject: Use of PRISM information by the United Kingdom

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-006783/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Legal assessment of British use of PRISM information

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-006784/13 by Takis Hadjigeorgiou to the Commission

Subject: Infringement of human rights of Internet users

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-006785/13 by Marc Tarabella, Monika Flašíková Beňová, Edite Estrela, María Muñiz De Urquiza, Lidia Joanna Geringer de Oedenberg, Enrique Guerrero Salom, Richard Falbr, Claudiu Ciprian Tănăsescu, Joanna Senyszyn, Adam Gierek, Sergio Gaetano Cofferati, Jean Louis Cottigny, Liem Hoang Ngoc, Eider Gardiazábal Rubial, Antigoni Papadopoulou, Spyros Danellis, Mojca Kleva Kekuš, Mitro Repo, Daciana Octavia Sârbu, Liisa Jaakonsaari, Alejandro Cercas, Zigmantas Balčytis, Udo Bullmann, António Fernando Correia de Campos, Antolín Sánchez Presedo, Bernadette Vergnaud, Véronique De Keyser, Anni Podimata, Eric Andrieu, Georgios Stavrakakis, Gilles Pargneaux, Raimon Obiols, Boris Zala, Isabelle Thomas, George Sabin Cutaş, Catherine Trautmann, Pier Antonio Panzeri, Maria Eleni Koppa, Bogusław Liberadzki, Patrice Tirolien, Sergio Gutiérrez Prieto, Olga Sehnalová, Katarína Neveďalová, Sylvana Rapti, Frédéric Daerden, Barbara Weiler, Roberto Gualtieri, Salvatore Caronna, Silvia-Adriana Ţicău, Francesco De Angelis and Vicente Miguel Garcés Ramón to the Commission

Subject: Call for a new six-pack!

Version française

Slovenské znenie

English version

E-006786/13 by Doris Pack, Petra Kammerevert and Ivo Belet to the Commission

Subject: Learning mobility for early school leavers under the new EU educational programme

Deutsche Fassung

Nederlandse versie

English version

E-006787/13 by Gaston Franco to the Commission

Subject: Fight against the proliferation of yellow-legged hornet

Version française

English version

E-006788/13 by Sophie Auconie, Bart Staes, Michèle Rivasi, Corinne Lepage, Riikka Pakarinen and Anne Delvaux to the Commission

Subject: Food security of citizens of … China?

Version française

Nederlandse versie

Suomenkielinen versio

English version

E-006789/13 by Vasilica Viorica Dăncilă to the Commission

Subject: Support in flood situations

Versiunea în limba română

English version

E-006790/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Legislative schedule for roaming

Version française

English version

E-006791/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Cambodia: mother gaoled for fighting for right to housing

Version française

English version

E-006792/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Are the Russian authorities promoting homophobia?

Version française

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E-006795/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Occupational health and safety strategy spluttering outside the Commission's gates

Version française

English version

E-006796/13 by Gianni Vattimo to the Commission

Subject: Use of EU funds for the construction of the new Turin-Lyon high-speed rail line (TEN-T Priority Project 6)

Versione italiana

English version

E-006797/13 by Marek Henryk Migalski to the Commission

Subject: Case against Polish Home Army Soldiers' Association in Belarus for commemorating a Polish leader

Wersja polska

English version

E-006798/13 by David Casa to the Commission

Subject: New laws on gay marriage and relationships in Nigeria

Verżjoni Maltija

English version

E-006805/13 by Morten Løkkegaard to the Commission

Subject: The Roaming Regulation

Dansk udgave

English version

E-006806/13 by Fiorello Provera and Charles Tannock to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Question of intervention in Syria

Versione italiana

English version

E-006807/13 by Fiorello Provera and Charles Tannock to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — NGO workers sentenced in Egypt

Versione italiana

English version

E-006808/13 by Fiorello Provera and Charles Tannock to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Preparations for Afghanistan's presidential elections

Versione italiana

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E-006809/13 by Fiorello Provera and Charles Tannock to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Iraqi al-Qaeda alleged chemical weapons plot

Versione italiana

English version

E-006810/13 by Fiorello Provera and Charles Tannock to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Alleged excessive use of force against Turkish protestors

Versione italiana

English version

E-006811/13 by Fiorello Provera and Charles Tannock to the Council

Subject: Iranian agents' alleged attempt to infiltrate South American countries

Versione italiana

English version

P-006812/13 by Maria do Céu Patrão Neves to the Commission

Subject: Retabling of questions on the POSEI Fisheries programme (Regulation (EC) No 791/2007)

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-006813/13 by Willy Meyer to the Commission

Subject: Operation of El Acebo quarry in Asturias (Spain)

Versión española

English version

E-006814/13 by Niki Tzavela to the Commission

Subject: Demand by the troika for the ban on evictions to be revoked

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-006817/13 by Andrew Henry William Brons to the Commission

Subject: European Agency for Fundamental Rights — simple definition

English version

E-006818/13 by Giovanni La Via to the Commission

Subject: Wholeness of payment to beneficiaries: set-off

Versione italiana

English version

E-006819/13 by Fabrizio Bertot to the Commission

Subject: Online business: initiatives to ally the sector's marked growth with consumer protection

Versione italiana

English version

E-006820/13 by Carlo Fidanza to the Commission

Subject: Emergency caused by overpopulation of bluefin tuna in the Ligurian Sea

Versione italiana

English version

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-006465/13

an die Kommission

Hans-Peter Martin (NI)

(6. Juni 2013)

Betrifft: Lobbyarbeit der USA zu genetisch veränderten Organismen (GVO)

Im Bericht „Biotech Ambassadors“, der kürzlich von der gemeinnützigen US-amerikanischen Organisation für Verbraucherschutz „Food & Water Watch“ veröffentlicht wurde, werden die gezielten Bemühungen des Außenministeriums der Vereinigten Staaten, bei Regierungen weltweit Lobbyarbeit zugunsten von Biotechnologieunternehmen, insbesondere zugunsten des Unternehmens Monsanto zu leisten, sehr ausführlich beschrieben. Für diesen Bericht wurden von der Nichtregierungsorganisation kürzlich auf der Internetplattform „WikiLeaks“ veröffentlichte Diplomatenberichte untersucht. Die Lobbyarbeit soll unter anderem auch in Europa stattgefunden haben: So versuchte die Botschaft der Vereinigten Staaten in der Slowakei angeblich, „Interessen im Namen von Monsanto zu vertreten“, und die spanische Botschaft forderte Berichten zufolge „eine hochrangige Intervention seitens der amerikanischen Regierung“, um den „Widerstand gegen genetisch veränderte Nutzpflanzen zu bekämpfen“.

Antwort von Herrn Borg im Namen der Kommission

(31. Juli 2013)

1./2. Die mit GVO befassten Generaldirektionen der Kommission stehen über etablierte Foren zur Zusammenarbeit in Regulierungsfragen und zum Informationsaustausch über Themen im Zusammenhang mit GVO, insbesondere im Rahmen des Übereinkommens über die Anwendung gesundheitspolizeilicher und pflanzenschutzrechtlicher Maßnahmen (SPS-Übereinkommen) und des Übereinkommens über technische Handelshemmnisse (TBT-Übereinkommen) der Welthandelsorganisation (WTO), in regelmäßigem Kontakt mit den entsprechenden Stellen der US-amerikanischen Regierung.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006465/13

to the Commission

Hans-Peter Martin (NI)

(6 June 2013)

Subject: US lobbying for genetically modified organisms (GMO)

The report ‘Biotech Ambassadors’, recently released by the US non-profit consumer protection group ‘Food & Water Watch’, details concerted efforts by the US State Department to lobby governments around the world in favour of biotech companies, in particular the Monsanto Corporation. For this report the NGO analysed diplomatic cables recently released on the WikiLeaks online platform. Some of the alleged lobbying took place in Europe, such that the US embassy in Slovakia supposedly sought to ‘advocate on behalf of Monsanto’ and the Spanish embassy reportedly requested ‘high-level US government intervention’ in order to ‘combat opposition to GE [genetically engineered] crops’.

Answer given by Mr Borg on behalf of the Commission

(31 July 2013)

1 and 2. Directorate-Generals of the Commission dealing with GMOs have regular contacts with the relevant counterparts of the U.S. administration through established fora on regulatory cooperation and information exchange on GMO related matters, in particular in the context of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS Agreement) and on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT Agreement).

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-006466/13

al Consejo

Véronique Mathieu Houillon (PPE) y Agustín Díaz de Mera García Consuegra (PPE)

(6 de junio de 2013)

Asunto: Presentación de una propuesta legislativa de reforma de la CEPOL

La Escuela Europea de Policía emprendió con éxito una profunda reestructuración interna en 2010. De este modo, la CEPOL corrigió los puntos débiles señalados por el Parlamento en cuanto a la gestión presupuestaria y financiera y mejoró el rendimiento en el ámbito de la formación y la cooperación policial.

Aunque la gran mayoría de los grupos políticos del Parlamento Europeo se hayan mostrado contrarios a la fusión de la CEPOL y Europol, la Comisión Europea solo ha presentado un texto legislativo para la reforma de Europol.

Esto deja a la CEPOL en una situación de gran incertidumbre jurídica, pues es necesario modificar su fundamento jurídico para, por un lado, adaptarlo al Tratado de Lisboa y, por otro, para permitir que se proponga una nueva sede, porque el personal debe abandonar las instalaciones de Bramshill a más tardar el 1 de marzo de 2014.

Parece ser que, en el Consejo, la mayoría de los Estados miembros se oponen al proyecto de fusión de la CEPOL y Europol. Los miembros de la Comisión de Libertades Civiles, Justicia y Asuntos de Interior que intervinieron en la reunión de dicha comisión de este 7 de mayo también se han pronunciado en contra del proyecto de fusión, así como lo han hecho los representantes de la CEPOL y Europol.

¿Estaría dispuesto el Consejo, dadas las circunstancias, a cooperar con el Parlamento para trabajar paralelamente con dos fundamentos jurídicos, uno para la CEPOL y otro para Europol?

Respuesta

(7 de octubre de 2013)

El 7 de junio de 2013, el Consejo mantuvo un debate público sobre la propuesta de la Comisión Europea de un Reglamento relativo a la Agencia de la Unión Europea para la cooperación y la formación en funciones coercitivas (Europol) y llegó a un acuerdo sobre una serie de orientaciones para proseguir el trabajo en el nivel técnico. Estas orientaciones tienen que ver con las dos cuestiones principales que plantea la propuesta de la Comisión: la fusión de la Escuela Europea de Policía (CEPOL) con Europol y el suministro de información de los Estados miembros a Europol. El Consejo llegó a la conclusión de que una muy amplia mayoría de Delegaciones se oponía a la fusión, fundamentalmente por considerar que no sería beneficiosa para ninguna de las dos agencias y por no estar seguras de que pudiera derivarse algún ahorro de dicha fusión. El trabajo en su nivel técnico deberá, por tanto, centrarse en temas no relacionados con la fusión. El Consejo invitó a la Comisión a que reconsiderara su posición al respecto y buscara otra solución por lo que respecta a la CEPOL y a las cuestiones de formación.

El Consejo proseguirá su estudio de este expediente, tanto en el nivel de los expertos como, cuando proceda, mediante un debate político en el Consejo.

El Consejo garantiza a Sus Señorías que cooperará plenamente con el Parlamento, conforme a los procedimientos pertinentes que establecen los Tratados.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-006466/13

au Conseil

Véronique Mathieu Houillon (PPE) et Agustín Díaz de Mera García Consuegra (PPE)

(6 juin 2013)

Objet: Présentation d'une proposition législative pour la réforme du CEPOL

Le Collège européen de police a entrepris avec succès une profonde restructuration interne en 2010. Le CEPOL a ainsi corrigé les faiblesses relevées par le Parlement concernant sa gestion budgétaire et financière et amélioré sa performance en matière de formation et de coopération policière.

Bien qu'une grande majorité des groupes politiques au Parlement européen se soit opposée à la fusion du CEPOL avec Europol, la Commission européenne a présenté un seul texte législatif pour la réforme d'Europol.

Cela laisse le CEPOL dans une grande incertitude juridique car la base juridique de l'agence doit être, d'une part, alignée sur le traité de Lisbonne et, d'autre part, modifiée pour lui permettre de proposer un nouveau siège puisque le personnel doit quitter les locaux de Bramshill au plus tard le 1er mars 2014.

Il semblerait qu'au Conseil, une majorité des États membres soit opposée au projet de fusion du CEPOL avec Europol. Les membres de la commission des libertés civiles, de la justice et des affaires intérieures qui sont intervenus lors de la réunion de cette commission le 7 mai dernier se sont également prononcés contre le projet de fusion, tout comme les représentants du CEPOL et d'Europol.

Dans ces circonstances, le Conseil serait-il prêt à coopérer avec le Parlement afin de travailler parallèlement sur deux bases juridiques pour les agences CEPOL et Europol?

Réponse

(7 octobre 2013)

Le 7 juin 2013, le Conseil a tenu un débat public sur la proposition de règlement relatif à l'Agence de l'Union européenne pour la coopération et la formation des services répressifs (Europol), présentée par la Commission européenne, et est convenu d'un certain nombre d'orientations pour la suite des travaux au niveau technique. Ces orientations portent sur les deux principales questions que soulève la proposition de la Commission, à savoir la fusion du Collège européen de police (CEPOL) et d'Europol, et la communication d'informations par les États membres à Europol. Le Conseil a conclu qu'une très large majorité de délégations est opposée à la fusion, principalement parce qu'elle ne présenterait d'avantages pour aucune des deux agences et parce qu'elles ne sont pas convaincues qu'une fusion permette de réaliser des économies. Les travaux au niveau technique devraient se concentrer sur les questions qui n'ont pas trait à la fusion. Le Conseil a invité la Commission à reconsidérer sa position sur ce point et à rechercher une autre solution en ce qui concerne le CEPOL et les questions de formation.

Le Conseil poursuivra l'examen de ce dossier, au niveau des experts et aussi, au besoin, par un débat d'orientation au niveau ministériel.

Les Honorables Parlementaires peuvent être assurés que le Conseil coopérera pleinement avec le Parlement européen, conformément aux procédures prévues par les traités.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006466/13

to the Council

Véronique Mathieu Houillon (PPE) and Agustín Díaz de Mera García Consuegra (PPE)

(6 June 2013)

Subject: Tabling of a legislative proposal for the reform of CEPOL

The European Police College (CEPOL) successfully undertook substantial internal restructuring in 2010. As such, CEPOL remedied the weaknesses identified by Parliament with regard to budgetary and financial management and improved its performance in terms of training and police cooperation.

Although the large majority of political groups in Parliament are opposed to merging CEPOL with Europol, the Commission has tabled a single legislative act for the reform of Europol.

This leaves CEPOL in considerable legal uncertainty as the legal basis for the agency must, on the one hand, remain in line with the Treaty of Lisbon, and, on the other, be amended in order to propose a new seat since its staff are required to leave the Bramshill premises on 1 March 2014 at the latest.

It would seem that in the Council, most Member States are opposed to plans to merge CEPOL with Europol. The members of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs who spoke at that committee’s meeting on 7 May 2013 also argued against the proposed merger, as did the representatives of CEPOL and Europol.

In these circumstances, would the Council be prepared to cooperate with Parliament to develop two legal bases simultaneously for CEPOL and Europol?

Reply

(7 October 2013)

On 7 June 2013, the Council held a public debate on the European Commission proposal for a regulation on the European Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation and Training (Europol) and agreed on a number of guidelines for the continuation of work at technical level. These guidelines relate to two main questions arising from the Commission proposal: the proposed merger of the European Police College (CEPOL) into Europol, and the supply of information from Member States to Europol. The Council concluded that a very large majority of delegations opposed the merger essentially on the grounds that it would not be beneficial for either agency and they were not convinced that savings could be made through a merger.The work at technical level should focus on issues not related to the merger. The Council invited the Commission to re-consider its position on this matter and search for another solution regarding CEPOL and training issues.

The Council will continue its examination of this file, both at the level of experts and, when appropriate, through an orientation debate at the Council.

The Honourable Members can be assured that the Council will cooperate fully with the Parliament, in accordance with the relevant procedures as set out in the Treaties.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-006467/13

alla Commissione

Cristiana Muscardini (ECR)

(6 giugno 2013)

Oggetto: Salvataggio banche

Le forze politiche e l'opinione pubblica continuano ad interrogarsi sull'evolversi della crisi finanziaria e sulle conseguenti ricadute nella crisi economica. La mancata riforma del sistema si è risolta in seno all'Unione con una serie di misure tendenti al controllo ed alla vigilanza bancaria e con il progetto conosciuto come Unione bancaria.

Per avere elementi di giudizio concreti che possano suffragare una scelta rispetto ad un'altra, può la Commissione riferire:

Risposta di Joaquín Almunia a nome della Commissione

(26 luglio 2013)

Le banche che sono state salvate («bailed out») grazie al sostegno pubblico, nonché gli importi di tale sostegno, sono elencati in un'apposita tabella, disponibile sul sito Internet della DG Concorrenza, che offre una panoramica delle decisioni e delle indagini approfondite in corso nel contesto della crisi finanziaria:

http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-12-1018_en.htm

La tabella contiene riferimenti ai comunicati stampa e alle versioni pubbliche delle decisioni in materia di aiuti di Stato adottate dalla Commissione nel corso della crisi finanziaria nel settore bancario. Le decisioni valutano in dettaglio tutti gli elementi importanti delle misure, compresi gli importi degli aiuti di Stato concessi.

L'effetto ultimo dell'intervento statale nel settore bancario è quello di ripristinare la fiducia e il corretto funzionamento dei mercati finanziari, il che rappresenta un presupposto indispensabile per una ripresa dalla crisi finanziaria. In particolare, le misure di aiuto di Stato sono concepite in maniera tale da permettere agli istituti finanziari di ripristinare la redditività a lungo termine senza ulteriore ricorso al sostegno statale, in modo da poter continuare a concedere prestiti all'economia reale. Le banche non redditizie vengono sottoposte ad una procedura di risoluzione ordinata e escono dal mercato.

L'Unione bancaria verrà costruita, tra l'altro, sulla base della direttiva sulla risoluzione delle crisi nel settore bancario. La direttiva fornisce agli Stati membri gli strumenti per intervenire in caso di crisi bancaria, compreso lo strumento del «bail-in», ossia la possibilità di ridurre gli importi dovuti ai creditori non garantiti di un ente in dissesto. I depositi inferiori ai 100 000 EUR sono esplicitamente esclusi da questo strumento.

In una risoluzione del giugno 2013, il Parlamento europeo ha invitato la Commissione «ad adottare al più presto possibile» una proposta sulla riforma strutturale delle banche. L'adozione della proposta legislativa da parte della Commissione è prevista dopo l'estate 2013.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006467/13

to the Commission

Cristiana Muscardini (ECR)

(6 June 2013)

Subject: Bank bailouts

Political forces and the general public continue to reflect upon the future of the financial crisis and the consequent repercussions on the economic crisis. The failure to reform the system has been resolved in the EU by a range of measures for banking oversight and supervision and by the banking union project.

In order to have tangible information which can justify one choice over another, can the Commission state:

Answer given by Mr Almunia on behalf of the Commission

(26 July 2013)

The banks that have been bailed out with public support, as well as the amounts of support, are listed in the ‘ Overview of Decisions and ongoing in-depth investigations in the context of the financial crisis ’ table, which is accessible on DG Competition's website:

http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-12-1018_en.htm

The table contains references to the press releases and the public versions of state aid decisions adopted by the Commission in the course of the financial crisis in the banking sector. The decisions address in detail all important elements of the measures, including the amounts of state aid granted.

The ultimate effect of State intervention in the banking sector is restoration of confidence and proper functioning of the financial markets, which is a precondition for recovery from the financial crisis. In particular, the state aid measures are designed to enable financial institutions to return to long term viability without further relying on State support, in order to continue lending to the real economy. Non viable banks undergo orderly resolution and exit the market.

The Banking Union is to be built on, inter alia, the Bank Resolution Directive. The directive will provide Member States with the tools to intervene in banking crisis, including bail-in, i.e. the power to write down the claims of unsecured creditors of a failing institution. Deposits under EUR 100,000 will be explicitly excluded from bail-in.

In a Resolution of June 2013, the EP called on the Commission ‘to adopt as quickly as possible’ a proposal on bank structural reform. The adoption of the legislative proposal by the Commission is scheduled after the summer 2013.

(Nederlandse versie)

Vraag met verzoek om schriftelijk antwoord E-006468/13

aan de Commissie

Lucas Hartong (NI)

(6 juni 2013)

Betreft: Niet te controleren effectiviteit ESF fondsen t.b.v. oudere werknemers

In haar Speciaal Rapport nummer 25 (5) probeert de Europese Rekenkamer de vraag te beantwoorden of de Europese Sociale Fondsen, die specifiek gestemd zijn voor oudere werknemers, effectief zijn. Het antwoord is helaas negatief. De Rekenkamer concludeert onder andere het volgende: „Neither the memberstates nor the Commission are in a position to establish how many older workers have gained new qualifications or found or kept a job after having benefited from an action funded by the ESF. The necessary tools to provide relevant and reliable information in this respect have not been put in place by most memberstate authorities. Furthermore, the amounts spent on this kind of action are also unknown.”

In dat kader de volgende vragen:

Antwoord van de heer Andor namens de Commissie

(29 juli 2013)

Het ESF ondersteunt een aantal primaire strategische doelen, zoals het aanpassingsvermogen van werknemers en de toegang tot werk verbeteren. In deze context is de ondersteuning van oudere werknemers geen specifiek doel van het ESF, maar een van de prioriteiten om de arbeidskansen en de sociale integratie in heel Europa te verbeteren. Daarbij wordt rekening gehouden met nationale of regionale sociaaleconomische omstandigheden.

Bij de evaluatie van de besteding van de bijdragen uit het ESF is de Commissie noodzakelijkerwijs beperkt door de huidige regelgeving die in 2006 door de Raad is overeengekomen (6). Uit hoofde van deze regelgeving moeten de lidstaten enkel verslag uitbrengen over de kenmerken van de deelnemers aan projecten die door het ESF zijn gefinancierd. In 2011 had ongeveer 1 miljoen deelnemers, of 6 % van het totale aantal, een leeftijd tussen 55 en 64 jaar. Deze indicatoren op EU-niveau maken het niet mogelijk om de bereikte resultaten op zich te meten.

Daarom wordt verwacht van de lidstaten, die medeverantwoordelijk zijn voor de uitvoering van het programma en voor het bereiken van de doelen die zij voor elk operationeel programma vaststellen, dat zij met behulp van aanvullende en programmaspecifieke indicatoren de concrete resultaten meten van de in deze programma's voorziene maatregelen.

Voor de nieuwe programmeringsperiode 2014-2020 heeft de Commissie voorgesteld dat met de toekomstige programma’s wordt bijgedragen tot de Europa 2020-strategie door de bevindingen en aanbevelingen van het Europees Semester op te volgen. Investeringen moeten veel meer resultaatgericht zijn. Actief ouder worden moet een van de specifieke investeringsprioriteiten zijn. Voortaan zouden de lidstaten verslag moeten uitbrengen over de mate waarin resultaten zijn geboekt inzake deze prioriteiten.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006468/13

to the Commission

Lucas Hartong (NI)

(6 June 2013)

Subject: Impossibility of monitoring the effectiveness of ESF funding for older workers

In its Special Report No 25 (7) , the EU Court of Auditors tries to establish whether the appropriations from the European Social Fund which are specifically intended for older workers are effective. Regrettably, the answer is negative. The Court of Auditors concludes inter alia that ‘Neither the Member States nor the Commission are in a position to establish how many older workers have gained new qualifications or found or kept a job after having benefited from an action funded by the ESF. The necessary tools to provide relevant and reliable information in this respect have not been put in place by most Member State authorities. Furthermore, the amounts spent on this kind of action are also unknown.’

Answer given by Mr Andor on behalf of the Commission

(29 July 2013)

The ESF supports a number of primary strategic objectives, such as improving the adaptability of workers and enhancing access to employment. In this context, support to older workers is not a specific ESF goal, but is one of a number of priorities to improve employment opportunities and social inclusion throughout Europe, taking into account national or regional socioeconomic circumstances.

In assessing the performance of the use of ESF funds, the Commission is necessarily limited by the current regula‐tory framework agreed by the Council in 2006 (8). This framework only requires Member States to report on the characteristics of people participating in ESF financed projects. In 2011, around 1 million participants or 6% of all participants, were aged 55 to 64 years. These EU level indicators do not allow measuring the results achieved as such.

Member States, who are co-responsible for implementing the programme and reaching the goals they set in each Operational Programme, are thus expected to measure the concrete results of the actions foreseen in these programmes using additional, and programme-specific indicators.

For the new programming period 2014-2020, the Commission has proposed that future programmes contribute to the Europe 2020 strategy by following the findings and recommendations issued in the context of the European Semester. Investments are due to be much more performance and results-oriented. Active ageing is due to be one of the specific investment priorities. Member States would henceforth be required to report on how results on these priorities have been achieved.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-006469/13

a la Comisión

Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE)

(6 de junio de 2013)

Asunto: Prospección de petróleo en Ibiza

La petrolera irlandesa Cairn Energy prevé iniciar a finales de año una serie de prospecciones submarinas a 35 millas de la costa ibicenca con el objetivo de encontrar petróleo.

Estas prospecciones consistirán en realizar una serie de detonaciones submarinas que generan ondas de resonancia que les permitan descifrar la composición de la roca bajo el mar.

La comunidad científica ha adoptado los 180 decibelios como el nivel de intensidad acústica a partir del cual se pueden producir males fisiológicos irreversibles en cetáceos y tortugas marinas, y las detonaciones de estas prospecciones alcanzarán los 249 decibelios.

La emisión de ondas afecta al sistema de colocación de los cetáceos, alterando su comportamiento, capacidad de alimentación, orientación y rutas migratorias, por no hablar de los efectos devastadores para la pesca, que quedará literalmente arrasada. Según los estudios elaborados tanto por la Universidad Politécnica de Valencia como por el Cabildo de Lanzarote, la aparición de cadáveres de cetáceos desorientados en las playas será una de las principales consecuencias de estas detonaciones.

¿Qué opinión tiene la Comisión sobre esta prospección y los efectos que va a tener en el ecosistema?

¿Tiene conocimiento la Comisión de las especies van a resultar afectadas?

¿Cree la Comisión que el Estado español debería llevar a cabo alguna acción para evitar los efectos en cetáceos, tortugas marinas, aves marinas y recursos pesqueros?

¿Cree la Comisión que es admisible que las detonaciones sean de 249 dB cuando existe consenso entre la comunidad científica sobre la afectación a cetáceos y tortugas por encima de los 180 dB?

¿Cree la Comisión que se deberían llevar a cabo las prospecciones mediante una tecnología con un impacto menor sobre el ecosistema?

Respuesta del Sr. Potočnik en nombre de la Comisión

(23 de julio de 2013)

La Comisión ha preguntado a las autoridades españolas qué medidas se han tomado o se prevé tomar para que las actividades a las que se refiere Su Señoría se ajusten al acervo medioambiental de la UE aplicable al caso. No teniendo todavía una opinión formada, la Comisión procederá, tras la evaluación de la respuesta que den dichas autoridades, a examinar si es preciso o no algún tipo de actuación.

El buen estado medioambiental de las aguas marinas —que habrá de haberse alcanzado antes de que finalice 2020 o cuyo mantenimiento deberá ya haber quedado garantizado en ese año— exige que la introducción de diversas formas de energía, incluido el ruido submarino, se sitúe en niveles que no afecten negativamente al entorno marino.

En general, son varias las especies (cetáceos, invertebrados, peces y larvas de peces) que pueden verse afectadas por el ruido submarino. Es por ello necesario seguir investigando para evaluar con más detalle el alcance del impacto que pueda tener en ellas ese ruido.

En cualquier caso, toda tecnología que se utilice debe ajustarse a la normativa de la UE o contribuir a la consecución de los objetivos medioambientales establecidos en ella. La Comisión no realiza evaluaciones de tecnologías. Esta tarea es competencia de los Estados miembros cuando las autorizan para una actividad o un uso en aguas marinas.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006469/13

to the Commission

Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE)

(6 June 2013)

Subject: Exploration for oil in Ibiza

Towards the end of this year, the Irish oil company Cairn Energy plans to begin a series of underwater explorations for oil 35 miles off the coast of Ibiza.

These explorations will involve carrying out a series of underwater explosions, generating resonance waves that make it possible to identify the composition of the rocks on the seabed.

The scientific community agrees that 180 decibels is the level of acoustic intensity above which cetaceans and sea turtles may suffer irreversible physical harm, and the explosions involved in these explorations will reach 249 decibels.

Wave emissions affect cetaceans’ location systems, altering their behaviour, feeding ability, orientation and migration routes. Furthermore, there will be devastating effects on fisheries, which will be literally destroyed. According to studies by the Polytechnic University of Valencia and the Council of Lanzarote, one of the main consequences of these explosions will be dead disoriented cetaceans washing up on beaches.

What is the Commission’s opinion of this exploration and the effects it will have on the ecosystem?

Is the Commission aware of which species will be affected?

Does the Commission believe that the Spanish Government should take action to prevent cetaceans, sea turtles, seabirds and fish stocks being affected?

Does the Commission believe that it is acceptable for explosions to reach 249 dB, when the consensus among the scientific community is that cetaceans and turtles are affected at levels above 180 dB?

Does the Commission believe that explorations should be carried out using technology that would have a lesser impact on the ecosystem?

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(23 July 2013)

The Commission has asked the Spanish authorities which measures are taken or envisaged so that the activities referred to by the Honourable Member are in compliance with the applicable EU environmental acquis. The Commission does not have an opinion yet and will examine whether action is necessary after assessment of the reply of the Spanish authorities.

Good environmental status of marine waters, to be achieved or maintained by 2020, requires that introduction of various forms of energy, including underwater noise, is at levels that do not adversely affect the marine environment.

In general, several species (cetaceans, invertebrates, fish and fish larvae's) can be affected by underwater noise and further research is needed to assess in more detail the extent of the impact on these species.

However, any technologies used must comply with EU legislation or contribute to the achievement of environmental standards laid down in EC law. The Commission does not carry out assessment of technologies. This is up to Member States when authorising on activity or use in marine waters.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-006470/13

an die Kommission

Ingeborg Gräßle (PPE)

(6. Juni 2013)

Betrifft: Moneyval-Deloitte-Bericht über Geldwäsche in Zypern

Am 30. April 2013 veröffentlichte die Tageszeitung Cyprus Mail einen Artikel mit der Information, dass der Moneyval-Deloitte-Bericht über Geldwäsche in Zypern fertig gestellt wurde.

Antwort von Herrn Barnier im Namen der Kommission

(18. Juli 2013)

1.-2. Der Deloitte-Bericht wurde von der Zentralbank Zyperns (Central Bank of Cyprus — CBC) in Auftrag gegeben. Somit obliegt es Zypern, im Einklang mit den einschlägigen Geheimhaltungs‐ und Datenschutzvorschriften zu entscheiden, ob er veröffentlicht wird. Das zyprische Finanzministerium hat auf seiner Website eine Zusammenfassung der Ergebnisse eingestellt. (9) Generell zeigt der Bericht, dass es in Zypern einer besseren Umsetzung der Rechtsvorschriften zur Bekämpfung von Geldwäsche bedarf.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006470/13

to the Commission

Ingeborg Gräßle (PPE)

(6 June 2013)

Subject: Moneyval-Deloitte report on money laundering in Cyprus

On 30 April 2013, the Cyprus Mail published an article stating that the Moneyval-Deloitte report on money laundering in Cyprus had been completed.

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(18 July 2013)

1-2. The Deloitte report was commissioned by the Central Bank of Cyprus (CBC) and it is for Cyprus to decide whether to make the report public in accordance with confidentiality and data protection provisions. The Cypriot Ministry of Finance has published a summary of the findings on its website (10). This generally shows that improvements are required in implementation of the legal and regulatory regime for anti-money laundering in Cyprus.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006471/13

to the Commission

Phil Bennion (ALDE)

(6 June 2013)

Subject: Staff conditions on cruise ships

It has been brought to my attention by a constituent of mine that on a recent cruise operated by the Italian shipping line MSC Cruises, she observed that the treatment of staff was below minimum standards expected. She mentioned that one employee told her that he worked up to 16 hours a day and that he had never received a day off in 9 months. On further enquiry it became clear that his situation was not unique and that all of the staff from outside of the European Union were treated like this. These members of staff originate from countries such as El Salvador, Nepal and Indonesia. Their wages are minimal and they do not receive lunch breaks. My constituent has further stated that this clearly breaches EU employment law.

I am aware that the application of EU employment law is dependent on the flag of convenience used by the cruise ships and I know that the majority of cruise liners opt to register in countries such as Panama and the Cayman Islands to avoid EC laws. However, I would be grateful if the Commission could update me on any current agreements or negotiations with other countries to redress this loophole and raise employment standards wherever the vessels are registered.

Answer given by Mr Andor on behalf of the Commission

(16 July 2013)

The Honourable Member is correct in assuming that the law of the Flag State, i.e., the country in which the ship is registered and which flag it flies, is the law applicable to the ship. Hence, if the ship in question flies the flag of an EU Member State, the EU legislation applies, including the legislation applicable to the working time of seafarers. The competent authorities of the EU Member States are responsible for monitoring the compliance of ships which fly their flag with these rules.

If the ship in question flies the flag of a country outside the EU, the ILO Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) provides for minimum rules on living and working conditions for seafarers. It is the first ‘Bill of Rights for Seafarers’ worldwide. Among others this Convention regulates the working time of seafarers. The MLC has been ratified by more than 30 countries worldwide, including 13 EU Member States and Panama. Substantial parts of the MLC including those relevant for working time have been implemented in EU legislation by Directive 2009/13/EC.

If a ship flying the flag of a country outside the EU arrives in EU ports, the EU legislation on Port State Control equally applies. This legislation gives the possibility for EU port State authorities to monitor the compliance of ships, which come into their port, with international standards for — amongst others — shipboard living and working conditions, irrespective of the flag.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006472/13

to the Commission

Keith Taylor (Verts/ALE)

(6 June 2013)

Subject: European Cooperation Group on Undercover Activities and EU secret police networks

The Commission may be aware of the article by Statewatch about EU secret police networks (11).

I would be very grateful to have answers to the following:

Answer given by Ms Malmström on behalf of the Commission

(13 August 2013)

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006473/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Sir Graham Watson (ALDE)

(6 June 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Oppression of the political opposition in Bahrain

It has been two years since the uprising in February 2011 by an anti-government movement in Bahrain, the oppression of peaceful protesters which led to the loss of 80 lives, and the deportation of numerous journalists.

In November 2011 the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI) released its report outlining violations by the current regime of its citizens’ rights in its handling of the protest, including torture and forced confessions. The king has accepted all the recommendations. However, political dialogue between the government and its citizens has been further hindered by the continuous crackdown on the opposition and the incomplete implementation of the human rights recommendations of the BICI. Only last month the Bahraini government was accused of using spy software to target leading opposition activists and human rights groups in Bahrain and abroad. In April three ITV News journalists were detained by the police and deported, despite the official authorisation gained previously. Many political prisoners remain in jail with no prospect of appeal, while other activists have fled the country.

The High Representative/Vice-President has welcomed the resumption of the national dialogue in Bahrain in February 2013. However, the progress of the dialogue is questionable.

How does the High Representative/Vice-President intend to take action to investigate the continuous human rights violations and oppression of political opposition in Bahrain?

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

(5 August 2013)

The HR/VP follows the situation in Bahrain very closely and will continue to do so.

Since the resurgence of unrest in early 2011, she has used all the means at her disposal to convey clear messages to Bahrain, including through many statements, and direct contacts with the Bahraini authorities, including at the highest level. These were complemented by visits to the country by senior officials from the European External Action Service. The visit of EUSR Lambrinidis during the week of 24 June also allowed for broad ranging exchanges with the authorities, opposition parties, civil society and local stakelholders to assess the situation and see how to further support progress towards national reconciliation.

The Human Rights situation in Bahrain clearly needs further improvement. The framework set by the BICI provides a solid basis for engagement with the authorities. The establishment of Human Rights institutions and the reform of the judiciary were positive steps, but more is needed. The EU will continue to call on authorities to prioritize the implementation of BICI and UPR recommendations, and will remain a steadfast advocate and supporter of the ongoing National Dialogue, which is the sole way to ensure sustainable reforms for the benefit of all Bahrainis. At the same time it is also important that all sides abstain from all forms of violence, intimidation and provocation.

The HR/VP used her visit to Bahrain on 30 June for the EU-GCC Ministerial meeting to advocate once more for a combination of moderation and concrete confidence building steps needed to bridge the gulf between communities created by the polarisation of the political climate, lack of trust and violence.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-006474/13

alla Commissione

Roberta Angelilli (PPE)

(6 giugno 2013)

Oggetto: Comune di Monteriggioni: possibile violazione dei principi di sana e corretta gestione finanziaria e contabile

Durante la seduta del consiglio comunale di Monteriggioni, in provincia di Siena, dello scorso 29 aprile 2013, l'Assemblea viene messa a conoscenza dell'esistenza di un debito fuori bilancio di 900 346 euro, pari a circa il 6,5 % dell'intero bilancio comunale, contratto dal comune di Monteriggioni nei confronti della partecipata Siena Casa S.p.A.

Tale debito deriva dal mancato versamento da parte della Fondazione Monte Paschi di Siena della quota promessa a copertura di un intervento urbanistico per la realizzazione di un lotto di appartamenti da destinarsi alla locazione a canone concordato.

Inoltre, la stessa Assemblea viene messa a conoscenza in quella circostanza del fatto che la giunta comunale era informata di tale debito già dal novembre 2012.

Tale situazione viene successivamente certificata dall'organo di revisione del comune nella sua riunione del 10 aprile 2013, dedicata all'esame dello schema di rendiconto dell'esercizio finanziario 2012 e alla proposta del rendiconto della gestione 2012.

Tale operazione contabile dovrebbe ora essere iscritta nel bilancio dell'esercizio successivo, comportando una riassegnazione delle voci di spesa.

Premesso che il rispetto delle regole contabili a ogni singolo livello di amministrazione è un principio cardine e inviolabile su cui si basa la sana e corretta gestione della finanza pubblica, può la Commissione far sapere:

Risposta di Olli Rehn a nome della Commissione

(25 ottobre 2013)

http://ec.europa.eu/economy_finance/publications/occasional_paper/2013/pdf/ocp128_en.pdf

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006474/13

to the Commission

Roberta Angelilli (PPE)

(6 June 2013)

Subject: Possible infringement of the principles of sound and proper financial management and accounting procedures in the municipality of Monteriggioni

At its meeting of 29 April 2013, the attention of the Monteriggioni municipal council (province of Siena) was drawn to an off-balance-sheet debt of EUR 900 346, amounting to around 6.5% of the entire municipal budget, incurred by the municipality in its dealings with Siena Casa SpA.

The deficit relates to the non-payment by the Siena Monte Paschi Foundation of the agreed contribution to the costs of an urban development project involving the construction of a number of fixed-rent apartments.

Furthermore, the meeting learned that the municipal council had been apprised of the debt as early as November 2012, as subsequently confirmed by the municipal audit office, which had convened on 10 April 2013 to examine the 2012 draft profit-and-loss accounts and management report.

The accounting operation in question must now be entered on the balance sheet for the following year under different expenditure items.

Given that compliance with accounting procedures at every single administrative level is an inviolable and cardinal rule of sound public financial management:

Answer given by Mr Rehn on behalf of the Commission

(25 October 2013)

http://ec.europa.eu/economy_finance/publications/occasional_paper/2013/pdf/ocp128_en.pdf

(Versiunea în limba română)

Întrebarea cu solicitare de răspuns scris E-006475/13

adresată Comisiei

Minodora Cliveti (S&D)

(6 iunie 2013)

Subiect: Necesitatea creării pieței europene unitare a calificărilor profesionale, un pandant indispensabil al pieței unice europene a muncii

Una dintre principalele probleme europene este crearea pieței unice a muncii, care ar duce în mod categoric la crearea unui sistem global, eficient de folosire a forței de muncă pregătite în statele membre potrivit specializării acesteia, dar și a nevoii specifice de cadre calificate în domenii de interes pentru fiecare stat membru.

„europeană” astfel calificată să își găsească debușeu pe piața europeană unică a muncii?

Răspuns dat de dl Barnier în numele Comisiei

(26 iulie 2013)

Propunerea legislativă din 2011 de modernizare a directivei menționate, care a făcut obiectul unui acord politic în luna iunie, are drept obiectiv să faciliteze recunoașterea calificărilor profesionale. Aceasta va permite persoanelor cu înaltă calificare profesională să se angajeze oriunde în UE și va contribui la reducerea numărului de persoane (tinere) aflate în căutarea unui loc de muncă. Acest obiectiv se va realiza prin înființarea cardului profesional european, introducerea de principii comune în domeniul formării, recunoașterea stagiilor profesionale etc. Propunerea va contribui în mod semnificativ la realizarea unei piețe unice europene în domeniul forței de muncă.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006475/13

to the Commission

Minodora Cliveti (S&D)

(6 June 2013)

Subject: Need to create a uniform European market in professional qualifications as a vital counterpart to the single European labour market

One of Europe's main concerns is the creation of a single labour market, which would automatically lead to the creation of an efficient and comprehensive system where the labour force trained in the Member States can be used in a way that matches both their skills and the specific demand for skilled workers in key sectors in each Member State.

‘European’ workers in possession of these qualifications to find work on the single European labour market?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(26 July 2013)

The legislative proposal of 2011 modernizing the directive (political agreement in June) aims to facilitate the recognition qualifications. This will allow highly skilled professionals to find jobs across the EU and will contribute to reducing the number of (young) job seekers. This aim will be achieved by the setting up of the European Professional Card, introducing common training principles, the recognition of professional traineeships, etc. The proposal will significantly contribute to the realisation of a single European labour market.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-006479/13

an die Kommission

Hans-Peter Martin (NI)

(6. Juni 2013)

Betrifft: Transparenz bei Industriestrompreisen in der EU

Im Zuge der Energiewende, die derzeit in Deutschland umgesetzt wird, ist in Medienberichten immer wieder zu vernehmen, dass energieintensive Industriebetriebe von der EEG-Umlage, mit der die Energiewende finanziert wird, ausgenommen sind.

Antwort von Herrn Oettinger im Namen der Kommission

(23. Juli 2013)

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006479/13

to the Commission

Hans-Peter Martin (NI)

(6 June 2013)

Subject: Transparency of industry electricity prices in the EU

Media reports regarding the energy transition currently underway in Germany frequently claim that energy-intensive industrial enterprises are exempted from paying the renewable energy levy, known as the EEG levy, from which the energy transition project is funded.

Answer given by Mr Oettinger on behalf of the Commission

(23 July 2013)

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-006481/13

προς την Επιτροπή

Antigoni Papadopoulou (S&D)

(6 Ιουνίου 2013)

Θέμα: Πώληση υποκαταστημάτων κυπριακών τραπεζών στην Τράπεζα Πειραιώς

Σύμφωνα με επίσημη ανακοίνωση της Τράπεζας Πειραιώς, η εξαγορά των υποκαταστημάτων των Κυπριακών Τραπεζών στην Ελλάδα έχει, σε διάστημα μερικών μόνο ημερών, αποφέρει στην Τράπεζα καθαρό κέρδος 3,4 δισεκατομμύρια ευρώ. Παρόμοια στοιχεία παρουσιάστηκαν και συζητήθηκαν επίσης στην Κυπριακή Βουλή. Επειδή το θέμα δημιουργεί εύλογα ερωτηματικά που ενέχουν σοβαρές οικονομικές και πολιτικές προεκτάσεις για δύο τουλάχιστον κράτη μέλη (Κύπρο και Ελλάδα), καλείται η Επιτροπή να απαντήσει στα πιο κάτω ερωτήματα:

Απάντηση του κ. Rehn εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(22 Αυγούστου 2013)

Η πώληση των κυπριακών υποκαταστημάτων στην Ελλάδα ήταν προς το συμφέρον τόσο της Κύπρου, όσο και της Ελλάδας, για λόγους χρηματοπιστωτικής σταθερότητας. Η συναλλαγή αυτή μειώνει τις ενδεχόμενες υποχρεώσεις όσον αφορά το κυπριακό σύστημα εγγύησης των καταθέσεων που προέρχονται από τις καταθέσεις στα υποκαταστήματα που βρίσκονται στην Ελλάδα. Αυτό είναι επίσης σημαντικό για λόγους χρηματοπιστωτικής σταθερότητας στην Ελλάδα, όπου τα κυπριακά υποκαταστήματα ήταν σημαντικά σε συστηματική βάση.

Για τους ανωτέρω λόγους, η Τρόικα ενθάρρυνε την ελληνική και την κυπριακή πλευρά να διαπραγματευθούν την πώληση των εν λόγω υποκαταστημάτων, σε εύλογη τιμή που να αντικατοπτρίζει την αξία των δανείων τους, λαμβανομένων υπόψη των μελλοντικών ζημιών που είχαν εντοπιστεί από τον σύμβουλο Pimco.

Η πώληση των ελληνικών δραστηριοτήτων της Τράπεζας Κύπρου και της Λαϊκής Τράπεζας Κύπρου στην Τράπεζα Πειραιώς αποτελεί ιδιωτική πράξη που έχει εγκριθεί από τις εποπτικές αρχές του ελληνικού και κυπριακού τραπεζικού τομέα. Ως μέρος της Τρόικας, οι υπηρεσίες της Επιτροπής (ΓΔ COMP και ΓΔ ECFIN) παρακολούθησαν αυτή τη διαδικασία.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006481/13

to the Commission

Antigoni Papadopoulou (S&D)

(6 June 2013)

Subject: Sale of Cypriot bank branches to Piraeus Bank

According to an official statement by Piraeus Bank, the takeover of branches of the Bank of Cyprus by Greece has, in just a few days, generated a net profit of EUR 3.4 billion for the bank. Similar figures have also been presented and discussed in the Cypriot Parliament. Given that the issue raises legitimate questions with serious economic and political repercussions for at least two Member States (Cyprus and Greece), will the Commission answer the following:

Answer given by Mr Rehn on behalf of the Commission

(22 August 2013)

The sale of the Cypriot branches in Greece was in the interest of both Cyprus and Greece for financial stability reasons. The transaction lowers the contingent liabilities relating to the Cyprus Deposit Guarantee Scheme emanating from the deposits in the branches in Greece. It is also important for financial stability reasons in Greece, where the Cypriot branches were systemically important.

For the above reasons, the Troika encouraged the Greek side and the Cypriot side to negotiate a sale of these branches, at a fair price reflecting the value of their loans, taking into account the future losses which had been identified by the consultant Pimco.

The sale of the Greek operations of Bank of Cyprus and Cyprus Popular Bank to Piraeus Bank is a private transaction that was approved by the Greek and Cypriot banking sector supervisors. As part of the Troika, Commission services (DG COMP and DG ECFIN) followed this process.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-006483/13

προς την Επιτροπή

Antigoni Papadopoulou (S&D)

(6 Ιουνίου 2013)

Θέμα: Φοροδιαφυγή και φορολογικοί παράδεισοι

Σύμφωνα με τα στοιχεία έρευνας που δόθηκαν πρόσφατα στη δημοσιότητα από το Tax Justice Network, τουλάχιστον 21 τρισεκατομμύρια δολάρια αδήλωτου ιδιωτικού πλούτου βρίσκονται κατατεθειμένα σε φορολογικούς παραδείσους σε διάφορες περιοχές του πλανήτη. Σε μια περίοδο οικονομικής και δημοσιονομικής κρίσης η ανεπάρκεια πόρων για επενδύσεις, κοινωνικές δαπάνες και ανάπτυξη είναι προφανής σε ολόκληρη την Ευρώπη. Ασφαλώς η φοροδιαφυγή και η φυγάδευση κεφαλαίων σε φορολογικούς παραδείσους επιτείνουν τα οικονομικά προβλήματα και την ανεργία στην Ευρώπη και θα πρέπει να καταπολεμηθούν αποτελεσματικά.

Παρακαλείται η Επιτροπή να απαντήσει στα πιο κάτω ερωτήματα:

Απάντηση του κ. Šemeta εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(22 Ιουλίου 2013)

Λόγω της φύσης της φοροδιαφυγής, η Ευρωπαϊκή Επιτροπή δεν έχει στοιχεία σχετικά με το ακριβές ποσό των αδήλωτων κεφαλαίων που βρίσκονται σε φορολογικούς παραδείσους. Στην επικείμενη έκθεσή της του 2013 για τη φορολογική μεταρρύθμιση, η Ευρωπαϊκή Επιτροπή θα καταγράψει τις υφιστάμενες μελέτες και τους δείκτες σχετικά με το θέμα της παραοικονομίας.

Στο σχέδιο δράσης για την ενίσχυση της καταπολέμησης της φορολογικής απάτης και της φοροδιαφυγής (32), η Επιτροπή υπογράμμισε τη σημασία της προώθησης της αυτόματης ανταλλαγής πληροφοριών σε ενωσιακό και διεθνές επίπεδο. Μετά από τα συμπεράσματα του Ευρωπαϊκού Συμβουλίου της 22ας Μαΐου 2013, η Επιτροπή εξέδωσε πρόταση για την τροποποίηση της οδηγίας σχετικά με τη διοικητική συνεργασία στον τομέα της φορολογίας (οδηγία 2011/16/ΕΕ) (33) προκειμένου να επεκταθεί το πεδίο εφαρμογής της αυτόματης ανταλλαγής πληροφοριών ώστε να καλύπτει ένα ευρύτερο φάσμα θεμάτων.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006483/13

to the Commission

Antigoni Papadopoulou (S&D)

(6 June 2013)

Subject: Tax evasion and tax havens

According to research data recently published by the Tax Justice Network, at least USD 21 trillion of undeclared private wealth is being held in tax havens in various regions of the world. At a period of economic and financial crisis, there is a clear lack of resources for investments, social expenditure and development throughout Europe. It is certain that tax evasion and capital flight to tax havens intensify economic problems and unemployment in Europe and we should be combating this effectively.

Will the Commission answer the following:

Answer given by Mr Šemeta on behalf of the Commission

(22 July 2013)

Due to the nature of tax evasion, the European Commission has no information on the exact amount of undisclosed funds held in tax havens. In its forthcoming Tax Reform Report 2013, the European Commission will take stock of existing studies and indicators on the topic of shadow economy.

In its Action Plan to strengthen the fight against tax fraud and tax evasion (34), the Commission stressed the importance of promoting automatic exchange of information at EU and international level. Following the 22 May 2013 European Council conclusions, the Commission adopted a proposal amending the directive on administrative cooperation in the field of taxation (Directive 2011/16/EU) (35) in order to extend the scope of automatic exchange of information to a wider range of items.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006484/13

to the Commission

David Campbell Bannerman (ECR)

(6 June 2013)

Subject: Greek ‘special import tax’ on cars

It has been brought to my attention that Britons who own property on the Greek island of Lefkada (Lefkas) are being told by officials at the Greek customs office that they must pay a ‘special import tax’ before registering their British-bought vehicles in order to obtain Greek number plates.

Is the Commission aware that individuals are being asked to pay an illegal fee of EUR 20 000 to register a car worth EUR 12 000 (or less)? If so, what is being done to stop this?

Answer given by Mr Šemeta on behalf of the Commission

(19 July 2013)

At the outset it should be noted that there is no harmonisation at European Union level in the field of vehicle taxation. Therefore, the Member States remain at liberty to levy such taxes. Even very high taxes, according to the Court of Justice of the European Union, are not contrary to EC law. For this reason, the Commission presented a car tax proposal for a Council Directive in 2005 in order to improve the functioning of the internal market and to promote sustainability. That proposal did not receive enough support from the Member States. Greece is therefore allowed to levy a tax upon the registration of a vehicle to be used on its territory in a permanent manner. It must be noted also that the tax described by the Honourable Member is an internal tax, and not an ‘import duty’ as often erroneously believed.

Such internal taxes must be in compliance with the relevant EU provisions, in particular with the principle of non-discrimination against products from other Member States as prescribed by Article 110 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (‘TFEU’).

With respect to Article 110 TFEU, the Commission has started an infringement procedure against Greece on the way such registration tax is levied; inter alia on the rates of depreciation applicable to second-hand vehicles transferred from another Member State for free circulation on Greek territory.

(Tekstas lietuvių kalba)

Klausimas, į kurį atsakoma raštu, Nr. E-006485/13

Komisijai

Zigmantas Balčytis (S&D)

(2013 m. birželio 6 d.)

Tema: Ignalinos atominės elektrinės laikinojo panaudoto branduolinio kuro saugyklos projekto B1 įgyvendinimo vėlavimas

2012 m. gruodžio 13 d. Tarptautinio Ignalinos eksploatavimo nutraukimo fondo donorų asamblėjos sprendimu buvo laikinai sustabdytas laikinojo panaudoto branduolinio kuro saugyklos projekto B1 finansavimas, siekiant išspręsti jau keletą metų besitęsiančius Ignalinos atominės elektrinės ir projekto rangovo NUKEM-GNS ginčus dėl rangovo pagamintų konteinerių, kurių techniniai parametrai neatitiko projekto B1 techninių sąlygų, kurias patvirtino Valstybinė atominės saugos inspekcija (VATESI). Noriu priminti, kad rangovas buvo pasirinktas konkurso būdu, o į konkurso sąlygų nustatymo bei rangovo pasirinkimo procesą nuo pat pradžių buvo įtraukta Europos Komisija ir ERPB, siekiant suteikti pagalbą Lietuvai, neturinčiai patirties atominių elektrinių uždarymo srityje. Rangovo pagaminti techninių reikalavimų neatitinkantys konteineriai sukėlė visą virtinę kitų su projekto B1 įgyvendinimu susijusių problemų, nes Ignalinos AE esanti įranga, amortizatoriai ir kranai, kaip jau pripažino ir pats rangovas, be rekonstrukcijos negali būti naudojami rangovo pagamintiems konteineriams pakelti ir kurui iš 2-ojo reaktoriaus iškrauti. Dėl šių priežasčių projekto įgyvendinimas jau 2011 m. vėlavo 32 mėn., o tai kainuoja papildomas lėšas ES ir Lietuvos mokesčių mokėtojams, daro žalą Lietuvos valstybei ir jos prestižui bei neleidžia užtikrinti saugaus Ignalinos AE eksploatavimo nutraukimo proceso.

Dar 2011 m. donorų asamblėja buvo nustačiusi rangovui konkrečią datą (2011 m. liepos 15 d.), iki kurios jis turėjo pateikti techninių standartų neatitinkančių talpyklų pagrindimą bei pasiekti susitarimą. Nepateikus duomenų buvo nustatyta kita data – 2012 m. spalio 5 d., tačiau šios problemos sprendimas nepasistūmėjo. Remiantis Lietuvos Respublikos Energetikos ministerijos duomenimis 2013 m. balandžio 29 d. rangovas ir vėl įsipareigojo per 3-5 mėn. pateikti patikslintus konteinerių techninius duomenis, tačiau ir vėl kyla abejonės, ar tai bus padaryta, ir iškyla reali grėsmė, jog rangovas ir toliau vilkins reikalaujamų duomenų pateikimą, kaip rodo precedentas.

Gerbiamas Komisare, ar nemanote, kad iškilo reali grėsmė branduolinės saugos užtikrinimui vykdant Ignalinos AE eksploatavimo nutraukimo procesą?

Ar Komisija nemano, kad tokia situacija yra netoleruotina ir kad ji turėtų imtis aktyvaus arbitro vaidmens sprendžiant minėtus klausimus, ypač atsižvelgiant į tai, jog rangovas jau pirminiame projekto etape nukrypo nuo patvirtinto projekto techninių sąlygų ir iki šiol nevykdo teisėtų ir sutartinių Ignalinos AE reikalavimų, o tai neleidžia Lietuvai įgyvendinti Stojimo sutartyje numatyto reikalavimo saugiai ir tinkamai atlikti eksploatavimo nutraukimo darbus ir daro neigiamą įtaką Lietuvos ir ES prestižui?

G. Oettingerio atsakymas Komisijos vardu

(2013 m. liepos 9 d.)

Pagal Tarybos direktyvas 2009/71/Euratomas (36) ir 2011/70/Euratomas (37) galutinė atsakomybė už branduolinę saugą ir saugų panaudoto kuro bei radioaktyviųjų atliekų tvarkymą, įskaitant eksploatavimo nutraukimą, tenka valstybėms narėms. Šiose direktyvose taip pat nustatyta, kad licencijos turėtojas turi reguliariai atlikti atitinkamų įrenginių ir objektų saugos vertinimą ir gerinti saugą, prižiūrint nacionalinei kompetentingai reguliavimo institucijai (šiuo atveju VATESI).

Nors Komisija nėra projekto B1 sutarties šalis ir negali imtis arbitro vaidmens tokiuose komerciniuose ginčuose, pastaruosius trejus metus ji aktyviai stengėsi skatinti projekto pažangą.

Dėl besitęsiančių sunkumų 2012 m. gruodžio mėn. buvo sustabdytas ES projekto finansavimas iš Europos rekonstrukcijos ir plėtros banko (ERPB) valdomo Tarptautinio Ignalinos AE eksploatavimo nutraukimo rėmimo fondo. Nuo tada abi šalys padarė pažangą spręsdamos problemiškus klausimus ir, kai bus išspręstas paskutinis klausimas (reaktoriaus blokuose esančių kranų atnaujinimas), ERPB galėtų svarstyti sustabdymo atšaukimą.

Komisija toliau skatins abiejų šalių dialogą.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006485/13

to the Commission

Zigmantas Balčytis (S&D)

(6 June 2013)

Subject: Delayed implementation of the B1 Interim Spent Fuel Storage Facility Project at the Ignalina nuclear power plant

On 13 December 2012, the funding of the B1 Interim Spent Fuel Storage Facility Project was temporarily suspended following a decision by the Donor Assembly of the Ignalina International Decommissioning Support Fund in order to address certain disputes arising between the Ignalina nuclear power plant and the project contractor NUKEM-GNS regarding containers manufactured by the contractor whose technical parameters failed to meet the technical conditions of the B1 project, which had been approved by the State Nuclear Power Safety Inspectorate (VATESI). I would like to remind you that the contractor was selected by tender, and that the European Commission and the EBRD were involved in setting the tender conditions and the procedure for selecting the contractor from the very outset in order to provide assistance to Lithuania, which has no experience in the field of decommissioning nuclear power plants. The containers manufactured by the contractor which fail to meet the technical requirements have triggered a whole series of other problems regarding the implementation of the B1 project because the equipment, shock absorbers and cranes located at the Ignalina nuclear power plant, as the contractor himself has already recognised, cannot be used to lift containers manufactured by the contractor or empty fuel from the second reactor unless they are rebuilt. For these reasons, in 2011, the implementation of the project was already 32 months late and represents an additional cost to both EU and Lithuanian taxpayers, is damaging the Lithuanian state and its prestige, and means that the safe decommissioning of the Ignalina nuclear power plant cannot be guaranteed.

Back in 2011, the Donor Assembly had set a specific date for the contractor (15 July 2011), by which time he had to provide a justification for the containers failing to meet the technical standards and reach an agreement. When he failed to provide the documents, another date was set — 5 October 2012 — but a solution to this problem has still to be found. According to information from the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Lithuania, on 29 April 2013, the contractor once again made a commitment to provide revised container technical data within 3-5 months but yet again, it is doubtful whether this will be done and there is a real risk that the contractor will continue to delay providing the required information, as has already been demonstrated.

Commissioner, do you not feel that there is a real threat to nuclear safety in the implementation of the Ignalina nuclear power plant decommissioning process?

Does the Commission not feel that such a situation is unacceptable and that it should play an active role as an arbiter in addressing the issues mentioned, particularly given that the contractor already deviated from the approved technical conditions in the initial phase of the project and has yet to meet the legal and contractual requirements of the Ignalina nuclear power plant, and that this is preventing Lithuania from carrying out decommissioning work safely and appropriately, which was a requirement provided for in the Treaty of Accession and which is having a negative impact on the prestige of both Lithuania and the EU?

Answer given by Mr Oettinger on behalf of the Commission

(9 July 2013)

In accordance with Council Directives 2009/71/Euratom (38) and 2011/70/Euratom (39), Member States are ultimately responsible for nuclear safety as well as for the safe management of spent fuel and radioactive waste, including decommissioning. These directives also provide for the regular assessment by the license holder of the safety of the installations and facilities concerned, as well as improving the safety, under the supervision of the national competent regulatory authority (in this case VATESI).

Although the Commission is a not a contracting party to project B1 and does not have the role to be an arbiter in such commercial disputes, the Commission has made major efforts over the last 3 years, to encourage progress of the project.

In fact, due to the ongoing problems, the EU project funding from the Ignalina International Decommissioning Support Fund (administrated by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, EBRD) was suspended in December 2012. Since then, both parties have made progress in addressing the outstanding issues and upon resolution of the last remaining issue (upgrade of cranes in the reactor units) the EBRD could consider lifting of the suspension.

The Commission will continue to facilitate the dialogue between both parties.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006486/13

to the Commission

Keith Taylor (Verts/ALE)

(6 June 2013)

Subject: Commission progress on developing an EU legal framework for the protection of pets and stray animals

Parliament’s resolution of 4 July 2012 on the establishment of an EU legal framework for the protection of pets and stray animals (P7_TA(2012)021) called on the Commission to put forward an EU legal framework for the protection of pets and stray animals, including:

Can you update me on what progress the Commission has made in terms of putting forward a legal framework for the protection of pets and stray animals (i.e. timeframe envisaged) and on the individual elements listed above?

Answer given by Mr Borg on behalf of the Commission

(23 July 2013)

European Union institutions must stay within the competences conferred on them by the Treaties. Their power to improve animal welfare by law making and enforcement is limited to the policies mentioned in Article 13 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, i.e. agriculture, fisheries, transport, internal market, research and technological development and space. As a result, the Commission has no mandate to put forward a legal framework for the protection of pets and stray animals.

Regarding the identification and registration of dogs and cats, Regulation (EC) No 998/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 May 2003 on the animal health requirements applicable to the non-commercial movement of pet animals and amending Council Directive 92/65/EEC (40) provides a framework for the identification of pet animals that may also be used by Member States for the identification of such animals within their territory. (41)

That said, the Commission envisages performing a study on the welfare of dogs and cats involved in commercial practices (42). The study is expected to be completed by the end of 2014.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-006487/13

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(6 juin 2013)

Objet: Des implants sécurisés à 100 %

Dans la médecine, à l'avenir, nous aurons de plus en plus recours aux implants. Tout cela se développe à une allure inimaginable. Nous voulons donc que les implants soient de bonne qualité, et ce dans le souci du patient.

Dans certains pays dont la Belgique, ces derniers mois, la ministre a fait contrôler 71 % des distributeurs d'implants. Elle a découvert des cas où l'hygiène était problématique, d'autres où les produits étaient périmés. Elle a donc déjà doublé le nombre de contrôleurs. Dans un avenir proche, 100 % des distributeurs auront été contrôlés.

Réponse donnée par M. Mimica au nom de la Commission

(16 juillet 2013)

Des contrôles sont effectués par les autorités nationales dans le cadre de l'ensemble des mesures d'application de la législation prévues par la directive sur les dispositifs médicaux (43) et relevant de la responsabilité des États membres. La coordination de ces mesures et l'échange d'informations sont l'affaire du groupe de travail COEN (Compliance and Enforcement Group — Mise en conformité et application), composé d'experts des États membres et de la Commission.

À la suite de l'incident des implants mammaires PIP, la Commission a demandé aux États membres de renforcer leurs activités de surveillance du marché. Elle a également engagé, au travers de groupes de travail d'experts sur les dispositifs médicaux, un dialogue avec les États membres et les professionnels de la santé sur la mise en place d'un système d'enregistrement des implants. Le projet PARENT (44) est un autre exemple des travaux entrepris dans ce sens.

Pour ce qui est de l'enregistrement des implants, les propositions de règlement relatives aux dispositifs médicaux (45) et aux dispositifs médicaux de diagnostic in vitro  (46), adoptées le 26 septembre 2012, exigent que la Commission et les États membres prennent toutes les mesures appropriées pour encourager la mise en place de registres pour des types spécifiques de dispositifs, afin de recueillir les enseignements tirés de l'utilisation de ceux-ci. Les règlements proposés prévoient également l'obligation pour les fabricants d'apposer sur leurs dispositifs un numéro d'identification unique (IUD) afin d'en améliorer la traçabilité.

En ce qui concerne la cartographie des implants, les règlements proposés prévoient la remise aux patients à qui un dispositif a été implanté d'une carte contenant des informations essentielles sur ce dispositif, les mises en garde requises et les précautions à prendre.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006487/13

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(6 June 2013)

Subject: 100% safe implants

The use of implants will be increasingly commonplace in medicine in the future and their use is growing at an unimaginable pace. Implants therefore need to be of good quality, in the interest of patients.

In Belgium, as in several countries, the minister has had 71% of implant distributors inspected in recent months. This has uncovered instances in which hygiene was an issue and others in which the products were out of date. The number of inspectors has therefore already been doubled. In the near future, all distributors will have been inspected.

Answer given by Mr Mimica on behalf of the Commission

(16 July 2013)

Inspections are conducted by national authorities as part of the overall enforcement activities provided for by the legislation on medical devices (47) and falling within the responsibility of the Member States. Coordination of these activities and exchange of information takes place in the Compliance and Enforcement Group, comprising experts from the Member States and the Commission.

In the context of the measures adopted following the PIP breast implants incident, the Commission asked the Member States to reinforce their market surveillance activities. The Commission is also engaged in a dialogue with Member States and healthcare professionals about implantation registers within Expert Working Groups on Medical Devices. Another example of work undertaken in this direction is the PARENT project (48).

Concerning the registers for devices, the proposals for a regulation on medical devices (49) and for a regulation on ‘in vitro ’ diagnostic medical devices (50) adopted on 26.9.2012 require the Commission and the Member States to take all appropriate measures to encourage the establishment of registers for specific types of devices to gather post-market experience related to their use. The proposed Regulations also include a requirement that manufacturers fit their devices with a Unique Device Identification (UDI) to improve device traceability.

Regarding mapping of implants, the aforementioned proposals foresee that patients who are implanted with a device should be given an implant card containing essential information on the implanted device and any necessary warnings or precautions to be taken.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-006489/13

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(6 juin 2013)

Objet: Trafic de chiens: préjudice pour les animaux

Le marché de l'animal génère beaucoup d'argent. Tant et si bien que de nombreuses personnes se sont emparées de cette nouvelle source de profit au détriment des animaux et de leurs futurs propriétaires. Ainsi, ces «importateurs» font venir des chiens et des chats des pays de l'Est pour les vendre à des animaleries. Le but est simple: gagner un maximum d'argent. Le principe est lui aussi aisé à mettre en œuvre: dans les pays d'Europe centrale se trouvent des élevages de toutes races de chiens, proposés à des prix dérisoires. Les chiots sont enlevés à leur mère très tôt, avant l'âge de deux mois. Arrivés dans l'Union européenne, ils reçoivent de faux papiers et carnets de vaccination. Puis ils sont distribués en France, avec de nouveaux documents, attestant frauduleusement que les animaux sont français. Ils sont ensuite vendus dans des animaleries ou chez des pseudo-éleveurs au prix fort. À toutes les étapes, le trafic est rentable.

Pour les chiots, le fait d'être sevré trop tôt, de n'être pas suffisamment socialisé, de subir des transports de plusieurs milliers de kilomètres sans eau ni nourriture est lourd de conséquences physiques et psychologiques.

Les propriétaires se retrouvent trop souvent avec un animal malade ou perturbé. Ils doivent alors faire face à des difficultés financières et morales.

Réponse donnée par M. Borg au nom de la Commission

(17 juillet 2013)

L'Union européenne n'est pas compétente pour fournir un soutien psychologique, juridique ou financier aux victimes du trafic de chiens.

Hormis en matière de transport (51) effectué dans le cadre d'une activité économique, il n'existe pas de réglementation européenne concernant le bien-être des chiens. Toutefois, de nombreux États membres, comme la France, ont adopté des dispositions nationales sur l'élevage et la vente de chiens sur leur territoire.

Que les règles soient européennes ou nationales, leur application relève des autorités nationales compétentes.

Il existe également des dispositions de l'UE visant à protéger les consommateurs contre les allégations trompeuses des commerçants. En particulier, le fait que ceux-ci ne donnent pas d'informations sur l'origine de l'animal pourrait être considéré comme une omission trompeuse au sens des dispositions de la directive sur les pratiques commerciales déloyales (52).

Dans le cadre de la stratégie de l'UE pour le bien-être des animaux au cours de la période 2012-2015 (53), la Commission prévoit de réaliser une étude sur le bien-être des chiens et des chats faisant l'objet de pratiques commerciales. À la lumière des résultats de cette étude, qui devrait avoir lieu d'ici à 2014, la Commission estimera si de nouvelles mesures sont nécessaires.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006489/13

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(6 June 2013)

Subject: Dog trafficking and animal welfare

The market in imported animals is highly lucrative, so lucrative, indeed, that many people have seized on it as a way to make money at the expense of the animals themselves and their prospective owners. To give just one example, ‘importers’ bring dogs and cats over from eastern European countries and sell them to pet shops. The aim is simple, to make as much money as possible, and the method used is just as simple: pedigree dogs of all kinds can be bought extremely cheaply from breeders in central Europe. Puppies are separated from their mothers before they are even two months old, and the importers have forged paperwork and vaccination cards ready for when they arrive in the European Union. The animals are then transported to all parts of France with new documents which fraudulently claim that they were bred in France. At this point they are sold to pet shops or ‘fake breeders’ for considerable sums of money. The traffickers turn a profit at every stage.

Weaning puppies at such a young age, depriving them of contact with other dogs and transporting them thousands of miles without food or water is physically and psychologically scarring.

Far too often, owners are left with ill or traumatised animals. Many are faced with tough financial and ethical choices as a result.

Answer given by Mr Borg on behalf of the Commission

(17 July 2013)

The EU has no competence in providing psychological, legal or financial support to the victims of illegal traffic of dogs.

Besides transport (54) made in connection with an economic activity, there is no EU rule regarding the welfare of dogs. However, many Member States like France have adopted national rules regarding the breeding and the selling of dogs in their territory.

For both EU and national rules, implementation remains under the competence of the national competent authorities.

There are also EU provisions to protect consumers against misleading claims from traders. In particular, the fact that a trader does not inform the consumer of the animal's origin could be considered as a misleading omission under the provisions of the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive (55).

In the context of the EU animal welfare strategy 2012-2015 (56) the Commission plans to make a study on the welfare of dogs and cats involved in commercial practices. In the light of the results of the study, expected by 2014, the Commission will consider if further measures are necessary.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-006491/13

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(6 juin 2013)

Objet: Mariage entre deux personnes de même sexe: propos calomnieux sous la bannière européenne

Voici les propos calomnieux et homophobes tirés de la parution «L'Observatoire de l'Europe»:

«C'est l'abolition progressiste de toutes les limites, de toutes les frontières, qui nous ramène tranquillement à la guerre de tous contre tous, celle-là même que l'Union européenne, récemment titrée, à sa grande surprise, du Prix Nobel de la Paix, devait rendre impossible, du moins dans les rêves de ses lointains fondateurs. Le régime postmoderne de l'Europe intégrée est l'émanation institutionnelle du règne de l'illimitation. Il n'était donc pas étonnant que ce fût de ce côté-là, une fois de plus, que viendrait la grande rupture anthropologique du droit civil, du mariage et de la filiation. En réalité, voilà plus de vingt ans que le Conseil de l'Europe et l'Union européenne œuvrent patiemment, sans en avoir reçu la compétence d'ailleurs, pour faire avancer la “reconnaissance” légale de la famille homosexuelle par les États membres… ».

Réponse donnée par Mme Reding au nom de la Commission

(29 juillet 2013)

La Commission européenne est déterminée à lutter contre l'homophobie et la transphobie en exerçant pleinement les pouvoirs qui lui ont été conférés par les traités.

Toutefois, la Commission ne dispose pas de compétences générales lui permettant d'intervenir auprès des États membres dans le domaine du droit de la famille. Par ailleurs, le cas particulier de la reconnaissance des mariages et des partenariats enregistrés, que ce soit entre personnes du même sexe ou de sexe différent, n'est pas régi par la législation de l'Union et relève de la compétence juridique de chaque État membre.

Les principes de liberté et de pluralisme des médias, qui sont consacrés dans le traité, à l'article 11 de la charte des droits fondamentaux de l'Union européenne, ainsi qu'à l'article 10 de la convention européenne des Droits de l'homme, constituent deux piliers essentiels de nos sociétés démocratiques. La Commission est fermement résolue à garantir la liberté d'expression dans les limites de ses compétences. Comme l'Honorable Parlementaire l'a souligné, L'Observatoire de l'Europe est un périodique indépendant, et la Commission européenne n'intervient pas dans la politique éditoriale de la presse.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006491/13

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(6 June 2013)

Subject: Same-sex marriage: slanderous comments under the European banner

Below are some slanderous and homophobic comments taken from the publication L'Observatoire de l'Europe:

‘It is the progressive abolition of all limits, of all boundaries, that is steadily leading us back to the war of “all against all”, which the European Union, recently awarded the Nobel Peace Prize much to its surprise, was supposed to make impossible, at least in the dreams of its distant founders. The postmodern regime of an integrated Europe is the institutional product of an approach whereby the overriding concern is having no limits. It therefore came as no surprise that it was from this side, once again, that the great anthropological breakdown of civil law, marriage and parentage originated. In fact, the Council of Europe and the European Union have been patiently working for more than 20 years, without any authority to do so, to promote the legal “recognition” of the homosexual family by Member States …’

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(29 July 2013)

The European Commission is determined to combat homophobia and transphobia to the full extent of the powers conferred on it by the Treaties.

The European Commission has however no general powers to intervene with the Member States in the area of family law and the specific case of recognition of marriages and registered partnerships, be it same-sex or different-sex, is not covered under Union law and remains within the legal competence of each Member State.

Freedom and pluralism of media constitute essential foundations of our democratic societies, enshrined in the Treaty, in Article 11 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union as well as Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights. The Commission is strongly committed towards ensuring freedom of expression within its competences. As the Honourable Member has pointed out, L'Observatoire de l'Europe, is an independent periodical and the European Commission does not interfere in the editorial policy of the press.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-006492/13

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(6 juin 2013)

Objet: Libération de la FEMEN tunisienne

Amina Sboui — également connue sous le nom d'Amina Tyler — a été placée en détention provisoire jeudi 30 mai après avoir été accusée de profanation de cimetière, d'appartenance à une organisation criminelle et d'atteinte aux bonnes mœurs, infractions passibles de plusieurs années de prison en vertu du code pénal tunisien. Les charges retenues contre elle seraient en rapport avec le fait qu'elle ait écrit le mot «FEMEN» sur un mur d'enceinte du cimetière de Kairouan le 19 mai, jour où Ansar al Charia, un groupe salafiste opposé à l'égalité entre les hommes et les femmes, avait appelé ses sympathisants à se rassembler dans cette ville. Amina Sboui a été arrêtée devant le cimetière et inculpée pour port d'aérosol lacrymogène — infraction dont elle a été reconnue coupable, ce qui lui a valu une condamnation à une amende d'un montant de 300 dinars tunisiens (environ 140 euros).

-elle pas inquiète que cette jeune femme soit accusée d'appartenir à une organisation criminelle, ce qui n'est pas sans rappeler le type d'accusation invoqué lors de la présence de régimes totalitaires?

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

(25 juillet 2013)

L'Union européenne suit de près le cas de Mme Amina Sboui. La délégation de l'UE a rencontré son avocat pour examiner et évaluer les principaux enjeux de cette affaire.

Comme lors d'autres événements récents ayant fait l'objet de jugements restreignant la liberté d'expression, l'UE a porté ces questions à l'attention des autorités tunisiennes, demandant la révision des lois héritées du régime de Ben Ali. Dans ce contexte, il convient de noter que des procureurs tunisiens ont utilisé plusieurs articles du code pénal pour instruire des affaires à l'encontre de leurs concitoyens.

D'une manière plus générale et au-delà de ce cas particulier, l'UE réitère constamment, dans le cadre de son dialogue politique avec les autorités tunisiennes, ses plaidoyers en faveur du renforcement de la liberté d'expression, conformément aux aspirations de la révolution tunisienne.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006492/13

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(6 June 2013)

Subject: Release of a Tunisian FEMEN activist

Amina Sboui — also known as Amina Tyler — was remanded in custody on Thursday 30 May 2013 after being accused of graveyard desecration, membership of a criminal organisation and public indecency. Such offences are punishable by several years’ imprisonment under the Tunisian criminal code. The charges against Ms Sboui are thought to be linked to the fact that she wrote the word ‘FEMEN’ on a wall surrounding the cemetery in Kairouan on 19 May 2013, the day on which Salafist group Ansar al-Sharia, which is opposed to equality between men and women, had called on its supporters to gather in the city. Amina Sboui was arrested in front of the cemetery and accused of carrying a tear gas canister — an offence for which she was found guilty and for which she was ordered to pay a fine of 300 Tunisian dinars (about EUR 140).

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

(25 July 2013)

The EU is closely monitoring Ms Amina Sboui's case. The EU Delegation has met her lawyer to enquire and assess the issues at stake in this case.

As in other recent events where freedom of expression has been curtailed by judgments, the EU has brought this issues under the attention of Tunisian authorities, calling for the revision of laws inherited from the Ben Ali regime. In that framework, it is worth noting that several articles of the penal code have been used by Tunisian prosecutors to instruct cases against Tunisian citizens.

More generally and beyond this specific case, in its political dialogue with the Tunisian authorities, the EU repeatedly reiterates its pleas for the consolidation of freedom of expression, in line with the aspirations of the Tunisian revolution.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-006493/13

alla Commissione

Lorenzo Fontana (EFD)

(6 giugno 2013)

Oggetto: Violazioni della libertà religiosa in Vietnam — il caso dei Montagnard cristiani

Negli ultimi giorni di maggio otto membri della minoranza etnica Montagnard sono stati condannati, in Vietnam, a undici anni di reclusione perché cattolici. Nel paese, infatti, essere cristiano significa mettere a rischio l'unità nazionale e incitare all'odio religioso, secondo quanto previsto dall'articolo 87 del codice penale. I condannati hanno un'età compresa tra i 32 e i 73 anni e la Montagnard Foundation, associazione che promuove i diritti di questa minoranza, afferma che la condanna è un pretesto per impedirle di ribellarsi al governo centrale.

Ai sensi dell'art. 10 della CEDU «ogni persona ha diritto alla libertà d'espressione. Tale diritto include la libertà di opinione e la libertà di ricevere o di comunicare informazioni o idee senza che vi possa essere ingerenza da parte delle autorità pubbliche e senza limiti di frontiera».

Inoltre, ai sensi dell'articolo 18 del Patto internazionale sui diritti civili e politici, ogni individuo ha diritto, oltre che alla libertà di pensiero e di coscienza, anche alla libertà di religione.

Infine, l’articolo 3 della risoluzione P7_TA(2011)0021 sulla situazione dei cristiani nel contesto della libertà religiosa «condanna fermamente ogni atto di violenza contro cristiani e altre comunità religiose, come pure tutti i tipi di discriminazione e intolleranza basati sulla religione e la fede contro chi pratica una religione, gli apostati e i non credenti».

Alla luce di quanto sopra, può la Commissione far sapere:

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

(16 agosto 2013)

L'Unione europea è preoccupata per i chiari segni di un approccio più restrittivo adottato dal Vietnam nell'ambito dei diritti umani, in particolare la libertà di espressione, di religione e di credo, e solleva regolarmente la questione nei suoi incontri con il governo vietnamita. Sono state ripetutamente intraprese iniziative sui diritti umani. Per quanto riguarda il caso specifico a cui si riferisce l'onorevole deputato, il capo della delegazione UE di Hanoi ha reagito postando un messaggio sul sito web della delegazione e ha espresso pubblicamente la preoccupazione dell'UE per il recente arresto e le condanne nei confronti di attivisti, blogger e studenti, chiedendo un riesame immediato di tali gravi pene.

La libertà di espressione, di religione e di credo è stata al centro della seconda sessione del dialogo intensificato UE-Vietnam sui diritti umani tenutasi a ottobre, durante la quale l'UE ha ribadito le sue preoccupazioni, sollevato casi specifici e esortato il Vietnam a riprendere il dialogo con il relatore speciale delle Nazioni Unite sulla libertà di religione e di credo. La terza sessione del dialogo, prevista indicativamente a settembre 2013, sarà un'ulteriore occasione di discutere tali questioni con il governo vietnamita.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006493/13

to the Commission

Lorenzo Fontana (EFD)

(6 June 2013)

Subject: Violations of religious freedom in Vietnam — the case of Montagnard Christians

At the end of May in Vietnam, 8 members of the Montagnard ethnic minority were sentenced to 11 years’ imprisonment for being Catholic. Being Christian in this country equates to undermining national unity and inciting religious hatred, according to Article 87 of the Vietnamese Penal Code. Those convicted are aged between 32 and 73 years old, and the Montagnard Foundation, the association which promotes the rights of this minority, says that the conviction is an excuse to prevent them rebelling against the central government.

In accordance with Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights, ‘everyone has the right to freedom of expression. This right shall include freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart information and ideas without interference by public authority and regardless of frontiers’.

Furthermore, in accordance with Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, everyone has the right not only to freedom of thought and conscience, but also to freedom of religion.

Lastly, Article 3 of resolution P7_TA(2011)0021 on the situation of Christians in the context of freedom of religion ‘strongly condemns all acts of violence against Christians and other religious communities as well as all kinds of discrimination and intolerance based on religion and belief against religious people, apostates and non-believers’.

In view of the above, can the Commission state:

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

(16 August 2013)

The EU is aware and concerned about signs of a more restrictive approach to human rights in Vietnam, in particular freedom of expression and freedom of religion or belief. The EU raises human rights concerns in regular meetings with the Vietnamese Government. Demarches on human rights have been carried out repeatedly. As regards the specific case mentioned by the Honourable Member, the EU Head of Delegation in Hanoi carried out a démarche in a message posted on the Delegation's website and expressed publicly the concern of the EU about the recent arrest and sentencing of activists, bloggers and students, calling for an immediate review of these severe sentences.

Freedom of expression or religion and belief were key elements of the 2nd session of the enhanced EU-VN Human Rights Dialogue held last October, where the EU reiterated its concerns, addressed specific cases and encouraged Vietnam to re-engage with the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief. The third session of the dialogue, tentatively scheduled to take place in September 2013 will be a further occasion to discuss these issues with the government.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-006494/13

alla Commissione

Lorenzo Fontana (EFD)

(6 giugno 2013)

Oggetto: Condanne in Egitto nei confronti di 43 operatori di ONG straniere

All'inizio di giugno 43 attivisti di organizzazioni non governative operanti in Egitto e impegnate nel processo di transizione democratica della società civile sono stati condannati a scontare pene detentive che vanno da un minimo di un anno a un massimo di cinque. Tra questi risultano esservi anche cittadini europei. L'accusa riguardava l'accettazione di valuta estera «ricevuta illegalmente». In realtà si tratta di un pretesto per continuare l'attività repressiva intrapresa nei confronti delle ONG già a fine 2011, durante le manifestazioni contro il Consiglio Superiore dell'Esercito. Da allora, diverse organizzazioni internazionali sono state costrette a lasciare il paese, a causa della crescente oppressione attuata dai Fratelli Musulmani.

All'articolo 4 della decisione n. 779/2007/CE del Parlamento europeo e del Consiglio, l'Unione europea si prefigge di sostenere le ONG impegnate a combattere la violenza nei confronti dei bambini, adolescenti, donne e altri gruppi a rischio.

Inoltre, il primo comma dell'articolo 6 della CEDU sul diritto a un equo processo, stabilisce in particolare che «ogni persona ha diritto a che la sua causa sia esaminata equamente, pubblicamente ed entro un termine ragionevole da un tribunale indipendente e imparziale» e il terzo comma del medesimo articolo riguarda i diritti processuali dell'imputato.

Alla luce di quanto sopra, può la Commissione far sapere:

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

(22 agosto 2013)

L'UE è a conoscenza degli eventi preoccupanti a cui fa riferimento l'onorevole deputato. In una dichiarazione congiunta rilasciata il 5 giugno 2013, l'AR/VP e il commissario responsabile per l'allargamento e la politica europea di vicinato hanno espresso la loro preoccupazione per la recente sentenza del tribunale egiziano che ha condannato i 43 dipendenti di organizzazioni non governative straniere, considerandola un segnale negativo nei confronti dell'azione della società civile. L'UE continuerà a seguire da vicino il caso e a monitorare la situazione sul posto tramite la propria delegazione in Egitto.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006494/13

to the Commission

Lorenzo Fontana (EFD)

(6 June 2013)

Subject: Forty-three employees of foreign NGOs sentenced in Egypt

At the start of June, 43 activists from non-governmental organisations operating in Egypt which are involved in the democratic transition of civil society, received custodial sentences ranging from a minimum of one year to a maximum of five. Some of these activists are European citizens. The charge concerned the receipt of ‘illicit’ foreign funds. In reality, this is a pretext to continue the crackdown on NGOs which already started at the end of 2011 during protests against the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces. Since then, various international organisations have been forced to leave the country because of growing oppression by the Muslim Brotherhood.

In Article 4 of Decision No 779/2007/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council, the European Union aims to support NGOs working to combat violence against children, young people, women and other groups at risk.

Moreover, Article 6(1) of the European Convention on Human Rights on the right to a fair trial lays down in particular that ‘everyone is entitled to a fair and public hearing within a reasonable time by an independent and impartial tribunal’, and Article 6(3) concerns the procedural rights of accused persons.

In view of the above, can the Commission state:

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

(22 August 2013)

The EU is aware and concerned about the events referred to. In a joint statement issued on 5 June 2013, the HR/VP and the Commissioner responsible for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy expressed their concern at the recent Court ruling in Egypt sentencing the 43 employees of foreign non-governmental organisations (NGOs). The verdict was condemned as a negative signal regarding the work of civil society. The EU will continue to follow closely the case and monitor the situation on the ground through its Delegation in Egypt.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-006495/13

alla Commissione

Lorenzo Fontana (EFD)

(6 giugno 2013)

Oggetto: Otto arresti di operai durante le manifestazioni di protesta in Cambogia

All'inizio del mese di giugno, otto operai cambogiani sono stati arrestati per la loro partecipazione a manifestazioni di protesta durante le quali si sono chiesti maggiori diritti e garanzie a tutela dei lavoratori. Secondo il Cambodian Centre for Human Rights il governo teme soprattutto l'impatto delle rivolte sulle prossime elezioni.

Milioni di operai, non solo cambogiani, sono vittime di un sistema con il quale le imprese cercano di contenere sempre più i costi, riducendo i salari al punto di costringere i lavoratori a vivere sotto la soglia di povertà.

Gli articoli 6 e 10 della CEDU tutelano, rispettivamente, il diritto a un equo processo e la libertà di espressione, ribadendo che l'arrestato deve «essere informato, nel più breve tempo possibile (…) della natura e dei motivi dell'accusa formulata a suo carico», informazione che non si è avuta nei confronti degli otto arrestati cambogiani.

Inoltre, nel caso Enerji Yapi del 2009, la Corte europea dei Diritti dell'Uomo riconosce, seppur indirettamente, il diritto allo sciopero quale diritto di tutelare i propri interessi ex articolo 11 della CEDU.

Alla luce di quanto sopra, può la Commissione far sapere:

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

(25 luglio 2013)

L’UE sostiene la ratifica e l’applicazione concreta delle norme internazionali del lavoro sancite nelle convenzioni dell’OIL da parte della Cambogia e di altri paesi terzi. L’OIL è l’organizzazione più qualificata per promuovere il progresso in materia di norme del lavoro, tra cui la libertà di associazione e il diritto di negoziazione collettiva, nonché la salute e la sicurezza sul luogo di lavoro.

La Commissione non può raccogliere informazioni dettagliate sullo sfruttamento dei lavoratori nei paesi non europei; tuttavia, il piano d’azione dell’UE sui diritti umani e la democrazia contiene un impegno specifico per quanto riguarda «Promuovere la ratifica universale e l’attuazione delle quattro norme fondamentali del lavoro dell’OIL: divieto del lavoro minorile, divieto del lavoro forzato, non discriminazione e libertà di associazione e contrattazione collettiva».

L’UE non ha condotto valutazioni specifiche del fenomeno dello sfruttamento dei lavoratori del settore manifatturiero nell’UE.

La Commissione e il SEAE incoraggiano le imprese con sede nell’UE a promuovere i diritti dei lavoratori nelle loro filiere di produzione nell’UE e nei paesi terzi, compreso il rispetto delle convenzioni fondamentali dell’OIL in materia di libertà di associazione e diritto di negoziazione collettiva, ma anche le norme di sanità e sicurezza e il dialogo con i rappresentanti dei lavoratori.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006495/13

to the Commission

Lorenzo Fontana (EFD)

(6 June 2013)

Subject: Eight workers arrested during protests in Cambodia

At the start of June, eight Cambodian workers were arrested for taking part in protests calling for greater rights and guarantees aimed at protecting workers. According to the Cambodian Centre for Human Rights, the government fears, in particular, the impact that the uprisings could have on the upcoming elections.

Millions of workers, not just Cambodians, are victims of a system where businesses try to increasingly contain their costs, cutting wages to the point where workers are forced to live below the poverty line.

Articles 6 and 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) respectively protect the right to a fair trial and freedom of expression, affirming that everyone who is arrested must be ‘informed promptly (…) of the reasons for his arrest and of any charge against him’, information which was not provided to the eight arrested Cambodians.

Furthermore, in the case of Enerji Yapi-Yol Sen of 2009, the European Court of Human Rights recognised, albeit indirectly, the right to strike as a right to protect one’s interests in accordance with Article 11 of the ECHR.

In view of the above, can the Commission state:

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

(25 July 2013)

The EU supports ratification and effective implementation of international labour standards, as enshrined in the ILO conventions, by Cambodia and other third countries. The ILO is best placed to promote progress on labour standards, including on freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining, as well as health and safety at work.

The Commission is not in a position to collect detailed information on the exploitation of workers in non-European countries, but the EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy contains a specific commitment for ‘Promotion of universal ratification and implementation of the four ILO core labour standards: the ban on child labour, the ban on forced labour, non-discrimination and freedom of association and collective bargaining’.

The EU has not conducted any specific assessment of the phenomenon of worker exploitation on the manufacturing sector in the EU.

The Commission and the EEAS encourages EU-based companies to promote workers' rights in their supply chains in the EU and in third countries. This includes respect for the ILO fundamental conventions on freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining, but also health and safety standards and dialogue with workers' representatives.

(Nederlandse versie)

Vraag met verzoek om schriftelijk antwoord P-006496/13

aan de Commissie

Marianne Thyssen (PPE)

(6 juni 2013)

Betreft: Verkeersveiligheid — hoogte bumpers

De Europese Commissie onderneemt grote inspanningen voor het verbeteren van de verkeersveiligheid in de Unie en dat met een combinatie van Europese en nationale initiatieven.

Ook wat betreft het veiliger maken van bumpers speelde Europa een voortrekkersrol, onder meer met de verplichte invoering van energieabsorberende bumpers.

Er worden mij evenwel tragische verkeersongevallen onder de aandacht gebracht, waarbij de voorkant van een wagen botst met de achterkant van een vrachtwagen. De foto's van de autowrakken tonen duidelijk aan dat de bumper van de wagens niet heeft gediend om het voertuig af te remmen, maar dat daarentegen de motor en de cabine de impact hebben opgevangen. En dit vanwege de grote afstand van de bumper van de vrachtwagen tot het wegdek en dus het belangrijke hoogteverschil tussen de bumpers van beide voertuigen.

Graag had ik van de Commissie vernomen of reeds de mogelijkheden werden onderzocht tot aanpassing van de bumperhoogte van vrachtwagens tot op het niveau van een personenwagen? En zo neen, of de Commissie bereid is hiertoe een initiatief te nemen? Zijn andere initiatieven in het vooruitzicht gesteld om voor deze pijnlijke kwestie een oplossing te bieden?

Antwoord van de heer Tajani namens de Commissie

(2 juli 2013)

Om te voorkomen dat auto's bij een botsing aan de achterzijde onder een vrachtwagen/aanhangwagen  terechtkomen, vereist Richtlijn 70/221/EEG (57) dat vrachtwagens/aanhangwagens aan de achterzijde van een beschermingsinrichting tegen klemrijden zijn voorzien die nergens meer dan 55 cm boven de grond uitkomt. Deze richtlijn is laatstelijk gewijzigd in 2006 en sindsdien moet de inrichting tegen grotere krachten bestand zijn.

Met Verordening (EG) nr. 661/2009 betreffende de algemene veiligheid van motorvoertuigen (58) heeft de wetgever Richtlijn 70/221/EEG vervangen door Reglement nr. 58 van de VN/ECE (reglement van de Economische Commissie voor Europa van de Verenigde Naties). Daarom worden sinds 1 november 2012 nieuwe voertuigmodellen enkel overeenkomstig VN/ECE-Reglement nr. 58 goedgekeurd en niet langer overeenkomstig Richtlijn 70/221/EEG. Bijgevolg is de Commissie niet van plan om een voorstel tot wijziging van Richtlijn 70/221/EEG in te dienen.

De VN/ECE-werkgroep voor de algemene veiligheid van voertuigen, waaraan de Commissie en de lidstaten actief deelnemen, behandelt op dit moment echter een wijziging van Reglement nr. 58  ter verbetering van het beschermingsniveau van beschermingsinrichtingen aan de achterzijde tegen klemrijden. Met name wordt voorgesteld om de hoogte van dergelijke inrichtingen verder te verlagen en de krachten waartegen dergelijke inrichtingen bestand moeten zijn, te vergroten. De verlaging van de hoogte leidt echter tot praktische problemen voor sommige vrachtwagens (bv. wendbaarheid op steile hellingen, terreinvoertuigen) en de deskundigen zijn verdeeld over de grootte van de krachten waartegen de inrichtingen bestand moeten zijn. Het overleg op deskundigenniveau om overeenstemming over een definitief ontwerp te bereiken, is daarom nog niet afgerond.

Wanneer op het niveau van de VN/ECE overeenstemming over de wijziging wordt bereikt, zal deze worden meegewogen bij de EU-typegoedkeuring van volledige voertuigen.

(English version)

Question for written answer P-006496/13

to the Commission

Marianne Thyssen (PPE)

(6 June 2013)

Subject: Road safety — height of bumpers

The Commission makes considerable efforts to improve road safety in the Union, by means of a combination of European and national initiatives.

Europe has also played a pioneering role in making bumpers safer, inter alia through the mandatory introduction of energy-absorbing bumpers.

However, I have been receiving reports of tragic road accidents in which a car collides frontally with the rear of a truck. Photographs of the wrecked cars clearly show that their bumpers have failed to slow them down and that instead the car’s engine and cabin have borne the impact. This is because trucks’ bumpers are so high above the road surface, creating a significant height difference between the bumpers of the two vehicles.

Has the Commission investigated the scope for altering the height of trucks’ bumpers to bring it into line with that of the bumpers on private cars? If not, will the Commission take such an initiative? Have any other initiatives been promised with the aim of resolving this issue, which causes distress?

Answer given by Mr Tajani on behalf of the Commission

(2 July 2013)

To avoid that cars go under a truck/trailer in case of a rear collision, Directive 70/221/EEC (59) requires that trucks/trailers be fitted with a rear under-run protection device, which shall at no point be more than 55 cm above the ground. This directive was lastly amended in 2006 to require the device to withstand increased force levels.

With Regulation (EC) 661/2009 on the general safety of motor vehicles (60), the legislator replaced Directive 70/221/EEC by UNECE Regulation No 58 (Regulation from the Economic Commission for Europe of the United Nations). Therefore, since 1 November 2012, new models of vehicles shall only be approved according to UNECE Regulation No 58 and no more according to Directive 70/221/EEC. Consequently, the Commission does not intend to make a proposal for amendment to Directive 70/221/EEC.

However, the UNECE working group on Vehicle General Safety, where the Commission and Member States participate actively, is currently discussing an amendment to Regulation No 58 to increase the safety level of rear under-run protection devices. It is in particular proposed to further decrease the height of such devices and to increase the force level that can withstand such devices. However, the height reduction raises practical problems for some heavy goods vehicles (e.g. manoeuvrability in big slopes, off road vehicles) and the position of the experts is split on the forces to be applied. Therefore the discussion is still going on at expert level to agree on a final draft.

When an agreement is found at UNECE level, the amendment will be taken on board for the purpose of EU whole-vehicle type-approval. 

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-006497/13

a la Comisión

Eider Gardiazábal Rubial (S&D), Sergio Gutiérrez Prieto (S&D), Alejandro Cercas (S&D) y María Irigoyen Pérez (S&D)

(6 de junio de 2013)

Asunto: Destino de los 82 000 millones de euros de los Fondos Estructurales que iban a ser reprogramados para luchar contra el desempleo, especialmente el juvenil

En enero del pasado año, el Presidente Barroso anunció la reprogramación de 82 000 millones de euros de los Fondos Estructurales para luchar contra el desempleo y especialmente contra el desempleo juvenil.

¿Puede informar la Comisión del resultado de esa iniciativa por países, especificando las cantidades reprogramadas, de qué programas se descontaron esas cantidades, cuál ha sido la implementación y los resultados de dicha reprogramación?

Respuesta del Sr. Andor en nombre de la Comisión

(22 de julio de 2013)

La Comisión quisiera señalar a Su Señoría que se ha publicado recientemente información detallada sobre el trabajo de los Equipos de Acción para la Juventud en cada uno de los ocho Estados miembros afectados, así como sobre sus resultados, en una ficha informativa específica sobre las medidas de la UE para reducir el desempleo juvenil (61). En dicha información constan el número de jóvenes que pueden beneficiarse de las medidas y los recursos procedentes de los Fondos Estructurales que los Estados miembros han reasignado al efecto.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006497/13

to the Commission

Eider Gardiazábal Rubial (S&D), Sergio Gutiérrez Prieto (S&D), Alejandro Cercas (S&D) and María Irigoyen Pérez (S&D)

(6 June 2013)

Subject: Fate of the EUR 82 billion in structural funds reallocated to help tackle unemployment, particularly youth unemployment

In January 2012, President Barroso announced that EUR 82 billion in structural funds would be reallocated to help tackle unemployment, particularly among young people.

Could the Commission provide information on the results of this initiative for each Member State, specifying the amounts reallocated, which programmes these amounts were deducted from, how the reallocation was implemented and the results?

Answer given by Mr Andor on behalf of the Commission

(22 July 2013)

The Commission would like to inform the Honourable Members that detailed information regarding the work of the Youth Action Teams in each of the eight Member States concerned and the results of this work have recently been published in a dedicated Factsheet on EU measures to tackle youth unemployment (62). This information includes the number of young persons likely to benefit and the Structural Funds resources reallocated by the Member States for this purpose.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-006498/13

a la Comisión

Rosa Estaràs Ferragut (PPE)

(6 de junio de 2013)

Asunto: Turismo de calidad

En la Comunicación de la Comisión Europea al Parlamento Europeo titulada «Europa, primer destino turístico del mundo: un nuevo marco político para el turismo europeo», la decimotercera de las acciones previstas era la de crear una marca europea «Turismo de Calidad» para aumentar la seguridad y la confianza de los consumidores en los productos turísticos y recompensar las gestiones rigurosas realizadas por los profesionales del turismo que tienen como objetivo alcanzar una calidad que satisfaga a los clientes.

¿De qué resultados disponemos hasta la fecha sobre este proyecto «Turismo de calidad»?

¿Qué evaluación realiza la Comisión de lo realizado hasta el momento?

Respuesta del Sr. Tajani en nombre de la Comisión

(20 de agosto de 2013)

La Comisión lleva trabajando en la acción decimotercera desde finales de 2010, en estrecha cooperación con las partes interesadas públicas y privadas. En 2011-2012, se celebraron varias consultas abiertas o dirigidas a un público específico, incluido un congreso abierto, para recabar los puntos de vista e ideas de las partes interesadas y los Estados miembros sobre una posible marca europea. En el programa de trabajo de la Comisión de 2012 se incluyó una propuesta de marca turística de la UE.

Desde principios de 2012, la Comisión trabaja en las fases de procedimiento de la propuesta legislativa. En un informe de evaluación de impacto (63) se examinan los posibles efectos económicos, sociales y medioambientales, así como la eficacia y la eficiencia de las distintas opciones de regulación y de instrumentos jurídicos.

La Comisión se propone establecer un marco voluntario, la marca europea de sistemas de calidad del turismo (marca ETQ), para garantizar a los consumidores que, independientemente del Estado miembro que visiten, disfrutarán de un determinado nivel de calidad en los establecimientos o servicios turísticos que lleven la marca. Esto debería ayudar a las empresas a ganarse la confianza de los consumidores, de manera que aumenten sus beneficios a fin de seguir invirtiendo en la calidad del servicio. La marca también proporcionaría visibilidad a gran escala frente a los visitantes de la UE y de terceros países, lo que es especialmente importante para las microempresas y las pequeñas empresas que no tienen la oportunidad de ampliar el alcance de su márketing.

También se ruega a Su Señoría que visite la página web de la Comisión para más información: http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/sectors/tourism/quality-label/index_es.htm

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006498/13

to the Commission

Rosa Estaràs Ferragut (PPE)

(6 June 2013)

Subject: Qualité Tourisme

In the communication from the Commission to Parliament entitled ‘Europe, the world’s No 1 tourist destination — a new political framework for tourism in Europe’, the 13th planned action was to develop a European Qualité Tourisme brand to increase consumer security and confidence in tourism products and reward rigorous efforts by tourism professionals whose aim is quality of tourism service for customer satisfaction.

What results has this Qualité Tourisme project produced to date?

What is the Commission’s assessment of what has been done to date?

Answer given by Mr Tajani on behalf of the Commission

(20 August 2013)

The Commission has been working on Action 13 since late 2010, in close cooperation with public and private stakeholders. Over 2011-12, several targeted and open consultations, including an open conference, were held to gather the views and ideas of stakeholders and Member States on a possible European label. A proposal for an EU tourism label was included in the Commission Legislative Work Programme of 2012.

Since early 2012, the Commission has been working on the procedural steps of the legislative proposal. An Impact Assessment Report (64) examines the potential economic, social and environmental impacts, as well as the effectiveness and efficiency of various policy options and legal instruments.

The Commission intends to establish a voluntary umbrella European Label for Tourism Quality Schemes (ETQ Label), to ensure consumers that in a tourism facility bearing the EU Label a certain level of quality will be met, no matter which Member State they visit. This should help businesses gain the trust of consumers, thus enhancing their benefits to further invest in service quality. The label would also provide large-scale visibility vis-à-vis intra-EU and third-country visitors. This is particularly important for micro and small enterprises that do not have the opportunity to extend their marketing reach.

The Honourable Member is also invited to visit the Commission's website for further information: http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/sectors/tourism/quality-label/index_en.htm.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-006499/13

a la Comisión

Rosa Estaràs Ferragut (PPE)

(6 de junio de 2013)

Asunto: Seguimiento de la aplicación de la Convención de Naciones Unidas

El 23 de diciembre de  2010, la UE ratificó la Convención de Naciones Unidas sobre los derechos de las personas con discapacidad, convirtiéndose así en la primera entidad supranacional que ha llegado a ser parte oficial de la Convención, asumiendo por tanto los deberes y obligaciones impuestos por la misma.

La Estrategia 2010-2020 se centra en potenciar los derechos de las personas con discapacidad y ayuda a cumplir las disposiciones de la Convención de Naciones Unidas sobre los derechos de las personas con discapacidad.

Considerando que el artículo 35 de la Convención de Naciones Unidas establece que los Estados Partes presentarán al Comité de las Naciones Unidas encargado de su implementación, un informe exhaustivo sobre las medidas que hayan adoptado para cumplir sus obligaciones conforme a la Convención y sobre los progresos realizados al respecto en el plazo de dos años contando a partir de la entrada en vigor de la Convención en el Estado Parte de que se trate;

Considerando que, en la propia Estrategia 2010-2020, se menciona que, a finales de 2012, la Comisión Europea informará de los avances de la Estrategia, concretamente sobre la puesta en práctica de medidas, los progresos nacionales y el informe que remite la UE al Comité de las Naciones Unidas sobre los Derechos de las Personas con Discapacidad;

¿En qué estado se encuentran los informes que la UE, como parte a la Convención, debe presentar al Comité de Naciones Unidas para cumplir con lo dispuesto en el artículo 35?

¿Considera la Comisión que las medidas adoptadas desde la entrada en vigor de la Convención de Naciones Unidas, cumplen con los objetivos proclamados por la misma?

La UE ratificó dicha Convención como entidad supranacional pero ¿en qué estado se encuentra la ratificación de la misma por parte de cada Estado miembro?

Respuesta de la Sra. Reding en nombre de la Comisión

(19 de julio de 2013)

La Comisión remitiría a Su Señoría a su respuesta a las preguntas escritas E-4973/2013 y E-2893/2013.

Además, a fecha de junio de 2013, veinticuatro Estados miembros han ratificado la Convención de las Naciones Unidas sobre los derechos de las personas con discapacidad, mientras que tres Estados miembros (Irlanda, Finlandia y los Países Bajos) la han firmado y están completando el proceso para su ratificación. Croacia ha ratificado tanto la Convención como su Protocolo Facultativo (65).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006499/13

to the Commission

Rosa Estaràs Ferragut (PPE)

(6 June 2013)

Subject: Follow-up to application of UN Convention

On 23 December 2010, the EU ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, becoming thereby the first supranational body to be an official party to the Convention and thus assuming the duties and obligation laid down therein.

The 10-year Europe 2020 strategy focuses on promoting the rights of persons with disabilities and contributes to compliance with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Article 35 of the UN Convention stipulates that each State Party shall submit a comprehensive report to the UN Committee responsible for the Convention’s implementation on the measures taken to give effect to its obligations under the Convention and on the progress made in that regard, within two years of the Convention entering into force in the State Party concerned.

The Commission states in the Europe 2020 strategy that it will report at the end of 2012 on progress made under the strategy; specifically, on the implementation of measures, progress made by Member States and the report the EU will send to the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

What is the current status of the reports the EU, as a Party to the Convention, must submit to the UN Committee in compliance with Article 35?

Does the Commission believe that measures taken since the UN Convention came into force comply with the objectives of the Convention?

The EU ratified the Convention as a supranational entity: what progress however have individual Member States made towards ratifying the Convention themselves?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(19 July 2013)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to Written Question E-4973/2013 and E-2893/2013.

In addition, as of June 2013 24 Member States have ratified the UNCRPD, while 3 Member States (Ireland, Finland and the Netherlands) signed it and are completing the process towards ratification. Croatia ratified both the UNCRPD and its Optional Protocol (66).

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-006500/13

a la Comisión

Dolores García-Hierro Caraballo (S&D)

(6 de junio de 2013)

Asunto: Datos sobre género del sector pesquero

De acuerdo con las normas comunitarias que establezcan el principio de igualdad de trato entre hombres y mujeres que ejercen una actividad autónoma o asalariada, como es el caso en el sector de la pesca y la acuicultura, ¿podría informarnos la Comisión de qué datos dispone, desglosados por Estados miembros de la Unión y año correspondiente sobre cuántas mujeres se han beneficiado de medidas de apoyo a la maternidad, seguros de desempleo, formación y mejora retributiva, pensión, etc. desde la anterior reforma de la Política Pesquera Común?

Respuesta de la Sra. Damanaki en nombre de la Comisión

(25 de julio de 2013)

Eurostat mantiene una base de datos sobre el empleo en general, sector marítimo incluido, desglosados por Estados miembros (67). La base de datos de Eurostat también distingue por género o entre diferentes formas de empleo, es decir, trabajo a tiempo completo, a tiempo parcial y trabajo ocasional o por cuenta propia (68).

Por lo que respecta a los datos específicos a que se refiere Su Señoría, la Comisión se basa actualmente en la información recogida a partir de los datos facilitados por los Estados miembros. En el marco de la recopilación de datos actual, la Comisión solicita de forma periódica datos económicos, en particular sobre el empleo por género. No obstante dicho marco no incluye las variables del porcentaje de mujeres en el sector que se han beneficiado de medidas de apoyo a la maternidad, seguros de desempleo, formación y mejora retributiva o pensión.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006500/13

to the Commission

Dolores García-Hierro Caraballo (S&D)

(6 June 2013)

Subject: Gender statistics on the fishing industry

In line with Community rules establishing the principle of equal treatment for men and women who are employed or self-employed, such as those working in the fisheries and aquaculture sector, can the Commission say what statistics it has, broken down by Member State and year, showing how many women have benefited from maternity support measures, unemployment benefit, training, pay rises, pensions etc. since the last reform of the common fisheries policy?

Answer given by Ms Damanaki on behalf of the Commission

(25 July 2013)

Eurostat maintains a database generally on employment including in the maritime sector that has a breakdown by Member States (69). The database of Eurostat also distinguishes by gender or between different forms of employment, i.e. full-time, part-time and occasional employment or self-employment. (70)

Concerning the specific data referred to by the Honorable Member, the Commission currently relies on information gathered by the data provision of Member States. Within the current Data Collection Framework (DCF), the Commission regularly requests economic data including employment by gender. However, the current Data Collection Framework does not include the variables of percentage of women in the sector benefiting from maternity support measures, unemployment benefit, training, pay rises, or pensions.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-006501/13

a la Comisión

Dolores García-Hierro Caraballo (S&D)

(6 de junio de 2013)

Asunto: Controles de la pesca ilegal en la EU

¿Puede indicar la Comisión el número de controles que se realizan, desglosados por Estados miembros, en los puertos comunitarios para luchar contra la pesca ilegal y no reglamentada, incluyendo el porcentaje de desembarcos de productos pesqueros ilegales que se sancionan?

¿Puede detallar asimismo la Comisión Europea las medidas que implementa para conocer el control de las importaciones que puedan suponer competencia desleal para el sector pesquero de los países de la UE?

¿Puede indicar, por último, si existe un control unificado de las importaciones pesqueras para hacer un seguimiento de las cuotas que van gastando otros países no comunitarios?

Respuesta de la Sra. Damanaki en nombre de la Comisión

(5 de septiembre de 2013)

La UE ha establecido un sistema completo de normas para controlar las actividades pesqueras y luchar contra la pesca INDNR (71) en el marco de los Reglamentos sobre control (72) y sobre pesca INDNR (73). Los Estados miembros son responsables del control de las importaciones de productos pesqueros y están autorizados a rechazar cualquier importación si no se cumplen las disposiciones del Reglamento sobre la pesca INDNR.

Los Estados miembros son responsables (74) de verificar las importaciones sobre la base de criterios establecidos a nivel nacional o de la Unión en el marco de la gestión de riesgos. En 2009 se implantaron los criterios básicos de la Unión (75), y algunos Estados miembros han desarrollado sus propios sistemas nacionales de gestión de riesgos.

A examinar la información en poder de los Estados miembros, la Comisión ha observado un aumento de las importaciones rechazadas (33 en 2010, 27 en 2011, 50 en 2012 y aproximadamente 50, por el momento, en 2013).

Las importaciones de productos pesqueros deben estar amparadas, entre otras cosas, por certificados de captura que acrediten que se han respetado la legislación y la normativa aplicables, así como las medidas internacionales de gestión y conservación.En virtud de la legislación de la UE, los Estados miembros son responsables de la verificación de las importaciones y evitar así la discriminación y la competencia desleal para los pescadores de la Unión.

La pesca en aguas internacionales está regulada por las organizaciones regionales de ordenación pesquera (OROP), que fijan cuotas, gestionadas por las Partes contratantes del Estado del pabellón y por las OROP en los comités de cumplimiento; en algunos casos (atún rojo del Atlántico), la gestión corre a cargo de las secretarías de las OROP. La introducción y aplicación por la UE del régimen de certificación de capturas en el marco del Reglamento sobre la pesca INDNR ha ofrecido a los Estados miembros la posibilidad de reforzar el control sobre la utilización de las cuotas y de garantizar la legalidad de las capturas.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006501/13

to the Commission

Dolores García-Hierro Caraballo (S&D)

(6 June 2013)

Subject: Monitoring of illegal fishing in the EU

Can the Commission say how many inspections are carried out, broken down by Member State, in Community ports to combat illegal and unregulated fishing? Can it also state the percentage of illegal landings of fishery products that are actually punished?

Can the Commission detail the measures it is implementing to control imports that could create unfair competition for the fisheries sector in EU countries?

Lastly, can it say whether there is a unified control of fisheries imports to monitor the quotas being spent by other, non-EU countries?

Answer given by Ms Damanaki on behalf of the Commission

(5 September 2013)

The EU has put in place a comprehensive system of rules dealing with the control of fishing activities and the combat of IUU fishing (76) as set out in the Control (77) and IUU Regulations (78). Member States are responsible for controlling importations of fisheries products and are entrusted to refuse any importation if the provisions of the IUU Regulation are not fulfilled.

Member States are responsible (79) for verification of imports on the basis of criteria developed at national or Union level under risk management. Basic Union criteria have been established in 2009 (80) while certain Member States have developed their own national risk management systems.

On the basis of information kept by Member States, the Commission observed an increase on refusal of importations (33 in 2010, 27 in 2011, 50 in 2012 and approximately 50 till now in 2013).

Imports of fisheries products have to be accompanied, inter alia, by catch certificate, certifying that catches have been made in accordance with applicable laws, regulations and international conservation and management measures.Member Statesare by EC law responsible for verification of importations thus preventing any discrimination or unfair competition for EU fishermen.

The fisheries in international waters are governed by Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs) which fix quotas, managed by the flag State Contracting Parties as well as by the RFMOs in the context of Compliance Committees; in certain cases (e.g. bluefin tuna) they are managed by RFMO Secretariats. The introduction and implementation by the EU of the catch certification scheme under IUU Regulation has offered Member States the possibility to increase their level of control on the use of quotas and ensure legality of catches.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-006502/13

an die Kommission

Hans-Peter Martin (NI)

(6. Juni 2013)

Betrifft: Regulierung von Schattenbanken

Medienberichten zufolge hat das Mitglied der Kommission mit Zuständigkeit für den Binnenmarkt, Michel Barnier, Anfang Mai 2013 einen bereits fertigen Vorschlag zur Regulierung von Schattenbanken zurückgezogen. Am 27. Mai 2013 kündigte Michel Barnier bei einer Anhörung im ECON-Ausschuss des Europäischen Parlaments einen neuen Vorschlag der Kommission an, der im Juni 2013 veröffentlicht werden soll.

Antwort von Herrn Barnier im Namen der Kommission

(31. Juli 2013)

Die Risiken im Zusammenhang mit Schattenbanken sind Gegenstand mehrerer Aufgabenbereiche der Kommission. Im Jahr 2012 wurde ein Grünbuch zur Einleitung einer öffentlichen Konsultation veröffentlicht. Auch an den Arbeiten auf internationaler Ebene ist die Kommission aktiv beteiligt. Nach aktueller Planung wird sie im Herbst 2013 eine Mitteilung und einen Vorschlag für eine Verordnung über Geldmarktfonds vorlegen.

In der Mitteilung werden die im Auftrag der G20 erstellten Empfehlungen des Rates für Finanzstabilität (FSB) berücksichtigt. Der Kommission ist bewusst, dass nicht nur den Risiken für die Finanzmarktstabilität, sondern auch der Rolle, die das Schattenbankwesen für die Finanzierung der Wirtschaft spielt, Rechnung zu tragen ist. Jede politische Initiative zu den Schattenbanken wird diese beiden Aspekte im Auge behalten.

Die Mitteilung wird erst nach ihrer Annahme durch das Kollegium veröffentlicht. Die Kommission hat bisher keine vorläufige Fassung veröffentlicht. Ergänzend zu der breit angelegten Konsultation der Öffentlichkeit im Anschluss an das Grünbuch vom März 2012 steht die Kommission in regelmäßigem Kontakt mit allen wichtigen Akteuren und Institutionen, einschließlich des Europäischen Parlaments, das im November 2012 im Rahmen seiner Arbeiten im Bereich der Schattenbanken einen Initiativbericht verabschiedete.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006502/13

to the Commission

Hans-Peter Martin (NI)

(6 June 2013)

Subject: Regulation of shadow banking entities

According to media reports, in early May 2013 the Member of the Commission responsible for the internal market, Michel Barnier, withdrew a proposal on the regulation of shadow banking entities that had already been completed. On 27 May 2013, Mr Barnier announced to a hearing of the European Parliament’s ECON Committee that a new Commission proposal was to be published in June 2013.

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(31 July 2013)

Several Commission workstreams are addressing the risks posed by the shadow banking system. A public consultation was issued in 2012 by means of a Green Paper. The Commission has also actively contributed to the work carried out at the international level. According to current planning, the Commission envisages to present a communication and a regulation on Money Market Funds in the autumn of 2013.

The communication will take into account the policy recommendations produced by the Financial Stability Board (FSB), mandated by G20. The Commission is aware of the need to take into account on the one hand the risks to financial stability, and on the other hand the role that shadow banking plays in financing the economy. Any policy initiative on shadow banking will take into account both these objectives.

The communication will only be published once it is adopted by the College. At no point in time has the Commission published a preliminary version. In addition to the broad public consultation following the green paper in March 2012, the Commission has been in regular contact with all key stakeholders and key institutions, including the European Parliament, which adopted an initiative report in November 2012 when developing its policy responses in the area of shadow banking.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-006503/13

an die Kommission

Hans-Peter Martin (NI)

(6. Juni 2013)

Betrifft: Hohe Dispozinsen trotz Leitzinssenkungen

Verschiedenen Medienberichten zufolge haben nach der erneuten Senkung des Leitzinses im Euroraum am 2. Mai 2013 durch die Europäische Zentralbank nur sehr wenige Banken die Dispozinsen für ihre Kunden gesenkt. Im Vergleich zum sehr niedrigen Leitzins blieben die Dispozinsen damit auf einem vergleichsweise hohen Niveau.

Antwort von Herrn Barnier im Namen der Kommission

(23. Juli 2013)

Dieses Ziel soll durch klarere und teilweise standardisierte Angaben zu den Dienstleistungen der Geldinstitute und den hierfür erhobenen Gebühren einschließlich der Belastungen bei einer Kontoüberziehung verwirklicht werden. Dank transparenterer Informationen werden sich die Kunden ein besseres Bild von den verschiedenen Bankendienstleistungen und zugehörigen Gebühren machen, die unterschiedlichen verfügbaren Angebote vergleichen und das für sie günstigste Angebot auswählen können. Bei Eröffnung eines Kontos erhalten sie anschließend mindestens einmal jährlich ausführliche Informationen über die tatsächlich erhobenen Gebühren.

Ferner soll der Kontowechsel-Service für die Kunden mittels eines raschen und verlässlichen Verfahrens verbessert werden. Das soll den Verbrauchern den Wechsel des Bankkontos und die Nutzung günstigerer Angebote erleichtern. Die Kommission erwartet hierdurch einen verschärften Wettbewerb zwischen den Banken, der sich auch auf die Gebühren auswirken dürfte.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006503/13

to the Commission

Hans-Peter Martin (NI)

(6 June 2013)

Subject: High interest rates on overdrafts despite reductions in the base rate

According to numerous reports in the media, very few banks have reduced the interest rates they charge on overdrafts, despite the fact that the European Central Bank reduced the Eurozone base rate once again on 2 May 2013. Compared with the very low base rate, the rates of interest charged on overdrafts are thus still relatively high.

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(23 July 2013)

This new proposal aims at improving the transparency of bank fees by giving clearer and partly standardised information regarding the bank services and the corresponding fees, including charges for overdrafts. Thanks to more transparent information, the consumers will be able to get a better understanding of the different bank services and fees, to compare the different offers available and consequently to choose the most suitable offer on the market. Then, becoming client of a bank, the customer will receive detailed information regarding the actual fees charged at least annually.

In addition, this proposal foresees that the switching service will be improved for consumers through a quick and reliable process. As a consequence, consumers will be able to switch bank accounts more easily and take profit of better offers in the market. The competition between banks will therefore be strengthened with potential impact on fees.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-006505/13

an die Kommission

Hans-Peter Martin (NI)

(6. Juni 2013)

Betrifft: Nahrungsmittelspekulation

Medienberichten zufolge hat der Handel mit Agrarrohstoffen an den Warenterminbörsen in den letzten Jahren zugenommen. Verschiedene Banken haben angekündigt, sich aus der Spekulation mit Nahrungsmitteln zurückzuziehen. Allerdings halten verschiedene Großbanken nach wie vor an dieser Praxis fest. Rohstoff-Spekulationen stehen in der Kritik, weil sie nach Ansicht von Kritikern zu einer Steigerung der Lebensmittelpreise beitragen und damit direkte Auswirkungen auf Hungerkatastrophen in Entwicklungsländern haben.

Antwort von Herrn Barnier im Namen der Kommission

(19. Juli 2013)

Die Kommission sieht die Eindämmung der exzessiven Preisvolatilität auf den weltweiten Rohstoffmärkten als wichtige Priorität. In ihrer Mitteilung vom Februar 2011 (83) äußerte sie ihre Bedenken hinsichtlich der Finanzialisierung der Märkte für Rohstoffderivate und stellte fest, dass es zwar keinen schlüssigen Beweis für einen Kausalzusammenhang zwischen Spekulationen und überhöhten Nahrungsmittelpreisen gebe. Allerdings müssten diese Märkte auch weiterhin im Dienste der Realwirtschaft stehen, indem sie die Preisbildung unterstützen und die Absicherung gegen Marktrisiken ermöglichen. Die Finanzialisierung der Rohstoffmärkte muss den Zugang zu Grund‐ und Rohstoffen erleichtern und nicht erschweren. Dies und die Vermeidung jeglicher Destabilisierung der europäischen Wirtschaft oder der Volkswirtschaften der Entwicklungsländer sind daher zentrale Anliegen der europäischen und internationalen Politik.

Es gibt keine ausreichenden Informationen über die Kreise, die an Nahrungsmittelspekulationen beteiligt sind. Im Einklang mit den G20-Zusagen und im Anschluss an ihre Mitteilung vom Februar 2011 hat die Kommission mehrere Initiativen zur Stärkung der Integrität und Transparenz der Märkte für Grundstoffderivate ergriffen. Dazu gehören gesetzgeberische Vorschläge, die eindeutig festlegen sollen, welche Arten von Handelsaktivitäten auf den Rohstoffmärkten als Marktmissbrauch einzustufen sind (84), sowie Vorschläge, durch die sichergestellt werden soll, dass Rohstoffderivate ausschließlich an regulierten Handelsplätzen gehandelt werden, dass diese Handelstätigkeiten transparent sind und dass eine umfassende Kontrolle über Rohstoffderivate-Positionen, einschließlich der Einführung von Positionsobergrenzen nach Marktteilnehmer, gegeben ist (85). Diese Vorschläge werden gegenwärtig im Europäischen Parlament und im Rat verhandelt.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006505/13

to the Commission

Hans-Peter Martin (NI)

(6 June 2013)

Subject: Food speculation

The media have been reporting an increase in agricultural commodity futures trading over the last few years. While a number of banks have announced their intention of ceasing food speculation, certain of the larger ones are continuing to engage in this practice, which, according to critics, is driving up food prices and having a direct impact on the starving populations of developing countries.

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(19 July 2013)

The Commission considers the need to address excessive price volatility on the world’s commodity markets a priority. In its communication of February 2011 (86), the Commission expressed its concerns about the financialisation of commodity derivatives markets, and noted that while there was no conclusive evidence for a causal link between speculation and excessive food prices, these markets must continue to serve the real economy by helping price formation and allowing the hedging of market risk. Ensuring that the financialisation of commodity markets supports and does not undermine access to commodities and raw materials or destabilise the European economy or the economies of developing countries is therefore a key policy concern at European level and international level.

There is a lack of information about who could be engaged in food speculation. In line with G20 commitments and following-up on its communication of February 2011, the Commission has launched a number of regulatory initiatives to increase the integrity and transparency of commodity derivatives markets. This includes legislative proposals to clarify the types of trading in commodity markets that constitute market abuse (87), as well as legislative proposals to require that commodity derivative products are traded exclusively on regulated trading venues, that these trading activities are transparent and a comprehensive oversight of commodity derivative positions, including the imposition of position limits by market participants (88). These proposals are currently under negotiation in the European Parliament and the Council.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-006506/13

an die Kommission

Hans-Peter Martin (NI)

(6. Juni 2013)

Betrifft: Informationen über die Kreditsicherheit von Banken

Medienberichten zufolge ist ein Ausschuss der Bank für Internationalen Zahlungsausgleich (BIZ) zu dem Schluss gekommen, dass Banken ihre Investoren sorgfältiger über ihre Kreditsicherheiten informieren sollen. So könne eine bessere Risikoeinschätzung ermöglicht werden.

Plant die Kommission, Maßnahmen zu ergreifen, um die Banken aufzufordern, dafür Sorge zu tragen, dass alle ihre Anspruchsgruppen, insbesondere ihre Kunden, zu jeder Zeit über die Sicherheit und Qualität der Kredite der Bank informiert werden können?

Antwort von Herrn Barnier im Namen der Kommission

(23. Juli 2013)

Um das Gesamtkreditrisiko einer Bank einschätzen zu können, bedarf es angemessener Angaben zu den als notleidend oder nicht notleidend eingestuften Krediten, den Rückstellungen für wertgeminderte Kreditforderungen und den Belastungen von Vermögenswerten.

Das Europäische Parlament und der Rat haben vor kurzem das aus einer Richtlinie und einer Verordnung bestehende Gesetzgebungspaket zu den Eigenkapitalanforderungen angenommen, das ab dem1. Januar 2014 zur Anwendung gelangt. Dort werden zum einen die bereits bestehenden Anforderungen an die Offenlegung von überfälligen und ausfallgefährdeten Forderungen sowie von spezifischen und allgemeinen Rückstellungen für Kreditausfälle, aufgeschlüsselt nach Wirtschaftszweigen oder Gegenparteien und darüber hinaus nach wesentlichen geografischen Gebieten, fortgeschrieben. Zum anderen werden die bestehenden Regeln im Einklang mit den Empfehlungen der BIZ ausgeweitet, indem die Europäische Bankenaufsichtsbehörde aufgefordert wird, bis Juli 2014 Leitlinien für die Offenlegung belasteter Vermögenswerte und bis 1. Januar 2016 eine verbindliche Norm für die Offenlegung belasteter Vermögenswerte auszuarbeiten.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006506/13

to the Commission

Hans-Peter Martin (NI)

(6 June 2013)

Subject: Information on the security of bank loans

According to reports in the media, a committee of the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) has come to the conclusion that banks should inform investors more carefully about the security of their loans. This would make it easier to assess risk.

Is the Commission planning measures that will require banks to ensure that all their stakeholder groups, especially their customers, can be kept aware of the security and quality of their loans at all times?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(23 July 2013)

Adequate disclosure on the classification of loans into performing and non-performing, the provisions for impaired loans, as well as the encumbrance of assets are essential for understanding the overall credit risk to which a bank is exposed.

The European Parliament and Council have recently adopted the Capital Requirements (CRD IV/CRR) package, which will be applicable as of 1 January 2014. On the one hand, it carries forward the existing acquis on disclosures of (1) past due and impaired exposures and (2) the specific and general loan loss provisions, detailed per industry or counterparty and further broken down by significant geographical areas. On the other hand and in line with the BIS recommendations, the CRD IV/CRR extends the existing acquis by requiring the European Banking Authority to develop guidelines on the disclosure of encumbered assets by July 2014 and a mandatory disclosure standard on encumbered assets by 1 January 2016.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-006508/13

προς την Επιτροπή

Nikolaos Salavrakos (EFD)

(6 Ιουνίου 2013)

Θέμα: Λειτουργία της ΜΟΔ ΑΕ

Η Μονάδα Οργάνωσης και Διαχείρισης (ΜΟΔ ΑΕ) ανήκει στο Ελληνικό Δημόσιο, διαχειρίζεται τα κονδύλια των Κοινοτικών Πλαισίων Στήριξης παλαιότερα, του ΕΣΠΑ σήμερα κ.λπ., αλλά η ωφέλεια για την ελληνική οικονομία και κοινωνία παραμένει μικρότερη αυτής που θα μπορούσε να είχε υπάρξει.

Βραδυκίνητες διαδικασίες, γραφειοκρατία και προκηρύξεις για χρηματοδότηση οι οποίες δεν αντιστοιχούν στις πραγματικές ανάγκες της οικονομίας δημιουργούν συνεχή εμπόδια σε έλληνες επαγγελματίες που θέλουν να αναπτύξουν την επιχείρησή τους. Σε όλα αυτά προστίθενται και οι πληροφορίες των ΜΜΕ για δαπάνη εκ μέρους της ΜΟΔ πολλών εκατομμυρίων ευρώ για ενοίκια επί χρόνια. Μέχρι το 2010 το κόστος των ενοικίων είχε ξεπεράσει τα 60 εκατομμύρια ευρώ, ενώ το Ελληνικό Δημόσιο έχει 71 000 ακίνητα ανεκμετάλλευτα. Σημειώνεται, επίσης, ότι ο αριθμός των εργαζομένων στην ΜΟΔ ΑΕ ξεπερνά τα 1 000 άτομα.

Ερωτάται η Επιτροπή:

Απάντηση του κ. Hahn εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(25 Ιουλίου 2013)

Η επιλογή των φορέων που διαχειρίζονται προγράμματα για την πολιτική συνοχής εναπόκειται στην αρμοδιότητα του κάθε κράτους μέλους. Ανεξάρτητα από αυτό, η εκ μέρους της Επιτροπής αξιολόγηση των εργασιών της μονάδας για την οργάνωση της διαχείρισης των διαρθρωτικών παρεμβάσεων στην Ελλάδα (MOΔ) και των δημοσίων υπαλλήλων στους οποίους έχει ανατεθεί η διαχείριση και εκτέλεση των διαρθρωτικών παρεμβάσεων είναι γενικώς θετική. Η MOΔ χρησιμοποιεί υψηλής κατάρτισης προσωπικό που συμβάλλει θετικά στην εφαρμογή της πολιτικής συνοχής στην Ελλάδα. Αν η MOΔ θα πρέπει να μισθώνει ή να χρησιμοποιεί εγκαταστάσεις που ανήκουν στο ελληνικό κράτος, αυτό είναι πρωτίστως θέμα των εθνικών αρχών. Όταν χρησιμοποιούνται κονδύλια της ΕΕ για την κάλυψη των εν λόγω εξόδων, η Επιτροπή είναι της γνώμης ότι τούτο θα πρέπει να γίνεται σύμφωνα με τις αρχές της υγιούς και αποτελεσματικής διαχείρισης.

Προκειμένου να διευκολυνθεί η ρευστότητα στην Ελλάδα και σε άλλα κράτη μέλη που αντιμετωπίζουν παρόμοια προβλήματα, η Επιτροπή έχει λάβει μια σειρά σημαντικών μέτρων, συμπεριλαμβανομένης της τροποποίησης του νομικού πλαισίου, καθώς και της αναθεώρησης των ελληνικών προγραμμάτων (αύξηση του συντελεστή συνεισφοράς της ΕΕ έως 85%, διευκόλυνση των πληρωμών συμπληρωματικής κάλυψης 10%, χρηματοδότηση κεφαλαίων κίνησης με χρήση μέσων χρηματοοικονομικής τεχνικής, δυνατότητες χρηματοδότησης από τα διαρθρωτικά ταμεία και την ΕΤΕπ με καινοτόμα χρηματοπιστωτικά προϊόντα, όπως το Ταμείο Εγγυήσεων για τις ΜΜΕ, κ.λπ.). Παρά τη σημαντική διάθεση πόρων για μέσα χρηματοοικονομικής τεχνικής στην Ελλάδα, δεν παρήχθησαν ακόμη τα αναμενόμενα αποτελέσματα. Η Επιτροπή παρακολουθεί στενά την κατάσταση μαζί με τις αρμόδιες ελληνικές αρχές, προκειμένου να αναληφθούν οι απαραίτητες ενέργειες. Ωστόσο, η αντιμετώπιση της ρευστότητας δεν αποτελεί καθήκον μόνο της Επιτροπής αλλά και όλων των ενδιαφερομένων μερών.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006508/13

to the Commission

Nikolaos Salavrakos (EFD)

(6 June 2013)

Subject: Operation of Community support framework Management Body (MOD-AE)

The economic and social benefits to Greece of the Community support framework, now the NSRF, administered by a Greek Government body, the MOD-AE, are proving to be less than might be expected.

Greek entrepreneurs seeking to develop their businesses are constantly encountering obstacles in the form of cumbersome and bureaucratic procedures, while announced funding falls short of real economic needs. As if this were not enough, media reports on annual rent costs for this body now reveal that, since 2010 for example, it has paid over EUR 60 million for this purpose, although the Greek Government has 71 000 unused premises, while the number of staff employed by the MOD-AE exceeds 1 000.

In view of this:

Answer given by Mr Hahn on behalf of the Commission

(25 July 2013)

The choice of structures managing cohesion policy programmes is the responsibility of each Member State. Having said this, the Commission's assessment of the work delivered by the Unit for the Organisation of the Management of the structural interventions in Greece (MOD) and the public servants entrusted with the management and implementation of structural interventions is generally positive. The MOD employs a number of highly-qualified staff who make a positive contribution to the implementation of cohesion policy in Greece. Whether MOD should rent premises or use premises owned by the Greek State is primarily a question for the national authorities. If EU funds are used to cover these costs, the Commission is of the opinion this should be done in line with the principles of sound and efficient management.

In order to facilitate liquidity in Greece and in other Member States facing similar problems, the Commission has taken a number of important actions, including the modification of the legal framework and the revision of Greek programmes (increase of the rate of the EU contribution up to 85%, payment facility of a top-up 10%, allow the financing of working capital through financial engineering instruments, blend the possibilities of financing by the Structural Funds and the EIB with innovative financial products, such as the Guarantee Fund for SMEs, etc.). Despite the important allocation to Financial Engineering Instruments in Greece did not produce yet the expected results. The Commission follows the situation closely together with the relevant Greek authorities in order to take the necessary actions. However, tackling the liquidity issue is not a task for the Commission alone but for all the various stakeholders involved.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-006509/13

προς την Επιτροπή

Nikolaos Salavrakos (EFD)

(6 Ιουνίου 2013)

Θέμα: Άθλιες συνθήκες διαβίωσης σε καταυλισμό Ρομά στο Χαλάνδρι Αττικής

Εφιαλτική είναι η κατάσταση για τους κατοίκους του Χαλανδρίου Αττικής, αλλά και για τους Ρομά που μένουν στον παράνομο καταυλισμό που βρίσκεται στο σταθμό μετρό «ΝΟΜΙΣΜΑΤΟΚΟΠΕΙΟ» στο Χαλάνδρι. Χρόνια έρχεται και ξαναέρχεται το θέμα στην Βουλή των Ελλήνων από το κόμμα του ΛΑ.Ο.Σ., αλλά οι ελληνικές κυβερνήσεις απολύτως τίποτε δεν κάνουν για την μετεγκατάσταση των Ρομά. Ο εμπαιγμός που υφίστανται οι πολίτες και οι Ρομά ξεπερνά κάθε όριο και απασχολεί συνεχώς τα ΜΜΕ. Ούτε ο Δήμος Χαλανδρίου, ούτε η Γενική Γραμματεία της Αποκεντρωμένης Περιφέρειας Αττικής κινητοποιούνται ώστε να λυθεί αμέσως το θέμα.

Ερωτάται η Επιτροπή:

Απάντηση της κ. Reding εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(29 Ιουλίου 2013)

Η Ευρωπαϊκή Επιτροπή αναμένει από όλα τα κράτη μέλη, συμπεριλαμβανομένης της Ελλάδας, να εφαρμόσουν τα μέτρα που δεσμεύτηκαν να λάβουν έτσι ώστε να διευκολυνθεί η ένταξη των Ρομά και, με τον τρόπο αυτό, να καλυφθούν τα κενά που επεσήμανε η Επιτροπή, όσον αφορά τις στρατηγικές τους, στην έκθεση αξιολόγησής της του Μαΐου 2012.

Στις 26 Ιουνίου 2013 η Επιτροπή εξέδωσε τη δεύτερη έκθεση αξιολόγησής της με τίτλο «Βήματα προόδου στην εφαρμογή των εθνικών στρατηγικών για την ένταξη των Ρομά » όπου αξιολογείται η πρόοδος που έχουν επιτελέσει τα κράτη μέλη όσον αφορά τον καθορισμό των αναγκαίων προϋποθέσεων για την επιτυχή εφαρμογή των στρατηγικών.

Η έκθεση κατέληξε στο συμπέρασμα ότι ελάχιστη πρόοδος έχει επιτευχθεί στο εν λόγω θέμα. Τα κράτη μέλη, συμπεριλαμβανομένης της Ελλάδας, θα πρέπει να καταβάλουν περαιτέρω προσπάθειες για να δημιουργήσουν τις προϋποθέσεις ώστε να επιτευχθεί πρόοδος στους ακόλουθους 4 τομείς — εκπαίδευση, απασχόληση, υγεία και στέγαση — για τους οποίους η Ευρωπαϊκή Επιτροπή θα αρχίσει να υποβάλλει έκθεση από το επόμενο έτος.

Παράλληλα με την έκθεση αυτή, η Επιτροπή ενέκρινε επίσης πρόταση για σύσταση του Συμβουλίου σχετικά με τα μέτρα επιτυχούς ένταξης των Ρομά στα κράτη μέλη, εστιάζοντας σε μια σειρά συγκεκριμένων μέτρων, τα οποία είναι ζωτικής σημασίας για την εφαρμογή των στρατηγικών τους. Τα κράτη μέλη θα πρέπει να λάβουν στοχοθετημένα μέτρα ώστε να διασφαλίζεται η ίση μεταχείριση και ο σεβασμός των θεμελιωδών δικαιωμάτων, συμπεριλαμβανομένης της ισότιμης πρόσβασης των Ρομά στην εκπαίδευση, την απασχόληση, την ιατροφαρμακευτική περίθαλψη, τη στέγαση και τις υπηρεσίες κοινής ωφελείας.

Η Επιτροπή θα εξακολουθήσει να παρακολουθεί την πορεία υλοποίησης των στρατηγικών και να υποστηρίζει τα κράτη μέλη στις προσπάθειές τους.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006509/13

to the Commission

Nikolaos Salavrakos (EFD)

(6 June 2013)

Subject: Appalling conditions at the Halandri Roma encampment in Attiki

Although the LAOS Party has for years constantly been seeking to bring to the attention of the Greek Parliament the nightmarish situation facing the residents of Halandri in Attiki and in particular the inmates of an illegal Roma encampment situated near the ‘NOMISMATOKOPEIO’ metro station, successive Greek governments have failed to take any action to relocate the Roma. The shameful treatment of the Roma and the local residents is also the subject of constant media reports, while neither the Halandri municipal council nor the Attiki regional authorities are taking any immediate action to resolve the problem.

In view of this:

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(29 July 2013)

The European Commission expects all Member States, including Greece, to implement the measures they committed to take, so as to support Roma integration, and, in doing so, address the gaps the Commission identified in their strategies in it assessment report of May 2012.

On 26 June 2013, the Commission adopted its second assessment report ‘Steps forward in implementing national Roma integration strategies ’ assessing progress made by the Member States in setting the necessary preconditions for a successful implementation of the strategies.

The report concluded that the progress on the ground remains very slow. Member States, including Greece, will need to put further efforts in putting the preconditions into place to make a progress in the 4 pillars — education, employment, health and housing — on which the European Commission will report as of next year.

Jointly with this report, the Commission also adopted a Proposal for a Council Recommendation on effective Roma integration measures in the Member States with a focus on a number of concrete measures that are crucial for implementing their strategies. The Member States should take targeted measures to ensure equal treatment and respect of fundamental rights, including equal access of Roma to education, employment, healthcare, housing and public utilities.

The Commission will continue to monitor the progress in the implementation of the strategies and support Member States in their efforts.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-006510/13

an die Kommission

Josef Weidenholzer (S&D)

(6. Juni 2013)

Betrifft: Quellen und Auslegung von Statistiken über die Speicherung von Fluggastdatensätzen

Die Speicherung von Fluggastdatensätzen (PNR) als Maßnahme zur Strafverfolgung ist ein vielfach diskutierter Eingriff in das Recht auf Privatsphäre. Nachdem im LIBE-Ausschuss gegen eine Speicherungspflicht solcher Daten durch europäische Fluggesellschaften abgestimmt wurde, haben die Befürworter dieses Vorschlags angekündigt, die Einführung dieser Maßnahme in naher Zukunft erneut zu versuchen. Allerdings fehlt weiterhin ein glaubwürdiger Nachweis darüber, dass diese Maßnahme tatsächlich erforderlich ist.

Vor zwei Jahren veröffentlichte die britische Zeitung „The Guardian“ einen Artikel mit der Information, dass es in Großbritannien aufgrund der Anwendung der PNR im Rahmen des Programms „e-Borders“ zu Fällen von Einreiseverweigerung und Festnahmen vieler Menschen kam, einschließlich 57 Festnahmen wegen Mordes, 175 wegen Vergewaltigung/Sexualdelikte, 25 wegen Entführung, 441 wegen Betrugs, 397 wegen Drogendelikte und 920 wegen Gewaltstraftaten (89). Die Zeitschrift „Der Tagesspiegel“ zitierte vor kurzem die gleichen Zahlen mit Ausnahme der Kategorie „Betrug“ (90). In beiden Fällen wurde keine Zeitspanne erwähnt. Zur bloßen Zitierung der Fälle von Einreiseverweigerung und Festnahmen kommt hinzu, dass die festgenommenen Personen als Mörder, Vergewaltiger etc. betitelt wurden, was eine Verurteilung impliziert.

„e-Borders“ festgenommenen Personen aus den oben genannten Kategorien danach auch verurteilt wurden?

„e-Borders“ festgenommen, aber danach nicht verurteilt?

„Erfolgsquote“ mit der eines Mitgliedstaates vergleichbar, der mit weniger strengen Überprüfungsmethoden arbeitet, als Großbritannien dies tut?

Antwort von Frau Malmström im Namen der Kommission

(19. Juli 2013)

1./2./3. Der Kommission liegen keine Informationen über die Quelle der vom Herrn Abgeordneten genannten Zahlen vor.

4./5./6./7. Der Kommission liegen keine detaillierten statistischen Angaben zum „e-Borders“-System vor.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006510/13

to the Commission

Josef Weidenholzer (S&D)

(6 June 2013)

Subject: Sources and interpretation of statistics on the retention of passenger name records

The retention of passenger name records (PNR) as a law enforcement measure is a much-discussed interference with the right to privacy. After the LIBE committee voted against mandatory retention of such data by European airlines, supporters of the proposal announced that they would try again to introduce the measure in the near future. What is still missing is reliable evidence that such a measure is needed in any way.

Two years ago, the British newspaper The Guardian published an article claiming that the use of PNR through the e-borders scheme in the United Kingdom had ‘led to the refusal of entry and detention of many people, including 57 for murder, 175 for rape/sexual assault, 25 for kidnapping, 441 for fraud, 397 for drugs offences and 920 for violence’ (91). Recently, the German newspaper Tagesspiegel cited the same numbers, other than that it did not mention the ‘fraud’ category (92). In both cases, no time period was mentioned. What is more, instead of mere citations of cases of refusal of entry and detention, the people who were detained were said to be murderers, rapists, etc., implying a conviction.

‘success rate’ compare with that of Member States operating less stringent screening methods than the UK?

Answer given by Ms Malmström on behalf of the Commission

(19 July 2013)

1, 2, 3. The Commission has no information on the source of the numbers the Honourable Member is referring to.

4, 5, 6, 7. The Commission does not possess detailed statistics on the e-Borders system.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006511/13

to the Commission

Marta Andreasen (ECR)

(6 June 2013)

Subject: Commission's referral of the United Kingdom to the ECJ regarding its ‘right to reside’ test for social security benefits

The Commission states in a press release of 30 May 2013 that its decision to refer the United Kingdom to the European Court of Justice regarding its ‘right to reside’ test for social security benefits was taken after ‘several formal and informal contacts between the European Commission and the UK authorities’.

The press release also states that ‘the Commission has received several complaints from EU nationals that are habitually resident in the UK but have been denied access to the UK social security benefits in question because they do not meet the “right to reside” condition in UK law’.

‘formal and informal contacts’ that occurred between the Commission and the UK authorities, with dates?

‘habitual residence’ test and social security benefits? If so, with how many?

Answer given by Mr Andor on behalf of the Commission

(18 July 2013)

In 2004, the UK introduced in its legislation a so-called ‘habitual residence test’ including a ‘right to reside test’ regarding access to some tax-financed benefits. Since that date, the Commision has received information about, and also at least four complaints from EU-citizens who did not pass the test and whose claim for the benefits concerned had been refused for this reason. As these citizens are entitled to expect the Commission to guarantee confidentiality during investigations which might lead to infringement procedures, no further information can be provided in their respect.

In the context of this procedure, the Commission services had many contacts both informal and in written with the UK authorities.

An ad hoc-group of the Administrative Commission on social security had been mandated to clarify the content of the notion of the habitual residence within the meaning of Regulation (EC) No 883/2004. But there are no bilateral discussions under way on this notion between the Commission and any other Member State.

While the AIRE Centre was useful in providing some background information on the British law and case law on this matter, it did not trigger the infringement procedure.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-006512/13

au Conseil

Véronique Mathieu Houillon (PPE)

(6 juin 2013)

Objet: Importations de véhicules dans un nouvel État de résidence

Les démarches administratives pour faire circuler et assurer un véhicule neuf ou d'occasion importé d'un autre État membre peuvent être particulièrement contraignantes et sont un frein à la libre circulation des biens et des personnes au sein de l'Union.

Alors que les citoyens européens sont de plus en plus mobiles et que l'Union européenne encourage notamment les travailleurs à se déplacer au sein de l'Union, les règles pour faire immatriculer et assurer un véhicule pénalisent les citoyens européens motorisés résidant dans un autre État membre. En effet, beaucoup d'Européens se retrouvent dans des situations difficiles car ils ne sont pas autorisés à conduire un véhicule immatriculé dans un autre État membre que leur pays de résidence, et ils doivent entamer de longues démarches incertaines auprès de l'administration publique, en passant parfois plusieurs contrôles techniques et en fournissant un dossier détaillé auprès de l'administration ainsi qu'auprès des assureurs. Avec cette situation, le bon sens conduirait les usagers à acheter une voiture dans le pays de résidence plutôt que d'y faire immatriculer leur véhicule.

Les États membres travaillent-ils afin de faire converger leurs systèmes nationaux de contrôle des véhicules et de faciliter les déplacements des citoyens européens entre leur pays de résidence et leur pays d'origine?

Réponse

(11 septembre 2013)

Dans son rapport 2010 sur la citoyenneté de l'Union intitulé «Lever les obstacles à l'exercice des droits des citoyens de l'Union», la Commission citait les difficultés rencontrées pour immatriculer les véhicules parmi les principaux obstacles auxquels sont confrontés les citoyens dans leur vie quotidienne lorsqu'ils déménagent dans un autre État membre.

Dans le prolongement de ce rapport, la Commission a présenté, en avril 2012, une proposition de règlement du Parlement européen et du Conseil relatif à la simplification du transfert des véhicules à moteur immatriculés dans un autre État membre à l'intérieur du marché unique (93).

L'examen du texte a déjà commencé au sein du Conseil et les travaux sur ce dossier se poursuivront activement au cours des prochains mois en vue de mise au point de ce règlement par la procédure législative ordinaire avec le Parlement européen dans les meilleurs délais.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006512/13

to the Council

Véronique Mathieu Houillon (PPE)

(6 June 2013)

Subject: Importing vehicles into a new Member State of residence

The administrative steps required in order to be able to drive and insure a new or second-hand car imported from one Member State to another can be particularly burdensome and are an impediment to the free movement of goods and persons in the Union.

At a time when Europe’s citizens are becoming ever more mobile and the EU is encouraging workers, in particular, to move around within the Union, the vehicle registration and insurance rules penalise drivers whose place of residence is in a Member State other than their country of origin. Many Europeans find themselves in problematic situations because they are not allowed to drive a vehicle registered in a Member State other than their country of residence, and they have to embark on long and uncertain dealings with administrative bodies, in some cases putting their vehicles through repeated roadworthiness tests and submitting detailed documents to administrative bodies and insurers. The common-sense response to such a situation is for drivers to buy cars in their country of residence rather than having vehicles they already own registered there.

Are the Member States working towards harmonising their national vehicle testing systems and making it easier for European citizens to move between their countries of residence and origin?

Reply

(11 September 2013)

The Commission, in its 2010 Citizenship Report ‘Dismantling the obstacles to EU citizens' rights’, identified vehicle registration problems as one of the main obstacles faced by citizens in their daily lives when moving to another Member State.

As a follow-up to this report, the Commission in April 2012 submitted a proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council simplifying the transfer of motor vehicles registered in another Member State within the Single Market (94).

The examination of this proposal has already started in the Council and work on it will continue actively in the coming months with a view to the finalisation of this regulation through the ordinary legislative procedure with the European Parliament, as soon as possible.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-006514/13

alla Commissione

Mario Borghezio (NI)

(6 giugno 2013)

Oggetto: La Commissione riveda la sua posizione sull'estrazione del gas di scisto

La produzione di gas di scisto sembra essere, secondo la Commissione europea, la soluzione al problema dell'approvvigionamento energetico dell'UE, in particolar modo per quei paesi dell'Est e per gli Stati baltici vincolati ancora al colosso russo Gazprom.

Eppure non solo la tecnica di frantumazione necessaria per l'estrazione di tale gas, il cosiddetto «fracking», presenta notevoli rischi ambientali, con un elevato consumo di acqua, come sostiene con veemenza il commissario europeo per l'Azione per il clima Connie Hedegaard, ma incentivare tale produzione non risulterebbe nemmeno economico, come rivelato dagli studi condotti dalle compagnie statunitensi che si sono prontamente insediate in Europa per sfruttare l'opportunità di utilizzare una tecnologia da loro già da tempo sfruttata. Infatti in Polonia, dove si riteneva esistessero i depositi di scisto più accessibili e prosperi, le compagnie petrolifere americane, dopo aver effettuato una serie di prospezioni, hanno determinato che i costi sarebbero troppo elevati rispetto ai risultati.

Intende la Commissione perseguire la proposta di avviare l'estrazione di gas di scisto, nonostante le avverse condizioni economiche e i rischi ambientali che comporta?

Risposta di Günther Oettinger a nome della Commissione

(26 luglio 2013)

La Commissione non propone di avviare l'estrazione del gas di scisto. Spetta agli Stati membri decidere in merito al proprio mix energetico e concedere le licenze per lo sfruttamento delle risorse energetiche. La Commissione sta studiando attentamente i possibili rischi e vantaggi di queste nuove fonti di gas naturale, nonché le possibili implicazioni per la politica europea. In questo contesto, ha incluso nel suo programma di lavoro per il 2013 un «quadro di valutazione ambientale climatica ed energetica ai fini dell'estrazione sicura di idrocarburi non convenzionali», allo scopo di studiare come diversificare le fonti di approvvigionamento energetico e migliorare la nostra competitività assicurando al contempo che lo sviluppo degli idrocarburi non convenzionali, in particolare del gas di scisto, sia accompagnato da opportune misure di salvaguardia del clima e dell'ambiente che garantiscano a cittadini, autorità competenti e operatori la massima chiarezza sul piano giuridico e della prevedibilità.

Nel concedere licenze per lo sfruttamento e l'esplorazione delle possibilità offerte dagli idrocarburi non convenzionali, gli Stati membri devono garantire il rispetto della normativa dell'UE, anche per quanto riguarda la tutela dell'ambiente e della salute umana.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006514/13

to the Commission

Mario Borghezio (NI)

(6 June 2013)

Subject: Call for the Commission to review its position on the extraction of shale gas

According to the European Commission, the production of shale gas appears to be the solution to the problem of energy supply in the EU, particularly for those Eastern European countries and Baltic States still tied to the Russian giant, Gazprom.

However, not only does the fracturing technique necessary to extract this gas, so-called ‘fracking’, entail considerable environmental risks and high water consumption, as Connie Hedegaard, EU Commissioner for Climate Action, strongly insists, but encouraging this production would not even prove cost-effective, as determined by studies carried out by the US companies which immediately established themselves in Europe to take advantage of the opportunity to use a technology which they have been using for some time. In fact in Poland, where there were believed to be more accessible and high-yield shale deposits, US oil companies undertook a series of prospecting operations and determined that the costs would be too high compared with the results.

Will the Commission go ahead with the proposal to begin extracting shale gas despite the unfavourable economic conditions and environmental risk that this entails?

Answer given by Mr Oettinger on behalf of the Commission

(26 July 2013)

The Commission is not proposing to begin extracting shale gas. It is left to Member States to decide on their energy mix and to grant licenses for exploitation of energy resources. The Commission is carefully studying the possible risk and benefits of such new sources of natural gas as well as their possible implications for European policy. In this context the Commission included in its 2013 Work Programme an ‘Environmental, Climate and Energy Assessment Framework to Enable Safe and Secure Unconventional Hydrocarbon Extraction’ with the aim to investigate how possibilities to diversify our energy supply and to improve our competitiveness can be utilised while ensuring that unconventional hydrocarbon developments, notably shale gas, are carried out with proper climate and environmental safeguards and under maximum legal clarity and predictability for citizens, competent authorities and operators.

When granting licenses for the exploitation and exploration of unconventional hydrocarbon, Member States should ensure that EU legislation is complied with, including regarding the protection of the environment and human health.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita P-006515/13

a la Comisión

Gabriel Mato Adrover (PPE)

(6 de junio de 2013)

Asunto: Ordenación de la pesca de especies de aguas profundas

La Comisión Europea ha adoptado una propuesta de Reglamento para la ordenación de la pesca de especies de aguas profundas y la protección de los ecosistemas marinos vulnerables (EMV), cuya medida más destacada es la prohibición del uso del arrastre y redes de enmalle de fondo.

La prohibición de estas artes de pesca se justifica con el objetivo de proteger los ecosistemas marinos vulnerables. Sin embargo, la propuesta no es una transposición de las resoluciones de la ONU, ni sigue la guía de la FAO sobre la ordenación pesquera de especies de aguas profundas, ni siquiera estas artes están prohibidas en otros países. Prueba de ello es que el arrastre de fondo seguirá utilizándose en aguas internacionales de NAFO y NEAFC, y por países como Noruega, Islandia, Islas Faroe y Rusia.

— ¿Ha estudiado la Comisión europea la posibilidad de adoptar otras medidas alternativas menos restrictivas para la industria que protejan adecuadamente los EMV?

— Otros países pesqueros con intereses en la pesca de especies de aguas profundas no han prohibido el arrastre ni el enmalle de fondo. ¿Considera la Comisión que esta medida prohibitiva será efectiva si no se aplica de manera uniforme por todas las flotas y en todas las zonas donde haya especies de fondo como las que se pretende proteger?

— ¿No cree la Comisión que, en lugar de proteger los EMV, lo que se va a conseguir es causar un perjuicio innecesario a la industria europea, mientras que estas mismas especies se seguirán consumiendo en la EU, quien tendrá que importarlas de países como Rusia, Islandia y las Islas Faroe?

Respuesta de la Sra. Damanaki en nombre de la Comisión

(16 de julio de 2013)

La propuesta no prohíbe ningún arte de pesca. Lo que prevé es una eliminación progresiva, en dos años a partir de la entrada en vigor del acto de la pesca dirigida a especies de aguas profundas con redes de arrastre o redes de enmalle bentónicas. Los buques arrastreros de fondo y los que utilizan redes de enmalle de fondo podrán seguir pescando, desembarcando y vendiendo las capturas accesorias de especies de aguas profundas. Los demás artes podrán seguir operando como ahora.

Esta medida tendrá pocas repercusiones económicas y sociales y ayudará a preservar los ecosistemas marinos vulnerables, en los que un simple pase de una red de arrastre puede destruirlos.

Se ha examinado la posibilidad de medidas alternativas como la salida de los buques de la zona cuando se encuentran con corales de aguas profundas u otros hábitats vulnerables, pero se ha llegado a la conclusión de que no son eficaces para proteger los ecosistemas marinos vulnerables. Por ello, la evaluación de impacto de la Comisión determinó que la fórmula propuesta era la preferible.

El impacto humano que esta propuesta pretende solucionar se produce en aguas de la UE y lo que está en juego son entornos frágiles de aguas profundas en los que la UE es la única responsable. La UE propugna la sostenibilidad en las pesquerías internacionales y, por lo tanto, no puede eludir su responsabilidad en sus propias aguas.

La UE seguirá defendiendo la toma de decisiones con sus socios internacionales para que los caladeros de aguas internacionales sean sostenibles y resistentes medioambientalmente. Hemos hecho enormes progresos en ese sentido y aún podemos hacer más si demostramos que adoptamos el mismo planteamiento en nuestras aguas.

(English version)

Question for written answer P-006515/13

to the Commission

Gabriel Mato Adrover (PPE)

(6 June 2013)

Subject: Regulating fishing for deep-sea stocks

The Commission has adopted a proposal for a regulation to regulate fishing for deep-sea stocks and protect vulnerable marine ecosystems. The main feature of this proposal is a ban on the use of bottom trawls and bottom-set gillnets.

The justification given for banning this gear is the need to protect vulnerable marine ecosystems. However, the proposal does not transpose UN resolutions and does not follow FAO guidelines on the regulation of fishing for deep-sea species, and these types of gear are not banned in other countries. Bottom trawls will continue to be used in international waters governed by NAFO and NEAFC and by countries such as Norway, Iceland, the Faroe Islands and Russia.

— Has the Commission looked into the possibility of taking alternative measures that will be less restrictive for the industry but still provide adequate protection for vulnerable marine ecosystems?

— Other fishing countries with deep-sea fishing interests have not banned either bottom trawls or bottom-set gillnets. Does the Commission believe that this ban will be effective if it is not applied across the board, by all fleets and in all areas where the deep-sea species to be protected are found?

— Does the Commission not believe that, rather than protecting vulnerable marine ecosystems, this regulation will merely cause unnecessary harm to the European industry, while these same species will continue to be consumed in the EU but will have to be imported from countries such as Russia, Iceland and the Faroe Islands?

Answer given by Ms Damanaki on behalf of the Commission

(16 July 2013)

The proposal does not ban any fishing gear. It foresees that targeted fishing for deep sea species with bottom trawls or gillnets will be phased out two years after entry into force. Bottom trawlers and gillnetters will still be able to fish, land and sell by-catches of deep sea species. Other gears will continue to operate as at present.

This measure is expected to have low economic and social impact while preserving vulnerable marine ecosystems, since these can be destroyed with just one trawl passage when encountered.

Alternative measures, such as vessels moving out of the area where an encounter with deep sea corals or other vulnerable habitats takes place have been examined and found to be not effective to protect vulnerable marine ecosystems. For this reason, the Commission's Impact Assessment concluded that the proposed way forward was the preferable option.

The human impacts this proposal seeks to address take place in EU waters and the risk at stake is for fragile deep sea environments in areas where the EU is sole responsible. While the EU continues to promote sustainability in international fisheries, it must also take its responsibility for EU waters.

The EU will continue to push for decisions with partner countries that ensure fisheries in international waters are sustainable and environmentally robust. We have made enormous progress in that regard and can achieve more if we can show that we adapt the same approach in EU waters.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-006516/13

al Consejo

Francisco Sosa Wagner (NI)

(6 de junio de 2013)

Asunto: Homofobia y discriminación — Estudio de la Agencia Europea de Derechos Fundamentales

El pasado 17 de mayo se dieron a conocer los resultados de la encuesta lanzada por la Agencia Europea de Derechos Fundamentales (FRA) en abril de 2012, en la que participaron 93 000 residentes de la Unión Europea, y que nos permite conocer mejor en qué situación se encuentra el colectivo de lesbianas, gays, bisexuales y transexuales (LGTB) de la Unión y qué tipo de estrategia debe elaborarse para garantizar una lucha más eficaz contra la homofobia y la discriminación.

Los resultados de este estudio ponen de manifiesto que, de media, un 47 % del colectivo LGTB se siente discriminado o acosado, porcentaje que se eleva al 61 % en Lituania situándolo tristemente a la cabeza de Europa. Basta hacer una lectura rápida de estos datos para iniciar una reflexión sobre la igualdad como derecho y principio fundamental de nuestra democracia, muy debilitada cuando millones de personas en la Unión se sienten discriminados sobre la base de su orientación sexual o identidad de género. Uno de los ámbitos explorados a través de esta gran encuesta ha sido el educativo, de cuyos datos se desprende que el acoso homofóbico y transfóbico en centros escolares está generalizado. Más del 90 % de los encuestados aseguran haber sido testigos de burlas o comentarios negativos referidos a un compañero percibido como LGTB.

El Parlamento Europeo se ha pronunciado en varias ocasiones sobre cuestiones de igualdad, orientación sexual e identidad de género; conviene destacar la Resolución aprobada por el Pleno del Parlamento Europeo el 24 de mayo del pasado año sobre la lucha contra la homofobia en Europa (95) por la relación que tiene con las conclusiones extraídas del estudio de la FRA; tanto la resolución como los resultados de la encuesta ponen de manifiesto que la sociedad europea no acepta por igual la aplicación del principio de igualdad en cuestiones de orientación sexual e identidad de género. Este panorama es inaceptable, el Consejo debe priorizar el tema y dar un nuevo impulso a la tramitación de la Directiva sobre la aplicación del principio de igualdad de trato entre las personas, independientemente de su religión o convicciones, discapacidad, edad u orientación sexual, bloqueada debido a las objeciones de ciertos Estados miembros.

¿Qué medidas va a adoptar el Consejo para desbloquear, de una vez por todas, la tramitación de la Directiva sobre la aplicación del principio de igualdad de trato entre las personas, independientemente de su religión o convicciones, discapacidad, edad u orientación sexual?

Respuesta

(16 de septiembre de 2013)

La propuesta de Directiva del Consejo por la que se aplica el principio de igualdad de trato entre las personas independientemente de su religión o convicciones, discapacidad, edad u orientación sexual (96) viene siendo debatida por el Consejo desde 2008.

El Consejo avanzó significativamente los trabajos sobre diversos temas de la propuesta y recibió un informe el 20 de junio de 2013 (97).

Las negociaciones continuarán durante la Presidencia lituana, y se presentará un informe al Consejo el 9 de diciembre de  2013.

Para que la Directiva pueda adoptarse, será necesaria la unanimidad de los miembros del Consejo. El Consejo no está en condiciones de prever el resultado o la duración de las negociaciones en curso.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006516/13

to the Council

Francisco Sosa Wagner (NI)

(6 June 2013)

Subject: Homophobia and discrimination — study by the European Fundamental Rights Agency

The results of the survey launched by the European Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA) in April 2012 were announced on 17 May 2013. The survey, in which 93 000 European Union residents took part, provides a more accurate picture of the situation for lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transsexuals (LGBT) in the Union and what type of strategy should be drawn up to combat homophobia and discrimination more effectively.

The results of this study show that, on average, 47% of LGBT people felt that they had been discriminated against or harassed, with the percentage rising to 61% in Lithuania, which is sadly placed at the top of the list of European countries in this regard. A quick glance at these figures is enough to prompt a reflection on equality as a fundamental right and principle in our democracy, but one which is severely weakened when millions of people in the Union feel that they have suffered discrimination because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. One of the areas explored in this large-scale survey is education, where the figures show that homophobic and transphobic harassment in educational settings is widespread. More than 90% of respondents said that they had witnessed jeers or negative comments against a schoolmate who was perceived to be LGBT.

The European Parliament has spoken out on issues of equality, sexual orientation and gender identity on several occasions, one prominent example being the resolution of 24 May 2012 on the fight against homophobia in Europe (98), given its close links to the findings of the FRA study. Both the resolution and the results of the survey highlight the fact that European society does not fully accept the application of the principle of equality in relation to sexual orientation and gender identity. This is unacceptable, and the Council should prioritise the issue and relaunch work on the directive on implementing the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation, which is currently blocked owing to the objections of certain Member States.

What steps will the Council take finally to unblock work on the directive on implementing the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation?

Reply

(16 September 2013)

The proposal for a Council Directive on implementing the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation (99) has been discussed by the Council since 2008.

The Council significantly advanced the work on various issues of the proposal and a progress report was presented to the Council on 20 June 2013 (100).

The negotiations will continue under the Lithuanian Presidency, and a progress report will be presented to the Council on 9 December 2013.

Unanimity between the Council members will be required before the directive can be adopted. The Council is not in a position to anticipate the outcome or the duration of the ongoing negotiations.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-006517/13

a la Comisión

Francisco Sosa Wagner (NI)

(6 de junio de 2013)

Asunto: Homofobia y discriminación — Estudio de la Agencia Europea de Derechos Fundamentales

El pasado 17 de mayo se dieron a conocer los resultados de la encuesta lanzada por la Agencia Europea de Derechos Fundamentales (FRA) en abril de 2012, en la que participaron 93 000 residentes de la Unión Europea, y que nos permite conocer mejor en qué situación se encuentra el colectivo de lesbianas, gays, bisexuales y transexuales (LGTB) de la Unión y qué tipo de estrategia debe elaborarse para garantizar una lucha más eficaz contra la homofobia y la discriminación.

Los resultados de este estudio ponen de manifiesto que, de media, un 47 % del colectivo LGTB se siente discriminado o acosado, porcentaje que se eleva al 61 % en Lituania situándolo tristemente a la cabeza de Europa. Basta hacer una lectura rápida de estos datos para iniciar una reflexión sobre la igualdad como derecho y principio fundamental de nuestra democracia, muy debilitada cuando millones de personas en la Unión se sienten discriminados sobre la base de su orientación sexual o identidad de género. Uno de los ámbitos explorados a través de esta gran encuesta ha sido el educativo, de cuyos datos se desprende que el acoso homofóbico y transfóbico en centros escolares está generalizado. Más del 90 % de los encuestados aseguran haber sido testigos de burlas o comentarios negativos referidos a un compañero percibido como LGTB.

El Parlamento Europeo se ha pronunciado en varias ocasiones sobre cuestiones de igualdad, orientación sexual e identidad de género; conviene destacar la resolución aprobada por el pleno del Parlamento Europeo el 24 de mayo del pasado año sobre la lucha contra la homofobia en Europa (101), por la relación que tiene con las conclusiones extraídas del estudio de la FRA. En los apartados 6, 7 y 8 de la Resolución el Parlamento pide a la Comisión que examine atentamente los resultados de esta encuesta, que proporcione información completa y amplia sobre la incidencia de la homofobia y las soluciones y acciones propuestas para superarla y que presente un programa de trabajo general en favor de la igualdad sin discriminaciones debido a la orientación sexual y la identidad de género.

¿Cuál va a ser la estrategia que seguirá la Comisión para cumplir con las peticiones realizadas por el Parlamento Europeo a la vista de los resultados de la encuesta de la FRA?

¿Va a adoptar la Comisión un papel más activo con relación a la Directiva del Consejo sobre la aplicación del principio de igualdad de trato entre las personas independientemente de su religión o convicciones, discapacidad, edad u orientación sexual, bloqueada debido a las objeciones de ciertos Estados miembros?

Respuesta de la Sra. Reding en nombre de la Comisión

(15 de julio de 2013)

Los resultados recientes de la encuesta de la FRA sobre la discriminación que sufren las personas LGBT demuestran niveles preocupantes de discriminación, victimización y violencia. Esto sugiere que el tipo de acción necesaria ahora debe ser simple y centrarse en proporcionar protección jurídica y ayuda especial a las víctimas de discriminación y delitos de carácter homófobo y tránsfobo, lo que tendrá un efecto positivo directo en ese colectivo.

Una correcta ejecución y supervisión de la Directiva sobre las víctimas de delitos y la adopción de la propuesta de Directiva relativa a la aplicación del principio de igualdad de trato entre las personas, independientemente de su religión o convicciones, discapacidad, edad u orientación sexual, fuera del contexto laboral, tendría una incidencia real y aportaría beneficios genuinos a las personas LGBT.

La Comisión insiste en la necesidad de que esta Directiva complete el marco jurídico vigente. Es, ante todo, el papel de las instituciones legislativas y, en este caso, de la Presidencia del Consejo, superar el actual punto muerto político y alcanzar un consenso. La Comisión seguirá prestando un apoyo activo y colaborando con cada Presidencia para avanzar en el texto.

La Comisión reitera su compromiso de combatir la homofobia y de promover la igualdad de las personas LGBT en la Unión Europea.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006517/13

to the Commission

Francisco Sosa Wagner (NI)

(6 June 2013)

Subject: Homophobia and discrimination — study by the European Fundamental Rights Agency

The results of the survey launched by the European Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA) in April 2012 were announced on 17 May 2013. The survey, in which 93 000 European Union residents took part, provides a more accurate picture of the situation for lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transsexuals (LGBT) in the Union and what type of strategy should be drawn up to combat homophobia and discrimination more effectively.

The results of this study show that, on average, 47% of LGBT people felt that they had been discriminated against or harassed, with the percentage rising to 61% in Lithuania, which is sadly placed at the top of the list of European countries in this regard. A quick glance at these figures is enough to prompt a reflection on equality as a fundamental right and principle in our democracy, but one which is severely weakened when millions of people in the Union feel that they have suffered discrimination because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. One of the areas explored in this large-scale survey is education, where the figures show that homophobic and transphobic harassment in educational settings is widespread. More than 90% of respondents said that they had witnessed jeers or negative comments against a schoolmate who was perceived to be LGBT.

The European Parliament has spoken out on issues of equality, sexual orientation and gender identity on several occasions, one prominent example being the resolution of 24 May 2012 on the fight against homophobia in Europe (102), given its close links to the findings of the FRA study. In paragraphs 6, 7 and 8 of its resolution, Parliament calls on the Commission to carefully examine the results of this survey, to provide full and comprehensive information on the incidence of homophobia and the solutions and actions proposed to overcome it, and to produce a comprehensive roadmap for equality without discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity.

What strategy will the Commission follow to meet Parliament's requests in the light of the findings of the FRA survey?

Will the Commission play a more active role in relation to the Council directive on implementing the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation, which is currently blocked owing to the objections of certain Member States?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(15 July 2013)

The recent results of the FRA survey on discrimination experienced by LGBT people have shown worrying levels of discrimination, victimisation and violence. This suggests that the type of action required now should be outright and focused in providing legal protection and special assistance to victims of homophobic and transphobic discrimination and crime, which will have a direct positive impact on the LGBT community.

Proper implementation and monitoring of the Victims Crime Directive and the adoption of the proposed Directive implementing the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation outside the labour market would make a difference and bring real benefits to LGBT persons.

The Commission insists on the need for this directive to complete the existing legal framework. It is primarily the role of the legislative institutions, and in this case of the Council Presidency, to overcome the current political deadlock and to find a consensus. The Commission will continue actively supporting and working with each Presidency to make progress on the text.

The Commission reiterates its commitment to fight homophobia and promote equality for LGBT people in the European Union.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-006518/13

a la Comisión

Francisco Sosa Wagner (NI)

(6 de junio de 2013)

Asunto: Nuevas drogas sintéticas y la necesaria mejora del Sistema de Alerta Temprana en Europa

El Observatorio Europeo de las Drogas y las Toxicomanías (OEDT) presentó el pasado 28 de mayo el nuevo Informe Europeo sobre Drogas 2013: Tendencias y novedades, profundizando en cuestiones ya planteadas en el informe conjunto con Europol sobre los mercados de la droga en la EU, presentado a principios de año. Ambos informes destacan la rapidez de la evolución en el ámbito de las drogas de síntesis, lo que exige que Europa mejore su sistema de alerta temprana en relación con las nuevas sustancias presentes en el mercado.

El Sistema de Alerta Temprana fue creado por el OEDT y Europol en el año 1997, en colaboración con los Estados miembros de la UE; la Decisión 2005/387/JAI del Consejo de la UE precisó el marco en el que se debía realizar el intercambio de información, la evaluación del riesgo y el control de las nuevas sustancias psicotrópicas, si bien el tiempo ha demostrado que los resultados de su aplicación podrían optimizarse si se redujera, por ejemplo, la excesiva duración de los plazos entre la evaluación y la toma de decisiones o se pudiera abordar el estudio de varias sustancias al mismo tiempo.

El problema real es que las nuevas drogas sintéticas se multiplican y su composición siempre es diferente; el hecho de que una determinada sustancia psicotrópica entre a formar parte de una lista de sustancias fiscalizadas al culminarse la aplicación del Sistema de Alerta Temprana no significa acabar con el problema, basta con que se modifique un átomo de la molécula de la sustancia declarada ilegal para que nazca otra de efectos similares, pero oficinalmente distinta; el tiempo que se necesita para que esa sustancia se declare también ilegal puede superar el año, período durante el cual se comercializa, causando enormes daños a la salud pública y generando una absoluta inseguridad.

El Consejo Europeo adoptó en Diciembre de 2011 sus conclusiones en materia de nuevas sustancias psicoactivas, en las que invitaba a la Comisión Europea a elaborar y presentar en 2012 una propuesta legislativa que revisara y mejorara la Decisión 2005/387/JAI. Viendo que la propuesta no había sido presentada, el Consejo insistió el pasado 6 de febrero en la necesidad de hacerlo tan rápido como fuera posible, todo ello en el marco de las discusiones sobre la política antidroga de la Unión.

¿Podría indicar la Comisión si se ha procedido ya a la presentación de dicha propuesta legislativa? En caso afirmativo, ¿contribuye la nueva regulación a agilizar el procedimiento de evaluación y decisión de sustancias objeto del Sistema de Alerta Temprana en Europa? En caso negativo, ¿cuándo tiene previsto la Comisión presentar la necesaria propuesta?

Respuesta de la Sra. Reding en nombre de la Comisión

(14 de agosto de 2013)

Abordar la frecuente aparición y la rápida difusión en toda la UE de nuevas sustancias psicotrópicas constituye una prioridad de la Comisión.

El informe de evaluación (103) de la Comisión, publicado en julio de 2011, llegó a la conclusión de que el instrumento legislativo de la UE, la Decisión 2005/387/JAI del Consejo (104), relativa al intercambio de información, la evaluación del riesgo y el control de las nuevas sustancias psicotrópicas, era insuficiente para abordar este problema y de que precisaba una revisión. La Comunicación de la Comisión «Para una respuesta más firme frente a las drogas» (105), adoptada en octubre de 2011, señaló que la propagación de las nuevas sustancias psicotrópicas es uno de los retos principales para la política en materia de drogas, que exige una respuesta firme de la UE.

La Comisión está formulando actualmente nuevas propuestas legislativas sobre las nuevas sustancias psicotrópicas, al efecto de de reforzar la reacción de la UE mediante el refuerzo de la supervisión y la evaluación del riesgo de las sustancias y respuestas más rápidas, eficaces y proporcionadas para reducir la disponibilidad de sustancias peligrosas para la salud y la seguridad. La Comisión tiene previsto presentar las nuevas propuestas en breve.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006518/13

to the Commission

Francisco Sosa Wagner (NI)

(6 June 2013)

Subject: New synthetic drugs and the need to improve the Early Warning System in Europe

On 28 May, the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) presented the new European Drug Report for 2013: Trends and developments. The report delves further into issues previously raised in the Centre’s joint report with Europol on EU drug markets, presented early this year. Both reports underscore the rapid changes in the area of synthetic drugs. The pace of these changes demands that Europe improve its early warning system for new substances on the market.

The Early Warning System was created by the EMCDDA and Europol in 1997, in collaboration with the EU Member States, and Council Decision 2005/387/JHA defined the framework for the information exchange, risk-assessment and control of new psychoactive substances. Experience has shown that the results of its implementation could be improved if, for example, the excessive length of time between assessment and decision-making were shortened, or if studies of several substances could be undertaken at the same time.

However, the true problem is that new synthetic drugs are multiplying, and their composition is always different; even if a specific psychoactive substance is added to a list of controlled substances as a result of the Early Warning System, this does not mean that the problem is solved. Changing a single atom of one molecule of the illegal substance is enough to create another substance with similar effects, but which officially is different. The time required in order for this new substance to be declared illegal as well can exceed one year. During this period, the substance is marketed, causing enormous damage to public health and giving rise to complete insecurity.

In December 2011, the Council adopted conclusions on new psychoactive substances, in which it invited the European Commission to draft and present, in 2012, a legislative proposal that would revise and improve Decision 2005/387/JAI. On 6 February of this year, during discussions of the EU anti-drug policy, the Council, seeing that the proposal had not been presented, reiterated the need to take this step as quickly as possible.

Could the Commission indicate whether it has presented the aforementioned legislative proposal? If so, does the new regulation help to expedite the assessment and decision-making process for substances subject to the Early Warning System in Europe? If not, when does the Commission plan to present the necessary proposal?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(14 August 2013)

Addressing the frequent emergence and rapid spread across the EU of new psychoactive substances is a priority for the Commission.

The Commission’s assessment report (106), published in July 2011, concluded that the EU instrument, Council Decision 2005/387/JHA (107) on the information exchange, risk-assessment and control of new psychoactive substances, is inadequate for addressing this challenge, and that it requires revision. The Commission Communication ‘Towards a stronger European response to drugs’ (108), adopted in October 2011, identified the spread of new psychoactive substances as one of the most challenging developments in drugs policy, requiring a firmer EU response.

The Commission is currently working on new legislative proposals on new psychoactive substances, aimed at strengthening the EU response, through enhanced monitoring and risk assessment of substances, and swifter, more effective and more proportionate answers to reduce the availability of substances posing health and security risks. It is planning to present the new proposals soon.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-006519/13

a la Comisión

Rosa Estaràs Ferragut (PPE)

(6 de junio de 2013)

Asunto: El rechazo injustificado de los ajustes razonables en el lugar de trabajo

La UE ha proclamado en diferentes disposiciones que la observancia del principio de igualdad de trato en relación con las personas con discapacidad implica la adopción de ajustes razonables. Esto significa que los empresarios tomarán las medidas adecuadas, en función de las necesidades de cada situación concreta, para permitir a las personas con discapacidad acceder al empleo, tomar parte en el mismo o progresar profesionalmente, o para que se les ofrezca formación, salvo que esas medidas supongan una carga excesiva para el empresario. La carga no se considerará excesiva cuando sea paliada en grado suficiente mediante medidas existentes en la política del Estado miembro sobre discapacidades.

Considerando que el rechazo de ajustes razonables es una forma de discriminación;

Considerando el artículo 15 de la Carta Europea de Derechos Fundamentales;

Considerando la Directiva 2000/78/CE del Consejo, de 27 de noviembre de 2000, relativa al establecimiento de un marco general para la igualdad de trato en el empleo y la ocupación;

Considerando el artículo 2 de la Convención de Naciones Unidas de los derechos de las personas con discapacidad;

Considerando que el artículo 27 de la Convención de las Naciones Unidas de los derechos de las personas con discapacidad reconoce el derecho de las personas con discapacidad a trabajar, en igualdad de condiciones que las demás;

¿Cómo piensa la Comisión forzar a los Estados miembros a que adopten los necesarios ajustes razonables en el lugar de trabajo para fomentar el empleo entre las personas con discapacidad?

¿Que medidas adoptará la Comisión con arreglo a lo contemplado en el artículo 27, apartado 1, letra i), de la Convención de las Naciones Unidas?

Respuesta de la Sra. Reding en nombre de la Comisión

(30 de agosto de 2013)

La Comisión apoya los esfuerzos nacionales por mejorar la situación del empleo de las personas con discapacidad conforme a la Estrategia Europea sobre Discapacidad 2010-2020 (109) y la Estrategia Europa 2020. El Fondo Social Europeo presta apoyo financiero para la integración de las personas con discapacidad.

Como guardiana del Tratado, la Comisión ha examinado si todos los Estados miembros han incorporado correctamente a su ordenamiento jurídico el artículo 5 de la Directiva 2000/78/CE (110), por la que se establece la obligación de los empleadores de proporcionar «ajustes razonables» para las personas con discapacidad. Como resultado, se ha incoado un procedimiento de infracción contra Italia (111) en relación con la incorporación de esta disposición a su ordenamiento jurídico. El Tribunal de Justicia de la UE dictaminó en julio de 2013 que la República Italiana no había incorporado plena y correctamente el artículo 5 de la Directiva. En consecuencia, Italia tendrá que ajustar su legislación nacional a la Directiva.

Se está elaborando un informe de la Comisión sobre su aplicación para su publicación en 2013.

Las disposiciones relativas a los «ajustes razonables» contempladas en el artículo 27, apartado 1, letra i), de la Convención de las Naciones Unidas sobre los derechos de las personas con discapacidad, en la que la UE es parte desde 2011, son sustancialmente idénticas a las del artículo 5 de la Directiva. La Directiva se incluyó en la declaración de competencias de la Unión Europea hecha al celebrarse la Convención (112). Por consiguiente, la UE está aplicando efectivamente esa disposición de la Convención en el marco de sus competencias al garantizar la aplicación del artículo 5 de la Directiva. Asimismo, el Tribunal de Justicia de la UE interpreta en la sentencia citada el concepto de ajustes razonables con arreglo a la definición que figura en el artículo 2 de la Convención.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006519/13

to the Commission

Rosa Estaràs Ferragut (PPE)

(6 June 2013)

Subject: The unjustified refusal to make reasonable accommodations in the workplace

On multiple occasions, the EU has stated that observance of the principle of equal treatment in relation to people with disabilities includes making reasonable accommodations. This means that employers must take appropriate measures in each particular case to enable people with disabilities to have access to, participate in, or advance in employment, or to undergo training, unless such measures would impose a disproportionate burden on the employer. This burden is not considered disproportionate when it is sufficiently remedied by measures existing within the framework of the disability policy of the Member State concerned.

Considering that the refusal to make reasonable accommodations is a form of discrimination;

Considering Article 15 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union;

Considering Council Directive 2000/78/EC of 27 November 2000 establishing a general framework for equal treatment in employment and occupation;

Considering Article 2 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities;

Considering that Article 27 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities recognises the right of persons with disabilities to work, on an equal basis with others;

How does the Commission plan to force Member States to make the necessary reasonable accommodations in the workplace in order to promote employment among people with disabilities?

What measures will the Commission adopt in accordance with the provisions of Article 27(1)(i) of the United Nations Convention?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(30 August 2013)

The Commission supports national efforts to improve the employment situation of people with disabilities under the European Disability Strategy 2010-2020 (113) and the Europe 2020 strategy. The European Social Fund provides financial support for the integration of people with disabilities.

As guardian of the Treaty, the Commission has examined whether all Member States transposed correctly Art. 5 of Directive 2000/78/EC (114), establishing the obligation of employers to provide Reasonable Accommodation to persons with disabilities. As a result infringement procedures were opened, including against Italy (115), concerning transposition of this provision. The Court of the EU ruled in July 2013 that the Italian Republic had failed to implement, fully and correctly, Art. 5 of the directive. Accordingly, Italy will have to conform the national legislation to the directive.

A Commission report on its implementation is under preparation for publication in 2013.

The provisions related to Reasonable Accommodation contained in Art. 27(1)(i) of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, to which the EU is a party since 2011, are substantially identical to Art. 5 of the directive. The directive was included in the declaration of EU competences made on the conclusion of the Convention (116). Therefore, the EU is effectively implementing that provision of the Convention within the remit of its competences by ensuring the implementation of Art. 5 of the directive. Likewise, in the abovementioned judgment, the EU Court interpreted the concept of Reasonable Accommodation according to the definition given in Article 2 of the Convention.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-006520/13

a la Comisión

Rosa Estaràs Ferragut (PPE)

(6 de junio de 2013)

Asunto: Plataforma «TIC y turismo»

En la Comunicación de la Comisión Europea al Parlamento Europeo titulada «Europa, primer destino turístico del mundo: un nuevo marco político para el turismo europeo», en la tercera de las acciones previstas se preveía la creación de una plataforma denominada «TIC y turismo» cuya finalidad era la adaptación del sector turístico y sus empresas a la evolución del mercado de las nuevas tecnologías de la información y aumentar su competividad.

¿Cuándo tiene previsto la Comisión poner en marcha la plataforma «TIC y turismo»?

¿Qué servicios en particular estarán disponibles a través de esta plataforma?

Respuesta del Sr. Tajani en nombre de la Comisión

(31 de julio de 2013)

La acción 3 de la Comunicación de la Comisión de 2010 sobre el turismo se realiza principalmente a través de dos iniciativas, estrechamente vinculadas entre sí:

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006520/13

to the Commission

Rosa Estaràs Ferragut (PPE)

(6 June 2013)

Subject: ‘ICT and tourism’ platform

In the communication from the Commission to the European Parliament entitled ‘Europe, the world’s No 1 tourist destination — a new political framework for tourism in Europe’, the third planned action is to launch an ‘ICT and tourism’ platform to facilitate the adaptation of the tourism sector and its businesses to market developments in new information technologies and improve their competitiveness.

When does the Commission expect to launch the ‘ITC and tourism’ platform?

What services, specifically, will be available through this platform?

Answer given by Mr Tajani on behalf of the Commission

(31 July 2013)

Action 3 of the Commission’s 2010 Communication on tourism, is implemented mainly through two initiatives, closely linked together:

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-006521/13

a la Comisión

Rosa Estaràs Ferragut (PPE)

(6 de junio de 2013)

Asunto: Proyecto piloto de una red común de instituciones relacionadas con el turismo

En la Comunicación de la Comisión Europea al Parlamento Europeo titulada «Europa, primer destino turístico del mundo: un nuevo marco político para el turismo europeo», la novena de sus acciones previstas anunciaba el desarrollo de un proyecto piloto destinado a poner en red a los institutos de investigación, las universidades, los observatorios públicos y privados, las autoridades regionales y nacionales y las oficinas de turismo nacionales.

¿Cuándo cree la Comisión que se llevará a cabo el proyecto piloto?

¿Cuál será la duración del mismo?

¿Qué Estados miembros participarán en el proyecto piloto?

Respuesta del Sr. Tajani en nombre de la Comisión

(31 de julio de 2013)

La Comisión ha cofinanciado tres proyectos en el marco de una convocatoria de propuestas titulada «Redes de conocimientos»: Service Design in Tourism (Diseño de servicios turísticos) (1), Knownet (2) y Fast‐Lain (3). Estos tres proyectos ya han finalizado. Sus socios principales eran, respectivamente: Management Center Innsbruck, Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers y Ecotrans e.V. Los beneficiarios que participaron en estas actividades procedían de los países siguientes:

Los resultados de estos proyectos son propiedad de los beneficiarios. Puede consultarse más información sobre dichos resultados en los sitios web siguientes:

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006521/13

to the Commission

Rosa Estaràs Ferragut (PPE)

(6 June 2013)

Subject: Pilot project to network institutions related to tourism

In the communication from the Commission to the European Parliament entitled ‘Europe, the world’s No 1 tourist destination — a new political framework for tourism in Europe’, the ninth planned action was to develop a pilot project aimed at networking research institutes, universities, public and private monitoring units, regional and national authorities and national tourism offices.

When does the Commission believe the pilot project will take place?

How long will it last?

Which Member States will be involved in the pilot project?

Answer given by Mr Tajani on behalf of the Commission

(31 July 2013)

The Commission has co-financed three projects under a call for proposals entitled ‘Knowledge Networks’: Service Design in Tourism (1), Knownet (2) and Fast Lain (3). These three projects have now been completed. Their lead partners were respectively: Management Center Innsbruck, Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers and Ecotrans e.V. The beneficiaries involved in these ativities came from the following countries:

The results of these projects are the property of the beneficiaries. More information about the outcomes can be found at:

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-006522/13

a la Comisión

Rosa Estaràs Ferragut (PPE)

(6 de junio de 2013)

Asunto: Tarjeta de movilidad europea

Una de cada seis personas en la EU es discapacitada. Estas personas deben tener las mismas oportunidades que el resto de los ciudadanos, y concretamente el derecho a elegir libremente dónde vivir, trabajar e incluso viajar.

Considerando que el artículo 26 de la Carta de los Derechos Fundamentales de la UE establece el «derecho de las personas discapacitadas a beneficiarse de medidas que garanticen su autonomía, su integración social y profesional y su participación en la vida de la comunidad»;

Considerando la Resolución del Parlamento Europeo, de 25 de octubre de 2011, sobre la movilidad y la inclusión de las personas con discapacidad y la Estrategia Europea sobre Discapacidad 2010-2020;

Considerando que cuando una persona con discapacidad cruza su frontera nacional no puede hacer uso de su tarjeta de discapacidad, lo que implica no poder utilizar los servicios puestos a disposición de las personas con discapacidad de ese país;

Considerando que la Tarjeta de movilidad europea sería un instrumento útil para favorecer los desplazamientos de las personas con discapacidad entre Estados miembros;

Considerando que el reconocimiento de una discapacidad puede abrir la puerta a una serie de concesiones, como por ejemplo un mejor acceso a los transportes, o actividades culturales y eventos;

¿Qué medidas piensa adoptar la Comisión para la creación de una tarjeta europea de movilidad, que reconozca los mismos privilegios en cada Estado miembro a las personas con discapacidad?

Respuesta de la Sra. Reding en nombre de la Comisión

(8 de julio de 2013)

La Comisión remite a Su Señoría a su respuesta a la pregunta escrita E-003455/2013 (121).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006522/13

to the Commission

Rosa Estaràs Ferragut (PPE)

(6 June 2013)

Subject: European mobility card

One in every six people in the EU is disabled. These people should have the same opportunities as other citizens‐—specifically, the right to choose freely where to live, work and even travel.

Article 26 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union establishes the ‘right of persons with disabilities to benefit from measures designed to ensure their independence, social and occupational integration and participation in the life of the community’.

The European Parliament adopted a Resolution on 25 October 2011 on mobility and inclusion of people with disabilities and the European Disability Strategy 2010-2020.

When people with disabilities cross national borders, they cannot use their disability card, which means that they cannot avail themselves of the services for people with disabilities in that country.

The European mobility card would be a useful way to encourage travel by people with disabilities among Member States.

Recognition of a disability can open the door to a series of measures, such as better access to transportation or cultural activities and events.

What measures does the Commission plan to adopt in order to create a European mobility card, which would ensure that people with disabilities are afforded the same privileges in all Member States?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(8 July 2013)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to written question E-003455/2013 (122).

(Nederlandse versie)

Vraag met verzoek om schriftelijk antwoord E-006524/13

aan de Commissie

Auke Zijlstra (NI)

(6 juni 2013)

Betreft: Wanbeleid van de Trojka met betrekking tot de redding van Griekenland

Het Internationaal Monetair Fonds (IMF) heeft zijn evaluatie achteraf van uitzonderlijke steun in het kader van de stand-by-overeenkomst van 2010 betreffende Griekenland gepubliceerd (123). In dit verslag geeft het IMF toe dat het twijfels had over de draagbaarheid van de schuldenlast en suggereert het daarmee dat Griekenland op zijn minst niet voldeed aan het criterium volgens hetwelke lenen uitsluitend mogelijk is „als er een grote waarschijnlijkheid bestaat dat de overheidsschuld op middellange  termijn draagbaar blijft”. Het IMF stelt dat er vanaf of kort na het begin van het programma een definitieve oplossing had moeten worden gevonden voor het probleem van de overheidsschuld en dat de Griekse obligaties lang vóór oktober 2011 waarderingscorrecties hadden moeten ondergaan. Volgens het IMF waren de macro-economische veronderstellingen voor het volledige programma bovendien te optimistisch, vooral met betrekking tot de economische groei, de belastinginkomsten en het vermogen van Griekenland om hervormingen door te voeren (124). Het IMF zegt in dit verband dat „de mate van participatie aan het programma en de capaciteit om structurele hervormingen door te voeren, overschat werden”. Daarnaast meldt het dat er onduidelijkheid heerste over de toekenning van verantwoordelijkheden binnen de Trojka.

De wettigheid van dit programma is met andere woorden hoogst twijfelachtig. Aangezien Griekenland onjuiste gegevens verstrekte over zijn overheidsfinanciën en het IMF te optimistisch was in zijn voorspellingen en zijn eigen procedurevoorschriften negeerde, had het IMF niet aan de redding van Griekenland mogen deelnemen. Zonder de deelname van het IMF zou de reddingsoperatie duidelijk onwettig geweest zijn: uit hoofde van artikel 125 van het VWEU hadden de instellingen en lidstaten van de EU Griekenland namelijk geen geld mogen lenen.

Antwoord van de heer Rehn namens de Commissie

(19 juli 2013)

De Commissie heeft reeds haar mening gegeven over het door het geachte Parlementslid aangehaalde verslag van het IMF.

In het document worden enkele opvallende successen aangewezen die tijdens het programma zijn geboekt, in het bijzonder de sterke fiscale consolidatie, de hervorming van het pensioenstelsel en de inperking van spillover-effecten. Er wordt eveneens op gewezen dat het uittreden van Griekenland uit de eurozone is voorkomen. De Commissie heeft reeds kenbaar gemaakt met welke bevindingen in het rapport zij het niet eens is. Zo is zij het niet eens met de conclusie dat het wenselijk was geweest de schuld al in 2010 te herstructureren. De Commissie is van mening dat de herstructurering van de schulden in de privésector tot een besmetting van het systeem had kunnen leiden en het programma dus ernstig zou hebben ondermijnd. De Commissie, die een drijvende kracht achter de grote nadruk van het programma op structurele hervormingen is geweest, is het eveneens oneens met het standpunt dat er niet voldoende inspanningen zijn geleverd om dergelijke hervormingen door te voeren.

De Commissie verwijst het geachte Parlementslid naar haar economische voorjaarsprognoses van 2013 (126) voor meer informatie. De Commissie, de ECB en het IMF hanteren dezelfde groeiprognose.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006524/13

to the Commission

Auke Zijlstra (NI)

(6 June 2013)

Subject: Mismanagement by the Troika of the Greek bailout

The International Monetary Fund has published its Ex Post Evaluation of Exceptional Access under the 2010 Stand-By Arrangement on Greece (127). In this report, the IMF admits it had misgivings about debt sustainability, thus suggesting Greece did not meet at least the criterion of only lending where there was ‘a high probability of public debt being sustainable in the medium term’. The IMF states that the public debt problem should have been tackled decisively at the outset or early in the programme, and haircuts on Greek bonds should have occurred much earlier than October 2011. It also states that macroeconomic assumptions were too optimistic throughout the programme, especially with regard to economic growth, fiscal revenues and Greece’s ability to implement reforms (128). In this respect, the IMF affirms that ‘the depth of ownership of the program and the capacity to implement structural reforms were overestimated’. Moreover, it reports that ‘there was no such clarity in the assignment of responsibilities across the Troika’.

The legality of the programme is therefore all the more questionable. Since Greece falsified its data on public finances, and the IMF was over-optimistic in its forecasts and disregarded its own procedural rules, the IMF should not have participated in the Greek bailout. Without its participation, the bailout would have been overtly illegal, since the EU institutions and Member States could not have lent any money to Greece, pursuant to the ‘no bailout clause’ enshrined in Article 125 TFEU.

In the light of this:

Answer given by Mr Rehn on behalf of the Commission

(19 July 2013)

The Commission has already expressed its views on the IMF report referred to by the Honourable Member.

The document identifies notable successes during the programme, in particular the strong fiscal consolidation, the reform of the pension system and the containment of spillovers. It also highlights the fact that avoiding Greece's exit from the euro area was achieved. The Commission has already highlighted the findings of the report with which it disagrees. One of them is the conclusion that an upfront debt restructuring in 2010 would have been desirable. The Commission is of the opinion that private sector debt restructuring would have certainly risked systemic contagion and would also have severely undermined the programme. The Commission, which has been a major driving force behind the strong focus of the programme on structural reforms, also disagrees with the view that not enough was done to identify such reforms.

For detailed information on its most recent economic forecasts, the Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its Spring 2013 European Economic Forecast (130).The Commission, the ECB and the IMF share the same growth forecast.

(българска версия)

Въпрос с искане за писмен отговор E-006525/13

до Комисията

Sophia in 't Veld (ALDE), Antonyia Parvanova (ALDE), Jean Lambert (Verts/ALE), Sirpa Pietikäinen (PPE) и Véronique Mathieu Houillon (PPE)

(6 юни 2013 г.)

Относно: Инструмент за сътрудничество за развитие I

Съгласно МФР за 2007—2013 г. финансирането за развитие за сексуално и репродуктивно здраве и права беше предоставяно чрез тематични инструменти на Инструмента за сътрудничество за развитие, преди всичко чрез „Инвестиране в хората“ и „Недържавни участници и местни органи“. Тези възможности за финансиране бяха предоставяни чрез открити покани за отправяне на предложения, което позволяваше на организации на гражданското общество да участват в ускоряването на достъпа до сексуално и репродуктивно здраве и права в страните с ниски и средни доходи.

В предложението на Комисията от юли 2011 г. за Инструмента за сътрудничество за развитие броят на тематичните инструменти е ограничен до два; относими в най-голяма степен към сексуалното и репродуктивно здраве и права са инструментите „Глобални обществени блага и предизвикателства“ и „Организации на гражданското общество и местни органи“. Те обхващат широк спектър от теми и, за разлика от програмата „Инвестиране в хората“, сексуалното и репродуктивното здраве и права не са изрично посочени. Преговорната позиция на Парламента относно Инструмента за сътрудничество за развитие поправя това като утвърждава отново важността на подкрепата на ЕС за пълното прилагане на стратегиите и инициативите за насърчаване на сексуалното и репродуктивното здраве и права. Значението, което Парламентът отдава на сексуалното и репродуктивното здраве и права, отразява съществуващите позиции на ЕС, тъй като сексуалното и репродуктивното здраве и права вече имат важно място в европейската политика, например в заключенията на Съвета относно ролята на ЕС в световното здравеопазване и Европейския консенсус за развитие (2005 г.).

Като има предвид всички посочени факти, Комисията би ли изяснила:

Отговор, даден от г-н Пиебалгс от името на Комисията

(23 юли 2013 г.)

Комисията възнамерява да продължи работата си в областта на сексуалното и репродуктивното здраве и права (СРЗП) посредством редица инструменти и финансови механизми като крайната цел е да бъдат отстоявани и насърчавани основните човешки права на населението в партньорските държави с оглед на социалния прогрес, включително правото на здравеопазване и образование, равенството между половете и недискриминацията.

С оглед на опростяването на процедурите в бюджетното предложение на Комисията се препоръчва да се консолидират бюджетните номенклатури за Инструмента за сътрудничество за развитие (ИСР), който вече ще включва само два бюджетни реда за всяка от следните три тематични програми: два за организациите на гражданското общество (ОГО) и местните органи, два за глобалните обществени блага и предизвикателства и два за Панафриканската програма. Няма да има специален бюджетен ред, предназначен за изпълнението на програмата за действия на Международната конференция за населението и развитието, нито за Пекинската платформа.

Понастоящем по законодателния пакет, приет от Комисията на 7 декември 2011 г., се водят преговори — най-вече по отношение на ИСР — със съзаконодателите в рамките на тристранния процес. Поради това на този етап е невъзможно да бъде предоставена подробна информация относно тематичното и финансовото разпределение на средствата.

Основният акцент в подхода на Комисията в областта на здравеопазването на национално равнище ще бъде поставен върху оказването на подкрепа за усилията на партньорските правителства в посока изграждане на ефективни и функциониращи системи на здравеопазване, които са в състояние да осигурят достъпни здравни услуги с добро качество, включително услуги в областта на сексуалното и репродуктивното здраве. Освен това в държавите, които получават средства по бюджетния ред за ОГО и местните органи и където сексуалното и репродуктивното здраве е избрано за приоритет, делегациите на ЕС ще бъдат в състояние да предлагат възможности ОГО да упражняват правото си на инициатива (131) в полза на достъпа до СРЗП.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-006525/13

à la Commission

Sophia in 't Veld (ALDE), Antonyia Parvanova (ALDE), Jean Lambert (Verts/ALE), Sirpa Pietikäinen (PPE) et Véronique Mathieu Houillon (PPE)

(6 juin 2013)

Objet: Instrument de coopération au développement I

Au titre du cadre financier pluriannuel 2007-2013, les fonds pour le développement en matière de santé et droits génésiques et sexuels sont octroyés via des instruments thématiques de l'Instrument de coopération au développement (ICD), essentiellement les programmes «Investir dans les ressources humaines» et «Acteurs non étatiques et autorités locales dans le développement». Ces possibilités de financement ont été annoncées par l'intermédiaire d'un appel général à propositions, ce qui a permis aux organisations de la société civile (OSC) de jouer leur rôle dans l'accélération de l'accès à la santé et aux droits génésiques et sexuels dans les pays à revenu faible et intermédiaire.

La proposition de la Commission de juillet 2011 instituant un instrument de financement de la coopération au développement limite le nombre d'instruments thématiques à deux. Les instruments les plus pertinents dans le cadre de la santé et des droits génésiques et sexuels sont celui lié aux biens publics mondiaux et aux défis qui les accompagnent ainsi que celui lié aux organisations de la société civile et aux autorités locales. Ces instruments couvrent un large éventail de problématiques et, contrairement au programme «Investir dans les ressources humaines», la thématique de la santé et des droits génésiques et sexuels n'y est pas mentionnée explicitement. La position de négociation du Parlement européen concernant l'Instrument de coopération au développement (ICD) comble cette lacune en ce qu'elle réaffirme l'importance du soutien qu'apporte l'Union à la pleine mise en œuvre de stratégies et d'initiatives destinées à promouvoir la santé et les droits génésiques et sexuels. L'importance qu'accorde le Parlement européen à la santé et aux droits génésiques et sexuels reflète les positions actuelles de l'Union, puisque cette problématique figure clairement parmi les orientations politiques européennes, comme l'illustrent les conclusions du Conseil sur le rôle de l'Union dans le domaine de la santé mondiale (2010) et le consensus européen pour le développement (2005).

Compte tenu de tous les aspects soulevés, la Commission peut-elle éclaircir les points suivants:

Réponse donnée par M. Piebalgs au nom de la Commission

(23 juillet 2013)

La Commission entend continuer à contribuer au développement en matière de santé et de droits génésiques et sexuels au moyen d'un certain nombre d'instruments et de modalités financières, dans le but ultime de maintenir et de promouvoir les droits humains fondamentaux des populations des pays partenaires en matière de progrès social, y compris le droit à la santé et à l'éducation, l'égalité des sexes et la non-discrimination.

Pour simplifier les procédures, la Commission suggère dans sa proposition de budget de consolider les nomenclatures budgétaires pour l'instrument de financement de la coopération au développement (ICD), qui ne comportera que deux lignes budgétaires pour chacun des trois programmes thématiques suivants: deux pour les organisations de la société civile (OSC) et les autorités locales (AL), deux pour les biens publics mondiaux et les défis qui les accompagnent et deux pour le Programme panafricain. Aucune ligne budgétaire spécifique n'est donc prévue pour la mise en œuvre du programme d'action de la conférence internationale sur la population et le développement ni pour le programme d'action de Pékin.

Le paquet législatif, adopté par la Commission le 7 décembre 2011, est actuellement en cours de négociation — et notamment l'ICD — avec les colégislateurs dans le cadre du trilogue. Il n'est donc pas possible de fournir des informations détaillées sur les affectations thématiques et financières à ce stade.

L'approche de la Commission en matière de santé consistera essentiellement, au niveau national, à apporter un soutien aux gouvernements des pays partenaires dans leurs efforts pour mettre en place des systèmes de santé effectifs et efficaces, en mesure de fournir des services de santé abordables de bonne qualité, y compris des services de soins de santé sexuelle et génésique. En outre, dans les pays bénéficiant d'une affectation au titre de la ligne budgétaire OSC et AL et où la santé sexuelle et génésique a été retenue comme priorité, les délégations de l'UE pourront offrir des possibilités en ce qui concerne le droit d'initiative (132) des OSC à défendre l'accès à la santé et aux droits génésiques et sexuels.

(Nederlandse versie)

Vraag met verzoek om schriftelijk antwoord E-006525/13

aan de Commissie

Sophia in 't Veld (ALDE), Antonyia Parvanova (ALDE), Jean Lambert (Verts/ALE), Sirpa Pietikäinen (PPE) en Véronique Mathieu Houillon (PPE)

(6 juni 2013)

Betreft: Instrument voor ontwikkelingssamenwerking (I)

In het kader van het MFK 2007-2013 is er via het thematische programma van het Instrument voor ontwikkelingssamenwerking en in het bijzonder de onderdelen „Investeringen in mensen” en „Niet-overheidsactoren en lokale autoriteiten” ontwikkelingshulp toegekend voor seksuele en reproductieve gezondheid en rechten. Deze financieringsmogelijkheden vormden het onderwerp van openbare oproepen tot het indienen van voorstellen, met als doel organisaties uit het maatschappelijk middenveld in staat te stellen een rol te spelen bij de bevordering van de seksuele en reproductieve gezondheid en rechten in landen met lage en middelhoge inkomens.

In het Commissievoorstel van juli 2011 betreffende het Instrument voor ontwikkelingssamenwerking wordt het aantal thematische instrumenten beperkt tot twee. De meest relevante instrumenten voor wat seksuele en reproductieve gezondheid en rechten betreft, zijn „Mondiale collectieve goederen en uitdagingen” en „Organisaties van het maatschappelijk middenveld en plaatselijke overheden”. Zij dekken echter een brede waaier aan onderwerpen en bevatten geen uitdrukkelijke verwijzing naar de problematiek van seksuele en reproductieve gezondheid en rechten, hetgeen in het programma „Investeringen in mensen” wel het geval is. In zijn onderhandelingsstandpunt inzake het Instrument voor ontwikkelingssamenwerking corrigeert het Parlement dit door er nogmaals op te wijzen dat het belangrijk is dat de EU de uitvoering van alle strategieën en initiatieven  ter bevordering van de seksuele en reproductieve gezondheid en rechten ondersteunt. Het belang dat het Parlement aan deze problematiek toekent, weerspiegelt de bestaande standpunten van de EU: seksuele en reproductieve gezondheid en rechten komen immers al uitdrukkelijk in het Europese beleid voor, onder meer in de conclusies van de Raad over de rol van de EU met betrekking tot de volksgezondheid in de wereld (2010) en in de Europese consensus inzake ontwikkeling (2005).

Kan de Commissie, rekening houdend met al deze opmerkingen, de volgende punten verduidelijken:

Antwoord van de heer Piebalgs namens de Commissie

(23 juli 2013)

De Commissie is voornemens te blijven bijdragen aan seksuele en reproductieve gezondheid en rechten via een aantal instrumenten en financiële regelingen met als einddoel de handhaving en naleving van de fundamentele mensenrechten van de bevolking van partnerlanden inzake sociale vooruitgang, met inbegrip van het recht op gezondheidszorg en onderwijs, gendergelijkheid en non-discriminatie.

Teneinde de procedures te vereenvoudigen wil de Commissie met haar begrotingsvoorstel begrotingsonderdelen voor het DCI-instrument consolideren. Het voorstel bevat slechts twee begrotingsposten voor elk van de drie volgende programma's: twee voor „organisaties van het maatschappelijk middenveld en plaatselijke overheden”, twee voor „mondiale collectieve goederen en uitdagingen” en twee voor het pan-Afrikaans programma. Er is dus geen specifieke begrotingspost voor de uitvoering van het actieprogramma van de Internationale Conferentie over bevolking en ontwikkeling, het zogeheten actieprogramma van Peking.

Over het wetgevingspakket, dat op 7 december 2011 door de Commissie is aangenomen, en met name over het DCI, wordt momenteel onderhandeld met de medewetgevers in het kader van de trialoogprocedure. Bijgevolg kan de Commissie op dit moment geen gedetailleerde informatie over thematische en financiële toewijzingen geven.

De aanpak van de Commissie op het vlak van gezondheid in de partnerlanden is voornamelijk gericht op de ondersteuning van de inspanningen van partnerregeringen om doeltreffende en goed functionerende gezondheidssystemen te ontwikkelen die betaalbare gezondheidszorg van goede kwaliteit bieden, met inbegrip van diensten voor seksuele en reproductieve gezondheidszorg. In landen die een toewijzing uit de begrotingspost „organisaties van het maatschappelijk middenveld en plaatselijke overheden” genieten en waar seksuele en reproductieve gezondheid als een prioriteit is aangemerkt, kunnen de EU-delegaties eveneens mogelijkheden bieden met betrekking tot het initiatiefrecht (133) van organisaties uit het maatschappelijk middenveld om te pleiten voor toegang tot seksuele en reproductieve gezondheid en rechten.

(Suomenkielinen versio)

Kirjallisesti vastattava kysymys E-006525/13

komissiolle

Sophia in 't Veld (ALDE), Antonyia Parvanova (ALDE), Jean Lambert (Verts/ALE), Sirpa Pietikäinen (PPE) ja Véronique Mathieu Houillon (PPE)

(6. kesäkuuta 2013)

Aihe: Kehitysyhteistyön rahoitusväline I

Vuosien 2007–2013 monivuotisessa rahoituskehyksessä kehitysyhteistyövarat, jotka on tarkoitettu seksuaali‐ ja lisääntymisterveyteen ja ‐oikeuksiin, myönnettiin kehitysyhteistyön rahoitusvälineen aihekohtaisten välineiden kautta, joista huomattavimpia olivat ”investointi ihmisiin” ja ”valtiosta riippumattomat toimijat ja paikallisviranomaiset”. Nämä rahoitusmahdollisuudet esiteltiin avoimilla ehdotuspyynnöillä, mikä antoi kansalaisyhteiskunnan järjestöille mahdollisuuden edistää osaltaan seksuaali‐ ja lisääntymisterveyden ja ‐oikeuksien toteutumista pieni‐ ja keskituloisissa maissa.

Komission heinäkuussa 2011 esittämässä kehitysyhteistyön rahoitusvälinettä koskevassa ehdotuksessa aihekohtaisten välineiden määrä on rajoitettu kahteen. Tärkeimpiä välineitä seksuaali‐ ja lisääntymisterveyden ja ‐oikeuksien kannalta ovat julkishyödykkeet ja haasteet sekä kansalaisyhteiskunnan järjestöt ja paikalliset viranomaiset. Ne kattavat laajan joukon aiheita, eikä seksuaali‐ ja lisääntymisterveyttä ja ‐oikeuksia mainita nimenomaisesti toisin kuin ”investointi ihmisiin” ‐ohjelmassa. Kehitysyhteistyön rahoitusvälinettä koskeva Euroopan parlamentin neuvottelukanta korjaa tilanteen niin, että vahvistetaan jälleen EU:n tuen merkitys sellaisten strategioiden ja aloitteiden täydelle toteuttamiselle, joille edistetään seksuaali‐ ja lisääntymisterveyttä ja niihin liittyviä oikeuksia. Euroopan parlamentin seksuaali‐ ja lisääntymisterveydelle ja ‐oikeuksille antama merkitys vastaa EU:n aiempia kantoja, sillä seksuaali‐ ja lisääntymisterveys ja ‐oikeudet on jo otettu selvästi huomioon unionin politiikassa. Siitä esimerkkeinä ovat neuvoston päätelmät EU:sta ja globaalista terveydestä (2010) sekä kehityspolitiikkaa koskeva eurooppalainen konsensus (2005).

Voiko komissio edellä mainitut seikat huomioon ottaen selventää seuraavia kysymyksiä:

Andris Piebalgsin komission puolesta antama vastaus

(23. heinäkuuta 2013)

Komissio aikoo jatkossakin panostaa seksuaali‐ ja lisääntymisterveyteen ja siihen liittyviin oikeuksiin monilla välineillä ja rahoitusjärjestelyillä. Niiden perimmäisenä tavoitteena on kumppanimaiden väestön sosiaalista edistystä koskevien perusihmisoikeuksien – joihin kuuluvat myös oikeus terveyteen, koulutukseen, sukupuolten tasa-arvoon ja syrjimättömyyteen – ylläpitäminen ja toteuttaminen.

Menettelyjen yksinkertaistamiseksi komission talousarvioesityksessä ehdotetaan kehitysyhteistyön rahoitusvälineen budjettinimikkeistön yksinkertaistamista siten, että se sisältää vain kaksi budjettikohtaa kullekin seuraavassa luetellulle aihekohtaiselle ohjelmalle: kansalaisyhteiskunnan järjestöt ja paikallisviranomaiset; globaalit julkishyödykkeet ja haasteet; sekä yleisafrikkalainen ohjelma. Kansainvälisen väestö- ja kehityskonferenssin toimintaohjelman (Pekingin toimintaohjelman) täytäntöönpanon varmistamiseksi ei siis ole erillistä budjettikohtaa.

Lainsäätäjät neuvottelevat parhaillaan komission 7. joulukuuta 2011 hyväksymästä lainsäädäntöpaketista – ja erityisesti kehitysyhteistyön rahoitusvälineestä – kolmikantaneuvotteluissa. Tästä syystä aihekohtaisista välineistä ja osoitettavista määrärahoista ei tässä vaiheessa ole mahdollista antaa yksityiskohtaisia tietoja.

Komission lähestymistavassa terveyteen pääpainona maiden tasolla on tukea kumppanimaita niiden hallitusten pyrkimyksissä rakentaa tehokkaita ja toimivia terveydenhoitojärjestelmiä, joiden avulla voidaan tarjota kohtuuhintaisia ja laadukkaita terveyspalveluja myös seksuaali‐ ja lisääntymisterveyden alalla. Lisäksi niissä maissa, joille annetaan rahoitusta kansalaisyhteiskunnan järjestöjä ja paikallisviranomaisia koskevasta budjettikohdasta ja joissa seksuaali‐ ja lisääntymisterveys on asetettu painopisteeksi, EU:n edustustot voivat tarjota kansalaisyhteiskunnan järjestöille niiden aloiteoikeuden (134) ansiosta mahdollisuuksia edistää seksuaali‐ ja lisääntymisterveyttä ja siihen liittyviä oikeuksia.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006525/13

to the Commission

Sophia in 't Veld (ALDE), Antonyia Parvanova (ALDE), Jean Lambert (Verts/ALE), Sirpa Pietikäinen (PPE) and Véronique Mathieu Houillon (PPE)

(6 June 2013)

Subject: Development Cooperation Instrument I

Under the 2007-2013 MFF, development funding for sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) was granted via thematic instruments of the Development Cooperation Instrument (DCI), most notably through ‘Investing in People’ and ‘Non State Actors and Local Authorities’. These funding opportunities were presented via open calls for proposals, thus allowing civil society organisations (CSOs) to play their role in speeding up access to SRHR in low‐ and middle-income countries.

In the Commission’s proposal for the DCI of July 2011 the number of thematic instruments is limited to two; those most relevant to SRHR are Global Public Goods and Challenges’ and ‘Civil Society Organisations and Local Authorities’. These instruments cover a wide array of topics and, unlike in the Investing in People programme, sexual and reproductive health and rights are not explicitly mentioned. Parliament’s negotiating position on the DCI does rectify this by reaffirming the importance of the EU’s support to the full implementation of strategies and initiatives to promote sexual and reproductive health and rights. The importance given to SRHR by Parliament reflects existing EU positions, as SRHR already features prominently in European policy, as in the Council conclusions on the EU role in Global Health (2010) and the European consensus for development (2005).

Taking into account all the points raised, can the Commission clarify:

Answer given by Mr Piebalgs on behalf of the Commission

(23 July 2013)

The Commission intends to continue contributing to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) through a number of instruments and financial modalities with the ultimate aim of upholding and fulfilling the basic human rights of partner countries' populations to social progress including the right to health and education, gender equality and non-discrimination.

In order to simplify procedures, the Commission budgetary proposal suggests consolidating budgetary nomenclatures for the DCI instrument, which will include only two budget lines for each three following thematic programmes: two for Civil Society Organisations (CSO) and Local Authorities (LA), two for Global Public Goods and Challenges, and two for the Pan-African Programme. Thus, there is no specific budget line dedicated to the implementation of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development or Beijing Platform.

The legislative package, adopted by the Commission on 7 December 2011, is currently under negotiation — and notably the DCI — with the co-legislators within the framework of the trilogue process. It is therefore not possible to provide detailed information on thematic and financial allocations at this stage.

The main focus of the Commission's approach in health will be, at the country level, by supporting partner governments’ efforts to build effective and functioning health systems that are able to provide affordable health services of good quality, including SRH care services. In addition, in countries benefiting from an allocation from the CSO and LA budget line and where SRH is chosen as a priority, EU delegations will be able to offer opportunities for CSO’s right of initiative (135) to advocate for access to SRHR.

(българска версия)

Въпрос с искане за писмен отговор E-006526/13

до Комисията

Sophia in 't Veld (ALDE), Antonyia Parvanova (ALDE), Jean Lambert (Verts/ALE), Sirpa Pietikäinen (PPE) и Véronique Mathieu Houillon (PPE)

(6 юни 2013 г.)

Относно: Инструмент за сътрудничество за развитие II

Комисията, Съветът на Европейския съюз и Парламентът понастоящем участват в тристранни разисквания, за да определят правилата за следващия Инструмент за сътрудничество за развитие за периода 2014—2020 г. За разлика от предишния опит, този път няма проведени консултации с гражданското общество относно съдържанието на новия Инструмент за сътрудничество за развитие.

По-конкретно, мнението на гражданското общество беше слабо потърсено по отношение на два от тематичните инструменти, а именно „Глобални обществени блага и предизвикателства“ и „Организации на гражданското общество и местни органи“. Това следва да се отбележи, още повече, че инструментите са изрично предназначени за гражданското общество.

Нещо повече, насърчаването на пълноценно и структурирано участие от страна на организации на гражданското общество е крайъгълният камък на последното съобщение на Комисията по този въпрос. Това съобщение подчертава значението на участието на организациите на гражданското общество във вътрешните политики на партньорските държави, както и в цикъла на планиране на ЕС и в международните процеси.

С оглед на горепосоченото, Комисията би ли могла да изясни:

Отговор, даден от г-н Пиебалгс от името на Комисията

(8 август 2013 г.)

Комисията проведе онлайн обществена консултация относно „Какво трябва да бъде финансирането за външната дейност на ЕС след 2013 г.?“ в периода 2010—2011 г. Получените 220 отговора от 59 страни (от ЕС, Азия, Латинска Америка, държавите от Африка, Карибите и Тихоокеанския басейн (АКТ), съседните държави и държави, участващи в процеса на разширяване), са налице на уебсайта:

http://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/how/public-consultations/5240_en.htm.

Комисията отбелязва, че междуинституционалните преговори относно правното основание за Инструмента за сътрудничество за развитие (ИСР) продължават, както и остава необходимостта от пълното зачитане на участието на съзаконодателите в програмирането. В рамките на тези ограничения, Комисията събра предварителни становища от организациите на гражданското общество (ОГО) и местните власти (МВ) относно бъдещите тематични инструменти на ИСР, предвидени за глобални обществени блага и предизвикателства, и за ОГО и МВ за програмния период.

За тази цел делегациите на ЕС са инструктирани да се консултират с ОГО и МВ, за да се определят на местно ниво приоритетите на бъдещата програма, от които те могат да се възползват. Освен това беше проведен неформален обмен през2012 и 2013 г. в рамките на Политически форум за развитие, проведен в Брюксел заедно със 150 мрежи на неправителствени организации (НПО), профсъюзи, кооперативни организации, фондации, и т.н., както и МВ от ЕС и страните от АКТ, Азия, Латинска Америка и съседните държави. Парламентът и държавите членки бяха също така поканени.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-006526/13

à la Commission

Sophia in 't Veld (ALDE), Antonyia Parvanova (ALDE), Jean Lambert (Verts/ALE), Sirpa Pietikäinen (PPE) et Véronique Mathieu Houillon (PPE)

(6 juin 2013)

Objet: Instrument de coopération au développement II

La Commission, le Conseil de l'Union européenne et le Parlement européen sont actuellement engagés dans une discussion tripartite visant à déterminer les modalités du prochain Instrument de coopération au développement (ICD) pour la période allant de 2014 à 2020. Contrairement à de précédentes expériences, le contenu du nouvel ICD n'a pas suffisamment fait l'objet d'une consultation de la société civile.

Deux instruments thématiques en particulier, à savoir les programmes «biens publics mondiaux et défis qui les accompagnent» et «acteurs non étatiques et autorités locales», ont à peine été soumis à l'avis de la société civile. Cette situation est d'autant plus singulière que la société civile est le destinataire présumé de ces instruments.

Qui plus est, la promotion d'une participation constructive et structurée des organisations de la société civile (OSC) constituait l'une des pierres angulaires de la récente communication de la Commission à ce sujet. Cette communication soulignait l'importance de la participation des OSC aux politiques intérieures des pays partenaires, ainsi qu'au cycle de programmation de l'Union et aux processus internationaux.

Eu égard à ce qui précède, la Commission pourrait-elle préciser:

Réponse donnée par M. Piebalgs au nom de la Commission

(8 août 2013)

La Commission a lancé une consultation publique en ligne autour de la question «Quels instruments financiers pour l'action extérieure de l'UE après 2013? » ouverte en 2010-2011. Les 220 contributions transmises par 59 pays (États d'Afrique, des Caraïbes et du Pacifique (ACP), Amérique latine, Asie, Union européenne, voisinage et pays de l'élargissement) sont disponibles à l'adresse:

http://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/how/public-consultations/5240_fr.htm.

La Commission note que des négociations interinstitutionnelles relatives à la base juridique de l'instrument de financement de la coopération au développement (ICD) sont en cours et qu'il est important que le rôle des colégislateurs dans le processus de programmation soit pleinement respecté. C'est dans ces limites que la Commission a recueilli les points de vue initiaux des organisations de la société civile et des autorités locales sur les futurs instruments thématiques de l'ICD «biens publics mondiaux et défis qui les accompagnent» et «acteurs non étatiques et autorités locales» en ce qui concerne la phase de programmation.

À cette fin, les délégations de l'UE ont été invitées à consulter les organisations de la société civile et les autorités locales pour définir, à l'échelle locale, les priorités du futur programme dont ces dernières bénéficieront. D'autre part, des échanges informels ont également eu lieu en 2012 et en juin 2013 lors du Forum politique sur le développement organisé à Bruxelles auquel ont participé 150 réseaux d'organisations non-gouvernementales (ONG), des syndicats, des coopératives, des fondations, etc., et les autorités locales provenant de l'UE, des ACP, d'Asie, d'Amérique latine et du voisinage. Le Parlement européen et les États membres y étaient également invités.

(Nederlandse versie)

Vraag met verzoek om schriftelijk antwoord E-006526/13

aan de Commissie

Sophia in 't Veld (ALDE), Antonyia Parvanova (ALDE), Jean Lambert (Verts/ALE), Sirpa Pietikäinen (PPE) en Véronique Mathieu Houillon (PPE)

(6 juni 2013)

Betreft: Instrument voor ontwikkelingssamenwerking (II)

De Commissie, de Raad van de Europese Unie en het Parlement discussiëren momenteel over de regels voor het Instrument voor ontwikkelingssamenwerking voor 2014-2020. Anders dan in het verleden is het maatschappelijk middenveld niet of nauwelijks geraadpleegd over de inhoud van het nieuwe Instrument.

Met name voor twee van de thematische instrumenten, „Mondiale collectieve goederen en uitdagingen” en „Niet-overheidsactoren en lokale autoriteiten”, is het maatschappelijk middenveld nagenoeg niet om zijn mening gevraagd. Dit is des te opmerkelijker als we weten dat het maatschappelijk middenveld de bedoelde begunstigde van deze instrumenten is.

Bovendien vormt de bevordering van zinvolle en gestructureerde participatie van organisaties uit het maatschappelijk middenveld de hoeksteen van een recente mededeling van de Commissie over dit onderwerp. In dit document onderstreept de Commissie het belang van de betrokkenheid van organisaties uit het maatschappelijk middenveld bij het binnenlandse beleid van de partnerlanden van de EU alsook bij de programmeringscyclus van de EU en internationale processen.

Kan de Commissie gezien het bovenstaande verduidelijken:

Antwoord van de heer Piebalgs namens de Commissie

(8 augustus 2013)

De Commissie hield in 2011-2011 een online raadpleging over de financiering van het externe optreden van de EU na 2013. Er kwamen 220 bijdragen uit 59 landen binnen (nl. uit de EU, Azië, Latijns-Amerika, Afrika, het Caribische Gebied, de Stille Oceaan, de nabuurschapslanden en de uitbreidingslanden), die beschikbaar zijn op: http://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/how/public-consultations/5240_en.htm.

De Commissie wijst erop dat de inter-institutionele onderhandelingen over de rechtsgrondslag voor het instrument voor ontwikkelingssamenwerking (DCI) aan de gang zijn, en dat het noodzakelijk is de betrokkenheid van de medewetgevers bij de programmering volledig te respecteren. Binnen deze beperkingen heeft de Commissie voorlopig advies ingewonnen bij maatschappelijke organisaties en lokale autoriteiten over de toekomstige mondiale collectieve goederen en uitdagingen en over de desbetreffende thematische instrumenten met het oog op de programmeringsfase.

Tot dit doel is de EU-delegaties opgedragen overleg te plegen met maatschappelijke organisaties en lokale autoriteiten om op lokaal niveau de prioriteiten van het toekomstige programma ten behoeve van deze organisaties en autoriteiten vast te stellen. Daarnaast vonden in 2012 en in juni 2013 binnen het kader van het Beleidsforum over ontwikkelingsvraagstukken eveneens informele uitwisselingen plaats met 150 netwerken van ngo’s, vakbonden, coöperatieven, stichtingen, enz., alsook met lokale autoriteiten uit de EU, de ACS-landen, Azië, Latijns-Amerika en de nabuurschapslanden. Het Parlement en de lidstaten waren hiervoor ook uitgenodigd.

(Suomenkielinen versio)

Kirjallisesti vastattava kysymys E-006526/13

komissiolle

Sophia in 't Veld (ALDE), Antonyia Parvanova (ALDE), Jean Lambert (Verts/ALE), Sirpa Pietikäinen (PPE) ja Véronique Mathieu Houillon (PPE)

(6. kesäkuuta 2013)

Aihe: Kehitysyhteistyön rahoitusväline II

Euroopan komissio, Euroopan unionin neuvosto ja Euroopan parlamentti käyvät parhaillaan kolmikantaneuvotteluja, jotta saataisiin aikaan säännöt seuraavalle kehitysyhteistyön rahoitusvälineelle vuosille 2014–2020. Toisin kuin aiemmin kansalaisyhteiskuntaa ei ole tällä kertaa kuultu kehitysyhteistyön uuden rahoitusvälineen sisällöstä.

Kansalaisyhteiskunnan kuuleminen on ollut puutteellista erityisesti liittyen kahteen aihekohtaiseen välineeseen, jotka koskevat julkishyödykkeitä ja haasteita sekä paikallisia viranomaisia. Tämä on erityisen merkillepantavaa, kun otetaan huomioon, että juuri kansalaisyhteiskunnan on tarkoitus olla välineistä hyötyvä taho.

Lisäksi kansalaisyhteiskunnan järjestöjen järkevän ja jäsennellyn osallistumisen tuki oli keskeisellä sijalla komission hiljattain esittämässä asiaa käsitelleessä tiedonannossa. Siinä pidettiin erityisen tärkeänä kansalaisjärjestöjen osallistumista kumppanuusvaltioiden sisäpolitiikkaan, EU:n ohjelmasuunnitteluun sekä kansainvälisiin prosesseihin.

Voiko komissio nämä seikat huomioon ottaen selventää seuraavia kysymyksiä:

Andris Piebalgsin komission puolesta antama vastaus

(8. elokuuta 2013)

Komissio järjesti vuosina 2010–2011 julkisen verkkokuulemisen EU:n ulkoisten toimien rahoituksesta vuoden 2013 jälkeen.Vastauksia saatiin 59 maasta (EU, Aasia, Latinalainen Amerikka, Afrikan, Karibian ja Tyynenmeren maat, AKT-maat sekä naapuruus‐ ja laajentumispolitiikan alaan kuuluvat maat), ja nämä 220 kannanottoa ovat luettavissa osoitteessa http://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/how/public-consultations/5240_en.htm.

Komissio huomauttaa, että kehitysyhteistyön rahoitusvälineen (DCI) oikeusperustasta käydään edelleen toimielinten välisiä neuvotteluja, minkä lisäksi lainsäätäjien oikeutta osallistua ohjelmasuunnitteluun on noudatettava kaikilta osin.Komissio on näissä puitteissa koonnut ohjelmasuunnittelua varten kansalaisyhteiskunnan järjestöjen ja paikallisviranomaisten alustavia näkemyksiä kahdesta kehitysyhteistyön rahoitusvälineeseen jatkossa kuuluvasta temaattisesta välineestä, joista toinen koskee globaaleja julkishyödykkeitä ja haasteita ja toinen kansalaisyhteiskuntaa edustavia järjestöjä ja paikallisviranomaisia.

Tätä varten EU:n edustustoja on neuvottu kuulemaan kansalaisyhteiskunnan järjestöjä ja paikallisviranomaisia, jotta niiden hyväksi jatkossa toteutettavan ohjelman painopisteet voitaisiin määritellä paikallisesti.Tämän ohella on käyty epävirallista yhteydenpitoa vuonna 2012 ja Brysselissä kesäkuussa 2013 järjestetyn kehitysyhteistyön politiikkafoorumin (Policy Forum on Development) puitteissa. Foorumiin osallistui 150 valtiosta riippumattomien järjestöjen, ammattiliittojen, osuuskuntien ja säätiöiden verkostoa sekä paikallisviranomaisia EU:sta, AKT-maista, Aasiasta, Latinalaisesta Amerikasta ja Euroopan naapuruuspolitiikan alaan kuuluvista maista. Mukaan oli kutsuttu myös Euroopan parlamentti ja jäsenvaltiot.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006526/13

to the Commission

Sophia in 't Veld (ALDE), Antonyia Parvanova (ALDE), Jean Lambert (Verts/ALE), Sirpa Pietikäinen (PPE) and Véronique Mathieu Houillon (PPE)

(6 June 2013)

Subject: Development Cooperation Instrument II

The Commission, the Council of the European Union and Parliament are currently involved in a three-way discussion to determine the rules for the next Development Cooperation Instrument (DCI), for the period 2014-2020. Unlike in previous experiences, there has been a lack of civil society consultation on the content of the new DCI.

In particular, the opinion of civil society has barely been sought regarding two of the thematic instruments, namely ‘Global Public Goods and Challenges’ and ‘Non-state Actors and Local Authorities’. This is all the more remarkable given that civil society is the intended recipient of the instruments.

What is more, the promotion of meaningful and structured participation from civil society organisations (CSOs) was the cornerstone of the recent Commission communication on this subject. This communication underlined the importance of CSO involvement in partner countries’ domestic policies, as well as in the EU programming cycle and international processes.

In light of the above, could the Commission clarify:

Answer given by Mr Piebalgs on behalf of the Commission

(8 August 2013)

The Commission held an online public consultation on ‘What funding for EU external action after 2013?’ in 2010-2011. The 220 contributions received from 59 countries (EU, Asia, Latin America, Africa Caribbean Pacific (ACP), Neighbourhood and Enlargement) are available on http://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/how/public-consultations/5240_en.htm.

The Commission notes that interinstitutional negotiations on the legal basis for the Development Cooperation Instrument (DCI) are ongoing, as well as the need to fully respect the co-legislators involvement in programming. Within these constraints, the Commission has collected preliminary views of Civil Society Organisations (CSO) and Local Authorities (LA) on the future DCI Global Public Goods and Challenges and CSO — LA thematic instruments for the programming phase.

To this end, EU Delegations have been instructed to consult CSOs and LAs to locally define priorities of the future programme benefitting them. Besides, informal exchanges also took place in 2012 and in June 2013 within the Policy Forum on Development in Brussels with 150 networks of non-governmental organisations (NGOs), Trade Unions, Cooperatives, Foundations, etc. and LA from the EU and ACP, Asia, Latin America, the Neighbourhood. Parliament and Member States were also invited.

(English version)

Question for written answer P-006527/13

to the Commission

Pat the Cope Gallagher (ALDE)

(7 June 2013)

Subject: European Investment Bank funding

Could the Commission specify how much funding Ireland will receive from the European Investment Bank in 2013 and outline the areas to which these funds will be allocated?

Answer given by Mr Rehn on behalf of the Commission

(17 July 2013)

The EIB is currently appraising projects located in Ireland which are expected to result in funding levels of approximately EUR 600 millions in 2013, an increase over the EUR 500 millions provided in 2012.

The new loans will support projects undertaken by SMEs as well as in the education, energy and transport sectors.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006528/13

to the Commission

James Nicholson (ECR)

(7 June 2013)

Subject: Commission country-specific recommendations

The Commission has recently adopted a number of country-specific recommendations for Member States on how to promote sustainable economic growth and create jobs. Given that Northern Ireland is still lagging behind many other regions in terms of economic recovery and means for prosperity, would the Commission consider adopting a more region-focused agenda so that areas like Northern Ireland can receive the assistance they need?

Answer given by Mr Rehn on behalf of the Commission

(17 July 2013)

Country-specific recommendations (CSRs) are based, inter alia, on an assessment of the National Reform Programmes (NRPs) and of the Stability and Convergence Programmes submitted by the governments of the Member States, and, where macroeconomic imbalances are deemed to exist, on the in-depth reviews under the Macroeconomic Imbalances Procedure (MIP).

The recommendations are addressed to the Member States and possess a national character. However, this should not discourage Member States from developing initiatives at a regional level when addressing the recommendations.

The regional dimension plays a central role in many of the Commission's policies and initiatives. The Honourable Member is referred, in particular, to the dedicated Commission website for details on the implementation of the 2007-2013 Cohesion Policy in Northern Ireland through the European Regional Development Fund (available from http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/atlas2007/uk/ukn_en.htm?14). Further information on structural fund operations in Northern Ireland is available from the dedicated webpage of the Department of Finance and Personnel of Northern Ireland (http://www.dfpni.gov.uk/index/finance/european-funding.htm).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006529/13

to the Commission

James Nicholson (ECR)

(7 June 2013)

Subject: Gender pension gap in the EU

A recent Commission report indicates that across the EU female pensions are 39% lower than male pensions.

Will the Commission outline what it is doing to halt any further widening of this disparity?

What measures are being taken to ensure fairness between the pensions of men and women across Member States?

Answer given by Mr Andor on behalf of the Commission

(1 August 2013)

The 39% Gender Pension Gap documented in a recent study (136) result largely from three facts: women participate less in the labour market, work fewer years and hours and receive lower wages.

It is also affected by the lower coverage of women in private schemes and by the design of national pension systems, including whether there are non-contributory schemes covering everybody and crediting of care-related career breaks.

The resulting need to reduce gender disparities, i.e. pension and gender pay gaps, through a mix of employment and pension policies is a key point in the White Paper on Pensions (137). The Commission addresses the issue in Annual Growth Surveys and Country Specific Recommendations (CSRs), which highlight the need to raise the employment rates of women and equalise the pensionable age for men and women. In 2012 Poland, Slovenia and Slovakia adopted reforms equalising pensionable ages. CSRs for 2013, aprroved by the Council (138), urge Austria to bring forward the harmonisation of pensionable age for men and women, Bulgaria — to introduce the same statutory retirement age for men and women, and Romania — to continue the pension reform started in 2010 by equalising the pensionable age for men and women.

The Commission is furthermore working with Member States to understand and address the sources of gender pension disparities in the Social open method of coordination and the strategy for equality between women and men (139). The Pension Adequacy Report (140) gives particular attention to gender issues.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006530/13

to the Commission

James Nicholson (ECR)

(7 June 2013)

Subject: Partnership and Cooperation Agreement with Kazakhstan

President Barroso recently concluded his first visit to Kazakhstan at the invitation of President Nazarbayev. This visit was expected to bolster the ongoing negotiations for a new Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the EU and Kazakhstan.

Will the Commission outline the details of the proposed agreement?

Will the Commission also detail how it is continuing to press Kazakhstan on its human rights record?

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

(19 July 2013)

The ongoing negotiations with Kazakhstan on a new, enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) will lead to the first new generation Partnership and Cooperation Agreement the EU concludes with a Central Asian country. The EU hopes it will be comprehensive in scope, it will provide an updated legal framework in all areas of mutual interest and it will support Kazakhstan’s reform and modernisation efforts, including the protection of human rights, fundamental freedoms and rule of law. The HR/VP will keep the European Parliament fully informed, in accordance with the provisions of the framework Agreement on relations between the European Parliament and the European Commission.

Human rights concerns are raised systematically in meetings at all levels with Kazakhstan, including in high-level meetings as well as in the context of the regular Human Rights Dialogues.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006531/13

to the Commission

James Nicholson (ECR)

(7 June 2013)

Subject: Participation in European Parliament elections

A recent Commission survey indicated that almost two thirds (64%) of young Europeans intend to vote in the 2014 European Parliament elections.

Given the record low turnout of 43% in the 2009 elections, what is the Commission doing to encourage citizens to exercise their democratic right and vote in the forthcoming 2014 European Parliament elections?

Answer given by Ms Reding on behalf of the Commission

(16 August 2013)

As stated in the 2013 EU Citizenship Report ‘EU citizens: your rights, your future’ (141), participation in European Parliament elections is the primary way for citizens to contribute to the shaping of EU policy and constitutes the bedrock of representative democracy in the European Union. This is why the Commission recently proposed measures to facilitate citizens’ participation in the European Parliament elections and to strengthen the European dimension of these elections. Initiatives notably include a communication (142) and a recommendation (143) forfurther enhancing the democratic and efficient conduct of the European elections.

In its 2013 EU Citizenship Report, the Commission announced that it will further promote EU citizens’ awareness of their EU citizenship rights and in particular their electoral rights by producing a handbook presenting those EU rights in clear and simple language.

Moreover, the Commission's communication campaign for the 2013 European Year of Citizens and the Citizens' Dialogues carried out by Commissioners together with MEPs and local politicians support the mobilisation ahead of the 2014 elections.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006532/13

to the Commission

James Nicholson (ECR)

(7 June 2013)

Subject: EU Civil Society Platform

The Commission has recently launched its new EU Civil Society Platform against Trafficking in Human Beings, which will bring together over 100 European civil society organisations to exchange experiences and substantiate ideas on how best to assist human trafficking victims and prevent others from falling victim to this crime.

Will the Commission outline how it intends to measure this platform’s success?

Will the Commission detail the cost of establishing and running this platform?

Answer given by Ms Malmström on behalf of the Commission

(12 July 2013)

On 31 May 2013, approximately 100 civil society organisations from 26 Member States and Croatia participated in the launch of the EU Civil Society Platform against trafficking in human beings. The Europe-wide Platform has been set up by the Commission in order to serve as a forum for civil society organisations working in the field of trafficking in the EU and to gather crucial, up-to-date information on the main challenges that these organisations are facing on the ground.

The Platform is meant to be an ongoing activity. The Commission will organise regular meetings for participants (a second meeting is provisionally scheduled for autumn 2013) and will try to facilitate online communication within the platform. Therefore, the overall assessment of the success of the Platform will be done in the future, especially in the framework of the evaluation of the EU Strategy to eradicate trafficking in human beings (2012-2016).

Regarding the first meeting of the Platform, it has served participants to exchange experiences and ideas on how to best expand their networks and assist victims. Participants also reflected on the policy priorities and future activities of the Platform, including possible awareness-raising activities, and ways to involve organisations based outside the EU.

The Commission supports the Platform by organising its meetings, assuming the administrative cost and travel expenses of the participants.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006533/13

to the Commission

James Nicholson (ECR)

(7 June 2013)

Subject: Additional Commissioner portfolios

The Commission has recently announced that it is to give the future EU commissioner from Croatia the portfolio of ‘consumer protection’. Given that agreement was recently reached in the Council to keep the system of one commissioner per Member State and that further enlargement of the Union is likely, could the Commission outline what portfolios it intends to bestow on any new commissioners?

Could it also detail what powers existing commissioners may lose in order to accommodate an enlarged College of Commissioners?

Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the Commission

(23 July 2013)

The issue of which portfolio a Commissioner from any Member State will be responsible for will be decided by the President of the Commission when the issue arises.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006534/13

to the Commission

James Nicholson (ECR)

(7 June 2013)

Subject: Aid to Jordan

The Commission recently announced that it is to provide additional assistance to Jordan, to the sum of EUR 50 million, to help alleviate the impact of refugees from Syria.

Will the Commission outline how much assistance has been given to Jordan since the beginning of the Syrian crisis in March 2011? What other measures is the Commission taking to assist these refugees?

Answer given by Mr Füle on behalf of the Commission

(8 August 2013)

The funds allocated to Jordan by the EU from 2011 to May 2013 amount a total of EUR 378.3 million.

The breakdown of this amount is as follows:

In June 2013 the Commission made available an additional amount of EUR 60 million for Jordan to support education, health services and host communities with a high concentration of Syrian refugees.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006535/13

to the Commission

Pat the Cope Gallagher (ALDE)

(7 June 2013)

Subject: Long-term unemployment

Can the Commission detail how it is supporting Irish authorities and businesses with regard to the issue of long-term unemployment?

Answer given by Mr Andor on behalf of the Commission

(22 July 2013)

The European Social Fund (ESF) is the Commission's main instrument to support Member States in combating unemployment and thus also long-term unemployment. For the period 2007-2013, EUR 375 362 370 of the ESF were allocated to the Irish ESF operational programme. Together with national match funding, the total volume of this programme is EUR 750 724 740.

The original objectives of this programme were to support the adaptability of workers and the activation of people furthest away from the labour market. The ESF operational programme was twice modified, in 2009 and in 2012, in order to increase its focus on measures that support unemployed people. Thus, main target groups are the unemployed, but participants are also early school leavers, people with difficulties in literacy and numeracy, people with disabilities, young people who show a potential to participate in offending or anti-social behaviour. Activities to promote gender equality (positive actions and gender mainstreaming) are also included in this priority.

ESF co-finances to a large extent training to improve the skills basis of the target groups. Measures that in particular focus on long-term unemployed, like the Labour Market Activation Fund and its successor, the Labour Market Education and Training Fund, known as Momentum, are also co-financed by ESF. The latter currently provides additional 6,500 training places for long‐term unemployed, with a total cost of EUR 20 million and an ESF share of 50%.

For the next programming period, 2014-2020, ESF will also be invested in fighting long-term unemployed, as this is one of the biggest challenges that Ireland faces.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006536/13

to the Commission

Jim Higgins (PPE)

(7 June 2013)

Subject: Language schools in Europe

Given the increasing mobility of European citizens and the corresponding need to learn languages, could the Commission please answer the following:

What help, if any, does it provide to aid the establishment of language schools in EU Member States?

What assistance does it intend to provide to aid the establishment of language schools in the future?

Answer given by Ms Vassiliou on behalf of the Commission

(1 August 2013)

Good language skills contribute to increasing levels of employability and mobility. This is why the need to improve the teaching and learning of foreign languages is among the key messages in the Commission's Rethinking Education strategy (145).

It is the education systems in the Member States that have to provide students with the language skills required by the European labour market. The Commission is monitoring, together with the education authorities of the Member States, the results of language teaching in mainstream education. It has proposed a European benchmark for language competences, still to be approved by the Council. Dedicated language schools can only supplement the efficient teaching and learning of foreign languages in school from an early age.

In the Commission's proposal for the new Erasmus+ programme in the field of education, training, youth and sport, linguistic support for learning mobility will feature prominently. Students in all sectors of education, as well as youth volunteers, teachers, trainers and staff, will have the opportunity to practice their linguistic skills while studying or training in another country. The programme can also help financing the development of new methodologies for teaching languages.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-006537/13

a la Comisión

Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE)

(7 de junio de 2013)

Asunto: Ley de prevención de blanqueo de capitales

La Ley de Prevención de Blanqueo de Capitales de abril de 2010 (146) que transpone la Directiva 2005/60/CE, obliga a las entidades españolas, pero también a aseguradoras, empresas de inversión y gestoras de fondos entre otras, a recabar de sus clientes información a fin de conocer la naturaleza de su actividad profesional o empresarial y a adoptar medidas dirigidas a comprobar razonablemente la veracidad de dicha información. Tales medidas consistirán en el establecimiento y aplicación de procedimientos de verificación de las actividades declaradas por los clientes. Dichos procedimientos tendrán en cuenta el diferente nivel de riesgo (según el artículo 5).

Los bancos han optado por solicitar a sus clientes la nómina en el caso de trabajadores por cuenta ajena o balances, contratos, certificados u otros similares si es por cuenta propia, sin que sea indispensable la domiciliación de la nómina en el banco. La documentación deberá ser recogida antes del 2015 y guardada por diez años. En el caso de que los clientes no sean de nacionalidad española, deben aportar también la misma información con una fotocopia de la tarjeta de residencia. Asimismo, las autoridades públicas pueden acceder sin autorización alguna a los ficheros creados por los bancos.

¿Considera correctos los procedimientos de verificación de las actividades declaradas por los clientes que están implantando algunas entidades financieras españolas en aplicación de la ley 10/2010?

¿Considera que están teniendo en cuenta el diferente nivel de riesgo de las personas trabajadoras por cuenta propia y por cuenta ajena, siendo mucho menor en este segundo caso?

¿Qué garantías ofrecen los bancos y entidades privadas de que no utilizan dicha información privilegiada de su clientela de manera comercial y lucrativa?

Respuesta del Sr. Barnier en nombre de la Comisión

(22 de julio de 2013)

La tercera Directiva contra el blanqueo de capitales (DBC) es una Directiva de armonización mínima, por lo que incumbe a los Estados miembros decidir las medidas destinadas a cumplir sus disposiciones de la forma más apropiada, teniendo en cuenta los diferentes sistemas y riesgos específicos existentes en sus jurisdicciones. Sin embargo, las medidas de diligencia debida de los clientes establecidas por las legislaciones nacionales y los procedimientos creados por entidades como los bancos deben ser idóneas y proporcionadas para ajustarse a la DBC y a la legislación sobre protección de datos de la UE. Los Estados miembros y las entidades cubiertas deben determinar los riesgos asociados a una relación comercial con los clientes. El nivel de riesgo de un cliente desencadenará diferentes medidas que deben adoptar las instituciones financieras en función de la residencia, la actividad o el sector del cliente.

Respecto a la protección de datos, las normas de la UE en la materia garantizan que la información solo pueda utilizarse para la finalidad específica para la que haya sido recogida y la legislación española (Ley n° 10/2010) incluye disposiciones dirigidas a garantizar que la información facilitada no se utilice con fines comerciales. Además, el artículo 32, apartado 1, de la Ley n° 10/2010 establece que el tratamiento de datos personales y de los ficheros creados para el cumplimiento de las disposiciones de esa Ley serán protegidas por la Ley Orgánica 15/1999 de protección de datos y la legislación correspondiente con arreglo al Derecho vigente de la UE sobre la protección de datos.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006537/13

to the Commission

Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE)

(7 June 2013)

Subject: Law on the prevention of money laundering

The Law on the Prevention of Money Laundering of April 2010 (147), which transposes Directive 2005/60/EC, requires Spanish banks and insurance, investment and asset management companies, etc. to obtain from their customers information concerning the nature of their professional or business activities and to take measures to check the veracity of that information. Those measures will take the form of the drawing-up and implementation of procedures to verify whether the activities declared by their customers are genuine. The procedures will also take account of the level of risk inherent in those activities (in accordance with Article 5).

The banks have opted to ask customers who are employed persons to provide a salary slip, even if that salary is not paid into an account held with the bank in question, and customers who are self-employed to submit accounts, contracts, certificates or other similar documents. The documents in question must be submitted before 2015 and kept for 10 years. If a customer is not a Spanish national, he or she will be required to provide a photocopy of his or her residence permit together with the documents. The authorities will be able to consult the files compiled by the banks without seeking prior authorisation.

Does the Commission regard the procedures for verifying the activities declared by customers which some Spanish financial institutions are introducing in order to comply with Law 10/2010 as appropriate?

Does it feel that these procedures take account of the lower level of risk incurred by employed persons as compared to persons with their own businesses?

What assurances do banks and private financial institutions give that they will not use this privileged information provided by their customers for commercial or profit-making purposes?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(22 July 2013)

The 3rd Anti-Money Laundering Directive (AMLD) is a minimum harmonisation directive so it is for the Member States to decide the measures to comply with its provisions in the most appropiate way given the different systems and specific existing risks in their jurisdictions. Nevertheless, the costumer due diligence measures established by the national legislations and the procedures created by the covered entities such as banks must be adequate and proportionate to be in line with the EU AML and data protection legislation. Member States and covered entities must determine risks associated with a business relationship with customers. The level of risk of a customer will trigger different measures to be carried out by the financial insitutions depending on the residence, activity or sector in which the customer is working.

With respect to data protection, EU data protection rules ensure that information can only be used for the particular purpose for which it was collected and the Spanish legislation, Act 10/2010 includes provisions to guarantee that the information provided will not be used for commercial purposes. Furthermore, Article 32.1 of Act 10/2010 sets outs that the processing of personal data and of files created for fulfilment of the provisions of this Act will be protected by the Ley Orgánica 15/1999 on data protection and corresponding legislation in compliance with the current EU legislation on data protection.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-006540/13

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(7 juin 2013)

Objet: Rapport 2013: un monde de plus en plus dangereux pour les réfugiés et les migrants

Faute d'action internationale dans le domaine des droits humains, le monde est en train de devenir de plus en plus dangereux pour les réfugiés et les migrants, a déclaré Amnesty International le 23 mai à l'occasion de la sortie de son rapport annuel sur la situation des droits humains dans le monde.

Les droits de millions de personnes qui ont fui les conflits et les persécutions, ou qui ont quitté leur pays en quête de travail et d'une vie meilleure, pour eux et leur famille, sont bafoués, a dénoncé l'organisation. Partout dans le monde, les États se montrent davantage désireux de protéger leurs frontières nationales que les droits de leurs citoyens et ceux des hommes et des femmes qui viennent chercher refuge ou de meilleures chances chez eux.

L'incapacité à traiter effectivement les situations de conflit est en train de créer une classe d'exclus au niveau de la planète. Les droits des hommes, des femmes et des enfants qui fuient les conflits ne sont pas protégés. De nombreux États bafouent les droits fondamentaux au nom du contrôle de l'immigration et vont bien au-delà des mesures légitimes de contrôle aux frontières.

Que répond la Commission à ce constat d'échec dressé par Amnesty International?

Réponse donnée par Mme Malmström au nom de la Commission

(23 juillet 2013)

La Commission a pris connaissance du rapport d'Amnesty International, et d'une manière plus générale, est consciente des lacunes des systèmes mondiaux pour la protection internationale des personnes qui en ont besoin. S'agissant des engagements pris par l'UE, la Commission n'hésite pas à intervenir, dans le cadre des compétences qui sont les siennes en vertu des traités, si elle n'est pas certaine que les États membres respectent leurs obligations au titre de la législation de l'UE.

En ce qui concerne les demandeurs d'asile et les bénéficiaires de la protection internationale, l'UE vient d'adopter un ensemble de mesures dans le cadre du Régime d'asile européen commun (CEAS) (148). Ces mesures définissent un ensemble de normes communes rigoureuses et encouragent une coopération plus étroite pour faire en sorte que les demandeurs d'asile soient traités de manière uniforme dans un régime ouvert et équitable, quel que soit l'endroit de l'UE où ils demandent l'asile. Le but est de conduire à des décisions plus justes, plus rapides et de meilleure qualité en matière d'asile, et d'accorder davantage de soutien aux demandeurs d'asile qui ont des besoins particuliers. Le CEAS vise également à garantir des conditions humaines d'accueil matériel (notamment en matière de logement) pour les demandeurs d'asile dans toute l'UE et à faire en sorte que les droits fondamentaux des personnes concernées soient pleinement respectés.

L'UE a par ailleurs mis au point des mesures visant à aider les pays tiers qui accueillent des réfugiés, notamment des programmes de protection régionale qui aident les pays tiers à apporter leur protection aux réfugiés, ainsi qu'une contribution financière de l'UE pour les efforts de réinstallation déployés par les États membres.

En ce qui concerne les contrôles aux frontières, le cadre législatif est en cours de révision en vue de renforcer encore l'obligation pour les États membres de respecter les droits fondamentaux. Le code frontières Schengen (149) doit être appliqué dans le plein respect de la Charte des droits fondamentaux de l'UE et ne modifie en rien les droits des réfugiés et des personnes en quête d'une protection internationale. Toutes les mesures de contrôle aux frontières devraient être proportionnées et non discriminatoires.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006540/13

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(7 June 2013)

Subject: 2013 report: an increasingly dangerous world for refugees and migrants

Global inaction on human rights is making the world an increasingly dangerous place for refugees and migrants: that was the conclusion announced by Amnesty International on 23 May 2013 as it launched its annual report on the human rights situation worldwide.

The organisation said that the rights of millions of people who have escaped conflict and persecution, or migrated to seek work and a better life for themselves and their families, have been abused. Governments around the world are accused of showing more interest in protecting their national borders than the rights of their citizens or the rights of those seeking refuge or opportunities within those borders.

The failure to address conflict situations effectively is creating a global underclass. The rights of men, women and children fleeing conflict are unprotected; and many governments are abusing human rights in the name of immigration control — going well beyond legitimate border control measures.

What is the Commission’s response to Amnesty International’s documentation of these failures?

Answer given by Ms Malmström on behalf of the Commission

(23 July 2013)

The Commission is aware of the report by Amnesty International, and, more broadly, of the incompleteness of global systems for international protection of those in need. Regarding the EU's commitments, the Commission does not hesitate to intervene, in line with its role under the treaties, when there is reason to doubt that Member States are respecting their obligations under EC law.

Concerning asylum-seekers and beneficiaries of international protection, the EU has just adopted a package of measures under the Common European Asylum System (CEAS) (150). These set out common high standards and will promote stronger cooperation to ensure that asylum-seekers are treated equally in an open and fair system, wherever they apply within the EU. The intention is to lead to fairer, quicker and better quality asylum decisions as well as providing more support to asylum-seekers with special needs. The CEAS also aims at ensuring humane material reception conditions (such as housing) for asylum-seekers across the EU and that the fundamental rights of the persons concerned are fully respected.

The EU has also developed measures to assist third countries with refugee situations, including Regional Protection Programmes which give assistance to third countries in providing protection to refugees, as well as EU funding for resettlement efforts by Member States.

On border controls, the legislative framework is being amended to further emphasise Member States' obligation to respect fundamental rights. The Schengen Borders Code (151) must be applied in full respect of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and does not affect the rights of refugees and persons in need of international protection. All border control measures should be proportionate and non-discriminatory.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-006541/13

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(7 juin 2013)

Objet: Attaque de travailleurs humanitaires en Afghanistan

Le 29 mai, des hommes armés non identifiés et au moins un kamikaze ont pris pour cible le bureau du CICR à Jalalabad (province du Nangarhâr), tuant un agent de sécurité afghan et blessant un autre employé de l'organisation. Cet attentat n'a pas été revendiqué, mais il fait suite à un autre commis le 24 mai contre une résidence de l'Organisation internationale pour les migrations dans la capitale afghane, Kaboul. Celui-ci a été revendiqué par les talibans, qui ont toutefois affirmé que la cible était une résidence de la CIA. Les attaques commises par des groupes armés contre des organisations humanitaires constituent des crimes de guerre et doivent cesser immédiatement. Les organisations telles que le CICR doivent pouvoir effectuer leur travail essentiel, qui consiste à sauver des vies, sans craindre d'être la cible de violences. Cette attaque est un affront à l'humanité. Les responsables de l'attentat de Jalalabad doivent être traduits en justice et jugés conformément au droit international et aux normes internationales.

Les attaques visant délibérément le personnel humanitaire sont strictement interdites par le droit international et constituent des crimes de guerre. Les talibans et les autres groupes armés doivent cesser immédiatement d'attaquer des cibles humanitaires en Afghanistan. D'innombrables Afghans dépendent du travail de ces organisations.

L'Afghanistan présente les pires indicateurs de santé dans le monde et le manque d'accès aux soins y est chronique. Les attaques visant délibérément les organisations humanitaires portent préjudice à la santé et au bien-être de la population afghane, notamment dans les régions isolées et dans les zones les plus touchées par le conflit.

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

(12 juillet 2013)

L'engagement actuel de l'Union européenne en Afghanistan se fonde sur le plan d'action arrêté par le Conseil en 2009. L'Union est particulièrement attachée au renforcement des institutions d'État et à la mise en œuvre intégrale de l'accord-cadre de responsabilité mutuelle de Tokyo. L'Afghanistan est le principal bénéficiaire en Asie des fonds accordés au titre du budget de l'UE. La planification des programmes de l'Union prévus en Afghanistan jusqu'en 2020 a été engagée et sera finalisée dans les prochains mois. À plus long terme, l'Union européenne négocie un accord de coopération de dix ans en matière de partenariat et de développement.

Le service d'aide humanitaire et de protection civile (ECHO) fournit depuis 17 ans une aide de survie à l'Afghanistan de manière indépendante, neutre et impartiale. ECHO n'a cessé de plaider en faveur du respect des lois et des principes humanitaires internationaux auprès de toutes les parties afin de protéger cette indépendance qui lui permet d'atteindre les personnes qui ont désespérément besoin d'aide. L'Union condamne le plus fermement possible toutes les attaques visant des organisations et des travailleurs humanitaires. Ces derniers ont grandement contribué à améliorer de manière significative la qualité de vie de la majorité de la population afghane depuis 2002. Cette amélioration s'est traduite par une augmentation de l'espérance de vie de plus de 20 ans (elle dépasse aujourd'hui les 60 ans), une diminution de moitié du taux de mortalité infantile et une réduction de plus de trois quarts du nombre de femmes qui meurent en couches.

L'UE et les autres donateurs dans le domaine de la santé ont demandé au ministère de la santé publique de prendre les mesures nécessaires pour prévenir les attaques et protéger les professionnels de la santé. L'Union ne dispose pas de statistiques officielles sur le nombre de travailleurs humanitaires tués ou blessés. Selon l'«Aid Worker Security Database», le nombre de ces attaques s'élèverait à 324 depuis 2002.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006541/13

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(7 June 2013)

Subject: Attacks on aid workers in Afghanistan

On 29 May 2013, unidentified armed men and at least one suicide bomber staged an attack on the offices of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Jalalabad (Nangarhar Province), killing an Afghan guard and injuring another employee of the organisation. No one has claimed responsibility for the attack, but it followed another launched against the offices of the International Organisation for Migration in the Afghan capital, Kabul, on 24 May 2013. Responsibility for that attack was claimed by the Taliban, who stated that a building used by the CIA had been the intended target. Attacks committed by armed groups against humanitarian organisations are war crimes and must end at once. It is essential that organisations such as the ICRC should be able to carry out their vital work, saving lives, without fear of being targeted. The attack which took place on 29 May 2013 is an affront to humanity, and those responsible must be brought before the courts and be tried in accordance with international law and conventions.

Attacks which specifically target aid workers are strictly prohibited under international law and are considered war crimes. The targeting of humanitarian organisations in Afghanistan by the Taliban and other armed groups must end immediately. Countless Afghans rely on the work carried out by these organisations.

The public-health situation in Afghanistan is disastrous and access to healthcare is practically non‐existent in many areas. Attacks which deliberately target aid organisations are severely detrimental to the health and well-being of the Afghan people, especially in remote parts of the country and in the areas worst hit by the conflict.

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

(12 July 2013)

Current EU engagement in Afghanistan is based on the action plan agreed the by Council in 2009. The EU is focused on strengthening the institutions of State and the full implementation of the Tokyo Mutual Accountability Framework (TMAF). Afghanistan is the largest recipient in Asia of funding from the EU budget. Planning for the EU's programming in Afghanistan up to 2020 has been initiated and should be finalised in the coming months. For the longer term, the EU is negotiating a 10 year Cooperation Agreement for Partnership and Development.

The Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection Department (ECHO) has provided independent, neutral and impartial life-saving assistance in Afghanistan for 17 years. ECHO has consistently advocated the respect of international humanitarian law and principles with all parties to safeguard the independent space required to access people in desperate need of assistance. The EU condemns in the strongest possible terms all attacks on humanitarian and aid organisations and workers. These are people who have made a major contribution to the significant improvement in the quality of most Afghans' lives since 2002. This has included increasing life expectancy by more than 20 years to above 60, the halving of the infant mortality rate and reducing by more than three-quarters the number of mothers dying in childbirth.

The EU and other health donors have requested the Ministry of Public Health to take the necessary measures to prevent attacks and protect health workers. The EU does not have official statistics on the numbers of aid workers killed or injured. The Aid Worker Security Database estimates that there have been 324 such attacks since 2002.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-006542/13

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(7 juin 2013)

Objet: Mesures positives en République dominicaine

Le nouveau projet de loi sur la police présenté au Parlement par le président de la République dominicaine constitue une avancée importante, mais il reste encore beaucoup à faire pour que la police nationale devienne une institution respectueuse des droits humains.

Parmi les aspects positifs du nouveau projet de loi, il faut souligner l'établissement de normes conformes aux règles internationales en ce qui concerne l'usage de la force et des armes à feu, ainsi que le renforcement des mécanismes de contrôle et de reddition de comptes dans la police. Toutefois, ce projet de loi ne définit pas la responsabilité des supérieurs hiérarchiques, ni la responsabilité civile de la police en tant qu'institution, par rapport aux violations des droits humains commises par des policiers dans le cadre de leurs fonctions. La seule manière d'obtenir que la réforme de la police soit efficace et durable est de s'assurer qu'il existe une volonté politique de mener à bien tous les changements requis à court, moyen et long terme, avec une participation active de la société civile aux prises de décisions.

La première démonstration de cette volonté sera l'organisation d'audiences publiques au Parlement pour que la société civile puisse s'assurer de la pérennité des avancées du projet de loi, et de la bonne résolution des problèmes observés.

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

(16 juillet 2013)

Les problèmes de sécurité constituent un obstacle au développement de la République dominicaine, la criminalité et le trafic de stupéfiants ayant augmenté au cours des dernières années. La nouvelle loi présentée au Parlement reflète l'engagement du nouveau gouvernement à réformer les forces de sécurité pour lutter contre l'insécurité, notamment en professionnalisant la police et en rationalisant les ressources.

L'Union européenne a discuté de l'avancement de la réforme de la police avec le gouvernement du pays par l'intermédiaire de sa délégation à Saint-Domingue. Elle entretient avec le gouvernement dominicain un dialogue politique portant notamment sur la situation sécuritaire et sur le respect de l'État de droit et des Droits de l'homme par les forces de l'ordre. Récemment, la délégation de l'Union a aussi organisé un échange de vues avec les représentants de la société civile afin d'examiner les politiques de sécurité nationale.

Le programme de coopération de l'Union avec la République dominicaine, au moyen duquel l'Union soutient la réforme des institutions publiques et apporte notamment une assistance technique au gouvernement dans la définition des aspects spécifiques de la réforme de la police, est doté d'un budget de 179 millions d'euros (152).

La programmation du prochain programme de coopération (153) est en cours de préparation. Compte tenu des expériences passées et à la lumière des nouveaux engagements des autorités dominicaines, l'Union accordera une attention particulière à la nécessité de soutenir les réformes institutionnelles, en particulier en ce qui concerne les forces de l'ordre.

Sur le plan régional, la stratégie commune UE-Cariforum récemment adoptée comporte un volet «criminalité et sécurité». La République dominicaine aura la possibilité de participer pleinement aux programmes liés à la sécurité financés au titre de l'enveloppe régionale.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006542/13

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(7 June 2013)

Subject: Positive steps in the Dominican Republic

The new draft law presented to the Parliament of the Dominican Republic by its President is a major step forward, but there remains much to be done if the police are to become an institution which respects human rights.

Among the positive aspects of the draft should be mentioned the establishment of standards in line with international rules on the use of force and firearms and the strengthening of control and accountability mechanisms in the police. However, the draft does not define the responsibility of those in the hierarchy or the civil responsibility of the police as an institution for human rights abuses committed by police officers in the course of their duties. The only way to achieve an effective and lasting reform of the police is to ensure that there is the political will to implement all the changes needed in the short, medium and long term, with the active participation of civil society in decision-making.

The first chance to see this in action will be through the organisation of public meetings in the parliament to show civil society the progress made by the draft and the successful resolution of problems identified.

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

(16 July 2013)

The security challenges constitute an obstacle to the development the Dominican Republic. Criminality and drug trafficking have increased in the recent years. The new law presented to the Parliament reflects the commitment by the new administration to reform the security forces aiming at tackling the insecurity, notably by professionalization of the police and rationalisation of resources.

The EU, through its Delegation in Santo Domingo, has held discussions with the country's government on the state of the reform of the Police. The security situation and the respect by the security institutions for the rule of law and human rights are the themes of the political dialogue that the EU is regularly holding with the Dominican government. Recently an exchange of views with the representatives of the civil society was also organised by the EU Delegation to discuss the national security policies.

The EU cooperation programme with the Dominican Republic amounts to EUR 179 million (154), within which the EU has been supporting the reform of the public institutions, more specifically, technical assistance to the government in defining specific aspects of the Police reform.

The programming exercise of the next cooperation programme (155) is currently being prepared. On the basis of the past experiences and in light of the new commitments of the Dominican authorities the EU will be paying special attention to the need for support to institutional reforms, in particular security institutions.

On the regional level crime and security is one of the axes of the recently adopted joint EU-CARIFORUM strategy. The Dominican Republic will have the possibility of full participation in the security related programmes financed under the regional envelope.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-006543/13

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(7 juin 2013)

Objet: Ouganda — arrestation de militants dans un contexte préoccupant de répression des médias

Les autorités ougandaises doivent mettre fin à l'attaque contre la liberté d'expression qui a conduit à la fermeture forcée de plusieurs médias au cours des cinq derniers jours. Des policiers armés ont fermé deux journaux et deux stations de radio le 20 mai. Ces médias avaient fait état d'un complot présumé du gouvernement visant à assassiner des personnalités politiques opposées à la passation du pouvoir entre le président Yoweri Museveni et son fils. La police antiémeute a arrêté jeudi cinq militants des Droits de l'homme, au motif qu'ils protestaient contre la fermeture du «Daily monitor», premier organe de presse à avoir, depuis son siège de Kampala, évoqué ce complot au début du mois.

Ces tentatives désespérées des autorités ougandaises pour occulter une affaire politique gênante démontrent un mépris flagrant pour la liberté d'expression et violent le droit à l'information des Ougandais. Les journalistes doivent être libres d'effectuer leur travail légitime et les charges retenues contre les personnes exprimant de manière pacifique leur divergence de vues doivent être abandonnées.

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

(5 août 2013)

L'UE est très préoccupée par la tendance accrue à une limitation des libertés fondamentales en Ouganda dont l'Honorable Parlementaire se fait l'écho, et a suivi de près l'évolution de la situation en ce qui concerne la récente fermeture temporaire de quatre médias ainsi que l'arrestation de plusieurs journalistes et défenseurs des Droits de l'homme.

L'UE a une position très claire sur la liberté d'expression et la liberté des médias:elle condamne tout type de restriction illégale de ces libertés.

Dernièrement, la délégation de l'UE à Kampala a rencontré à plusieurs reprises des représentants de la société civile et des défenseurs des Droits de l'homme, ainsi que les autorités ougandaises, pour s'entretenir avec eux des événements mentionnés par l'Honorable Parlementaire.Les vigoureuses mesures prises par les autorités chargées de veiller au respect de la loi ne semblant pas avoir de base juridique solide, la délégation de l'UE et les États membres de l'UE représentés à Kampala ont publié une déclaration locale de l'UE exprimant leurs vives inquiétudes quant au respect de la liberté d'expression et de la liberté des médias.Quelques jours après la diffusion de cette déclaration, les médias concernés ont été autorisés à rouvrir et toutes les personnes arrêtées ont été libérées dans de bonnes conditions de sécurité.

Bien que cette crise particulière ait été résolue de manière satisfaisante, l'UE a la ferme intention de continuer à faire connaître ses préoccupations concernant les violations des Droits de l'homme dans le cadre d'un dialogue avec le gouvernement.En outre, elle maintiendra son soutien à la société civile locale dans sa lutte pour un média indépendant et dynamique dans le pays.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006543/13

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(7 June 2013)

Subject: Uganda — activists arrested against a worrying backdrop of media repression

The Ugandan authorities must put a stop to the attacks on freedom of expression which have led to the forced closure of several media in the past five days. Armed police closed down two newspapers and two radio stations on 20 May. The newspapers and radio stations had reported on an alleged government plot to assassinate politicians opposed to the transfer of power from President Yoweri Museveni to his son. On Thursday riot police arrested five human rights activists for protesting against the closure of the Kampala-based Daily Monitor, the first newspaper to have mentioned the plot at the beginning of the month.

These desperate attempts by the Ugandan authorities to cover up an embarrassing political scandal demonstrate a flagrant disregard for freedom of expression and are a violation of the Ugandan people’s right to information. The journalists must be freed to carry on their legitimate work and all charges against people peacefully expressing a difference of opinion must be dropped.

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

(5 August 2013)

The EU is very concerned about the increased tendency to curtail fundamental freedoms in Uganda as referenced by the Honourable Member and has been closely following developments regarding the recent temporary closure of four media outlets and the arrests of a number of journalists and human rights activists.

The EU position on freedom of expression and freedom of media is very clear. It condemns any type of illegal restriction of such liberties.

The EU Delegation in Kampala has recently met several times with civil society and Human Rights campaigners as well as with the Ugandan authorities to discuss the events mentioned by the Honourable Member. Since the strong actions taken by law enforcement authorities do not appear to have a strong legal basis, the EU Delegation together with EU Member states in Kampala issued a local EU statement expressing deep concerns about respect for freedom of expression and freedom of media. A few days after the statement was released, the affected media outlets were authorised to reopen and all arrested persons were safely released.

Although this specific crisis has now been resolved satisfactorily, the EU fully intends to keep raising concerns over violation of human rights in dialogue with the government. In addition the EU will continue to support local civil society in its fight for an independent and vibrant media in the country.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-006544/13

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(7 juin 2013)

Objet: Soudan du Sud — toujours pas de justice pour les manifestants tués

Le 9 décembre 2012, les forces de sécurité ont ouvert le feu sur une manifestation pacifique, tuant six personnes sur place. Deux autres manifestants sont morts plus tard à l'hôpital. La manifestation faisait suite à la mort de deux hommes, lors d'une flambée de violence entre jeunes et forces de sécurité le jour précédent. Huit manifestants pacifiques sont morts alors qu'ils étaient aux mains des forces de sécurité et, apparemment, personne n'a encore été inculpé ni poursuivi cinq mois plus tard. L'affaire crée un précédent fâcheux pour ce nouveau pays, et sape la liberté d'expression et de réunion pacifique.

La manifestation du 9 décembre 2012 ainsi que l'homicide dont ont été victimes deux hommes lors d'une flambée de violence la veille ont eu lieu pendant une période de troubles civils à Wau, capitale de l'État du Bahr el Ghazal occidental, faisant suite à une décision visant à déplacer un siège administratif à l'extérieur de la ville. Les autorités doivent diligenter des enquêtes approfondies, efficaces et impartiales et engager des poursuites contre les personnes soupçonnées d'être responsables de ces homicides, commis il y a plus de cinq mois, et d'un certain nombre d'autres morts survenues pendant les troubles civils de Wau. La Constitution de transition du Soudan du Sud garantit le droit de réunion pacifique et d'association, ainsi que le droit à la liberté d'expression. Selon les normes internationales, et afin de protéger le droit de toute personne à la vie et à la sécurité, les responsables de l'application des lois doivent, autant que possible, utiliser des moyens non violents.

Selon les normes internationales, tout usage, même prétendument accidentel, de la force létale dans les opérations de maintien de l'ordre doit faire l'objet d'une enquête indépendante et impartiale. Aucune enquête sérieuse n'a été menée et l'identité des agents des forces de sécurité responsables de ces homicides reste indéterminée.

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

(31 juillet 2013)

La Vice-présidente/Haute Représentante suit de près l'évolution de la situation concernant les manifestations de l'année passée à Wau. Au début du mois de juin, le tribunal d'exception de Wau‐Nord a prononcé onze peines de mort à la suite du meurtre de six agriculteurs pendant les troubles civils. Ce tribunal a vu le jour dans la foulée de la répression musclée des manifestations populaires contre le projet de transfert d'une unité administrative; les protestations ont été suivies d'une vague de violences ethniques au cours de laquelle au moins 24 personnes ont perdu la vie et plus de 60 personnes ont été blessées. Par ailleurs, treize autres décès ont été imputés aux agents de sécurité de l'État, qui ont démantelé de force des barrages routiers et ont ouvert le feu sur les manifestants.

Outre que l'UE s'oppose par principe à la peine de mort, elle constate également avec inquiétude que seuls des manifestants ont été traduits en justice pour actes de violence. Aucun des membres des forces de sécurité qui avaient tiré sur les manifestants non armés n'a dû rendre des comptes.

La délégation de l'Union à Djouba lancera une campagne auprès des autorités pour leur rappeler notre opposition vigoureuse à la peine de mort, en toutes circonstances, indépendamment des crimes commis, et les encourager à enquêter sur les agissements des forces de sécurité. Le système judiciaire du Sud‐Soudan est également incité à mener des investigations approfondies et à poursuivre tous ceux qui se sont rendus coupables d'actes criminels, quel que soit leur statut, y compris au sein de l'administration et des forces de sécurité.

En outre, la représentante spéciale de l'Union européenne pour la République du Soudan et la République du Sud-Soudan aborde régulièrement les questions des Droits de l'homme dans le cadre de ses contacts bilatéraux.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006544/13

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(7 June 2013)

Subject: South Sudan — still no justice for demonstrators killed

On 9 December 2012, security forces opened fire on a peaceful demonstration, killing six people. Two other demonstrators later died in hospital. The demonstration followed the deaths of two men when violence had flared up the previous day between young people and the security forces. Eight demonstrators died at the hands of the security forces, yet it seems that, five months on, no one has been accused or prosecuted. This sets a regrettable precedent for this young country and undermines the freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.

The demonstration and the killing of two men in the previous day’s violence took place during a period of civil unrest in Wau, the capital of the state of Western Bahr el Ghazal, which followed a decision to move the headquarters of an administrative body out of the town. The authorities must quickly begin a thorough, effective and impartial investigation and take action against those suspected of carrying out these killings, which were committed over five months ago, and the killings of others which took place during the civil unrest in Wau. The transitional constitution of South Sudan guarantees the right to peaceful assembly and association as well as the right to freedom of expression. According to international standards and in order to protect the right of every individual to life and security, those responsible for implementing the law must, as far as possible, use non-violent means.

International standards state that every instance of the use of lethal force in law enforcement operations — even if ostensibly accidental — must be investigated independently and impartially. No proper investigation has taken place in this case, and the identity of the members of the security forces responsible for the killings remains unknown.

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

(31 July 2013)

The High Representative/ Vice-President is following closely the developments related to last years' demonstrations in Wau. At the beginning of June, the Wau North special court handed down eleven death sentences for the killing of six farmers during the unrests. The court was established in the wake of a heavy-handed crackdown on popular protests against the planned relocation of an administrative unit; the protests were followed by a spate of ethnic violence that left at least twenty-four people killed and more than 60 injured. Another thirteen deaths were attributed to the state security officers, who forcefully removed roadblocks and opened fire on protestors.

Apart from the EU's principled objection to the death penalty, the EU is concerned that only protesters were put on trial for the violence. None of the members of the security forces who had fired on unarmed protesters were held to account.

The EU Delegation in Juba will carry out a demarche to the government reiterating our firm opposition to the death penalty under all circumstances, regardless of the crimes committed, and encouraging investigation into the action of the security forces. The South Sudanese judiciary is also encouraged to conduct thorough investigations and prosecute all those liable of criminal acts, irrespective of their status, including in the administration and the security forces.

In addition, the EU's Special Representative for Sudan and South Sudan raises human rights issues on a regular basis in her bilateral contacts.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-006545/13

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(7 juin 2013)

Objet: Exproprier Mittal

Le secteur sidérurgique de notre pays ainsi que le personnel affecté a beaucoup souffert du comportement anti-social et contre-productif de Mittal durant ces dernières années, qui a mis à feu et à sang la sidérurgie européenne. Pour tenter de sauver ce qui peut encore l'être dans le bassin liégeois, les pouvoirs publics veulent donner à la Région la possibilité d'exproprier un propriétaire d'entreprise et de se réapproprier ses outils.

Cette mesure concerne toute «société, universalité, branche d'activité ou site d'exploitation établi en Région wallonne». Les sociétés, organes ou préposés sont tenus de collaborer à une instruction menée par un réviseur d'entreprise désigné par la Région si les actifs ne sont pas identifiés avec précision.

C'est la négociation d'une procédure de cession à l'amiable qui serait privilégiée, mais cela sous-entend un accord entre les deux parties. Si le propriétaire refuse, la Région peut alors activer la procédure d'expropriation pour cause d'utilité publique, décidée par le seul gouvernement wallon via un arrêté d'expropriation. Cet arrêté contraint le propriétaire d'être «le garant de la bonne conservation des actifs» et de répondre à l'assignation par la Région devant le tribunal de première instance «afin de valider le montant de l'indemnité compensatoire». Et gare au propriétaire qui entraverait délibérément, «frauduleusement ou dans le but de nuire» le processus engagé par la Région, à quelque stade que ce soit, puisqu'il s'expose à une peine de prison de six mois à deux ans.

Réponse donnée par M. Barnier au nom de la Commission

(9 août 2013)

Par conséquent, toute mesure d'expropriation doit être pleinement justifiée, c'est-à-dire qu'elle doit être prise dans l'intérêt public, être non discriminatoire, être proportionnée à l'objectif d'intérêt public et prévoir une indemnisation équitable et rapide des investisseurs. Le non-respect de ces exigences irait à l'encontre de l'objectif, que l'Union s'est fixé, d'établir un marché intérieur opérationnel (160).

L'UE a plus que jamais besoin de son économie réelle pour soutenir la reprise économique et la Commission souhaite que, d'ici à 2020, l'industrie fournisse 20 % du PIB. En octobre, la Commission établira un rapport d'avancement sur la communication relative à la politique industrielle adoptée en octobre 2012. Dans le domaine de l'acier, la Commission effectuera, au cours de l'année prochaine, un suivi des mesures proposées dans le plan d'action pour s'assurer qu'elles produisent l'effet recherché.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006545/13

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(7 June 2013)

Subject: Expropriating Mittal

Our country’s steel industry and the employees who are affected have suffered grievously from the anti-social and counterproductive behaviour of Mittal in recent years, as he has torched the European steel industry. In an attempt to save what is not already irremediably lost in the Liège area, the public authorities wish to give the Regional Authority the power to expropriate any owner of a business and take possession of his means of production.

This measure concerns any ‘company, property, sector or operating site established in the Walloon Region’. Companies, bodies or managers are required to cooperate in an inquiry by an auditor appointed by the Region if the assets are not identified with precision.

Preference would be given to negotiating a handover by way of an amicable settlement, but that presupposes agreement being reached between the two parties. If the owner refuses, the Region may then set in train the expropriation procedure on grounds of public utility decided by the Walloon Government alone by means of an expropriation order. Such an order would compel the owner to be ‘the guarantor of the satisfactory preservation of the assets’ and to enter an appearance before the court of first instance in response to a summons by the Region ‘in order to validate the amount of the compensation payment’. Woe betide an owner who, at any stage, deliberately obstructs, ‘fraudulently or with the aim of causing harm’, the procedure initiated by the Region, as he would be liable to imprisonment for a term of between six months and two years.

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(9 August 2013)

Therefore, any expropriation measure must be fully justified, meaning: it has to be taken in the public interest, be non-discriminatory, be proportionate to the public interest and must provide for fair and timely compensation of investors. The non-compliance with these requirements would go against the Union's aim of establishment of the functioning Internal Market (165).

. This action plan has the ambition to help this sector confront today’s challenges, in particular the current drop in demand, and lay the foundations for future competitiveness by fostering innovation, creating growth and jobs. It is the first time since the Davignon Plan of 1977, that the Commission proposes an action plan for steel.

The EU needs its real economy more than ever to underpin the economic recovery and the Commissions aims for industry to deliver 20% of GDP by 2020. In October the Commission will establish a progress report on the industrial policy Communication adopted last october 2012. In the area of steel, the Commission will monitor the actions put forward in the action plan over the next year to make sure they are having the effect they aimed for.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-006546/13

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(7 juin 2013)

Objet: Android de Google: abus de position dominante (suivi)

Cette question fait suite à la question E-004260/2013 dont le but était de faire la lumière sur l'éventuel abus de position dominante de Google qui utiliserait son système d'exploitation pour téléphones mobiles Android comme cheval de Troie pour tromper ses partenaires, monopoliser le marché des téléphones mobiles et contrôler les données des consommateurs.

Réponse donnée par M. Almunia au nom de la Commission

(31 juillet 2013)

La Commission examine en ce moment un certain nombre de pratiques commerciales de Google en ce qui concerne le système d'exploitation Android afin d'établir si elles peuvent constituer une infraction au droit européen de la concurrence.

Pour ce qui est de la communication des mesures d'instruction prises dans une affaire donnée ou de l'issue des différentes étapes d'une affaire, les règles de procédure fixées dans les règlements relatifs à la concurrence concernés, tels que le règlement (CE) no 1/2003 (166) du Conseil et le règlement (CE) no 773/2004 (167) de la Commission, ainsi que dans la communication de la Commission concernant les bonnes pratiques relatives aux procédures d'application des articles 101 et 102 du TFUE sont suivies (168). Conformément auxdites règles, seules les parties à la procédure ou, le cas échéant, le ou les plaignants sont directement informés des conclusions correspondantes.

Alors qu'il n'est pas prévu que les députés européens ou le grand public reçoivent des informations au sujet d'une enquête en cours, entre autres pour ne pas porter préjudice aux droits de la partie faisant l'objet de l'enquête et pour des raisons de confidentialité, les grandes étapes sont communiquées publiquement afin de sensibiliser l'opinion aux mesures coercitives de la Commission, notamment au moyen de communiqués de presse et de la publication de décisions finales. Parallèlement, la Commission est disposée à examiner la manière dont les députés ayant manifesté de l'intérêt pour une affaire en particulier pourraient être informés individuellement des étapes majeures de l'affaire en question au moment où lesdites étapes sont rendues publiques.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006546/13

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(7 June 2013)

Subject: Google Android: abuse of dominant position (follow-up)

This question follows on from Written Question E-004260/2013, the aim of which was to shed light on the possible abuse of a dominant position by Google, which uses its Android mobile operating system as a Trojan horse to deceive its partners, monopolise the smart phone market and monitor consumer data.

Answer given by Mr Almunia on behalf of the Commission

(31 July 2013)

The Commission is currently looking into a number of business practices by Google in relation to the Android operating system with a view to establishing whether they may amount to an infringement of EU competition law.

As regards the communication of investigative measures taken in a particular case or the outcome of different stages of a case, the procedural rules established in the relevant competition regulations such as Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2003 (169) and Commission Regulation (EC) No 773/2004  (170), as well as the Commission notice on best practices for the conduct of proceedings concerning Articles 101 and 102 TFEU are followed (171). According to these rules, only the parties to the proceedings or as relevant, the complainant(s) are directly informed of the relevant findings.

Whilst detailed information to Members of the European Parliament or the broader public relating to an ongoing investigation is not provided for, in part not to prejudice the rights of the party under investigation and for confidentiality reasons, relevant milestones are communicated publicly to ensure awareness of the Commission’s enforcement actions, in particular through press releases and publication of final decisions. At the same time, the Commission is willing to look into ways in which individual Members who show interest in a particular case could be informed individually of relevant milestones in that case at the time such milestones become public.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-006547/13

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(7 juin 2013)

Objet: Accord Union européenne — Inde: suivi

La présente question s'inscrit dans le prolongement de la question E-004383/2013 dont le but était de faire le point sur l'accord entre l'Union européenne et l'Inde et qui surtout traduisait une inquiétude quant à l'avenir des médicaments génériques.

«De fait, en 2010 l'Union européenne et l'Inde étaient déjà convenues que le chapitre sur les droits de propriété intellectuelle du futur accord n'imposerait à aucune des parties d'introduire des modifications dans sa législation en matière de DPI en ce qui concerne l'accès aux médicaments. Cela signifie que l'ALE n'entraînera aucun changement dans la législation actuelle de l'Inde à cet égard, qu'il s'agisse de la protection des données, de la durée des brevets ou encore de l'application des DPI». Quels sont les paragraphes du texte qui auraient alors une influence sur la législation actuelle de l'Inde?

Réponse donnée par M. De Gucht au nom de la Commission

(16 juillet 2013)

La Commission est consciente de l'importance que les médicaments génériques peuvent avoir pour l'amélioration de l'accès des populations les plus pauvres aux médicaments, ainsi que du rôle joué par l'Inde à cet égard. Le chapitre sur les droits de propriété intellectuelle (DPI) de l'accord de libre-échange (ALE) entre l'Union européenne (UE) et l'Inde n'affectera pas la capacité de cette dernière à produire et à exporter des médicaments génériques à un prix abordable pour les personnes dans le besoin.

Pour être absolument claire sur ce point, l'UE a proposé d'inclure dans l'ALE la précision suivante:«Aucune disposition du présent accord ne peut être interprétée de manière à compromettre la capacité des parties à promouvoir l'accès aux médicaments»; par conséquent, l'ALE n'imposera pas à l'Inde de modifier sa législation relative aux DPI. Le seul domaine des DPI pour lequel la Commission attend de l'Inde des engagements qui pourraient requérir un changement dans la législation de ce pays est celui de la protection des indications géographiques.

Les discussions sont en cours et les textes doivent faire l'objet de travaux supplémentaires avant de pouvoir être rendus publics. Décider de manière unilatérale de mettre les textes à la disposition du public à ce stade des discussions pourrait miner la confiance de l'autre partie, étant donné la sensibilité de certains enjeux. Néanmoins, la Commission a toujours pleinement et immédiatement informé le Parlement, par l'intermédiaire de la commission INTA, de l'avancée des négociations.

Il n'existe pas de délai pour la conclusion de cet ALE. Toutefois, les deux parties déploient des efforts intenses pour résoudre les questions en suspens de façon à trouver au plus vite un accord qui profite aux deux parties. Des progrès considérables ont été réalisés depuis le début des négociations; les questions qui sont toujours sur la table sont celles qui demandent les décisions les plus importantes de part et d'autre.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006547/13

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(7 June 2013)

Subject: EU-India agreement: monitoring

The present question is a follow-up to Question E-004383/2013, which seeks a review of the agreement between the European Union and India and, in the main, reflects concern about the future of generic medicinal products.

‘In fact, in 2010 the EU and India already agreed that the IPR (intellectual property rights) chapter of the future agreement will not require either party to introduce amendments to its current IPR law in relation to access to medicines. This implies that the FTA will not result in any changes to India's current legislation, not only with respect to data protection and patent term, but also in relation to IPR enforcement.’ Which paragraphs of the text would therefore affect India’s current legislation?

Answer given by Mr De Gucht on behalf of the Commission

(16 July 2013)

The Commission is well aware of the role that generics can play in improving access to medicines for the poorest populations, as well of the role played by India in this respect. The Intellectual Property (IPR) Chapter in the EU-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will not undermine India's ability to produce and export affordable generic medicines for people in need.

To make this absolutely clear the EU has proposed that the FTA contain a provision stating that ‘nothing in this Agreement shall be construed as to impair the capacity of the Parties to promote access to medicines’ and consequently the FTA does not require India to change its IPR legislation in relation to access to medicines. The only area of intellectual property where the Commission is looking for commitments by India that could require a change in its legislation is with regard to protection of geographical indications.

Discussions are ongoing and texts still need further work before they can be made public. Putting texts in public domain unilaterally at this stage of the discussions could undermine the confidence of the other party given the sensitivity of some of the issues involved. Nevertheless, the Commission has kept the European Parliament, through the INTA committee, fully and immediately informed of how the negotiations are developing.

There is no agreed deadline for concluding this agreement; however both sides are making intensive efforts to resolve outstanding issues so as to reach a mutually beneficial deal at the earliest. Significant progress has been made since start of the negotiations; issues remaining on the table are the ones that require the more difficult decisions on both sides.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-006548/13

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(7 juin 2013)

Objet: Transport de chevaux: (prolongement de la question E-011234/2012)

Concernant la question parlementaire E-011234/2012 et la réponse de la Commission, nous voudrions obtenir un complément d'informations:

Réponse donnée par M. Borg au nom de la Commission

(12 juillet 2013)

Au titre de l'article 1er, paragraphe 3, du règlement n° 1/2005, un État membre peut adopter des mesures nationales plus contraignantes pour les transports se déroulant entièrement à l'intérieur de ses frontières. Il lui est donc loisible de se référer à l'avis scientifique de l'EFSA pour son propre territoire, s'il le juge nécessaire.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006548/13

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(7 June 2013)

Subject: Transport of horses: (further to Question E-011234/2012)

Following Question E-011234/2012 and the Commission’s answer, we request the following additional information:

Answer given by Mr Borg on behalf of the Commission

(12 July 2013)

ny Commission proposal for legislation in the area of animal welfare during transport is preceded by an in-depth assessment of relevant aspects of the measure. A scientific opinion is only one element in this assessment.

According to Article 1(3) of Regulation 1/2005 Member States are allowed to adopt stricter national measures for transports that take place entirely within the territory of that Member State. Hence, there is the possibility for Member States to refer to the scientific opinion of EFSA in their own countries, should they see that this is necessary.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-006550/13

à la Commission (Vice-Présidente / Haute Représentante)

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(7 juin 2013)

Objet: VP/HR — Kadhafi à la Cour pénale internationale

La Libye doit respecter la décision prononcée par la Cour pénale internationale (CPI) et remettre immédiatement Saif Al-Islam Kadhafi à cette dernière, à La Haye.

La Libye est en pleine transition. Son système judiciaire s'est effondré après la chute du gouvernement Kadhafi, et le pays n'est pas encore en mesure de mener des procédures équitables et, à plus forte raison, de juger Saif Al-Islam Kadhafi pour les crimes que la CPI l'accuse d'avoir commis.

La Libye doit respecter l'obligation qui lui est faite de remettre Saif Al-Islam Kadhafi à la CPI, et elle doit veiller à ce que les droits de celui-ci soient pleinement protégés au cours de son transfert.

Saif Al-Islam Kadhafi, fils de Mouammar Kadhafi, doit répondre de deux chefs de crimes contre l'humanité — meurtre et persécution — pour son rôle présumé dans le conflit ayant mené à la chute du gouvernement Kadhafi.

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

(16 août 2013)

L'Union européenne suit attentivement la procédure judiciaire liée à l'affaire Saif al-Islam. Elle estime que le droit de M. Saif al-Islam à une procédure régulière devrait être garanti par la Libye conformément à ses obligations internationales. Dans ce contexte, l'UE a appelé la Libye à continuer à coopérer pleinement avec la Cour pénale internationale, y compris en ce qui concerne le mandat d'arrêt émis à l'encontre de M. Saif al-Islam, conformément aux obligations légales du pays découlant de son adoption de la résolution 1970 du Conseil de sécurité des Nations unies le 26 février 2011.

Parallèlement, l'UE soutient les efforts déployés par la Libye afin de renforcer les capacités du pouvoir judiciaire après des décennies de mauvaise gestion sous le régime précédent. Un programme de 10 millions d'euros financé par l'Union européenne pour l'appui au secteur de la justice et de la police est en cours de mise en œuvre dans le pays. L'objectif de ce projet est de promouvoir l'État de droit en Libye au moyen d'un renforcement de la bonne gouvernance et de la culture civile dans les secteurs de la sécurité et de la justice.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006550/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(7 June 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Gaddafi at the International Criminal Court

Libya must comply with the decision taken by the International Criminal Court (ICC) and immediately hand over Saif al‐Islam Gaddafi to The Hague.

Libya is in the throes of transition. Its judicial system collapsed following the fall of the Gaddafi regime, and the country is not yet able to conduct fair trials, let alone try Saif al‐Islam Gaddafi for the crimes the ICC alleges he has committed.

Libya must fulfil its obligation to hand over Saif al‐Islam Gaddafi to the ICC and must ensure that Mr Gaddafi’s rights are upheld during his transfer.

Saif al‐Islam Gaddafi, the son of Muammar Gaddafi, has been summonsed to answer two counts of crimes against humanity — murder and persecution — for the part he allegedly played in the conflict which led to the fall of the Gaddafi regime.

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

(16 August 2013)

The EU is following attentively the judicial process related to the case of Saif al-Islam.The EU believes that the due process rights of Mr Saif al-Islam should be guaranteed in accordance with Libya’s international obligations. In this context, the EU has been calling on Libya to continue to fully cooperate with the International Criminal Court, including with regard to the arrest warrant issued against Mr Saif al-Islam, in accordance with its legal obligations following the adoption of UNSCR 1970 on 26 February 2011.

In parallel, the EU is supporting Libya to strenghten the capacity of the judicary after decades of missmanagement under the previous regime. A EUR 10 million programme on Support to the Justice and Police Sector funded by the European Union is currently being implemented in the country The objective of the project is to promote the Rule of Law in Libya through the strengtheningof good governance and civilian culture in the security and justice sectors.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-006551/13

à Comissão

Edite Estrela (S&D)

(7 de junho de 2013)

Assunto: Representante da Comissão Europeia em Portugal

Na resposta à minha pergunta E-003988/2013 (27.5.2013), a Comissão Europeia declara que «não se pronuncia sobre as tomadas de posição dos partidos políticos nacionais» e que, no «caso específico de Portugal, a Comissão exprimiu várias vezes a importância da estabilidade política e de um amplo consenso político para que o país possa ultrapassar as dificuldades atuais.»

Ora, a minha pergunta surgiu precisamente porque o representante da Comissão em Portugal se pronunciou sobre a tomada de posição de um partido político nacional, no caso, sobre a apresentação de uma moção de censura ao governo por parte do Partido Socialista. A atitude do chefe da Representação da Comissão é contraditória com a afirmação de que «a Comissão não se pronuncia sobre as tomadas de posição dos partidos políticos nacionais».

Havendo evidência de que o funcionário agiu contra os princípios da Comissão, pergunto:

E, nos termos do regulamento (CE) n.° 1049/2001, fico a aguardar o acesso à cópia do relatório que sobre o assunto terá sito enviado à Comissão.

Resposta dada por Viviane Reding em nome da Comissão

(19 de julho de 2013)

Queira a Senhora Deputada reportar-se à resposta dada pela Comissão à sua pergunta escrita E-003988/2013 (180).

Por ocasião do contacto com o secretário do Partido Socialista encarregado das relações internacionais e da comunicação, o representante da Comissão em Portugal, em consonância com a posição da Comissão, exprimiu a importância da estabilidade política e de um amplo consenso político para que o país possa ultrapassar as dificuldades atuais.

A Comissão não se pronuncia sobre as tomadas de posição dos partidos políticos nacionais. Este princípio está claramente estabelecido e é respeitado nos contactos dos Chefes de Representação com as autoridades nacionais, os partidos e as restantes figuras políticas.

O pedido de acesso a documentos submetido pela Senhora Deputada será tratado separadamente, segundo o procedimento previsto pelo Regulamento (CE) n.° 1049/2001 relativo ao acesso do público aos documentos do Parlamento Europeu, do Conselho e da Comissão.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006551/13

to the Commission

Edite Estrela (S&D)

(7 June 2013)

Subject: Commission representative in Portugal

In its answer of 27 May 2013 to my Question E-003988/2013, the Commission said that it does not comment on positions taken by national political parties and that, in the specific case of Portugal, it had on several occasions highlighted the importance of political stability and broad political consensus so that the country could overcome its current difficulties.

However, my question arose precisely because the Commission representative in Portugal did comment on a position taken by a national political party, specifically the Socialist Party's decision to table a motion of censure against the government. The attitude taken by the head of the Commission's representation contradicts the assertion that the Commission does not comment on positions taken by national political parties.

Given that it appears clear that the official concerned acted against the Commission's principles, can the Commission answer the following questions:

Furthermore, pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001, I await access to a copy of the report on this matter that will have been forwarded to the Commission.

(Version française)

L'Honorable Parlementaire voudra bien se reporter à la réponse que la Commission a donnée à sa question écrite E-003988/2013 (181).

Lors du contact avec le secrétaire du Parti Socialiste chargé des relations internationales et de la communication, le Représentant de la Commission au Portugal, en cohérence avec la position de la Commission, a exprimé l'importance de la stabilité politique et d'un large consensus politique pour que le pays puisse surmonter ses difficultés actuelles.

La Commission ne se prononce pas sur les positions prises par les partis politiques nationaux. Ce principe est clairement établi et respecté dans les contacts des Chefs de Représentation avec les autorités nationales, les partis et les autres acteurs politiques.

La demande d'accès à des documents introduite par l'Honorable Parlementaire fait l'objet d'un traitement séparé, selon la procédure prévue par le règlement (CE) no 1049/2001 relatif à l'accès du public aux documents du Parlement européen, du Conseil et de la Commission.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-006552/13

a la Comisión

Esther Herranz García (PPE) y Eva Ortiz Vilella (PPE)

(7 de junio de 2013)

Asunto: Importación de plagas en cítricos

El riesgo de la llegada de nuevas plagas de cítricos a través de las importaciones procedentes del hemisferio Sur se ha recrudecido en los últimos años. Existe en concreto un peligro muy alto de la aparición de una nueva enfermedad, «citrus greening», causada por una bacteria muy agresiva y cuyos vectores de transmisión se encuentran ya presentes en territorio europeo. Además otros países emergentes en materia de exportación de cítricos, como Bangladesh, han pasado a engrosar la lista de aquellos que presentan mayores riesgos. De hecho, hasta el pasado mes de octubre se habían interceptado 19 envíos de cítricos procedentes de ese país afectados por diversas plagas y enfermedades, una cifra sólo superada por Sudáfrica.

Por otra parte, ¿no cree la Comisión que habría que aprovechar el nuevo proyecto sobre sanidad vegetal que ha presentado recientemente para incorporar el principio de reciprocidad en los intercambios con países terceros, de tal manera que se establezcan medidas como los registros de explotaciones en origen, las auditorías fitosanitarias o la creación de puntos de inspección en frontera especializados, tal como ya exigen en la actualidad países como Estados Unidos, Japón o Corea a los cítricos españoles? ¿Dispone la Comisión de algún plan para combatir una eventual contaminación de la enfermedad del «citrus greening»?

Respuesta del Sr. Borg en nombre de la Comisión

(16 de julio de 2013)

El 6 de mayo de 2013, la Comisión adoptó una propuesta de nuevo Reglamento sobre medidas de protección contra las plagas de los vegetales (182), que debe sustituir al actual acto de base (Directiva 2000/29/CE del Consejo). El Reglamento propuesto implementa la Convención Internacional de Protección Fitosanitaria (CIPF), de la que la Unión y sus Estados miembros son partes contratantes. En consonancia con la CIPF, las piedras angulares de la propuesta son la evaluación y la gestión del riesgo, más que la reciprocidad, que no se basaría en aspectos técnicos, sino comerciales. Las normas relativas a los controles fronterizos se establecen en la propuesta de Reglamento sobre los controles oficiales.

La Directiva 2000/29/CE del Consejo (183) establece medidas específicas contra la introducción y la propagación en la EU de organismos nocivos regulados para los cítricos, que incluyen las bacterias de «citrus greening» y sus vectores «Diaphorina citri» y «Trioza erytreae». Sobre la base de los nuevos datos técnicos disponibles, actualmente se están preparando medidas adicionales que ofrecen una protección más completa. Con ello, la Comisión ofrece un marco jurídico reforzado para proteger el territorio de la UE de la introducción de este organismo devastador.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006552/13

to the Commission

Esther Herranz García (PPE) and Eva Ortiz Vilella (PPE)

(7 June 2013)

Subject: Importing citrus pests

The risk of new citrus pests arriving in Europe as a result of imports from the southern hemisphere has increased in recent years. More specifically, there is a real danger that a new disease called ‘citrus greening’ could appear, which is caused by a very aggressive strain of bacteria and whose transmission vectors have already been found on European territory. What is more, other countries which have recently started to export citrus fruits, such as Bangladesh, have added to the list of those which pose a serious threat. Indeed, in the period to October 2012, 19 consignments of citrus fruits from Bangladesh were intercepted and were found to contain various types of pests and diseases. The only country with a worse record was South Africa.

Does the Commission not believe that it would be a good idea to incorporate into its recent proposal on plant health the principle of reciprocity in dealings with third countries so that requirements such as origin holding registers, plant health audits and the creation of specialist border crossing inspection points are imposed on imports from non-EU countries in the same way as they already are in countries such as the USA, Japan and Korea on imports of Spanish citrus fruits? Has the Commission thought about the action it would take if the ‘citrus greening’ disease were to contaminate European produce?

Answer given by Mr Borg on behalf of the Commission

(16 July 2013)

On 6 May 2013, the Commission adopted a proposal for a new Regulation on protective measures against pests of plants (184), which should replace the current basic act (Council Directive 2000/29/EC). The proposed Regulation implements the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), to which the Union and its Member States are a contracting party. Risk assessment and risk management are the cornerstone of the proposal, in line with the IPPC, rather than reciprocity which would not be based on technical risk aspects, but on trade aspects. Rules concerning border controls are set out in the accompanying proposal for a regulation on Official Controls.

Council Directive 2000/29/EC (185) provides specific measures against the introduction into and spread within the EU of citrus regulated harmful organisms including the citrus greening bacterium, and its vectors, ‘Diaphorina citri’ and ‘Trioza erytreae’. An even more complete protection is envisaged through additional measures that are currently prepared based on new technical data. This way the Commission provides the maximal legal framework to protect the EU territory against the introduction of this devastating organism.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-006553/13

a la Comisión

Esther Herranz García (PPE) y Eva Ortiz Vilella (PPE)

(7 de junio de 2013)

Asunto: Importación de plagas en cítricos

En 2012, la Unión Europea interceptó 35 partidas de cítricos de Sudáfrica contaminadas con alguna plaga, y en 29 de los casos se trataba de Guignardia citricarpa (mancha negra). La Comisión Europea, consciente de la gravedad del problema, comunicó el 1 de noviembre a ese país su intención de tomar medidas en el caso de que se detectaran cinco nuevas partidas con algún rastro de plagas.

¿Puede informar la Comisión de cuántas detecciones se han producido desde entonces en partidas de cítricos sudafricanos remitidas a Europa? ¿Podría detallar el contenido y el alcance de las medidas que adoptaría en el supuesto de que Sudáfrica supere el límite de detecciones impuesto?

Respuesta del Sr. Borg en nombre de la Comisión

(23 de julio de 2013)

En la actual temporada de exportación los Estados miembros no han comunicado haber interceptado cítricos procedentes de Sudáfrica contaminados con Guignardia citricarpa (la «mancha negra» de los cítricos).

Si en esta temporada de exportación se interceptan partidas de cítricos, la Comisión estudiará la posibilidad de incoar el procedimiento para establecer posibles restricciones comerciales temporales a los cítricos. El contenido de las restricciones que se propongan dependerá del tipo de incumplimiento. Las posibles medidas tendrían que ser debatidas y aprobadas por los Estados miembros en el Comité Permanente, previa consulta con las autoridades sudafricanas.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006553/13

to the Commission

Esther Herranz García (PPE) and Eva Ortiz Vilella (PPE)

(7 June 2013)

Subject: Blight imported in citric fruit

In 2012, the European Union intercepted 35 consignments of citric fruit from South Africa contaminated with blight of one kind or another. In 29 of these cases the blight concerned was Guignardia citricarpa (citrus black spot). The Commission, aware of the gravity of this problem, notified the South African authorities on 1 November 2012 of its intention to take action should traces of blight of some kind be detected in a further five consignments.

How many cases of blight have been detected since then in consignments of citric fruit sent from South Africa to the European Union? Could the Commission give details of the content and scope of the measures it would adopt in the event that South Africa exceeds the limit set for consignments contaminated with blight?

Answer given by Mr Borg on behalf of the Commission

(23 July 2013)

For the current export season, no interceptions of citrus fruits from South Africa have been notified by Member States due to the presence of ‘Guignardia citricarpa’ or citrus black spot.

If consignments of citrus fruits are intercepted during the same export season, the Commission would consider initiating the procedure to put in place possible temporary trade restrictions for citrus fruits. The content of the proposed restrictions will depend on the type of non-compliances. Potential measures would need to be discussed and approved by Member States in the Standing Committee after consultation with the South African authorities.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-006554/13

a la Comisión (Vicepresidenta/Alta Representante)

Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL)

(7 de junio de 2013)

Asunto: VP/HR — Irregularidades del sistema judicial ruandés en el caso Victoire Ingabire

Como sostuve en mi pregunta E-010366/2012 sobre el proceso a la dirigente política ruandesa Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza, se trata de un proceso que continúa mostrando numerosas irregularidades. Los continuos cambios y deficiencias del juicio están poniendo en cuestión la imparcialidad del sistema judicial de Ruanda en este caso.

En la respuesta que la Vicepresidenta/Alta Representante dio a la citada pregunta se expresaba su completo respeto al sistema judicial de Ruanda, pese a «expresar periódicamente su preocupación por los derechos humanos». De cara a la expresión de preocupación, parece ser un instrumento que no está resultando suficiente para garantizar un juicio justo para Victorie Ingabire que está sufriendo un proceso de nula validez jurídica.

En los pasados días 16,17 y 18 de abril, se reinició en Kigali el proceso a Ingabire, tras una cadena de interrupciones y reanudaciones de carácter irregular, que están dilatando este dudoso proceso donde el propio juez actúa como parte en el juicio. Así, de forma totalmente irregular, el juez condenó a Ingabire por el delito de traición y el de «negacionismo», cuando estos cargos no estaban recogidos en ningún sitio. El veredicto del tribunal la condena por sus opiniones políticas. Además, en dicha condena se emplearon como prueba documentos remitidos por la acusada que contenían expresiones escritas por la ONU sobre el conflicto ruandés.

¿Puede detallar las vías en las que la Vicepresidenta/Alta Representante está actuando para garantizar que Victoire Ingabire sea sometido a un proceso judicial justo?

¿Considera que «expresar periódicamente su preocupación por los derechos humanos» es suficiente para garantizar la imparcialidad de la justicia ruandesa en el juicio a Victoire Ingabire?

¿Considera un veredicto justo el pronunciado el 18 de abril en el que se condena por delitos que no figuraban en la propia acta del juicio hasta el momento del veredicto?

¿Reclamará la Vicepresidenta/Alta Representante la puesta en libertad de Victoire Ingabire ante las irregularidades observadas durante el juicio y el veredicto?

Respuesta de la Alta Representante y Vicepresidenta Ashton en nombre de la Comisión

(6 de septiembre de 2013)

La delegación de la UE y varios Estados miembros de la UE han asistido al juicio de Ingabire. La información se comunica periódicamente a los Estados miembros de la UE, así como en las reuniones mensuales de los puntos de contacto de los defensores de los derechos humanos. La UE también se ha reunido con miembros del partido de la Sra. Ingabire, incluidos su vicepresidente y el abogado de Ingabire.

El diálogo político periódico permite plantear las preocupaciones de la UE en materia de cuestiones sensibles de derechos humanos. A este respecto, la UE y la comunidad internacional confían en que las autoridades ruandesas no escatimarán esfuerzos para que se imparta una justicia independiente sobre la base de un proceso transparente y pruebas no controvertidas.

La UE seguirá centrando su actuación en el apoyo y la supervisión de los compromisos que ha asumido Ruanda de aplicar las recomendaciones del examen periódico universal (Universal Periodic Review) en materia de derechos humanos. Se hace especial hincapié en los compromisos que persiguen fomentar un sistema político más abierto, incluidos un auténtico debate político, la libertad de expresión y la aparición de organizaciones políticas activas y responsables.

La sentencia del Alto Tribunal que condenó el pasado mes de octubre a Ingabire a ocho años de prisión por los delitos de conspiración y de negación del genocidio de 1994 contra los tutsis ha sido recurrida tanto por la defensa como por la acusación en marzo y en abril, respectivamente. El Tribunal Supremo de Ruanda no dictado sentencia hasta la fecha. Se trata de un proceso complejo, dado el amplio carácter de las disposiciones jurídicas aplicables y el estatuto de la persona demandada.

La UE sigue de cerca la evolución de este asunto y estudiará tomar otras medidas en caso necesario.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006554/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL)

(7 June 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Irregularities in the Rwandan judicial system in the case of Victoire Ingabire

As stated in my Question E-010366/2012 on the trial of Rwandan political leader Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza, this is a judicial process riddled with irregularities. Continual changes and flaws in the judgment cast doubt on the impartiality of the Rwandan judicial system in this case.

The answer the VP/HR gave to that question expressed respect for the judicial system of Rwanda, despite the fact the EU and Member States ‘regularly raised their concerns for the respect of human rights.’ That concern would not seem to be a sufficient means of ensuring a fair trial for Victoire Ingabire, who is subject to a judicial process which has no legal validity.

Recently, on 16,17 and 18 April, the trial of Ingabire resumed in Kigali, after a string of abnormal interruptions and resumptions that have held up this dubious legal process, in which the judge himself is a party in the trial. Hence, in a completely irregular manner, the judge has convicted Ingabire of treason and ‘denial’ when these charges are nowhere on record. The court has sentenced her for her political opinions. What is more, in arriving at its conclusions, the court relied on evidence which included documents submitted by the defendant that contained UN observations on the conflict in Rwanda.

What channels is the Vice‐President/High Representative using to ensure that Victoire Ingabire receives a fair trial?

Does she consider the regular raising of concerns for the respect of human rights to be a sufficient means of ensuring the impartiality of the Rwandan judicial system in the trial of Victoire Ingabire?

Does she consider the verdict pronounced on 18 April, sentencing Ingabire for crimes which did not appear in the records prior to the verdict being issued to be a just one?

In view of the irregularities noted during the trial and in this verdict, will the Vice‐President/High Representative call for Victoire Ingabire to be released?

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

(6 September 2013)

The EU delegation and several EU Member States have attended the Ingabire trial. The information has been regularly shared with the EU Member States as well as at the monthly Human Rights Defenders Focal Point meetings. The EU has also met with Ms Ingabire's party members, including acting vice-president and Ingabire's defence attorney.

The regular political dialogue allows raising the EU concerns for the respect of human rights sensitive issues. In this regard, the EU and the international community expect that all efforts will be deployed by the Rwandan authorities with a view to allow the independent provision of Justice on the basis of a transparent trial and uncontested facts.

The EU will continue to focus its action on the support and monitoring of the commitments that Rwanda has made to implement the Universal Periodic Review recommendations on Human Rights. Particular emphasis are placed on commitments that aim at promoting a more open political system, including genuine political debate, freedom of expression and the emergence of active and responsible political organisations.

High Court's decision last October which sentenced Ingabire to eight years' imprisonment for both conspiracy as well as denying the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi has been appealed by both the defence and the prosecution, respectively in March and in April. To this day there is no verdict pronounced by the Rwanda Supreme Court. This is a complex process given the broad nature of the applicable legal provisions and the status of the defendant.

The EU is following the developments of the case and will consider further action if necessary.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-006560/13

an die Kommission

Andreas Mölzer (NI)

(7. Juni 2013)

Betrifft: Umsetzung Wasserrahmenrichtlinie

Mit der Wasserrahmenrichtlinie (WRRL) aus dem Jahr 2000 sollte in der Europäischen Union der Grundstein für ein neues, breiteres Verständnis der Funktionen und des Werts der Gewässer als Lebensräume gelegt werden.

In Österreich wurde bei der Umsetzung der WRRL das Augenmerk auf Gewässerzustand und Gewässergüte gelegt, und in diesem Zusammenhang wurden Milliarden von Euro in die Sammlung und Reinigung von Abwässern aus Haushalten und Industrie investiert. Es wurden Maßnahmen zur Herstellung der Fischdurchgängigkeit ebenso wie solche zur Restrukturierung von Gewässern samt Nebengewässer und Auen ergriffen. Die Rückführung in einen möglichst naturnahen Zustand dient dabei nicht nur der Wiederherstellung von Lebensräumen für die Natur, sondern auch der Schaffung von Erholungsräumen für die Bevölkerung.

Antwort von Herrn Potočnik im Namen der Kommission

(22. Juli 2013)

Die wichtigsten Instrumente der Wasserrahmenrichtlinie (2000/60/EG) für die Verbesserung des Wassermilieus sind die Bewirtschaftungspläne für die Einzugsgebiete (River Basin Management Plans, RBMP) und das 2009 festgelegte Maßnahmenprogramm (Programme of Measures, PoM). Die in diesem Programm vorgesehenen Maßnahmen mussten bis Ende 2012 operativ sein. Bis Dezember 2015 müssen Oberflächengewässer und Grundwasser einen guten Zustand aufweisen und die ersten Bewirtschaftungspläne müssen aktualisiert worden sein.

Die Kommission hat alle von den Mitgliedstaaten vorgelegten Bewirtschaftungspläne geprüft und die Prüfungsergebnisse am 14. November 2012 veröffentlicht (KOM(2012)670 und SWD(2012)379 (186)). Die Berichte enthalten sowohl eine EU-weite Übersicht als auch landesspezifische Bewertungen. Die Prüfungsergebnisse deuten darauf hin, dass das Ziel eines guten Zustands bis 2015 für einen signifikanten Teil der Wasserkörper nicht erreicht sein wird. Das Wassermilieu leidet vor allem unter hydromorphologischen Belastungen, Verschmutzung und übermäßiger Wasserentnahme.

In Österreich werden Projekte zur Bewirtschaftung von Wasserressourcen über das Programm zur Entwicklung des ländlichen Raums 2007-2013 finanziert. Für diese Maßnahme stehen für einen Zeitraum von sieben Jahren Mittel in Höhe von 5,4 Mio. EUR bereit; ergänzt durch die österreichische Kofinanzierung beläuft sich die Gesamtfinanzierung auf ungefähr 9 Mio. EUR.

Nach den EU-Finanzierungsregelungen entscheidet jeder Mitgliedstaat, welche Projekte durchgeführt werden sollen. Es steht den Mitgliedstaaten auch frei, ihre Vorzeigeprojekte zu fördern.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006560/13

to the Commission

Andreas Mölzer (NI)

(7 June 2013)

Subject: Implementation of the Water Framework Directive

The 2000 Water Framework Directive (WFD) was intended to lay the foundations, in the EU, for a new, broader understanding of the functions and value of waters as habitats.

When the WFD was implemented in Austria, attention focused on water status and quality; and, in this connection, billions of euros have been invested in collecting and purifying household and industry wastewater. Measures have been taken to make it possible for fish to migrate through waters, as well as to restructure waters, including backwaters and floodplains. Renaturation as far as possible serves not only to restore natural habitats, but also to create recreational areas for people.

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(22 July 2013)

The main tools foreseen in the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) for the improvement of water environment are River Basin Management Plans (RBMPs) and the Programme of Measures (PoM), adopted in 2009. By the end of 2012 measures in the PoM needed to be operational. By December 2015 the good status for surface and ground water has to be achieved and the first RBMPs updated.

The Commission assessed all RBMPs reported by Member States and published its findings on 14 November 2012 (COM(2012)670 and SWD(2012)379 (187)). The reports contain both an EU overview and country specific assessments. The assessment indicates that the objective of good status by 2015 will not be achieved for a significant proportion of water bodies. The main pressures on the water environment are hydromorphological pressures, pollution and over-abstraction.

In Austria, water resource management projects are funded through the rural development programme 2007-2013. The financial allocation for this measure is EUR 5.4 million for the 7 years, complemented by co-financing at national level for a total of about EUR 9 million.

According to regulations governing the EU funds, it is for each Member State to decide on the projects that are to be implemented. Member States are also free to promote their flagship projects.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-006561/13

an die Kommission

Andreas Mölzer (NI)

(7. Juni 2013)

Betrifft: Sicherung von Eisenbahnkreuzungen

Bei einem Bremsweg von bis zu mehr als einen Kilometer endet beinahe jede Kollision zwischen Zug und Mensch tödlich. Dennoch geht den Verkehrsteilnehmern auf Eisenbahnkreuzungen manchmal jegliche Rationalität verloren. Da wird dann auf trügerische Gewohnheiten vertraut und bei rotem Ampellicht oder sich senkenden Schranken noch die Kreuzung überquert. Umfragen des österreichischen Kuratoriums für Verkehrssicherheit (KfV) zufolge hat sich jede zweite befragte Person an Eisenbahnkreuzungen schon einmal sorglos verhalten.

Seit 2012 wird in Österreich daher intensiv daran gearbeitet, abhängig vom Verkehrsaufkommen auf der Straße, der gefahrenen Höchstgeschwindigkeit auf der Schiene und den Sichtverhältnissen auf der Kreuzung klare Kriterien zur technischen Sicherungsart einer Eisenbahnkreuzung zu definieren. Zudem wurde zwischen 2007 und 2011 die Zahl der nicht technisch gesicherten Eisenbahnkreuzungen von 5 370 auf 3 712 reduziert. Damit gelang es, die Zahl der Unfälle und Verunglückten zu reduzieren.

Antwort von Herrn Kallas im Namen der Kommission

(24. Juli 2013)

(English version)

Question for written answer E-006561/13

to the Commission

Andreas Mölzer (NI)

(7 June 2013)

Subject: Securing level crossings

With a braking distance of up to more than a kilometre, virtually every time a person is struck by a train the outcome is fatal. Nevertheless, road users sometimes seem to lose all sense of reason on level crossings. People put their trust in perilous habits and try to get over level crossings when the lights are red or the barriers are coming down. According to surveys conducted by the Austrian Road Safety Board (Kuratorium für Verkehrssicherheit), one in every two respondents admits to having behaved recklessly at a level crossing.

As a result of this, intensive work has been underway in Austria since 2012 to set clear criteria for how level crossings should be secured, based on volume of traffic on the road in question, maximum speed on the section of track and visibility at the level crossing. Furthermore, the number of open level crossings was reduced from 5 370 to 3 712 between 2007 and 2011. This has helped to reduce the number of accidents and casualties.

Answer given by Mr Kallas on behalf of the Commission

(24 July 2013)

1. There are no standard criteria for physical barriers or safety measures specified at the European level. However level crossings are subject to indicators that allow the European Railway Agency, on behalf of the Commission, to assess annually the safety performance of Member States. For the period 2009-2011 level crossing user deaths have been decreasing by 5.7% per year on average.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-006562/13

an die Kommission

Andreas Mölzer (NI)

(7. Juni 2013)

Betrifft: Steigerung der Fahrradnutzung — Ausbau von Radabstellplätzen

Mit ausschlaggebend für eine stärkere Nutzung des Fahrrads — als umweltfreundliches Verkehrsmittel und damit als Beitrag zur Verringerung der Feinstaubbelastung etc. — ist der Ausbau sicherer Radabstellplätze. Dabei gilt es nicht nur, die Abstellsituation für Fahrräder bei älteren Gebäuden zu verbessern, sondern auch bei Geschäftsgebäuden mit entsprechender Besucherfrequenz und öffentlichen Einrichtungen. In Österreich läuft in diesem Zusammenhang im Rahmen des „klima: aktiv mobil“ Förderprogramms die Förderoffensive „Sanierung Fahrradparken“; durch welche der Ausbau sicherer Radabstellplätze und E‐Bike‐Ladestationen finanziell unterstützt wird. Zusätzlich wird daran gearbeitet, weitere Bedingungen fürs Radfahren (etwa Ausbau von Radwegen) zu verbessern.

Antwort von Herrn Kallas im Namen der Kommission

(2. August 2013)