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 65 E/01)

Contents

E-007997/13 by Antigoni Papadopoulou to the Commission

Subject: Unequal treatment of depositors

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-007998/13 by Antigoni Papadopoulou to the Commission

Subject: Irish economy

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-008000/13 by Slavi Binev to the Commission

Subject: Absence of democratic free elections in Bulgaria

българска версия

English version

E-008001/13 by Rosa Estaràs Ferragut to the Commission

Subject: Motherhood and women with disabilities

Versión española

English version

E-008002/13 by Rosa Estaràs Ferragut to the Commission

Subject: Raising awareness about women with disabilities

Versión española

English version

E-008003/13 by Francisco Sosa Wagner to the Commission

Subject: Your Voice in Europe

Versión española

English version

E-008004/13 by Gabriel Mato Adrover and Esther Herranz García to the Commission

Subject: Imports of tomatoes from Morocco

Versión española

English version

E-008005/13 by Kyriacos Triantaphyllides to the Council

Subject: Bank bail-in in Cyprus

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-008006/13 by Kyriacos Triantaphyllides to the Commission

Subject: Bank bail-in in Cyprus

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-008007/13 by Jürgen Klute and Catherine Grèze to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Human rights violations relating to the Conga mining project in Peru

Deutsche Fassung

Version française

English version

P-008278/13 by Evelyn Regner to the Commission

Subject: European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) opinion to the Commission for new rules to limit pilots' hours of duty (flight time limitations)

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-008008/13 by Judith A. Merkies to the Commission

Subject: European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) opinion to the Commission on new rules to limit the hours of duty for pilots (flight time limitations (FTL))

Nederlandse versie

English version

E-008009/13 by Michał Tomasz Kamiński to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — New president elected in Iran

Wersja polska

English version

E-008010/13 by Michał Tomasz Kamiński to the Commission

Subject: New mining law in Ecuador

Wersja polska

English version

E-008305/13 by Fiorello Provera and Charles Tannock to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Women allegedly raped in Cairo's Tahrir Square

Versione italiana

English version

E-008011/13 by Michał Tomasz Kamiński to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Sexual harassment of women in Egypt

Wersja polska

English version

E-008012/13 by Michał Tomasz Kamiński to the Commission

Subject: EU competitiveness in technology

Wersja polska

English version

E-008014/13 by Michał Tomasz Kamiński to the Commission

Subject: Public social spending in France accounts for 32% of GDP

Wersja polska

English version

E-008015/13 by Michał Tomasz Kamiński to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Demonstrations in Brazil

Wersja polska

English version

E-008016/13 by Michał Tomasz Kamiński to the Commission

Subject: Violation of young girls' rights

Wersja polska

English version

E-008017/13 by Gaston Franco to the Commission

Subject: Training of beekeepers and veterinarians in the European Union

Version française

English version

E-008018/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Black list kept illegally by insurers

Version française

English version

E-008019/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Council

Subject: Evo Morales and Edward Snowden

Version française

English version

E-008020/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Evo Morales and Edward Snowden

Version française

English version

E-008021/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Rape by police officers in Ukraine

Version française

English version

E-008022/13 by Aldo Patriciello to the Commission

Subject: Equal legal and financial treatment of non-medical trainee specialists with regard to the professional category of biologists

Versione italiana

English version

E-008023/13 by Aldo Patriciello to the Commission

Subject: Health quality certification and the REAPT project

Versione italiana

English version

E-008024/13 by Mara Bizzotto to the Commission

Subject: Renewable energy: European energy policy in crisis

Versione italiana

English version

E-008025/13 by Mara Bizzotto to the Commission

Subject: TNT Express Italy: 300 workers in the Veneto region at risk of losing their jobs

Versione italiana

English version

E-008026/13 by Susy De Martini and Cristiana Muscardini to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Cuban humanitarian trade

Versione italiana

English version

E-008027/13 by Elżbieta Katarzyna Łukacijewska to the Commission

Subject: Macro-regional strategy for the Carpathian region

Wersja polska

English version

E-008028/13 by William (The Earl of) Dartmouth to the Commission

Subject: Instrument for Pre-Accession assistance

English version

E-008029/13 by William (The Earl of) Dartmouth to the Commission

Subject: Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance

English version

E-008030/13 by William (The Earl of) Dartmouth to the Commission

Subject: Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance

English version

E-008031/13 by William (The Earl of) Dartmouth to the Commission

Subject: Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance

English version

E-008032/13 by William (The Earl of) Dartmouth to the Commission

Subject: Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance

English version

E-008033/13 by William (The Earl of) Dartmouth to the Commission

Subject: Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance

English version

E-008034/13 by William (The Earl of) Dartmouth to the Commission

Subject: Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance

English version

E-008035/13 by William (The Earl of) Dartmouth to the Commission

Subject: EU Missions

English version

E-008036/13 by William (The Earl of) Dartmouth to the Commission

Subject: EU Missions

English version

E-008037/13 by William (The Earl of) Dartmouth to the Commission

Subject: EU missions

English version

E-008038/13 by William (The Earl of) Dartmouth to the Commission

Subject: EU Missions

English version

E-008039/13 by William (The Earl of) Dartmouth to the Commission

Subject: EU missions

English version

E-008040/13 by William (The Earl of) Dartmouth to the Commission

Subject: EU Missions

English version

E-008041/13 by William (The Earl of) Dartmouth to the Commission

Subject: EU Mission to the UN

English version

E-008049/13 by William (The Earl of) Dartmouth to the Commission

Subject: Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance

English version

E-008065/13 by William (The Earl of) Dartmouth to the Commission

Subject: Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance

English version

E-008066/13 by William (The Earl of) Dartmouth to the Commission

Subject: Instrument for Pre-Accession assistance

English version

E-008067/13 by William (The Earl of) Dartmouth to the Commission

Subject: Instrument for Pre-Accession assistance

English version

E-008068/13 by William (The Earl of) Dartmouth to the Commission

Subject: Instrument for Pre-Accession assistance

English version

E-008069/13 by William (The Earl of) Dartmouth to the Commission

Subject: Instrument for Pre-Accession assistance

English version

E-008070/13 by William (The Earl of) Dartmouth to the Commission

Subject: Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance

English version

E-008708/13 by William (The Earl of) Dartmouth to the Commission

Subject: Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (rural development)

English version

E-008709/13 by William (The Earl of) Dartmouth to the Commission

Subject: Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (human resource development)

English version

E-008710/13 by William (The Earl of) Dartmouth to the Commission

Subject: Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (Regional Development)

English version

E-008711/13 by William (The Earl of) Dartmouth to the Commission

Subject: Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (Cross-Border Cooperation)

English version

E-008712/13 by William (The Earl of) Dartmouth to the Commission

Subject: Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (Transition Assistance and Institution Building)

English version

E-008725/13 by William (The Earl of) Dartmouth to the Commission

Subject: Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (Turkey)

English version

E-008071/13 by Raül Romeva i Rueda, Ana Miranda, Ulrike Lunacek, Franziska Keller, Catherine Grèze, Jürgen Klute, Willy Meyer, Helmut Scholz, Alda Sousa and Marisa Matias to the Council

Subject: Detention of Bolivian President, Evo Morales, in Europe

Versión española

Deutsche Fassung

Version française

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008072/13 by Raül Romeva i Rueda, Ana Miranda, Ulrike Lunacek, Franziska Keller, Catherine Grèze, Jürgen Klute, Willy Meyer, Helmut Scholz, Alda Sousa and Marisa Matias to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Detention of Bolivian President, Evo Morales, in Europe

Versión española

Deutsche Fassung

Version française

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008175/13 by Inês Cristina Zuber and João Ferreira to the Commission

Subject: Overflying ban imposed on President Evo Morales by Member States

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008095/13 by Takis Hadjigeorgiou to the Commission

Subject: Forced landing of President Morales' presidential plane

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-008073/13 by Izaskun Bilbao Barandica to the Commission

Subject: Investigation into shipbuilding aid in the Netherlands

Versión española

English version

E-008074/13 by Izaskun Bilbao Barandica to the Commission

Subject: Loss of shipbuilding contracts in the Basque Country

Versión española

English version

E-008076/13 by Nikos Chrysogelos to the Commission

Subject: Unsuitable programme financed under the Life+ programme to restore Epanomi Lagoon (GR1220011 and GR 12200112)

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-008077/13 by Nikos Chrysogelos to the Commission

Subject: Sale of conservation areas/wetlands in the Cyclades/Natura areas

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-008078/13 by Theodoros Skylakakis to the Commission

Subject: Early retirement and its impact on the general government deficit

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-008080/13 by Lorenzo Fontana to the Commission

Subject: Initiative by mayors from the Verona area due to the heavy tax burden in Italy

Versione italiana

English version

P-008081/13 by Esther Herranz García to the Commission

Subject: New system of tolls in Gipuzkoa

Versión española

English version

P-008082/13 by Elena Băsescu to the Commission

Subject: Implementing enhanced cooperation in the field of the financial transaction tax

Versiunea în limba română

English version

E-008084/13 by Mariya Gabriel to the Commission

Subject: Cuts in rural development funding for 2014-2020

българска версия

English version

E-008085/13 by Willy Meyer to the Commission

Subject: Letter to the Government of Andalusia's Department of Public Works

Versión española

English version

E-008086/13 by Willy Meyer to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Murder of 17 Pakistani civilians by a US drone

Versión española

English version

E-008088/13 by Willy Meyer to the Commission

Subject: Sale of the Almoraima estate in Cádiz

Versión española

English version

E-008089/13 by Christel Schaldemose to the Commission

Subject: Labelling of clothes

Dansk udgave

English version

E-008090/13 by Morten Messerschmidt to the Commission

Subject: Test panels in the proposal for a new Tobacco Directive

Dansk udgave

English version

E-008091/13 by Morten Messerschmidt to the Commission

Subject: Support for the Ma'an News Agency

Dansk udgave

English version

E-008092/13 by Daniel Caspary, Ingeborg Gräßle and Markus Pieper to the Commission

Subject: Support for non-governmental organisations (NGOs)

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-008093/13 by Martin Kastler to the Commission

Subject: The EU family strategy and the European Year 2014

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-008094/13 by Franz Obermayr to the Commission

Subject: New study on the negative effects of genetically modified food and animal feed on human health

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-008692/13 by Franz Obermayr to the Commission

Subject: New study on the negative human-health impact of genetically modified food and feed

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-008096/13 by Daciana Octavia Sârbu to the Commission

Subject: Energy intake reference values for children

Versiunea în limba română

English version

E-008097/13 by Georgios Stavrakakis to the Commission

Subject: Level of payments as of 30 June 2013

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-008098/13 by Glenis Willmott to the Commission

Subject: Alcohol and nutrition

English version

E-008099/13 by Sirpa Pietikäinen and Alojz Peterle to the Commission

Subject: Improving the health claim application procedure

Slovenska različica

Suomenkielinen versio

English version

E-008101/13 by Antonio Cancian to the Commission

Subject: Unfair commercial practices regarding the sale of medicines

Versione italiana

English version

E-008102/13 by Oreste Rossi to the Commission

Subject: State of Italian rivers

Versione italiana

English version

E-008103/13 by Oreste Rossi to the Commission

Subject: The role of placebo treatment in trials: medico-legal and ethical issues

Versione italiana

English version

E-008104/13 by Oreste Rossi to the Commission

Subject: New ‘reverse vaccine’ for patients with type 1 or insulin-dependent diabetes

Versione italiana

English version

E-008105/13 by Oreste Rossi to the Commission

Subject: Food safety and labelling: prospects of a possible revision of standards and control systems

Versione italiana

English version

E-008106/13 by Oreste Rossi to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Elections in Iran: progress towards democratic Iranian institutions

Versione italiana

English version

E-008107/13 by Oreste Rossi to the Commission

Subject: Cancer drugs and the right to treatment

Versione italiana

English version

E-008108/13 by Mara Bizzotto to the Commission

Subject: Two sisters killed for dancing in the rain in Pakistan

Versione italiana

English version

E-008109/13 by Mara Bizzotto to the Commission

Subject: Situation of the internship system in Italy and Europe

Versione italiana

English version

E-008110/13 by Andrea Zanoni to the Commission

Subject: Worrying figures for several municipalities in the Autonomous Province of Bolzano as regards uranium concentrations in drinking water

Versione italiana

English version

E-008111/13 by Andrea Zanoni to the Commission

Subject: Excessive hydroelectric exploitation of the Piave river basin due to serious violations of the Water Framework, EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment), SEA (Strategic Environmental Assessment) and Habitats Directives

Versione italiana

English version

P-008112/13 by Lambert van Nistelrooij to the Commission

Subject: Statements concerning subsidies for energy from renewable and fossil sources

Nederlandse versie

English version

E-008113/13 by Paweł Robert Kowal to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — EU-Azerbaijan relations

Wersja polska

English version

E-008114/13 by Zbigniew Ziobro and Tadeusz Cymański to the Commission

Subject: Mass redundancies at the Częstochowa steelworks

Wersja polska

English version

E-008115/13 by Vasilica Viorica Dăncilă to the Commission

Subject: Agri-food industry

Versiunea în limba română

English version

E-008116/13 by Rareş-Lucian Niculescu to the Commission

Subject: Trade bans imposed by the Russian Federation

Versiunea în limba română

English version

E-008117/13 by Rareş-Lucian Niculescu to the Commission

Subject: Change in public tender procedures in Romania

Versiunea în limba română

English version

E-008118/13 by Monika Flašíková Beňová to the Commission

Subject: Arms exports to third countries

Slovenské znenie

English version

E-008119/13 by Monika Flašíková Beňová to the Commission

Subject: Killing of elephants in Africa

Slovenské znenie

English version

E-008120/13 by Monika Flašíková Beňová to the Commission

Subject: Homeless people in the European Union

Slovenské znenie

English version

E-008121/13 by Monika Flašíková Beňová to the Commission

Subject: Compulsory tachographs

Slovenské znenie

English version

E-008122/13 by Monika Flašíková Beňová to the Commission

Subject: Media literacy

Slovenské znenie

English version

E-008123/13 by Monika Flašíková Beňová to the Commission

Subject: The right to quality long-term care and satisfaction of the needs of the elderly population

Slovenské znenie

English version

E-008124/13 by Monika Flašíková Beňová to the Commission

Subject: Hatred and discrimination in the LGBT community

Slovenské znenie

English version

E-008125/13 by Monika Flašíková Beňová to the Commission

Subject: More transparent clinical trials of medicines

Slovenské znenie

English version

E-008126/13 by Monika Flašíková Beňová to the Commission

Subject: Better protection for victims of violence in the EU

Slovenské znenie

English version

E-008127/13 by Monika Flašíková Beňová to the Commission

Subject: Combating youth unemployment

Slovenské znenie

English version

E-008128/13 by Monika Flašíková Beňová to the Commission

Subject: Fire in Bangladesh

Slovenské znenie

English version

E-008129/13 by Monika Flašíková Beňová to the Commission

Subject: The issue of shale gas

Slovenské znenie

English version

E-008130/13 by Monika Flašíková Beňová to the Commission

Subject: The new constitution of the European Union

Slovenské znenie

English version

E-008132/13 by Monika Flašíková Beňová to the Commission

Subject: Revision of the Tobacco Products Directive

Slovenské znenie

English version

E-008133/13 by Monika Flašíková Beňová to the Commission

Subject: Threat to the system of sales of legal cigarettes

Slovenské znenie

English version

E-008134/13 by Monika Flašíková Beňová to the Commission

Subject: Interpretation of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council on nutrition and health claims made on foods

Slovenské znenie

English version

E-008135/13 by Monika Flašíková Beňová to the Commission

Subject: Restriction of regulations at EU level

Slovenské znenie

English version

E-008136/13 by Monika Flašíková Beňová to the Commission

Subject: Relationship between the environment and human health

Slovenské znenie

English version

E-008137/13 by Monika Flašíková Beňová to the Commission

Subject: Innovative green spaces

Slovenské znenie

English version

P-008138/13 by Saïd El Khadraoui to the Commission

Subject: Vertical market demarcation

Nederlandse versie

English version

E-008139/13 by Georgios Papanikolaou to the Commission

Subject: Total funds available in the European Financial Stability Facility for recapitalising European banks

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-008140/13 by Georgios Papanikolaou to the Commission

Subject: Efficacy of Task Force in re-starting priority projects in Greece

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-008141/13 by Georgios Papanikolaou to the Commission

Subject: Statements by Irish Minister for Finance on bail-in of banks and Commission position

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-008142/13 by Georgios Papanikolaou to the Commission

Subject: Broadband networks in Greece

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-008143/13 by Georgios Papanikolaou to the Commission

Subject: Provisional allocation of funds to Greece for managing migration flows in 2014

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-008144/13 by Emer Costello to the Commission

Subject: Shale gas and shale oil extraction activities

English version

E-008145/13 by Chris Davies to the Commission

Subject: Norway and the EU

English version

E-008146/13 by Chris Davies to the Commission

Subject: Cross-border coroner assistance

English version

E-008147/13 by Margrete Auken, Satu Hassi, Isabella Lövin, Carl Schlyter, Indrek Tarand and Helga Trüpel to the Commission

Subject: Phosphorus discharge from fertiliser plants into the Baltic Sea

Dansk udgave

Deutsche Fassung

Eestikeelne versioon

Suomenkielinen versio

Svensk version

English version

E-008148/13 by Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris to the Council

Subject: ESM fund: new allocation of EUR 60 billion

Versione italiana

English version

E-008149/13 by Marek Henryk Migalski to the Commission

Subject: Mother of a Belarusian political prisoner dismissed from her job at a Belarusian university on the grounds of ‘loyalty’ to her son

Wersja polska

English version

E-008150/13 by Marek Henryk Migalski to the Commission

Subject: Sentencing of a Belarusian oppositionist

Wersja polska

English version

E-008151/13 by Inês Cristina Zuber to the Commission

Subject: Collective redundancy at Asibel Construções S.A.

Versão portuguesa

English version

P-008152/13 by Rodi Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Violence against women during demonstrations in Egypt

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-008154/13 by Willy Meyer to the Commission

Subject: Restructuring plans at HP in Zaragoza

Versión española

English version

E-008155/13 by Jutta Steinruck to the Commission

Subject: EU-wide ban on asbestos: worker safety

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-008156/13 by Jutta Steinruck to the Commission

Subject: EU-wide ban on asbestos: potential risks

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-008157/13 by Nikolaos Chountis to the Commission

Subject: Cottage tobacco industry in Greece

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-008158/13 by Nikolaos Chountis to the Commission

Subject: Directive on the resolution of banks and guaranteed deposits in the EU

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-008159/13 by Nikolaos Chountis to the Commission

Subject: Impact of the crisis on forest protection in Greece

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-008160/13 by Nikolaos Chountis to the Commission

Subject: Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) transit fees

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-008161/13 by Kyriacos Triantaphyllides to the Commission

Subject: Infringement of standardisation of geographical names in Cyprus

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-008283/13 by Antigoni Papadopoulou to the Commission

Subject: Place names in occupied areas of Cyprus

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-008162/13 by Rodi Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou to the Commission

Subject: Lack of financing for real economy in Greece

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-008163/13 by Catherine Stihler to the Commission

Subject: Construction industry blacklisting and exclusion from procurement procedures

English version

E-008164/13 by Françoise Castex and Antonio Masip Hidalgo to the Commission

Subject: New payment system for private copying in Spain

Versión española

Version française

English version

E-008165/13 by Paolo De Castro, Herbert Dorfmann, Esther Herranz García, Eric Andrieu, Giancarlo Scottà, Iratxe García Pérez, Michel Dantin and Luis Manuel Capoulas Santos to the Commission

Subject: Court of Justice judgment on Regulation (EU) No 543/2011

Versión española

Deutsche Fassung

Version française

Versione italiana

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008166/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Regulation of the functioning of the food chain

Version française

English version

E-008167/13 by Patrick Le Hyaric to the Commission

Subject: Social dumping in the agri-food industry

Version française

English version

E-008168/13 by Roberta Angelilli to the Commission

Subject: Possible funding to build a sports centre in Latina

Versione italiana

English version

E-008169/13 by Roberta Angelilli to the Commission

Subject: Possible funding to create a centre for family law studies in the municipality of Orvieto

Versione italiana

English version

E-008170/13 by Roberta Angelilli to the Commission

Subject: Municipality of Palestrina: possible funding to build a complex for elderly people and young couples

Versione italiana

English version

E-008171/13 by Andrea Zanoni to the Commission

Subject: Irregularities in the approval procedure for the ‘Valdastico A 31 Nord’ motorway project in Italy

Versione italiana

English version

E-008172/13 by Aldo Patriciello to the Commission

Subject: Shale gas in Europe

Versione italiana

English version

E-008173/13 by Paweł Robert Kowal to the Commission

Subject: EU action to prevent workers from being exploited

Wersja polska

English version

E-008174/13 by Inês Cristina Zuber and João Ferreira to the Council

Subject: Overflying ban imposed on President Evo Morales by Member States

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008176/13 by Anneli Jäätteenmäki to the Commission

Subject: Transparency register: making registration mandatory

Suomenkielinen versio

English version

P-008177/13 by Linda McAvan to the Commission

Subject: Hague Convention on Child Abduction

English version

P-008178/13 by Martin Callanan to the Commission

Subject: Ability of Member States to regulate or ban propane gas guns (bird scarers)

English version

E-008179/13 by Raül Romeva i Rueda to the Commission

Subject: Fish stocks and small-scale fisheries

Versión española

English version

E-008180/13 by Willy Meyer to the Commission

Subject: Permanent pasture rules encouraging land grabbing in Europe

Versión española

English version

E-008181/13 by Willy Meyer to the Commission

Subject: Cross-border workers in Ceuta and Melilla

Versión española

English version

E-008182/13 by Edward McMillan-Scott to the Commission

Subject: Unfair restrictive practices between mortgage lenders and the Property Care Association

English version

E-008183/13 by Paul Murphy to the Commission

Subject: Land grabbing in Sri Lanka

English version

E-008184/13 by Roberta Angelilli to the Commission

Subject: Possible funding for the Gragnano pasta festival

Versione italiana

English version

E-008185/13 by Matteo Salvini to the Commission

Subject: Need for an EU strategy to control ragweed, the cause of very severe allergies

Versione italiana

English version

E-008186/13 by Franco Bonanini and Mario Pirillo to the Commission

Subject: Exclusion of transactions relating to vessels used for coastal navigation from Directive 2006/112/EC

Versione italiana

English version

E-008187/13 by Philippe De Backer to the Commission

Subject: Response to US communications surveillance practices

Nederlandse versie

English version

P-008188/13 by Gaston Franco to the Commission

Subject: Increase in energy prices in Europe

Version française

English version

E-008189/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Tunisian Criminal Code

Version française

English version

E-008190/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Criticism of the abolition of roaming charges

Version française

English version

E-008191/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Ban on the use of fluorinated gases in refrigerators

Version française

English version

E-008192/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Council

Subject: Ban on the use of fluorinated gases in refrigerators

Version française

English version

E-008193/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Reduction in Eurotunnel charges

Version française

English version

E-008195/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Talking cigarettes

Version française

English version

E-008196/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Tetrazepam victims: who is responsible?

Version française

English version

E-008197/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Aid for airports

Version française

English version

E-008198/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: European register of nanomaterials

Version française

English version

E-008200/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Use of EU aid to Libya for illegal purposes

Version française

English version

E-008201/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Camp Liberty

Version française

English version

E-008203/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — North Korea threatens its people

Version française

English version

E-008204/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Danger of antiparasitic collars

Version française

English version

E-008205/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Tobacco advertising converts one in three adolescents

Version française

English version

P-008208/13 by Ioan Enciu to the Commission

Subject: Possible breach of the Schengen acquis

Versiunea în limba română

English version

P-008209/13 by Martina Anderson to the Commission

Subject: Spanish coastal law

English version

P-008210/13 by Magdi Cristiano Allam to the Council

Subject: Ban on the Syrian Islamic terrorist organisation Jabhat Al-Nusra (Victory Front)

Versione italiana

English version

E-008211/13 by Rosa Estaràs Ferragut to the Commission

Subject: VisitEurope portal

Versión española

English version

E-008212/13 by Rosa Estaràs Ferragut to the Commission

Subject: Tourism and economic activity

Versión española

English version

E-008213/13 by Rosa Estaràs Ferragut to the Commission

Subject: Clean tourism

Versión española

English version

E-008214/13 by Rosa Estaràs Ferragut to the Commission

Subject: Ethically responsible tourism

Versión española

English version

E-008215/13 by Rosa Estaràs Ferragut to the Commission

Subject: Marine and coastal tourism

Versión española

English version

E-008216/13 by Rosa Estaràs Ferragut to the Commission

Subject: Accommodation

Versión española

English version

E-008217/13 by Christel Schaldemose to the Commission

Subject: Tomatoes on the European market

Dansk udgave

English version

E-008218/13 by Hermann Winkler to the Commission

Subject: Exemptions and deadline extensions in the Stability and Growth Pact

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-008472/13 by Elena Băsescu to the Commission

Subject: Letter from Commissioner Olli Rehn on the investment clause

Versiunea în limba română

English version

E-008219/13 by Hermann Winkler to the Commission

Subject: Compliance with Maastricht criteria by the Republic of Croatia

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-008381/13 by Lara Comi to the Commission

Subject: Croatia's public finances

Versione italiana

English version

E-008220/13 by Jürgen Creutzmann to the Commission

Subject: Company audits in connection with EU research funding

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-008222/13 by Georgios Koumoutsakos to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Action to combat piracy

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-008224/13 by Jörg Leichtfried to the Commission

Subject: Update of the test methods regulation and REACH annexes

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-008225/13 by Jill Evans to the Commission

Subject: Welsh flags on vessels and Welsh car stickers

English version

E-008226/13 by Daniël van der Stoep to the Commission

Subject: Commissioner Šefčovič's answers concerning the salaries of EU officials

Nederlandse versie

English version

E-008228/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Attack on storeroom in Mozambique generates instability

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008255/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Attack on an arms depot in Mozambique causes instability

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008230/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Conflict in Lebanon

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English version

E-008231/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Syria: new death toll

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008232/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Possible second bailout for Portugal

Versão portuguesa

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E-008233/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Reduction in lending to companies

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E-008234/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Ireland falls back into recession

Versão portuguesa

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E-008235/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Plan to combat youth unemployment

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E-008236/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Youth unemployment

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E-008237/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Further wage cuts in Portugal

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E-008238/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Impact of derivative contracts on Italy's accounts

Versão portuguesa

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E-008239/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Restructuring of Portuguese banks

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E-008240/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Tax cuts in Portugal

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E-008241/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: The IMF's place in the Troika

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008242/13 by Lidia Joanna Geringer de Oedenberg to the Commission

Subject: Corporate social responsibility of EU retailers

Wersja polska

English version

E-008243/13 by Cornelis de Jong to the Commission

Subject: Rules, standards and regulations vis-à-vis commercial crowdsourcing in international trade agreements

Nederlandse versie

English version

E-008244/13 by Daciana Octavia Sârbu to the Commission

Subject: Alcohol consumption during pregnancy

Versiunea în limba română

English version

E-008245/13 by Joseph Cuschieri to the Commission

Subject: Illegal immigration in the Maltese Islands

Verżjoni Maltija

English version

E-008246/13 by Glenis Willmott to the Commission

Subject: UK Work Capability Assessments for people with autism

English version

E-008247/13 by Christine De Veyrac to the Commission

Subject: Endangered species in the Midi-Pyrenees

Version française

English version

E-008248/13 by Christine De Veyrac to the Commission

Subject: Support for EU-wide inter-club amateur rugby exchanges

Version française

English version

E-008249/13 by Cristiana Muscardini to the Commission

Subject: Use of retinoic acid in cancer treatment

Versione italiana

English version

E-008250/13 by Cristiana Muscardini to the Commission

Subject: Conflict of interest at EFSA

Versione italiana

English version

E-008251/13 by Kathleen Van Brempt to the Commission

Subject: Allergenic chemical preservatives in cosmetics

Nederlandse versie

English version

E-008252/13 by Lucas Hartong and Patricia van der Kammen to the Commission

Subject: Special Report No 7/2013 on the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund

Nederlandse versie

English version

E-008253/13 by Paweł Robert Kowal to the Commission

Subject: Natural disaster prevention and response capabilities

Wersja polska

English version

E-008254/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Bailout in Italy

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008256/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Drought in southern Angola

Versão portuguesa

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E-008257/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Portuguese scientists uncover reasons for immune ‘decline’

Versão portuguesa

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E-008258/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: United States — national climate action plan

Versão portuguesa

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E-008259/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: H7N9 virus — new threat

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008260/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Digital dementia

Versão portuguesa

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E-008261/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Anti-dumping tariffs imposed on the EU

Versão portuguesa

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E-008262/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Investment in renewable energy

Versão portuguesa

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E-008263/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Dengue outbreak in Angola

Versão portuguesa

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E-008264/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Greek bailout package

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E-008265/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Increased online advertising of high-calorie foods for children

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English version

E-008266/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Portuguese scientists discover a tectonic fault forming along the Portuguese coast

Versão portuguesa

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E-008267/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Preventive treatment for breast cancer

Versão portuguesa

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E-008268/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Floods in India

Versão portuguesa

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E-008269/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Fires in Indonesia

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E-008270/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: The effect of aerosols on the atmosphere

Versão portuguesa

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E-008271/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: European stocks are the only way

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008272/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Bazedoxifene — breast cancer treatment

Versão portuguesa

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E-008274/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Brussels investigates oil companies

Versão portuguesa

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E-008275/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Food safety plans

Versão portuguesa

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E-008276/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Firearms in the EU

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008277/13 by Mitro Repo to the Commission

Subject: Fairway dues levied by Finland on maritime traffic

Suomenkielinen versio

English version

P-008279/13 by Niki Tzavela to the Commission

Subject: Turkey and the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP)

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

P-008280/13 by David-Maria Sassoli to the Commission

Subject: Facilitating integration and the acquisition of citizenship for immigrant children born or brought up in EU Member States

Versione italiana

English version

P-008281/13 by Jarosław Leszek Wałęsa to the Commission

Subject: Proposal for a new regulation on fishing for deep-sea stocks in the North-East Atlantic

Wersja polska

English version

E-008282/13 by Slavi Binev to the Commission

Subject: Physical and psychological attack on journalists

българска версия

English version

E-008284/13 by Brian Crowley to the Commission

Subject: Addressing the issues of ownership of data with regard to cloud computing

English version

E-008285/13 by Brian Crowley to the Commission

Subject: Protecting consumer rights

English version

E-008286/13 by Brian Crowley to the Commission

Subject: Protecting vulnerable consumers from initial price fluctuation

English version

E-008287/13 by Brian Crowley to the Commission

Subject: SME frontier research and innovation support and international cooperation

English version

E-008288/13 by Jill Evans to the Commission

Subject: Treatment of dogs in Serbia

English version

E-008289/13 by Jill Evans to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Situation in Burma

English version

E-008290/13 by Marina Yannakoudakis to the Commission

Subject: Annual Action Programme 2012 on accompanying measures on sugar

English version

E-008291/13 by Fiona Hall and Maria Da Graça Carvalho to the Commission

Subject: Galicia Iberian Renewable Energy Export (GIBREX) project

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008292/13 by Mario Borghezio to the Commission

Subject: Need for a rapid and effective EU response in the event of flows of illegal immigrants arriving from Egypt

Versione italiana

English version

E-008293/13 by Mario Borghezio to the Commission

Subject: Monitoring of EU aid to Egypt

Versione italiana

English version

E-008294/13 by Andrea Cozzolino to the Commission

Subject: European health area

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E-008295/13 by Salvatore Iacolino, Magdi Cristiano Allam, Alfredo Antoniozzi, Pino Arlacchi, Paolo Bartolozzi, Fabrizio Bertot, Mara Bizzotto, Lara Comi, Carlo Fidanza, Franco Frigo, Giuseppe Gargani, Vincenzo Iovine, Clemente Mastella, Erminia Mazzoni, Guido Milana, Claudio Morganti, Cristiana Muscardini, Alfredo Pallone, Niccolò Rinaldi, Giancarlo Scottà, Giommaria Uggias, Salvatore Tatarella, Antonio Cancian, Tiziano Motti, Roberta Angelilli, Barbara Matera and Elisabetta Gardini to the Commission

Subject: Reduction of TNT Express workforce in Italy

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English version

E-008296/13 by Bas Eickhout to the Commission

Subject: Statements by Moody's credit rating agency concerning taxation of banks in the Netherlands

Nederlandse versie

English version

E-008297/13 by Bart Staes to the Commission

Subject: Application of the Papismedov judgment and the preliminary judicial ruling on Articles 202-204 of the Community Customs Code

Nederlandse versie

English version

E-008298/13 by Ivo Belet to the Commission

Subject: Rights of workers in subcontracting firms

Nederlandse versie

English version

E-008299/13 by Konrad Szymański to the Commission

Subject: Findings of public consultation on shale gas

Wersja polska

English version

P-008301/13 by Struan Stevenson to the Commission

Subject: Excessive cost of challenging decisions in the UK

English version

P-008302/13 by William (The Earl of) Dartmouth to the Commission

Subject: Participants in the High Level Group on the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP)

English version

E-008303/13 by Ramon Tremosa i Balcells to the Commission

Subject: Follow-up to Question E-003405/2013

Versión española

English version

E-008304/13 by Derek Vaughan to the Commission

Subject: Food Supplements Directive

English version

E-008306/13 by Fiorello Provera and Charles Tannock to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Pakistani sisters reportedly murdered for dancing in the rain

Versione italiana

English version

E-008307/13 by Fiorello Provera and Charles Tannock to the Commission

Subject: Turkish Deputy Prime Minister allegedly blames Jewish diaspora for Gezi Park protests

Versione italiana

English version

E-008308/13 by Fiorello Provera and Charles Tannock to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Islamist leader calls for attacks on the Winter Olympics

Versione italiana

English version

E-008309/13 by Fiorello Provera and Charles Tannock to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Attacks in the Sinai and Suez

Versione italiana

English version

E-008310/13 by Fiorello Provera and Charles Tannock to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Future of EU aid to Egypt

Versione italiana

English version

E-008311/13 by Fiorello Provera and Charles Tannock to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Re-emergence of insurgency in Iraq

Versione italiana

English version

E-008313/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Council

Subject: Underreported car CO2 emissions

Version française

English version

E-008314/13 by Cristiana Muscardini to the Commission

Subject: European businesses and Chinese forced labour

Versione italiana

English version

E-008315/13 by Giuseppe Gargani, Paolo Bartolozzi, Antonio Cancian, Carlo Casini, Lara Comi, Giovanni La Via, Clemente Mastella, Alfredo Pallone, Aldo Patriciello, Gino Trematerra and Potito Salatto to the Commission

Subject: Concessions for the management of the gas distribution service

Versione italiana

English version

E-008316/13 by Giuseppe Gargani, Sonia Alfano, Paolo Bartolozzi, Vito Bonsignore, Antonio Cancian, Carlo Casini, Lara Comi, Lorenzo Fontana, Vincenzo Iovine, Giovanni La Via, Clemente Mastella, Alfredo Pallone, Aldo Patriciello, Oreste Rossi, Potito Salatto, Marco Scurria, Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris, Salvatore Tatarella and Giommaria Uggias to the Council

Subject: Alarming situation in Lebanon

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English version

E-008317/13 by Marek Henryk Migalski to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Arrests on the 50th birthday of Mikhail Khodorkovsky

Wersja polska

English version

E-008318/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Towards greater transparency in clinical trials

Version française

English version

E-008319/13 by Josef Weidenholzer to the Commission

Subject: Outsourcing of data storage in third countries

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-008321/13 by Norbert Neuser to the Commission

Subject: Disposal of animal carcases in Rhineland Palatinate by the Zweckverband Tierkörperbeseitigung (special-purpose association for animal carcase disposal)

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-008322/13 by Petri Sarvamaa to the Commission

Subject: Restrictions on passenger numbers in high-speed train carriages

Suomenkielinen versio

English version

E-008323/13 by Mara Bizzotto to the Commission

Subject: Rising number of victims of defamation on social networks

Versione italiana

English version

E-008324/13 by Mara Bizzotto to the Commission

Subject: Ceramic district in the Veneto region, combating dumping and counterfeiting, and support for Italian-made products

Versione italiana

English version

E-008325/13 by Mara Bizzotto to the Commission

Subject: Accommodation for deprived persons occupied by wealthy Roma

Versione italiana

English version

E-008326/13 by Mara Bizzotto to the Commission

Subject: Italian drivers paying the price for third-party motor insurance policies

Versione italiana

English version

E-008327/13 by Mara Bizzotto to the Commission

Subject: Illegal Roma camps and begging: social emergency, support for municipalities in the Veneto region and funds currently allocated by the EU for integration of Roma

Versione italiana

English version

E-008328/13 by Nuno Teixeira to the Commission

Subject: Current state of play of negotiations between the EU and the US — I

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008329/13 by Nuno Teixeira to the Commission

Subject: Current state of play of negotiations between the EU and the US — II

Versão portuguesa

English version

P-008330/13 by Claudette Abela Baldacchino to the Commission

Subject: Mediterranean immigration crisis

Verżjoni Maltija

English version

P-008331/13 by Marlene Mizzi to the Commission

Subject: Eurema pilot project

Verżjoni Maltija

English version

P-008332/13 by Franco Bonanini to the Commission

Subject: Instigation by China of an anti-dumping investigation into European wines

Versione italiana

English version

P-008333/13 by Willy Meyer to the Commission

Subject: Alleged embezzlement of SERVEF (Valencian Community employment offices) funding

Versión española

English version

P-008334/13 by Erminia Mazzoni to the Commission

Subject: Infringement proceedings in respect of the ‘Citadella della Giustizia’ in Bari

Versione italiana

English version

P-008335/13 by Bart Staes to the Commission

Subject: Dalligate and the involvement of the Commission's Secretariat-General in the TPD

Nederlandse versie

English version

P-008336/13 by María Muñiz De Urquiza to the Commission

Subject: EU funding of research activities carried out in illegal Israeli settlements

Versión española

English version

E-008337/13 by Véronique De Keyser, Teresa Riera Madurell, Keith Taylor, Willy Meyer, Kyriacos Triantaphyllides and Emer Costello to the Commission

Subject: EU funding of research activities carried out in illegal Israeli settlements

Versión española

Ελληνική έκδοση

Version française

English version

E-008338/13 by Marina Yannakoudakis to the Commission

Subject: Modern lighting

English version

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-007997/13

προς την Επιτροπή

Antigoni Papadopoulou (S&D)

(4 Ιουλίου 2013)

Θέμα: Άνιση μεταχείριση των καταθετών

Σύμφωνα με την προσωρινή έκθεση μιας επιτροπής τεσσάρων διεθνούς φήμης εμπειρογνωμόνων σε τραπεζικά και χρηματοοικονομικά θέματα, στους οποίους η Κεντρική Τράπεζα της Κύπρου ανέθεσε να εξετάσουν τις διάφορες πτυχές του τραπεζικού τομέα της Κύπρου, υπάρχουν σοβαρές ανησυχίες σχετικά με μια σειρά ζητημάτων που σχετίζονται με διατάξεις του Μνημονίου Συνεννόησης μεταξύ της Κύπρου και της Τρόικας. Στην έκθεση των εμπειρογνωμόνων αναφέρονται, μεταξύ άλλων, τα εξής:

«Ο επιλεκτικός τρόπος με τον οποίο εφαρμόστηκε το κούρεμα δημιουργεί ζητήματα ισοτιμίας, αφού οι καταθέτες στα υποκαταστήματα του εξωτερικού προστατεύθηκαν, ενώ άλλα πιστωτικά ιδρύματα στην Κύπρο, τα οποία δέχονταν δημόσια χρηματοδότηση, δεν υποχρεώθηκαν να ζητήσουν τη συνδρομή των καταθετών ή των μελών τους».

Ερωτάται η Επιτροπή:

Απάντηση του κ. Rehn εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(5 Αυγούστου 2013)

Οι προβληματισμοί σχετικά με την ίση μεταχείριση πολιτών σε σχέση με δράσεις των κυπριακών αρχών πρέπει να απευθύνονται στις αρμόδιες αρχές στην Κύπρο οι οποίες ανέλαβαν τις εν λόγω δράσεις.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007997/13

to the Commission

Antigoni Papadopoulou (S&D)

(4 July 2013)

Subject: Unequal treatment of depositors

According to the interim report of a committee of four internationally-renowned experts on banking and finance, who have been commissioned by the Central Bank of Cyprus to research into various aspects of Cyprus’s banking sector, there are strong concerns about a number of issues regarding the provisions of the memorandum of understanding between Cyprus and the Troika. Among other things, the report by the committee of experts states that:

‘The selective way in which the haircut was applied raises questions of equity when depositors in foreign branches were spared, and other credit institutions in Cyprus receiving public money were not required to call on their depositors or members’.

Can the Commission answer the following questions:

Answer given by Mr Rehn on behalf of the Commission

(5 August 2013)

Concerns regarding the equal treatment of citizens in relation to the actions taken by the Cypriot authorities should be addressed to the respective authorities within Cyprus that have taken the said actions.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-007998/13

προς την Επιτροπή

Antigoni Papadopoulou (S&D)

(4 Ιουλίου 2013)

Θέμα: Ιρλανδική οικονομία

Σύμφωνα με τις επίσημες αναθεωρημένες στατιστικές που δόθηκαν στη δημοσιότητα από το Ιρλανδικό Κεντρικό Γραφείο Στατιστικών (CSO), η ιρλανδική οικονομία συρρικνώθηκε το πρώτο τρίμηνο του 2013 κατά 0,6%. Έτσι, η χώρα περιήλθε και πάλι σε ύφεση, καθώς κατέγραψε τρία διαδοχικά τρίμηνα συρρίκνωσης της οικονομίας της, ανατρέποντας το σκηνικό που ήθελε την χώρα να έχει επιστρέψει σε μία περιορισμένη οικονομική ανάπτυξη παρά τις μεγάλες περικοπές στις δημόσιες δαπάνες και τις αυξήσεις φόρων.

Υπενθυμίζεται ότι η χώρα θα λάβει μέσα στο 2013 την τελευταία δόση του δανείου που διαπραγματεύθηκε με την Τρόικα περί τα τέλη του 2010. Στη συνέχεια, θα πρέπει να βασιστεί στον δανεισμό της από τις αγορές ομολόγων για να καλύψει το ακόμη υψηλό δημοσιονομικό της έλλειμμα.

Ερωτάται λοιπόν η Επιτροπή:

Απάντηση του κ. Rehn εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(20 Αυγούστου 2013)

Παρά την πολύ μεγάλη αστάθεια και αβεβαιότητα που περιβάλλει τα στοιχεία των εθνικών λογαριασμών στην Ιρλανδία, τα δεδομένα για το πρώτο τρίμηνο του 2013 καθώς και οι αναθεωρημένες σειρές στοιχείων όσον αφορά την ιστορική πορεία εξέλιξης τονίζουν τον ευπαθή χαρακτήρα της οικονομικής ανάκαμψης κατά τους τελευταίους δεκαοκτώ μήνες, για παράδειγμα όσον αφορά τη ζήτηση από την πλευρά των εμπορικών εταίρων. Η ιδιωτική κατανάλωση αποδείχθηκε όμως πιο ανθεκτική από τις αρχικές εκτιμήσεις, ενώ έκαναν την εμφάνισή τους και έκτακτοι παράγοντες οι οποίοι επηρέασαν καθοριστικά την αξιολόγηση των στοιχείων κατά το πρώτο τρίμηνο του 2013. Οι δείκτες, αλλά και η πτώση της ανεργίας υποδεικνύουν ότι οι επιδόσεις της ιρλανδικής οικονομίας θα είναι ολοένα και πιο δυναμικές στις επόμενες φάσεις. Κατά το τρέχον έτος αναμένεται ευρύτατα ότι θα εξακολουθήσει η θετική (αλλά εντούτοις χαμηλή) αύξηση του ΑΕΠ.

Η Ιρλανδία άρχισε να ανακτά εκ νέου πρόσβαση στην αγορά το 2012, ενώ για τις εκδόσεις νέων ομολόγων στην πρωτογενή αγορά υπήρξε έντονη ζήτηση από διεθνείς και εγχώριους επενδυτές. Οι αποδόσεις ήταν ισοπεδωμένες κατά τις ημέρες διαπραγμάτευσης που περιέβαλαν την έκδοση των στοιχείων για τους εθνικούς λογαριασμούς. Τα ιρλανδικά ομόλογα αντιστάθηκαν με επιτυχία στη γενική διεθνή ενίσχυση των ευμετάβλητων οικονομικών συνθηκών στην αγορά κατά τους τελευταίους μήνες και οι αποδόσεις είναι σήμερα κάτω από τα επίπεδα πριν από την κρίση. Η Ευρωπαϊκή Επιτροπή αναμένει ότι η Ιρλανδία θα ολοκληρώσει με επιτυχία το πρόγραμμα οικονομικής προσαρμογής της έως το τέλος του 2013. Τα άφθονα ταμειακά αποθέματα ασφαλείας αποτελούν χρήσιμο μηχανισμό άμυνας για την αντιμετώπιση πιθανών μελλοντικών δυσμενών εξελίξεων στην αγορά. Ωστόσο, το χρέος και το έλλειμμα στην Ιρλανδία εξακολουθούν να είναι υψηλά, με συνέπεια τη διατήρηση της δημοσιονομικής εξυγίανσης, σύμφωνα με τις δεσμεύσεις της, όπως ακριβώς έγινε στην πράξη. Η πρακτική αυτή αποτελεί τον καλύτερο τρόπο για την Ιρλανδία να αποδείξει την αποφασιστικότητά της να διατηρήσει την οικονομία και τα δημόσια οικονομικά σε διατηρήσιμη πορεία και να διασφαλίσει τα στοιχεία βελτίωσης αναζητώντας όρους που έχουν ζωτική σημασία για τη διαιώνιση της οικονομικής ανάκαμψης.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007998/13

to the Commission

Antigoni Papadopoulou (S&D)

(4 July 2013)

Subject: Irish economy

According to official revised statistics published by the Irish Central Statistics Office (CSO), the Irish economy shrank by 0.6% in the first quarter of 2013. Thus the country is again in recession, as its economy has shrunk for three successive quarters, thereby gainsaying rumours that the country had returned to limited economic growth despite massive cuts to public spending and tax rises.

It should be remembered that, in 2013, Ireland will receive the final tranche of the loan negotiated with the Troika in late 2010. It will then need to rely on borrowing on the bond markets in order to cover its still very large budgetary deficit.

In view of the above, will the Commission say:

Answer given by Mr Rehn on behalf of the Commission

(20 August 2013)

Notwithstanding the very large volatility and uncertainty surrounding national accounts data in Ireland, the data for Q1 2013 as well as the revised historical series point to the fragility of the economic recovery over the last eighteen months, for example from trading partner demand. But private consumption has been more resilient than first estimated, while one off factors influenced the reading in Q1 2013. Indicators as well as falling unemployment point to a more robust performance of the Irish economy going forward. Positive (but low) GDP growth is still widely expected this year.

Ireland started to regain market access in 2012 and primary market issuances have met with strong demand from international and domestic investors. Yields were flat on the trading days surrounding the national accounts release. Irish bonds have withstood well the general international increase in financial market volatility over the last months and yields are currently below pre-crisis levels. The European Commission expect Ireland to successfully complete its economic adjustment programme by end-2013. The ample cash buffers are a useful defence against possible future adverse market developments. Yet, the debt and deficit in Ireland are still high. Maintaining fiscal consolidation in line with its commitments, as it has been the case. Is the best way for Ireland to show its determination to keep the economy and its public finances on a sustainable path and safeguard the improvement in finding conditions that is essential for a lasting recovery.

(българска версия)

Въпрос с искане за писмен отговор E-008000/13

до Комисията

Slavi Binev (EFD)

(4 юли 2013 г.)

Относно: Липса на демократични,свободни избори в България

В България се проведоха най-нечестните, най-необективните и най-манипулираните избори. Това е породено от пълната липса на равнопоставеност между партиите пред медиите, в Централната избирателна комисия, във връзка с финансирането и т.н. Повечето медии и социологически агенции са в услуга на няколко големи партии, които инвестираха огромни средства в тях. Международните наблюдатели констатираха купуване на гласове и фалшифициране на бюлетини, в навечерието на изборите бяха открити 350 000 бюлетини, които да фалшифицират изборите. По сигнал на ПП НФСБ, особено драстични са установените нарушения в избирателните секции в Република Турция, където под строй се гласува за етническата партия ДПС. Само 50% от избирателите гласуваха, а от тези гласуващи 25% (между които големи граждански обединения) нямат представителство в новия Парламент. Фалшивите избори генерират фалшив Парламент и фалшиво правителство, които водят след себе си глад, мизерия и отчаяние. Препоръките на Венецианската комисия не се спазват.

Поради всичко това Европейският парламент трябва да подкрепи ощетените от изборните фалшификации български партии, в противен случай се посяга на фундамента на демокрацията в Република България. В момента хората в България отново са на улицата с искане за нов Изборен кодекс и ново Правителство.

Отговор, даден от г-жа Рединг от името на Комисията

(30 август 2013 г.)

Свободните избори са основен израз на демокрацията и изборите в ЕС трябва да отговарят на най-високите демократични стандарти. Важна е силна ангажираност от страна на държавите членки, за да се гарантират тези демократични стандарти, в съответствие с международните норми, с които те са обвързани.

Като подчертава, че е важно правото на свободни избори да се спазва във всички държави членки, Комисията отбелязва, че е задължение на държавите членки да определят условията за провеждането на националните парламентарни избори и на компетентните национални административни и съдебни органи да осигурят съответствие с приложимите международни стандарти. Комисията няма общи правомощия по отношение на организацията на националните избори в ЕС и не разполага с правомощия да осъществява наблюдение върху тяхното провеждане.

В по-общ план Комисията съзнава предизвикателствата, пред които понастоящем е изправен демократичния процес в България, и отблизо следи развитието на ситуацията. Комисията е поела ангажимент да помага на България в борбата срещу корупцията и организираната престъпност, както и в прилагането на реформите в съдебната система. Тези стъпки са всъщност от съществено значение, за да се гарантира съществуването на обективни, балансирани и независими институции и се възстанови доверието и стабилността в страната.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008000/13

to the Commission

Slavi Binev (EFD)

(4 July 2013)

Subject: Absence of democratic free elections in Bulgaria

The recent elections in Bulgaria were exceptionally corrupt, biased and manipulated. The root of the problem is the complete absence of a level playing field for the political parties, inter alia in the media, in the Central Electoral Commission and in relation to financing. Most media outlets and opinion poll agencies are in the service of a few large parties, which invested huge sums of money in them. International election observers reported that votes had been bought and ballot papers had been falsified; on the eve of the poll, 350 000 ballot papers were discovered that had been intended to distort the result. According to the National Front for the Salvation of Bulgaria party, abuses were particularly flagrant in constituencies in Turkey where the electorate was marched out to support the ethnic Movement for Rights and Freedoms party (DPS). Only 50% of those entitled to vote did so, and a quarter of those voters (among them, members of large civic associations) are unrepresented in the new parliament. Fraudulent elections produce a fraudulent parliament and a fraudulent government, and the end result is hunger, poverty and desperation. The recommendations of the Venice Commission have not been followed.

In the light of all this, the European Parliament ought to extend support to those political parties that suffered as a result of the electoral fraud; otherwise the foundations of democracy in Bulgaria will be undermined. The Bulgarian people are currently out on the street again calling for a new electoral code and a new government.

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(30 August 2013)

Free elections are a basic expression of democracy and elections in the EU must follow the highest democratic standards. A strong commitment by Member States is important to guarantee these democratic standards, in line with the international norms by which they are bound.

While stressing the importance that the right to free elections is upheld in all Member States, the Commission notes that it is up to Member States to determine the conditions for the conduct of national parliamentary elections and to the competent national administrative and judicial authorities to ensure compliance with relevant international standards. The Commission has no general power as regards the organisation of national elections in the EU nor does it have power to monitor their conduct.

More generally, the Commission is aware of the challenges currently affecting the democratic process in Bulgaria and is closely following developments. The Commission is committed to helping Bulgaria fight corruption and organised crime and to assisting in implementing judicial reforms. These steps are in fact essential to ensure the existence of honest, balanced and independent institutions and rebuild trust and stability in the country.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-008001/13

a la Comisión

Rosa Estaràs Ferragut (PPE)

(4 de julio de 2013)

Asunto: Mujeres con discapacidad y maternidad

Las mujeres con discapacidad se enfrentan a desafíos adicionales y muy complejos cuando experimentan la maternidad.

¿Cree la Comisión que las mujeres con discapacidad deben tener derecho a un permiso de maternidad ampliado, a fin de adaptarse a su nueva situación y poder desarrollar correctamente su vida familiar?

¿Considera, asimismo, la Comisión que el permiso debe ampliarse en caso de que el menor presente una discapacidad, equiparándolo al permiso por parto múltiple?

¿Considera la Comisión alguna medida para garantizar la estabilidad laboral de aquellas mujeres con discapacidad que quieran ejercer su derecho a ser madres para evitar el despido por motivo de embarazo y reivindicar el derecho a la baja maternal pagada?

Respuesta de la Sra. Reding en nombre de la Comisión

(21 de agosto de 2013)

Ya en virtud del artículo 8 de la Directiva 92/85/CEE (1), las madres trabajadoras (con discapacidad o no) tenían derecho a un mínimo de catorce semanas de permiso de maternidad. Además, los empresarios tienen prohibido despedir a las mujeres durante el período comprendido entre el comienzo de su embarazo y el final del permiso de maternidad.

La Comisión propuso en 2008 modificar la Directiva 95/85/CEE (2) ampliando el permiso de maternidad hasta dieciocho semanas, lo que también afectaría naturalmente a las madres con discapacidad.

Además, la Comisión propuso introducir una disposición que obliga a los Estados miembros a conceder un permiso de maternidad suplementario en caso de parto múltiple o de bebé nacido con discapacidad.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008001/13

to the Commission

Rosa Estaràs Ferragut (PPE)

(4 July 2013)

Subject: Motherhood and women with disabilities

Women with disabilities face additional and very complex challenges when they become mothers.

Does the Commission think that women with disabilities should have the right to a longer period of maternity leave so that they can adapt to their new situation and build a good family life?

Does it think that the leave period should be extended in the event that the baby has a disability, giving the mother the same leave entitlement as multiple‐birth mothers?

Does it intend to take measures to ensure that women with disabilities who wish to exercise their right to have children may do so without losing their jobs and are given paid maternity leave?

Answer given by Ms Reding on behalf of the Commission

(21 August 2013)

Already pursuant to Art 8 of Directive 92/85/EEC (3), working mothers (disabled and non-disabled) are entitled to at least 14 weeks of maternity. Furthermore, employers are prohibited from dismissing women during the period from the beginning of their pregnancy until the end of maternity leave.

In 2008, the Commission has proposed to amend Directive 95/85/EEC (4) by extending maternity leave to 18 weeks which would of course also cover mothers with disabilities.

Furthermore, the Commission proposed to introduce a provision obliging Member States to grant additional maternity leave in case of multiple births and/or a child born with disabilities.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-008002/13

a la Comisión

Rosa Estaràs Ferragut (PPE)

(4 de julio de 2013)

Asunto: Visibilización de mujeres con discapacidad

Teniendo en cuenta que la Unión Europea cuenta con 46 millones de mujeres y niñas con discapacidad, esto es, el 58 % de las personas con discapacidad y el 16 % de las mujeres de la Unión Europea;

Considerando que las mujeres y niñas con discapacidad se encuentran en situación de máxima vulnerabilidad;

Teniendo en cuenta que la mayor barrera a que se enfrentan las mujeres con discapacidad es que la sociedad en su conjunto las invisibiliza, favoreciendo la exclusión y la falta de concienciación;

¿Tiene previsto la Comisión elaborar alguna campaña de concienciación para que las mujeres con discapacidad sean más visibles para el conjunto de la sociedad?

Respuesta de la Sra. Reding en nombre de la Comisión

(20 de agosto de 2013)

La no discriminación y la igualdad entre hombres y mujeres son principios rectores generales de la Estrategia Europea sobre Discapacidad 2010-2020 (5), que se refiere explícitamente a los «hombres, mujeres y niños con discapacidad». En primer lugar, la igualdad entre sexos se tiene en cuenta en todas las acciones de la Estrategia. Además, la discapacidad se integra en las medidas de la Estrategia de la UE para la igualdad entre mujeres y hombres 2010-2015 que, al abordar por ejemplo la igualdad en materia de independencia económica, menciona expresamente a las mujeres con discapacidad (6).

La importancia de la igualdad entre sexos se abordará también en el informe de la Comisión relativo a los primeros años de aplicación de la Estrategia Europea sobre Discapacidad 2010-2020, que está en preparación para su publicación a finales de año.

Las mujeres con discapacidad son citadas explícitamente como un objetivo posible en el caso de la convocatoria restringida de propuestas lanzada en marzo de 2013 para la cofinanciación de actividades de los Estados miembros relativas a la sensibilización sobre la violencia contra las mujeres. Una convocatoria de propuestas en el marco del Programa Daphne está abierta hasta el final de octubre de 2013 y otorga una prioridad específica a la violencia contra los grupos de mujeres más vulnerables, por ejemplo, las mujeres con discapacidad. A través de dicha convocatoria, las organizaciones de la sociedad civil tendrán la oportunidad de fomentar actividades de concienciación.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008002/13

to the Commission

Rosa Estaràs Ferragut (PPE)

(4 July 2013)

Subject: Raising awareness about women with disabilities

Forty-six million women and girls suffer from a disability in the European Union, a figure representing 58% of the total number of persons with a disability and 16% of all women in the EU.

Women and girls with disabilities are extremely vulnerable.

The main barrier facing women with disabilities is the fact that society as a whole sweeps their problems under the carpet, thus ignoring their needs and marginalising them.

Does the Commission intend to launch an awareness-raising campaign about women with disabilities?

Answer given by Ms Ms Reding on behalf of the Commission

(20 August 2013)

Non-discrimination and equality between men and women are general guiding principles of the European Disability Strategy 2010-2020 (7) that explicitly addresses ‘men, women and children with disabilities’. First of all, gender is mainstreamed into all actions of the strategy. In addition, disability is mainstreamed into actions of the EU the EU Strategy for equality between women and men 2010-2015, which, when addressing for instance equal economic independence, expressly mentions women with disability (8).

The importance of the gender aspect will also be dealt with in the Commission’s report on the first years of the implementation of the European Disability Strategy 2010-2020 that is under preparation for publication later this year.

Women with disabilities were specifically mentioned as a possible target group in a restricted call for proposals launched in March 20March 2013 to co-fund Member States' awareness-raising activities on violence against women. An open call for proposals under the Daphne program is open until the end of October 20ber 2013, with a specific priority on violence against the most vulnerable groups of women, for example women with disabilities. Through this call, civil society organisations will also have the opportunity to develop awareness-raising activities.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-008003/13

a la Comisión

Francisco Sosa Wagner (NI)

(4 de julio de 2013)

Asunto: Tu voz en Europa

En el marco de la elaboración interactiva de políticas, la Comisión Europea puso en marcha en 2001 el portal «Tu voz en Europa», programa que ha permitido realizar más de 370 consultas públicas.

Este diputado entiende los criterios que se establecen en la traducción de cierta información proporcionada por las distintas instituciones europeas. En concreto, en la página www.europa.eu, se especifica que «Por motivos de gestión del dinero público, en las páginas muy especializadas, que consultan relativamente pocas personas, la idea es que la mayoría de esas personas comprenda lo esencial de la información, aunque algunas de ellas deban consultar los documentos oficiales en una lengua que no es la suya».

Debido a estos criterios, las consultas públicas no se encuentran traducidas a las veintitrés lenguas oficiales de la UE. Siendo «Tu voz en Europa» el punto de acceso único que tienen los ciudadanos europeos para participar activamente en el proceso de toma de decisiones de la UE, ¿cree la Comisión que, para poder recoger todas las voces de Europa, estos documentos deben estar disponibles en todas las lenguas oficiales?

¿Cree la Comisión que si los documentos estuviesen traducidos a las veintitrés lenguas oficiales serían consultados con mayor asiduidad?

Respuesta del Sr. Šefčovič en nombre de la Comisión

(23 de agosto de 2013)

La Comisión considera de la máxima importancia la contribución de las partes interesadas a la elaboración de las políticas de la UE. No obstante, los recursos disponibles para la traducción son limitados y se utilizan en primer lugar para satisfacer las obligaciones jurídicas de traducción de la Comisión. Además, la Comisión intenta poner a disposición de la ciudadanía la traducción de tantos documentos como sea posible, en particular para las consultas públicas: los Libros Verdes se publican en todas las lenguas oficiales y, en relación con otros documentos de consulta, los servicios responsables de la Comisión evalúan qué versiones lingüísticas son necesarias para llegar a las partes interesadas de la manera más eficaz y eficiente. A partir de agosto de 2013, los servicios de traducción de la Comisión se encargarán de traducir, a todas las lenguas que soliciten los servicios responsables, los resúmenes y los documentos de consulta pública de extensión máxima de 10 páginas. Las partes interesadas pueden enviar sus contribuciones en cualquiera de las lenguas oficiales de la UE.

Por otro lado, desde enero de 2012 las partes interesadas pueden hacer oír mejor su voz después de que la Comisión ampliara, de ocho a doce semanas, la duración mínima de los períodos de consulta pública. Además, la Comisión se ha comprometido (9) a ampliar el alcance de las consultas mediante la publicación de un calendario rotatorio de consultas previstas en el sitio web de «Tu voz en Europa». A mediados de 2014 concluirá la revisión de las normas mínimas de consulta. Las normas revisadas proporcionarán orientaciones prácticas y operativas adicionales con vistas a mejorar la calidad de los documentos de consulta y, por tanto, mejorar la información de las partes interesadas y fomentar su participación.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008003/13

to the Commission

Francisco Sosa Wagner (NI)

(4 July 2013)

Subject: Your Voice in Europe

With a view to encouraging an interactive approach to policy-making, the Commission created the ‘Your Voice in Europe’ portal in 2001. There have been more than 370 public consultations under this programme to date.

I am aware of the criteria which govern the translation of certain types of information made available by the European institutions. It is stated on www.europa.eu that ‘to save taxpayers' money, for highly-specialised sites consulted only by relatively small numbers of people, the concern is to ensure most can understand the essence of the information, even if some will have to read official documents in a foreign language’.

As a result public consultations are not translated into the 23 official languages of the Union. Given that ‘Your Voice in Europe’ is the single access point through which European citizens can play an active part in EU decision-making, does the Commission think that the documents contained therein should be available in all the official languages so that anyone in Europe can have a say?

Does it think that the documents would be consulted more regularly if they were available in all the official EU languages?

Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the Commission

(23 August 2013)

The Commission considers stakeholders' contribution to the EU policy making process to be of utmost importance. Resources for translation are however limited and primarily used to meet the Commission's legal translation obligations. Beyond this, the Commission seeks to make available the translations of as many other documents as possible, including for public consultations: Green Papers are published in all the official languages, while for other consultation documents Commission lead services assess which language versions are needed to reach stakeholders in the most effective and efficient way. From August 2013, Commission translation services will ensure the translation of up to 10-page open public consultation documents and consultation summaries into all languages requested by lead services. Stakeholders' contributions can be submitted in any of the EU official languages.

From a broader perspective, the Commission has strengthened the voice of stakeholders by extending, since January 2012, the minimum period for public consultation from eight to twelve weeks. Furthermore, the Commission has committed (10) to extend the reach of consultations by publishing a rolling calendar of planned consultations on the ‘Your Voice in Europe’ website. A revision of the minimum consultation standards will be completed mid-2014. The revised standards will provide more practical and operational guidance with a view to enhance the quality of consultation documents and thus, facilitate stakeholders' understanding and encourage their replies.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-008004/13

a la Comisión

Gabriel Mato Adrover (PPE) y Esther Herranz García (PPE)

(4 de julio de 2013)

Asunto: Importaciones de tomates procedentes de Marruecos

En campañas pasadas, las importaciones de tomates procedentes de Marruecos generaron tensiones en el mercado comunitario, según los testimonios aportados por las organizaciones profesionales comunitarias. En la última campaña, ese país ha vuelto a exportar cantidades fuera de los contingentes preferenciales fijados en el acuerdo que mantiene con la Unión Europea. La Comisión ya ha reforzado el control sobre el respeto de los precios de entrada de frutas y hortalizas procedentes de países terceros para evitar irregularidades detectadas en años pasados, en particular en la importación de tomates marroquíes. Y en la reforma de la PAC se prevé una nueva modificación del régimen de importación en vigor.

¿Puede informar la Comisión de los datos definitivos de importación de tomates marroquíes en la campaña 2012/2013?

¿Tiene constancia el ejecutivo comunitario de que los importadores hayan respetado los precios de entrada establecidos para el contingente preferencial y pagado los derechos correspondientes tanto dentro como fuera del cupo establecido para esa última campaña?

¿Cómo piensa la Comisión que influirán los cambios aportados en el régimen de precios de entrada sobre el funcionamiento de las importaciones de tomates procedentes de ese país?

Respuesta del Sr. Cioloş en nombre de la Comisión

(5 de agosto de 2013)

Los servicios de la Comisión vigilan estrechamente las cantidades de tomates importados de Marruecos mediante un sistema de doble control basado en la declaración de las cantidades exportadas a la UE por los operadores marroquíes, así como en el registro diario de las importaciones por los servicios aduaneros nacionales de los Estados miembros (publicado diariamente en la página web de la Dirección General de Fiscalidad y Unión Aduanera). Para ayudar a las autoridades aduaneras a reforzar el control de la importación de productos sujetos al precio de entrada, mediante el Reglamento de Ejecución de la Comisión (UE) n° 701/2012 (11) se creó un sistema de rastreabilidad.

Sobre la base de las notificaciones de los Estados miembros, los servicios de la Comisión calculan el valor de importación a tanto alzado (con arreglo al artículo 140 bis del Reglamento n° 1234/2007 del Consejo). Este indicador de los precios de los tomares importados de Marruecos puede fluctuar por encima y por debajo del precio de entrada convenido, en la medida en que se pagan los aranceles correspondientes.

Atendiendo a los últimos datos provisionales (sujetos a revisión), Marruecos exportó a la UE 335 523 toneladas de tomates durante la temporada 2012-2013 (fuente: Vigilancia TAXUD, código 780014), de las cuales 242 035 toneladas entran dentro del contingente (establecido en 233 000 + 28 000 toneladas).

Conviene señalar que la correcta aplicación del sistema de precios de entrada, incluido el posible cobro de los aranceles de importación correspondientes, sigue siendo responsabilidad de los Estados miembros.

La reforma de la CAP y las normas de ejecución de la Comisión tienen por objeto dar las garantías necesarias a todas las partes interesadas de que el Acuerdo con Marruecos sea plenamente respetado en lo que se refiere al sistema de precios de entrada.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008004/13

to the Commission

Gabriel Mato Adrover (PPE) and Esther Herranz García (PPE)

(4 July 2013)

Subject: Imports of tomatoes from Morocco

According to professional bodies in the EU, imports of tomatoes from Morocco have been a source of tension in the Community market in recent years. Last year Morocco again exceeded the preferential import quotas enshrined in its agreement with the EU. The Commission has tightened compliance checks on the entry prices of fruit and vegetables from third countries in an effort to prevent the kinds of irregularities detected in previous years, particularly as regards imports of Moroccan tomatoes. The CAP reform also provides for additional changes to the current import arrangements.

Can the Commission put a precise figure on the volume of imports of tomatoes from Morocco in the 2012‐2013 season?

Can it say whether the imports have been priced according to the entry prices laid down for the preferential quota and whether the duties applicable to imports covered under and falling outside the quota for last year have been paid?

How does it think the changes to the entry price arrangements will affect imports of tomatoes from Morocco?

Answer given by Mr Cioloş on behalf of the Commission

(5 August 2013)

The Commission services closely monitor the amount of tomatoes imported from Morocco, with a double-checking system which is based on the declaration of the quantities exported to the EU by the Moroccan operators as well as the daily registration of imports by the national Customs Services of the Member States (published daily on the webpage of Directorate General of Taxation and Customs Union). To help customs authorities to reinforce the control of imports of products subject to the Entry Price, a traceability system was put in place through Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 701/2012 (12).

Based on the notifications of the Member States, the Commission services calculate the Standard Import Value (pursuant to Article 140a Council Regulation 1234/2007). This proxy of tomato prices imported from Morocco can fluctuate above and below the agreed entry price, to the extent that the corresponding duties are paid.

Based on the latest provisional data (which are subject to revision), Morocco exported to the EU 335 523 tonnes of tomatoes during the season 2012-13 (source Surveillance TAXUD, code 780014), of which 242 035 tonnes within the quota (set at 233 000+28 000 tonnes).

It has to be noted that the correct application of the entry price system, including the possible collection of linked import duties, remains under the responsibility of the Member States.

The CAP 2020 reform and the Commission implementing rules aim at giving the necessary guarantees to all stakeholders that the Agreement with Morocco is fully respected in regard of the entry price system.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-008005/13

προς το Συμβούλιο

Kyriacos Triantaphyllides (GUE/NGL)

(4 Ιουλίου 2013)

Θέμα: Διάσωση με ίδια μέσα των τραπεζών στην Κύπρο

Λαμβάνοντας την απόφαση για διάσωση με ίδια μέσα της Λαϊκής Τράπεζας Κύπρου, έλαβε υπόψη του το Συμβούλιο το γεγονός ότι πολλές επιχειρήσεις δεν ήταν καταθέτες αλλά είχαν λογαριασμούς στην τράπεζα για την διεξαγωγή των καθημερινών τους επιχειρηματικών δραστηριοτήτων, και ότι, εξανεμίζοντας το κεφάλαιο κίνησής τους, οι ενέργειες του Συμβουλίου ανάγκασαν τις περισσότερες από αυτές τις επιχειρήσεις να κηρύξουν πτώχευση, με οδυνηρές συνέπειες για τους ιδιοκτήτες και τους υπαλλήλους τους;

Απάντηση

(16 Σεπτεμβρίου 2013)

Στις 25 Μαρτίου 2013, η Ευρωομάδα επέτυχε συμφωνία με τις κυπριακές αρχές ως προς τα βασικά στοιχεία που απαιτούνται για ένα μελλοντικό μακροοικονομικό πρόγραμμα προσαρμογής που υποστηρίζεται από όλα τα κράτη μέλη της Ευρωζώνης καθώς και τα τρία θεσμικά όργανα. Η Ευρωομάδα εξέφρασε την μεγάλη της ικανοποίηση για τα σχέδια πολιτικής που παρουσίασαν οι κυπριακές αρχές και συμφώνησε ως προς τα μέτρα αναδιάρθρωσης του χρηματοοικονομικού τομέα όπως προσδιορίζεται στο παράρτημα της δήλωσής της με ημερομηνία 25 Μαρτίου 2013 που συνιστά την βάση για την αποκατάσταση της βιωσιμότητας του χρηματοπιστωτικού τομέα.

Επιπλέον, όπως αναφέρεται στο παράρτημα της δήλωσης της 25ης Μαρτίου 2013, συμφωνήθηκε ότι η Λαϊκή Τράπεζα της Κύπρου (Λαϊκή) θα διαλυθεί αμέσως — με πλήρη συμβολή των μετόχων, των ομολογιούχων και των ανασφάλιστων καταθετών — βάσει απόφασης της Κεντρικής Τράπεζας της Κύπρου (ΚΤΚ), μέσω του προσφάτως εγκριθέντος πλαισίου για την εξυγίανση των τραπεζών. Η τράπεζα θα διαχωρισθεί σε μία καλή τράπεζα και μία κακή τράπεζα. Η κακή τράπεζα θα τεθεί εκτός λειτουργίας συν τω χρόνω. Η καλή τράπεζα θα ενσωματωθεί στην Τράπεζα Κύπρου (ΤΚ), χρησιμοποιώντας το πλαίσιο για την εξυγίανση των τραπεζών, αφού εκφράσουν τις απόψεις τους τα διοικητικά συμβούλια της ΤΚ και της Λαϊκής. Θα λάβει 9 δισεκατομμύρια ευρώ επείγουσας ενίσχυσης υπό μορφή ρευστότητας. Μόνο οι ανασφάλιστες καταθέσεις της ΤΚ θα παραμείνουν δεσμευμένες μέχρι την πραγματοποίηση της ανακεφαλαιοποίησης και στη συνέχεια μπορούν να υπόκεινται σε κατάλληλους όρους.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008005/13

to the Council

Kyriacos Triantaphyllides (GUE/NGL)

(4 July 2013)

Subject: Bank bail-in in Cyprus

In taking the decision to bail in the Cyprus Popular Bank, did the Council consider the fact that many firms were not depositors, but held accounts at this bank in order to carry out their day-to-day business and, that by wiping out their working capital, your actions forced most of these firms into bankruptcy with dire consequences for their owners and employees?

Reply

(16 September 2013)

On 25 March 2013, the Eurogroup reached an agreement with the Cyprus authorities on the key elements necessary for a future macroeconomic adjustment programme supported by all euro area Member States as well as the three institutions. It broadly welcomed the policy plans presented by the Cyprus authorities and agreed to the measures for restructuring the financial sector as specified in the annex to its statement of 25 March 2013 which forms the basis for restoring the viability of the financial sector.

Moreover, as stated in the annex to the statement of 25 March 2013, it was agreed that the Cyprus Popular Bank (Laiki) will be resolved immediately — with a full contribution from equity shareholders, bond holders and uninsured depositors — based on a decision by the Central Bank of Cyprus (CBC), using the newly adopted Bank Resolution Framework. The bank will be split into a good bank and a bad bank. The bad bank will be run down over time. The good bank will be folded into Bank of Cyprus (BoC), using the Bank Resolution Framework, after having heard the Boards of Directors of BoC and Laiki. It will take EUR 9 billion of Emergency Liquidity Assistance with it. Only uninsured deposits in BoC will remain frozen until recapitalization has been effected, and may subsequently be subject to appropriate conditions.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-008006/13

προς την Επιτροπή

Kyriacos Triantaphyllides (GUE/NGL)

(4 Ιουλίου 2013)

Θέμα: Διάσωση με ίδια μέσα των τραπεζών στην Κύπρο

Λαμβάνοντας την απόφαση για διάσωση με ίδια μέσα της Λαϊκής Τράπεζας Κύπρου, έλαβε υπόψη της η Επιτροπή το γεγονός ότι πολλές εταιρείες δεν ήταν καταθέτες αλλά είχαν λογαριασμούς στην τράπεζα για την διεξαγωγή των καθημερινών τους επιχειρηματικών δραστηριοτήτων, και ότι εξανεμίζοντας το κεφάλαιο κίνησής τους, οι ενέργειες της Επιτροπής ανάγκασαν τις περισσότερες από αυτές τις εταιρείες να κηρύξουν πτώχευση, με οδυνηρές συνέπειες για τους ιδιοκτήτες και τους υπαλλήλους τους;

Απάντηση του κ. Rehn εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(5 Αυγούστου 2013)

Η απόφαση για την διενέργεια τραπεζικών πράξεων σε σχέση με τη Λαϊκή Τράπεζα Κύπρου υπήρξε μονομερής απόφαση των κυπριακών αρχών. Όλα τα ερωτήματα απευθύνονται ουσιαστικά στην αρμόδια κυπριακή αρχή.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008006/13

to the Commission

Kyriacos Triantaphyllides (GUE/NGL)

(4 July 2013)

Subject: Bank bail-in in Cyprus

In taking the decision to bail in the Cyprus Popular Bank, did the Commission consider the fact that many companies were not depositors but held accounts at the bank in order to carry out their day-to-day business, and that by wiping out their working capital, the Commission’s actions forced most of these companies into bankruptcy, with dire consequences for their owners and employees?

Answer given by Mr Rehn on behalf of the Commission

(5 August 2013)

The decision to conduct bank resolution actions in relation to Cyprus Popular Bank was a unilateral decision of the Cypriot authorities. All questions should be referred to the relevant authority within Cyprus.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-008007/13

an die Kommission (Vizepräsidentin/Hohe Vertreterin)

Jürgen Klute (GUE/NGL) und Catherine Grèze (Verts/ALE)

(4. Juli 2013)

Betrifft: VP/HR — Menschenrechtsverletzungen im Zusammenhang mit dem Bergbauvorhaben Conga in Peru

Seit November 2011 wird in Cajamarca, Peru, der friedliche Widerstand vor Ort gegen das Bergbauvorhaben Conga der Bergbaugesellschaft „Newmont“ durch die peruanische Regierung gewaltsam unterdrückt. Durch dieses Vorhaben werden die lebensnotwendigen landwirtschaftlich genutzten Flächen und die lebensnotwendige Trinkwasserversorgung der Gemeinschaften vor Ort bedroht. Selbst Umfragen zufolge lehnen 78 % der Bevölkerung in Cajamarca das Bergbauvorhaben ab. Am 3. Juli 2012 wurden erstmals Demonstranten Opfer des Konflikts: Vier Menschen kamen ums Leben, als Polizisten in die Menge schossen. Ein Jahr nach dem tragischen Ereignis wurde noch niemand zur Rechenschaft gezogen, und die Morde sind immer noch nicht ernsthaft untersucht worden. Bislang haben mehrere internationale Organisationen, darunter Amnesty International und Human Rights Watch, das gewaltsame Vorgehen gegen und die Unterdrückung der Bevölkerung von Cajamarca seitens der peruanischen Regierung verurteilt.

— Auch die EU trägt eine Mitverantwortung für diesen Konflikt. Zunächst sind die Deutsche Bank, BNP Paribas, HSBC Bank und Société General — alles europäische Unternehmen — entweder Anteilseigner der Bergbaugesellschaft „Newmont“, oder sie haben der Gesellschaft Geld geliehen oder treten als deren Konsortialführer auf. Ist die Vizepräsidentin/Hohe Vertreterin nicht der Ansicht, dass es vor dem Hintergrund der Mitteilung der Kommission über die soziale Verantwortung der Unternehmen aus dem Jahr 2011 angemessen wäre, die Beteiligung der genannten Unternehmen an der Bergbaugesellschaft „Newmont“ zu untersuchen?

— Darüber hinaus enthielt das jüngste Freihandelsübereinkommen zwischen der EU, Peru und Kolumbien einen Fahrplan. Kann die Vizepräsidentin/Hohe Vertreterin vor dem Hintergrund der vorstehend genannten Menschenrechtsverletzungen und der Tatsache, dass dieser Fahrplan zwar von der Kommission unterstützt, allerdings von den parlamentarischen Fraktionen GUE/NGL und Verts/ALE sowie von Nichtregierungsorganisationen und Gewerkschaften aufgrund seines unverbindlichen Mechanismus zum Schutz und zur Stärkung der Arbeits‐ und Bürgerrechte kritisiert wurde, skizzieren, wie die EU und die peruanische Regierung beabsichtigen, diesen Fahrplan mit Blick auf dessen erklärte Ziele umzusetzen?

— Hält es die Vizepräsidentin/Hohe Vertreterin vor dem Hintergrund der gewaltsamen Unterdrückung der bürgerlichen Freiheiten, der Verfolgung von Aktivisten, die sich gegen das Bergbauvorhaben Conga engagieren, und der rigorosen Durchsetzung des Bergbauvorhabens seitens der peruanischen Behörden — Umstände, die ausnahmslos einen klaren Verstoß gegen internationale Menschenrechtsübereinkommen und die Rechtsstaatlichkeit in Peru darstellen — nicht für angemessen, die peruanischen Behörden zu ihrem Umgang mit dem Conga-Projekt zu befragen? Wie beurteilt die Vizepräsidentin/Hohe Vertreterin diese Ereignisse?

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

(26. August 2013)

Die EU ist sich der mit diesem umstrittenen Projekt verbundenen Problematik durchaus bewusst. Vertreter der EU-Delegation sind im Juni 2013 in die Region gereist und haben dort die verschiedenen Interessenträger getroffen.

Die EU hat gegenüber Peru auf höchster Ebene das Thema soziale Konflikte im Zusammenhang mit Bergbauvorhaben wie dem Conga-Projekt aufgeworfen. Während der letzten jährlich stattfindenden bilateralen Konsultationen mit Peru wurde vereinbart, Informationen und bewährte Methoden für die Prävention und Lösung von sozialen Konflikten und für die nachhaltige, transparente und partizipatorische Bewirtschaftung natürlicher Ressourcen auszutauschen.

Die EU begrüßt die Einrichtung eines Büros für Dialog und nachhaltige Entwicklung im Amt des Ministerpräsidenten sowie die Ernennung eines Vertreters der Zentralregierung, die mit der lokalen Bevölkerung in Cajamarca zusammenarbeiten und den Dialog zwischen den gegnerischen Parteien vertiefen sollen.

Die Kommission verfügt weder über ein Mandat noch über Mittel zur Untersuchung von Beschwerden über mangelndes Verantwortungsbewusstsein seitens EU-Unternehmen, hat jedoch in ihrer Mitteilung von 2011 über die soziale Verantwortung der Unternehmen (13) (Corporate Social Responsibility — CSR) ihre Erwartungen hinsichtlich des verantwortungsvollen Verhaltens aller Unternehmen dargelegt; dazu zählt auch die Einhaltung der international anerkannten CSR-Grundsätze und ‐Leitlinien. Die Kommission hat außerdem sektorspezifische Leitlinien veröffentlicht, darunter für den Öl‐ und Gassektor, die den Unternehmen helfen sollen, im Rahmen ihrer Geschäftstätigkeit Risiken für Menschen sowie sonstige negative Auswirkungen zu ermitteln, zu reduzieren oder zu vermeiden.

Bei den „Fahrplänen“, auf die sich die Frau Abgeordnete und der Herr Abgeordnete beziehen, handelt es sich um unilaterale Reaktionen Perus und Kolumbiens auf die Entschließung des Europäischen Parlaments zum Handelsübereinkommen zwischen der EU, Kolumbien und Peru (14). Die EU-Dienststellen stehen bereit, die Umsetzung dieser Fahrpläne zu unterstützen.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-008007/13

à la Commission (Vice-Présidente/Haute Représentante)

Jürgen Klute (GUE/NGL) et Catherine Grèze (Verts/ALE)

(4 juillet 2013)

Objet: VP/HR — Violations des Droits de l'homme liées au projet minier Conga au Pérou

Depuis le mois de novembre 2011, à Cajamarca (Pérou), le gouvernement péruvien a fait usage de la force contre le mouvement d'opposition pacifique au projet minier Conga financé par l'entreprise Newmont. Le projet Conga menace les principales terres agricoles et ressources en eau des communautés locales: même les sondages montrent que 78 % des habitants de Cajamarca rejettent le projet minier. Le 3 juillet 2012, les premiers manifestants ont été victimes du conflit, quatre personnes ont été tuées lorsque la police a ouvert le feu sur la foule. Un an après ce tragique évènement, personne n'a été tenu responsable des faits et il faut, dès maintenant, enquêter sérieusement sur les meurtriers. Jusqu'à présent, plusieurs organisations internationales parmi lesquelles Amnesty International et Human Rights Watch ont condamné la brutalité et la répression démontrée par le gouvernement péruvien à l'encontre des populations de Cajamarca.

— L'Union européenne a une part de responsabilité dans ce conflit. D'une part, Deutsche Bank, BNP Paribas, HSBC Bank et Société Générale — toutes des entreprises européennes — soit possèdent des parts dans le groupe Newmont Mining, soit lui ont consenti des prêts, soit agissent en tant chefs de file d'un consortium. Vu la communication de la Commission de 2011 sur la responsabilité sociale des entreprises, la vice-présidente/haute représentante ne juge-t-elle pas nécessaire d'enquêter sur la participation de ces entreprises au projet minier du groupe Newmont?

— D'autre part, le dernier accord de libre-échange entre l'Union européenne, le Pérou et la Colombie présentait une feuille de route. À la lumière des violations des Droits de l'homme mentionnées plus haut, rappelant que cette feuille de route avait été soutenue par la Commission mais critiquée par le groupe parlementaire GUE/NGL et Les Verts/ALE, les organisations non gouvernementales et les syndicats en raison de sa valeur non contraignante à l'égard de la protection et de l'amélioration des droits civils et du travail dans les pays impliqués, la vice-présidente/haute représentante pourrait-elle définir la manière dont l'Union et le gouvernement péruvien comptent mettre en œuvre cette feuille de route dans le but de réaliser les objectifs visés?

— Étant donné la répression violente des libertés civiles, le harcèlement des activistes anti-Conga et la poursuite acharnée du projet minier par les autorités péruviennes, portant tous atteinte aux conventions internationales des Droits de l'homme et aux règles de droit au Pérou, la vice-présidente/haute représentante ne juge-t-elle pas opportun d'interroger les autorités péruviennes sur leur comportement dans l'affaire Conga? Que pense-t-elle de ces évènements?

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

(26 août 2013)

L'Union européenne est bien consciente des difficultés qui entourent ce projet contesté. Des représentants de la délégation de l'UE au Pérou se sont rendus dans la région en juin 2013 et ont rencontré les différentes parties intéressées.

L'UE a abordé avec le Pérou, au plus haut niveau, la question des conflits sociaux liés aux entreprises minières, tel que le projet Conga. Il a été convenu, lors des dernières consultations bilatérales annuelles UE-Pérou, d'échanger des informations et les meilleures pratiques concernant la prévention et la résolution des conflits sociaux, ainsi que la gestion durable, transparente et participative des ressources naturelles.

L'UE se félicite de la création d'un bureau spécial pour «le dialogue et le développement durable» au sein du cabinet du premier ministre, ainsi que de la nomination d'un représentant du gouvernement central pour dialoguer avec la population locale de Cajamarca et renforcer le dialogue entre les protagonistes.

Bien que la Commission ne dispose ni d'un mandat ni des ressources nécessaires pour enquêter sur un prétendu manque de responsabilité d'entreprises de l'UE, la communication sur la responsabilité sociale des entreprises (15) (RSE) de 2011 précise ce qu'elle attend des entreprises en matière de conduite responsable, et notamment le respect des principes et lignes directrices approuvés au niveau international en matière de RSE. La Commission a également publié des notes d'orientation à l'attention de secteurs spécifiques, dont l'industrie pétrolière et gazière, qui aident les entreprises à identifier, à limiter et à éviter les risques dans le domaine des Droits de l'homme et autres incidences négatives dans le cadre de leurs activités commerciales.

Les «feuilles de route» mentionnées par les Honorables Parlementaires constituent les réponses unilatérales apportées par le Pérou et la Colombie à la résolution du Parlement européen sur l'accord commercial entre l'Union européenne, d'une part, et la Colombie et le Pérou, d'autre part (16). Les services de l'UE sont prêts à soutenir leur mise en œuvre.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008007/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Jürgen Klute (GUE/NGL) and Catherine Grèze (Verts/ALE)

(4 July 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Human rights violations relating to the Conga mining project in Peru

Since November 2011, peaceful local opposition in Cajamarca, Peru, to Newmont Mining Corporation’s Conga project has been met with violent repression by the Peruvian government. Conga is threatening the essential land and water supplies of local communities. Even polls show that 78% of the Cajamarcan people reject the mining project. On 3 July 2012 the first demonstrators fell victim to this conflict, with four people being killed when police opened fire on the public. A year after that tragic event, no one has been held accountable, and the murders have yet to be seriously investigated. So far, several international organisations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have condemned the brutality and repression employed by the Peruvian government against the population of Cajamarca.

— The EU has its share of responsibility in this conflict. Firstly, Deutsche Bank, BNP Paribas, HSBC Bank and Société General — all European companies — either own shares in Newmont Mining, have lent it money, or act as their bookrunners. Considering the Commission’s 2011 communication on Corporate Social Responsibility, does the Vice-President/High Representative not think it appropriate to investigate these companies’ participation in Newmont Mining?

— Secondly, the last EU-Peru-Columbia Free Trade Agreement contained a roadmap. In the light of the abovementioned human right violations and recalling that this roadmap was supported by the Commission, but criticised by the GUE/NGL Parliamentary Group, the Greens/EFA, NGOs, and trade unions for its non-binding mechanism regarding the protection and improvement of labour and civil rights in the countries involved, could the Vice-President/High Representative outline how the EU and the Peruvian government plan to implement this roadmap in pursuit of its declared objectives?

— Considering the violent repression of civil liberties, the harassment of anti-Conga activists and the forceful pursuit of the mining project by the Peruvian authorities, all in clear violation of international human rights conventions and the rule of law in Peru, does the Vice-President/High Representative not think it appropriate to question the Peruvian authorities on their handling of the Conga affair? How does the Vice‐President / High Representative view these events?

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

(26 August 2013)

The EU is well aware of the challenges surrounding this contested project. Representatives of the EU Delegation in Peru visited the region in June 2013, meeting with the different stakeholders.

The EU has raised with Peru, at the highest level, the topic of social conflicts linked to mining ventures, such as the Conga project. It was agreed at the latest annual EU-Peru Bilateral Consultations to exchange information and best practices for the prevention and resolution of social conflicts and the sustainable, transparent and participatory management of natural resources.

The EU welcomes the establishment of a special ‘Office for Dialogue and Sustainable Development’ within the Prime Minster's offices, as well as the appointment of a central government representative to engage with the local population in Cajamarca and strengthen the dialogue between the opposed actors.

While the Commission does not have the mandate or the resources to investigate allegations of lack of responsibility on the part of EU companies, the 2011 Communication on Corporate Social Responsibility (17) (CSR) sets out the Commission's expectations on responsible conduct by all companies, including adherence to internationally agreed CSR principles and guidelines. The Commission has also issued sector-specific guidance notes, including for the oil and gas industry, which are meant to help companies identify, mitigate and avoid human rights risks and other negative impacts in their business operations.

The ‘road maps’ to which the Honourable Members refer constitute unilateral responses by Peru and Colombia to the Parliament resolution on the EU trade agreement with Colombia and Peru (18). The EU services stand ready to assist with their implementation.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung P-008278/13

an die Kommission

Evelyn Regner (S&D)

(10. Juli 2013)

Betrifft: Stellungnahme der Europäischen Agentur für Flugsicherheit (EASA) für die Kommission zu den neuen Regeln bezüglich der Dienstzeiten von Piloten (Flugzeitbeschränkungen)

Die Kommission arbeitet derzeit an einem Vorschlag für eine neue Regelung der Dienstzeiten von Piloten (Flugzeitbeschränkungen). Diesbezüglich legte die EASA im Oktober 2012 eine Stellungnahme vor. Die Koordinatoren des Ausschusses für Beschäftigung und soziale Angelegenheiten des Parlaments haben sich im Rahmen einer offenen Sitzung am 19. März 2013 mit der Thematik befasst.

Werden durch die EU-Bestimmungen Mindestsicherheitsanforderungen festgelegt? Werden die Mitgliedstaaten dazu befugt sein, auf nationaler Ebene strengere Bestimmungen beizubehalten oder einzuführen?

Warum hat die Kommission nicht das Vorsorgeprinzip angewandt und datengestützte Forschung vorgeschlagen, die aufzeigen kann, ob durch die neuen Regelungen Ermüdung wirksam verhindert werden kann — zumal es bereits auf wissenschaftliche Erkenntnisse und Empfehlungen von Experten gestützte Hinweise darauf gibt, dass die neuen Regelungen wahrscheinlich nicht wirksam sind.

Wurde die Bewertung der medizinischen Studien von einem Experten in diesem Bereich durchgeführt? Kann die Kommission nachweisen, dass die Stellungnahme der EASA im Hinblick auf die Betriebshygiene und ‐sicherheit bewertet wurde?

Gemeinsame Antwort von Herrn Kallas im Namen der Kommission

(21. August 2013)

Mit den in Kürze vorliegenden überarbeiteten EU-Vorschriften zur Beschränkung der Flugdienstzeit (FTL) werden Mindestsicherheitsgrenzwerte für Fluggesellschaften festgelegt. Abweichungen von diesen Vorschriften werden, wie in der Antwort der Kommission auf die schriftliche Anfrage P-0011515/2012 (19) erläutert, gestattet.

Die Kommission hat bei der Überarbeitung der EU-FTL-Vorschriften nach dem Vorsorgeprinzip gehandelt, indem sie strengere Schutzbestimmungen vorgeschlagen hat, wenn genügend Nachweise dafür vorlagen, dass eine Verbesserung der Sicherheitsvorkehrungen gerechtfertigt ist. Außerdem hat die Kommission vorgeschlagen, im Nachhinein anhand empirischer Daten ständig zu überprüfen, ob die Vorschriften eine Übermüdung wirksam verhindern können.

Die EU-FTL-Sicherheitsvorschriften haben nicht zum Ziel, soziale Fragen im Zusammenhang mit der Arbeitszeit bzw. der Gesundheit oder Sicherheit am Arbeitsplatz zu regeln. Sie lassen aber die diesbezüglichen EU‐ und innerstaatlichen Rechtsvorschriften sowie die entsprechenden Tarifvereinbarungen unberührt. Der Zusammenhang zwischen den FTL-Sicherheitsvorschriften und den Vorschriften zur Gesundheit und Sicherheit besteht darin, dass die Vorschrift mit der stärksten Schutzwirkung Vorrang hat. Außerdem sei darauf hingewiesen, dass die vorgeschlagenen überarbeiteten FTL-Vorschriften einen größeren Schutz bieten als die derzeitigen Vorschriften.

In den Antworten auf die schriftlichen Anfragen P-007959/2013 (2) und E-009003/2012 (3) hat die Kommission weitere Informationen zur Bewertung wissenschaftlicher Daten gegeben

(Nederlandse versie)

Vraag met verzoek om schriftelijk antwoord E-008008/13

aan de Commissie

Judith A. Merkies (S&D)

(4 juli 2013)

Betreft: Advies van het Europees Agentschap voor de veiligheid van de luchtvaart (EASA) aan de Commissie over nieuwe voorschriften  ter beperking van de werkuren van piloten (vliegtijdbeperkingen)

De Commissie werkt momenteel aan een voorstel voor nieuwe voorschriften  ter beperking van de werkuren van piloten. In oktober 2012 heeft het EASA een advies hierover gepubliceerd en de coördinatoren van de Commissie werkgelegenheid en sociale zaken hebben het onderwerp tijdens een open coördinatorenbijeenkomst op 19 maart 2013 besproken.

Zullen de EU-voorschriften voor een minimumveiligheidsniveau zorgen? Zullen de EU-landen op nationaal niveau strengere regels kunnen handhaven of invoeren?

Waarom heeft de Commissie nagelaten het voorzorgsbeginsel toe te passen, met name door een op feiten gebaseerd onderzoek achteraf te voorzien, met als doel te evalueren of de nieuwe voorschriften doeltreffend zijn om vermoeidheid te voorkomen, temeer aangezien het beschikbare wetenschappelijke bewijsmateriaal en deskundigenadvies nu al op de waarschijnlijke ondoeltreffendheid van de voorschriften wijzen?

Is de raadpleging van medische studies gebeurd door een medisch deskundige? Kan de Commissie bewijzen dat ze het advies van het EASA vanuit het oogpunt van gezondheid en veiligheid op het werk heeft bestudeerd?

Antwoord van de heer Kallas namens de Commissie

(21 augustus 2013)

In de herziening van de EU-regels inzake vliegtijdbeperkingen zal een minimumveiligheidsniveau voor luchtvaartmaatschappijen worden vastgesteld. Afwijkingen van deze regels zullen worden toegestaan, zoals uitgelegd in het antwoord van de Commissie op schriftelijke vraag P-0011515/2012 (20).

De Commissie heeft het voorzorgsbeginsel gevolgd bij de herziening van de EU-regels inzake vliegtijdbeperkingen door strengere regels voor te stellen als er voldoende gedocumenteerde aanwijzingen waren dat dit voor een verbetering van de veiligheid zou zorgen. De Commissie heeft ook permanent ex-postonderzoek op basis van reële gegevens voorgesteld, om na te gaan of de regels doeltreffend zijn voor het voorkomen van vermoeidheid.

De EU-regels inzake vliegtijdbeperkingen hebben niet tot doel sociale kwesties als arbeidstijden en veiligheid en gezondheid op het werk te regelen. Ze laten de toepasselijke EU‐ en nationale wetgeving en collectieve arbeidsovereenkomsten inzake werktijden en veiligheid en gezondheid op het werk onverlet. De relatie tussen de regels inzake vliegtijdbeperkingen en de regels inzake veiligheid en gezondheid op het werk is gebaseerd op het beginsel dat de strengste regels voorrang hebben. Bovendien is het belangrijk er op te wijzen dat de voorgestelde herziene regels inzake vliegtuigbeperkingen meer bescherming bieden dan de huidige regels.

De Commissie heeft nadere informatie over de beoordeling van het wetenschappelijk advies verstrekt in haar antwoord op schriftelijke vragen P-007959/2013(1) en E-009003/2012(1).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008008/13

to the Commission

Judith A. Merkies (S&D)

(4 July 2013)

Subject: European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) opinion to the Commission on new rules to limit the hours of duty for pilots (flight time limitations (FTL))

The Commission is currently working on a proposal for new rules to limit the hours of duty for pilots (FTL). In October 2012 the EASA published an opinion on the proposal and the Employment and Social Affairs Committee (EMPL) coordinators looked into the matter during an open coordinators’ meeting on 19 March 2013.

Will the EU rules establish a minimum level of safety? Will Member States be allowed to keep or introduce stricter rules at national level?

Why has the Commission not applied the precautionary principle, by means of ex-post data‐based research, to assess whether or not the new rules will be effective in preventing fatigue, bearing in mind that available scientific evidence and expert advice already indicate that the rules are unlikely to be effective?

Has the task of consulting medical studies been carried out by a medical specialist? What evidence can the Commission provide of any assessment of the EASA opinion from an occupational health and safety perspective?

Question for written answer P-008278/13

to the Commission

Evelyn Regner (S&D)

(10 July 2013)

Subject: European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) opinion to the Commission for new rules to limit pilots' hours of duty (flight time limitations)

The Commission is currently working on a proposal for new rules to limit pilots’ hours of duty (flight time limitations). In October 2012 the EASA published an opinion in this connection. The coordinators in Parliament’s Committee on Employment and Social Affairs looked into the matter during an open coordinators’ meeting on 19 March 2013.

Will EU rules set a minimum safety level? Will Member States be allowed to keep or introduce stricter rules at national level?

Why did the Commission not apply the precautionary principle, by proposing ex-post data‐based research to assess whether the new rules are effective in preventing fatigue, considering that available scientific evidence and expert advice already indicate that the rules are unlikely to be effective?

Has the task of assessing medical studies been carried out by a medical specialist? What evidence can the Commission provide of any assessment of the EASA opinion from an occupational health and safety perspective?

Joint answer given by Mr Kallas on behalf of the Commission

(21 August 2013)

The forthcoming revised EU rules on Flight Time Limitations (FTL) will set a minimum safety level for airlines. Deviations from these rules will be allowed as explained under the Commission's answer to Written Question P-0011515/2012 (21).

The Commission has followed the precautionary principle in the revision of EU FTL rules, by proposing more protective rules when sufficient documented evidence was produced justifying a safety improvement. The Commission has also proposed a continuous ex-post real-data-based research to assess whether the rules are effective in preventing fatigue.

EU FTL safety rules are not aimed at regulating social issues concerning working time and occupational health and safety. However, they are without prejudice to the applicable EU, national legislation and collective labour agreements concerning working time and occupational health and safety. The relationship between safety FTL and health and safety rules is based on the principle that the most protective rule prevails. Furthermore, it is important to note that the proposed revised FTL rules will provide more protection than the current rules.

Further information concerning the assessment of scientific evidence has been provided by the Commission in its answers to written questions P-007959/2013 (22) and E-009003/2012 (23).

(Wersja polska)

Pytanie wymagające odpowiedzi pisemnej E-008009/13

do Komisji (Wiceprzewodniczącej/Wysokiej Przedstawiciel)

Michał Tomasz Kamiński (ECR)

(4 lipca 2013 r.)

Przedmiot: Wiceprzewodnicząca/Wysoka Przedstawiciel – Nowo wybrany prezydent w Iranie

Hassan Rowhani został wybrany na prezydenta Iranu przy blisko 51 % głosów. Określa się go jako obdarzonego zmysłem praktycznym głównego negocjatora w kwestiach jądrowych oraz wieloletniego członka establishmentu. H. Rowhani obiecał nawiązać kontakty z Zachodem i złagodzić ograniczenia w Iranie.

Jakie skutki dla relacji pomiędzy UE a Iranem może pociągać za sobą wybór nowego prezydenta Iranu?

Odpowiedź udzielona przez Wysoką Przedstawiciel/Wiceprzewodniczącą Catherine Ashton w imieniu Komisji

(28 sierpnia 2013 r.)

Mamy nadzieję, że wybór Hassana Rohaniego na prezydenta Iranu przyniesie pewne pozytywne zmiany w polityce zagranicznej kraju, w szczególności biorąc pod uwagę zapowiadaną przez niego poprawę stosunków Iranu ze światem zewnętrznym. Zdajemy sobie jednak sprawę, że prawdopodobnie będzie musiał stawić czoła wielu przeszkodom w swoim kraju, dlatego wstrzymujemy się z oceną prezydenta, aż będzie możliwe poddanie ocenie jego rzeczywistych działań, a nie obietnic.

W dniu 15 czerwca Wysoka Przedstawiciel/Wiceprzewodnicząca Komisji wydała oświadczenie na temat wyborów w Iranie, w którym życzyła Rohaniemu sukcesów w tworzeniu nowego rządu i w wypełnianiu swoich obowiązków. Wyraziła również swoje zaangażowanie we współpracę z nowym przywództwem Iranu, ukierunkowaną na szybkie rozwiązanie kwestii jądrowej.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008009/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Michał Tomasz Kamiński (ECR)

(4 July 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — New president elected in Iran

Hassan Rowhani has been elected president of Iran with almost 51% of the vote. He is described as a practical chief nuclear negotiator and a long-standing establishment figure. Mr Rowhani has promised to engage with the West and to ease restrictions in Iran.

What effects can the election of this new president have on the relationship between the EU and Iran?

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

(28 August 2013)

We hope that Mr Rohani's election could provide some positive momentum in particular considering his announced intentions to try to improve Iran's relations with the outside world. However, we are aware that he might face important domestic constraints, and we wait to assess him on real facts rather than promises.

The HR/VP issued a statement on 15 June on the Iranian elections, in which she wished Mr Rohani well in forming a new government and in taking up his reponsibility. She also expressed her commitment to work with the new Iranian leadership towards a swift solution of the nuclear issue.

(Wersja polska)

Pytanie wymagające odpowiedzi pisemnej E-008010/13

do Komisji

Michał Tomasz Kamiński (ECR)

(4 lipca 2013 r.)

Przedmiot: Nowe prawo górnicze w Ekwadorze

Prezydent Ekwadoru zamierza zwiększyć wydobycie złota, srebra, miedzi i innych metali. Dowodem na wspieranie górnictwa jest także nowe prawo górnicze uchwalone 13 czerwca 2013 r. Ten rodzaj górnictwa wymaga udziału inwestorów zagranicznych. Prezydent oświadczył, że zamierza podpisać umowę o wolnym handlu z Unią Europejską.

— Jakie informacje mogłaby przedstawić Komisja na temat efektów gospodarczych tej umowy o wolnym handlu?

— Jakie jest stanowisko Komisji w sprawie inwestycji w Ekwadorze?

Odpowiedź udzielona przez komisarza Karela De Guchta w imieniu Komisji

(21 sierpnia 2013 r.)

Komisja prowadzi wewnętrzne konsultacje dotyczące możliwości wznowienia negocjacji z Ekwadorem. Nie przesądzając o wyniku negocjacji, jeśli zostaną one wznowione i zakończą się sukcesem, podpisanie i późniejsze zastosowanie porozumienia wymagać będzie czasu.

Z oceny wpływu handlu na zrównoważony rozwój poprzez ewentualną umowę handlową między UE a Wspólnotą Andyjską (przeprowadzona w październiku 2009 r.) wynika, że pomyślne zakończenie negocjacji doprowadziłoby do wzrostu ekwadorskiego PKB o od 1,2 % (w krótkim czasie) do 1,9 % (w perspektywie długofalowej).

Z niedawnego badania FEDEXPOR (Federación Ecuatoriana de Exportadores) wynika, że dzięki umowie z UE, Ekwador mógłby zwiększyć eksport do UE o ponad 300 mln USD tylko w przeciągu pierwszych trzech lat. Analiza ta wykazała także, że w przypadku braku takiej umowy Ekwador mógłby ponieść koszty w wysokości nawet do 2,5 mld USD w przeciągu pierwszych trzech lat, co związane jest z wahaniami rynków i względnym wzrostem wysokości stawek celnych w porównaniu do konkurencji.

Inwestycje europejskie w Ekwadorze są wciąż stosunkowo niewielkie w porównaniu do inwestycji w innych krajach Ameryki Łacińskiej. Ekwador jest ważnym miejscem na potencjalne inwestycje europejskie, rozwijanie technologii i zdobywanie wiedzy. Ambitna umowa handlowa, jeśli doszłoby do jej podpisania, pozwoliłaby utworzyć stabilne i przewidywalne ramy prawne.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008010/13

to the Commission

Michał Tomasz Kamiński (ECR)

(4 July 2013)

Subject: New mining law in Ecuador

The President of Ecuador intends to increase mining for gold, silver, copper and other metals. This support for mining is also evidenced by a new mining law that was passed on 13 June 2013. This type of mining requires foreign investors, and the President has announced that he intends to sign a Free Trade Agreement with the EU.

— What information could the Commission provide on the economic outcomes that would result from this Free Trade Agreement?

— What is the Commission’s position on investment in Ecuador?

Answer given by Mr De Gucht on behalf of the Commission

(21 August 2013)

The Commission is carrying out internal consultations regarding the potential re-launch of negotiations with Ecuador. Without prejudice to their final outcome, if negotiations were to be re-launched and concluded successfully, signature and subsequent application of the Agreement will take some time.

The Trade Sustainability Impact Assessment of the potential EU-Andean Trade Agreement (carried out in October 2009) estimated that a successful conclusion of the negotiations would increase Ecuador’s GDP by between 1.2% (in the short term) and 1.9% (in the long term).

A recent study done by FEDEXPOR (Federación Ecuatoriana de Exportadores) estimates that by having an agreement with the EU, Ecuador could increase exports to the EU by more than USD 300 million within the first three years alone. The study also estimates that without an agreement the overall costs for Ecuador could reach USD 2.5 billion within the first three years due to trade deviation and relative increase of tariffs as compared to its main competitors.

European investments in Ecuador are still relatively limited when compared with other Latin American countries. Ecuador represents an important potential destination for European investment, technology and know-how. An ambitious trade agreement, if concluded, could significantly contribute by putting in place a stable and predictable legal framework.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-008305/13

alla Commissione (Vicepresidente/Alto Rappresentante)

Fiorello Provera (EFD) e Charles Tannock (ECR)

(10 luglio 2013)

Oggetto: VP/HR — Donne presunte vittime di stupro in piazza Tahrir al Cairo

Secondo Human Rights Watch, durante i quattro giorni di protesta iniziati il 30 giugno 2013 almeno 91 donne sarebbero state violentate nella piazza Tahrir del Cairo.

L'organizzazione egiziana Operazione anti molestie sessuali e anti aggressione (Operation Anti-Sexual Harassment/Assault) ha dichiarato che durante le proteste sarebbero avvenuti 91 stupri, comprese aggressioni nei confronti di quattro donne che hanno necessitato di cure mediche urgenti. Una donna ha dovuto sottoporsi a chirurgia dopo essere stata violentata con un oggetto «affilato» e un'altra donna è stata picchiata con catene e bastoni di metallo e aggredita con coltelli.

Human Rights Watch ha dichiarato che, dal novembre 2011, il governo egiziano ha prestato poca attenzione al grave e persistente problema della violenza sessuale. La polizia non ha interferito nelle proteste e le donne sono state lasciate prive di protezione, esposte ad aggressioni e stupri. Inoltre, il partito Libertà e giustizia, legato ai Fratelli Musulmani, ha rivelato l'identità e la nazionalità di una delle vittime di stupro.

Il vicedirettore per il Medio Oriente di Human Rights Watch, Joe Stork, ha dichiarato: «Le aggressioni sessuali dilaganti durante le proteste di piazza Tahrir mettono in evidenza il fallimento del governo e di tutti i partiti politici nella lotta alle violenze a cui sono esposte quotidianamente le donne in Egitto negli spazi pubblici. Si tratta di reati gravi che stanno impedendo alle donne di partecipare alla vita pubblica in Egitto durante un momento cruciale dello sviluppo del paese».

L'UE è perfettamente consapevole della situazione delle donne in Egitto e la sua delegazione al Cairo è regolarmente in contatto con le organizzazioni locali della società civile, oltre a seguire attentamente i presunti casi di violenza e molestie sessuali contro le donne.

L'UE condanna fermamente tutte le forme di violenza sessuale contro le donne e altri gruppi vulnerabili e l'AR/VP ha regolarmente sollevato la questione con le autorità egiziane. Promuovere la parità tra uomini e donne rappresenta da tempo una priorità nell'ambito dell'accordo di associazione UE-Egitto.

Questo intende favorire l'uguaglianza di genere nel paese sostenendo l'impegno delle autorità egiziane nella promozione dei diritti delle donne, integrando la questione di genere nel dialogo politico con le autorità egiziane e appoggiando in modo attivo le iniziative della società civile in tal senso. A tale riguardo, nel 2012 la delegazione dell'UE ha organizzato un seminario presieduto dall'AR/VP sul tema «Le donne egiziane — prospettive», durante il quale è stato firmato un contratto da 4 milioni di euro a sostegno dell'azione di UN Women volta a fornire una carta d'identità alle donne egiziane.

(Wersja polska)

Pytanie wymagające odpowiedzi pisemnej E-008011/13

do Komisji (Wiceprzewodniczącej/Wysokiej Przedstawiciel)

Michał Tomasz Kamiński (ECR)

(4 lipca 2013 r.)

Przedmiot: Wiceprzewodnicząca/Wysoka Przedstawiciel – Molestowanie seksualne kobiet w Egipcie

Molestowanie seksualne kobiet w Egipcie przybrało postać epidemii, a mężczyźni za brutalny kontakt fizyczny z kobietami dostają niewielkie kary. Według doniesień 99,3 % kobiet w Egipcie, które wzięły udział w ankiecie, twierdzi że doświadczyły one pewnych form molestowania seksualnego. Według sprawozdania ONZ przeprowadzone badanie potwierdziło, że molestowanie seksualne w Egipcie osiągnęło niespotykanie wysoki poziom.

Czy ESDZ jest świadoma szerzenia się molestowania seksualnego kobiet w Egipcie? Jak dzięki istniejącym programom ESDZ może pomóc tym kobietom?

Wspólna odpowiedź udzielona przez Wysoką Przedstawiciel/Wiceprzewodniczącą Komisji Catherine Ashton w imieniu Komisji

(3 września 2013 r.)

Unia Europejska jest w pełni świadoma sytuacji kobiet w Egipcie, a delegatura UE w Kairze pozostaje w stałym kontakcie z lokalnymi organizacjami społeczeństwa obywatelskiego i uważnie śledzi zgłoszone przypadki przemocy oraz molestowania seksualnego kobiet.

UE zdecydowanie potępia wszelkie formy molestowania seksualnego kobiet i innych szczególnie narażonych grup ludności, a Wysoka Przedstawiciel/Wiceprzewodnicząca regularnie porusza tę kwestię w kontaktach z władzami egipskimi. Promowanie równouprawnienia płci od dawna jest priorytetem w ramach układu o stowarzyszeniu między UE a Egiptem.

UE dąży do promowania równouprawnienia płci w Egipcie poprzez wspieranie wysiłków władz egipskich na rzecz propagowania praw kobiet, poprzez uwzględnianie kwestii równości płci w dialogu politycznym z władzami egipskimi oraz poprzez aktywne wspieranie inicjatyw społeczeństwa obywatelskiego propagujących prawa kobiet. W związku z tym w 2013 r. delegatura UE zorganizowała seminarium „Egipskie kobiety – droga naprzód”, któremu przewodniczyła Wysoka Przedstawiciel/Wiceprzewodnicząca. W jego trakcie podpisano kontrakt w wysokości 4 mln EUR na wsparcie działań ONZ mających na celu zapewnienie wszystkim Egipcjankom dokumentów tożsamości.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008011/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Michał Tomasz Kamiński (ECR)

(4 July 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Sexual harassment of women in Egypt

Sexual harassment of women is an epidemic in Egypt, where men receive trivial punishments for making violent physical contact with women. It has been reported that 99.3% of Egyptian women surveyed claim to have experienced some form of sexual harassment. According to a UN report, a study has confirmed that sexual harassment in Egypt has reached unprecedented levels.

Is the EEAS aware of the increase in sexual harassment of women in Egypt? How can the EEAS assist these women through existing programmes?

Question for written answer E-008305/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Fiorello Provera (EFD) and Charles Tannock (ECR)

(10 July 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Women allegedly raped in Cairo's Tahrir Square

According to Human Rights Watch, during the four-day protest which started on 30 June 2013, at least 91 women were reportedly raped in Cairo’s Tahrir Square.

The Egyptian Operation Anti-Sexual Harassment/Assault group reported that 91 rapes were recorded during the protests, including attacks on four women who required urgent medical attention. One woman had to undergo surgery after being violated with a ‘sharp’ object. Another woman was beaten with metal chains and sticks and attacked with knives.

Human Rights Watch has reported that, since November 2011, the Egyptian Government has paid little attention to the serious ongoing problem of sexual violence. Police have not interfered in protests and women have been left unprotected, vulnerable to being attacked and raped. Furthermore, the Muslim-Brotherhood-linked Freedom and Justice Party revealed the identity and nationality of one of the rape victims.

Human Rights Watch’s deputy Middle East director Joe Stork said: ‘The rampant sexual attacks during the Tahrir Square protests highlight the failure of the government and all political parties to face up to the violence that women in Egypt experience on a daily basis in public spaces. These are serious crimes that are holding women back from participating fully in the public life of Egypt at a critical point in the country’s development’.

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

(3 September 2013)

The EU is well aware of the situation of women in Egypt and the EU Delegation in Cairo is in regular contact with local Civil Society Organisations and closely monitors reported cases of violence and sexual harassment against women.

The EU strongly condemns all forms of sexual harassment against women and other vulnerable groups and the HR/VP raises the issue regularly with the Egyptian authorities. Promoting gender equality has been a longstanding priority within the EU-Egypt Association agreement.

The EU seeks to promote gender equality in Egypt by supporting Egyptian authorities' efforts to promote women's rights, by mainstreaming gender equality in its political dialogue with the Egyptian authorities and by proactively supporting civil society initiatives that promote women's rights. In this respect, in 2013 the EU Delegation organised a women’s seminar chaired by the HR/VP on ‘Egyptian Women — the Way Forward’ during which a EUR 4 million contract in support of UN Women’s action to provide Egyptian women with ID cards was signed.

(Wersja polska)

Pytanie wymagające odpowiedzi pisemnej E-008012/13

do Komisji

Michał Tomasz Kamiński (ECR)

(4 lipca 2013 r.)

Przedmiot: Konkurencyjność UE w dziedzinie technologii

W Chinach skonstruowano niedawno najszybszy komputer na świecie. Jest on w stanie stale dokonywać 33 860 biliardów obliczeń na sekundę. Tego rodzaju superkomputery przeznaczone są do modelowania systemów pogodowych, stymulacji wybuchów jądrowych oraz projektowania samolotów odrzutowych.

— Jak wypada UE w stosunku do Chin pod względem nauki i technologii?

— Jaki jest plan działania Komisji gwarantujący konkurencyjną pozycję UE i niepozostawanie w tyle pod względem nauki i technologii?

Odpowiedź udzielona przez komisarz Máire Geoghegan-Quinn w imieniu Komisji

(9 sierpnia 2013 r.)

Chiny opublikowały swój średnio- i długoterminowy plan w zakresie nauki, technologii i innowacji (2006-2020), który skupia się na szeregu dziedzin rozwoju gospodarczego i społecznego oraz priorytetowo traktuje innowacje. Chiny opublikowały również dwunasty plan pięcioletni w zakresie rozwoju krajowego, gospodarczego i społecznego (2011-2015), który kładzie nacisk na znaczenie badań naukowych i rozwoju dla rozwoju społeczno-gospodarczego. Unijna strategia „Europa 2020” również ma na celu, między innymi, zwiększenie inwestycji i ułatwienie badań naukowych i innowacji, w szczególności poprzez inicjatywę przewodnią „Unia innowacji”.

W ramach strategii „Europa 2020” UE zwiększa nacisk na innowacyjność, co ma doprowadzić do wzrostu gospodarczego i tworzenia miejsc pracy. W szczególności nowy program ramowy w zakresie badań naukowych i innowacji „Horyzont 2020” został zaprojektowany, mając na względzie zachowanie konkurencyjności UE oraz utworzenie społeczeństwa i wiodącej w skali światowej gospodarki opartych na wiedzy i innowacji. Program stworzy możliwość prowadzenia dalszych działań wspierających infrastrukturę, technologię i zastosowania komputerowe. W odniesieniu do systemów obliczeniowych wysokiej wydajności (HPC) Komisja opublikowała ambitną strategię zatytułowaną „Wysokowydajne systemy obliczeniowe: miejsce Europy w globalnym wyścigu” (24), w której zaproponowano szereg działań mających na celu zachowanie konkurencyjności UE w tej dziedzinie. UE i Chiny prowadzą dialog dotyczący współpracy w dziedzinie innowacji w celu wspierania i zachęcania do współpracy w zakresie badań naukowych i innowacji. Współpraca międzynarodowa w zakresie badań i innowacji, o której mowa w komunikacie Komisji „Rozwój i koncentracja unijnej współpracy międzynarodowej w dziedzinie badań naukowych i innowacji: podejście strategiczne” (25), ma również na celu wspieranie doskonałości badawczej UE i jej konkurencyjności gospodarczej.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008012/13

to the Commission

Michał Tomasz Kamiński (ECR)

(4 July 2013)

Subject: EU competitiveness in technology

China has recently built the world’s fastest computer. The computer is capable of the sustained computing of 33 860 trillion calculations per second. These supercomputers work best for modelling weather systems, stimulating nuclear explosions and designing jetliners.

— How do the EU and China compare with regards to science and technology?

— What is the Commission’s plan of action to stay competitive and not fall behind in science and technology?

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

(9 August 2013)

China has published its National Medium‐ and Long-term Plan for Science, Technology and Innovation (2006-2020), which focuses on a number of areas for economic and social development and prioritises innovation. It has also published its twelfth Five-Year Plan for National and Economic and Social Development (2011-2015), which emphasises the importance of research and development for socioeconomic development. Similarly, the EU’s Europe 2020 strategy aims, inter alia, to increase investment and facilitate research and innovation, in particular through the Innovation Union flagship initiative.

As part of Europe 2020, the EU is increasing its emphasis on innovation to deliver growth and jobs. In particular, the upcoming Horizon 2020 Framework Programme for Research and Innovation is designed to keep the EU competitive and to build a society and world-leading economy based on knowledge and innovation and it will provide the opportunity for further actions in support of computing infrastructures, technology and applications. For High Performance Computing (HPC) the Commission has published an ambitious strategy, HPC: Europe's place in a global race (26), proposing a number of actions to maintain Europe’s competitiveness in HPC. The EU and China have also established together an Innovation Cooperation Dialogue to support and encourage cooperation on research and innovation activities. International cooperation in research and innovation, as defined in the Commission Communication on ‘Focusing and Enhancing EU International Cooperation’ (27), is also aimed at supporting the EU’s research excellence and economic competitiveness.

(Wersja polska)

Pytanie wymagające odpowiedzi pisemnej E-008014/13

do Komisji

Michał Tomasz Kamiński (ECR)

(4 lipca 2013 r.)

Przedmiot: Środki publiczne na cele społeczne we Francji stanowią 32 % PKB

W ciągu minionych 60 lat system francuskiego zabezpieczenia społecznego powiększył niemal trzykrotnie swoje rozmiary. Francuskie państwo opiekuńcze miało na celu uwolnienie pracowników od strachu wywołanego niepewnością jutra. Ten sposób wydawania środków finansowych spowodował zwiększenie francuskiego deficytu budżetowego.

Zgodnie z informacjami zawartymi w magazynie the Economist deficyt sektora emerytalnego systemu zabezpieczenia społecznego zwiększy się z 15 mld EUR do 20,9 mld EUR do 2020 r.

Deficyt świadczeń rodzinnych osiągnie w tym roku wysokość 2,6 mld EUR, a wysokość deficytu zasiłków dla bezrobotnych wyniesie 4,8 mld EUR. Rząd francuski unikał podejmowania decyzji dotyczących wydatków fiskalnych. Polegał w zamian na podwyżkach podatków na rzecz konsolidacji. Mogło to wywołać negatywne skutki, takie jak zmniejszenie konkurencyjności francuskich spółek.

— Jakie są zalecenia Komisji dla Francji w sprawie zmniejszenia francuskiego deficytu budżetowego oraz środków publicznych na cele społeczne?

— Jaka jest opinia Komisji w sprawie konkurencyjności francuskich spółek, jeżeli Francja będzie nadal podwyższać podatki?

Odpowiedź udzielona przez komisarza Olliego Rehna w imieniu Komisji

(3 września 2013 r.)

Francja powinna obniżyć swój deficyt budżetowy do wartości poniżej 3 % PKB do 2015 r. (28) W celu zwiększenia skuteczności wydatków publicznych i zapewnienia konsolidacji budżetowej sprzyjającej wzrostowi gospodarczemu Rada zaleciła, aby w ramach tegorocznego europejskiego semestru w odniesieniu do koordynacji polityki gospodarczej i w oparciu o zalecenie Komisji Francja postępowała jak zaplanowano i dokonała przeglądu wszystkich pozycji wydatków administracji publicznej. Ponadto Francji zalecono, aby do końca 2013 r. podjęła działania mające na celu zrównoważenie systemu emerytalnego do 2020 r., i przedstawiono jej szereg możliwych rozwiązań. Decyzja o przeprowadzeniu reform należy jednak do samego kraju. Przewidywany wzrost wydatków na służbę zdrowia również budzi obawy, Rada zaleciła więc, aby zwiększyć gospodarność tego systemu.

W szczegółowej ocenie sytuacji Francji przeprowadzonej w 2013 r. w ramach procedury dotyczącej zakłóceń równowagi makroekonomicznej Komisja stwierdziła, że występujące w tym kraju zakłócenia równowagi makroekonomicznej są spowodowane obniżeniem konkurencyjności francuskich przedsiębiorstw. Komisja jest zdania, że należy między innymi jeszcze bardziej obniżyć koszty pracy. Znalazło to wyraz w zaleceniach dla poszczególnych krajów przygotowanych w ramach europejskiego semestru (29). Mając powyższe na uwadze, Rada zaleciła Francji, aby w ramach zbliżającej się reformy systemu emerytalnego nie dopuściła do zwiększenia składek na ubezpieczenia społeczne płaconych przez pracodawców.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008014/13

to the Commission

Michał Tomasz Kamiński (ECR)

(4 July 2013)

Subject: Public social spending in France accounts for 32% of GDP

Over the past 60 years, France’s social security system has nearly tripled in size. The French welfare state was intended to ‘free workers from the uncertainty of tomorrow’. This type of spending has created an increase in France’s budget deficit. According to the Economist, the deficit of the pension branch of the social security system will swell from EUR 15 billion to EUR 20.9 billion by 2020. The deficit for family benefits will reach EUR 2.6 billion this year and for unemployment the deficit is expected to reach EUR 4.8 billion. The French Government has avoided making any decisions on its fiscal spending. Instead, it has been relying on tax increases for consolidation. This could lead to damaging effects, such as a decrease in the competitiveness of French companies.

— What recommendations does the Commission have for France with regard to the reduction of its budget deficit and social spending?

— What is the Commission’s opinion regarding the competitiveness of French companies, if France continues to increase taxes?

Answer given by Mr Rehn on behalf of the Commission

(3 September 2013)

France needs to bring its public deficit below 3% of GDP by 2015 (30). In order to increase the efficiency of public expenditure and to ensure a growth friendly fiscal consolidation, the Council recommended, as part of this year's European Semester for economic policy coordination, and based on a recommendation by the Commission, that France proceeds as planned with a review of all spending items across general government. In addition, France was recommended to take measures by the end of 2013 to bring the pension system into balance by 2020, and a number of options were suggested. But it is up to the country to decide on the reforms to be implemented. The projected increase in healthcare expenditure is also a matter of concern and the Council recommended that the cost effectiveness of the system should improve.

In its 2013 in-depth review for France under the Macroeconomic Imbalance Procedure, the Commission found that the country is experiencing macroeconomic imbalances due in particular to the deteriorating competitiveness of French firms. Among other factors, the Commission considers that the cost of labour should be further reduced. This was fully reflected in the country-specific recommendations under the European Semester (31). In that respect, the Council recommended to France that any increase in employers social contributions, as part of the upcoming pension reform, should be avoided.

(Wersja polska)

Pytanie wymagające odpowiedzi pisemnej E-008015/13

do Komisji (Wiceprzewodniczącej/Wysokiej Przedstawiciel)

Michał Tomasz Kamiński (ECR)

(4 lipca 2013 r.)

Przedmiot: Wiceprzewodnicząca/Wysoka Przedstawiciel – Demonstracje w Brazylii

W brazylijskim Sao Paulo w dniu 6 czerwca 2013 r. rozpoczęły się protesty z powodu podwyżki o dziewięć centów opłat za bilety autobusowe. Początkowo protesty miały charakter pokojowy, jednak w wyniku brutalnych działań policji nabrały bardziej gwałtownego przebiegu. Według doniesień funkcjonariusze policji z oderwanymi tabliczkami z imieniem i nazwiskiem użyli granatów ogłuszających i gumowej amunicji, ścigając po ulicach osoby protestujące. Od tego momentu demonstracje rozprzestrzeniły się na 12 stolic stanów oraz stolicę federalną. Według szacunków w protestach udział wzięło 250 000 osób. Protestujący domagali się ustąpienia z urzędu prezydenta, co następnie przerodziło się w żądania związane z korupcją, rosnącymi cenami, biedą w szkołach i nadchodzącymi mistrzostwami świata w piłce nożnej.

— Czy ESDZ zbadała incydenty z udziałem brazylijskiej policji?

— Jakie informacje ESDZ może przedstawić odnośnie do korupcji politycznej w Brazylii?

— Czy UE porusza tę kwestię w rozmowach z władzami Brazylii?

Odpowiedź udzielona przez Wysoką Przedstawiciel/Wiceprzewodniczącą Catherine Ashton w imieniu Komisji

(18 września 2013 r.)

Wysoka Przedstawiciel/Wiceprzewodnicząca na bieżąco monitoruje przebieg ostatnich masowych protestów w Brazylii. Z wyjątkiem nielicznych i odosobnionych przypadków reakcja władz była co do zasady proporcjonalna i powściągliwa. Prezydent Rousseff wielokrotnie podkreślała, że demonstracje stanowią potwierdzenie dynamicznego charakteru brazylijskiej demokracji i potwierdziła gotowość rządu do zajęcia się żądaniami demonstrantów. Intensywność protestów uległa osłabieniu po zakończeniu turnieju „Puchar Konfederacji” na początku lipca.

Reforma systemu politycznego, w tym dotycząca zwalczania korupcji, to jedno ze zobowiązań podjętych przez prezydent Rousseff.

W ramach regularnych kontaktów z rządem Brazylii Wysoka Przedstawiciel/Wiceprzewodnicząca omawia także kwestie związane z sytuacją w tym kraju.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008015/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Michał Tomasz Kamiński (ECR)

(4 July 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Demonstrations in Brazil

On 6 June 2013, protests began in Sao Paulo, Brazil, over a nine cent rise in bus fares. The protests were peaceful in the beginning, but have since turned violent owing to the brutal actions of the police. It has been reported that officers with their nametags removed fired stun grenades and rubber bullets, and pursued stragglers through the streets. The demonstrations have since spread to a dozen state capitals, as well as to the federal capital; an estimated 250 000 people are thought to have been involved. The demonstrators have called for the impeachment of the president, and this has grown to include demands relating to corruption, rising prices, poor schools and the upcoming World Cup.

— Has the EEAS investigated the incidents involving the Brazilian police?

— What information can the EEAS provide on political corruption in Brazil?

— Is the EU addressing this issue in its discussions with the Brazilian authorities?

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

(18 September 2013)

The HR/VP has constantly monitored the unfolding of the recent mass demonstrations in Brazil. With the exception of limited and isolated instances, the response of the authorities has been generally proportionate and contained. President Rousseff has repeatedly highlighted that the demonstrations proved the buoyant nature of the Brazilian democracy and expressed the readiness of the government to address the grievances of the demonstrators. The protests have lost intensity after the end of the Confederations Cup at the beginning of July.

The reform of the political system, including with respect to fighting corruption, is one of the commitments made by the President.

The HR/VP, in its regular contacts with the Brazilian government, also discusses the domestic situation.

(Wersja polska)

Pytanie wymagające odpowiedzi pisemnej E-008016/13

do Komisji

Michał Tomasz Kamiński (ECR)

(4 lipca 2013 r.)

Przedmiot: Łamanie praw dziewczynek

Corocznie na świecie wychodzi za mąż 14 milionów dziewcząt. Co siódma dziewczynka w krajach rozwijających wydawana jest za mąż przed ukończeniem 15. roku życia; zdarzają się przypadki wydawania za mąż ośmio- czy dziewięciolatek. W ponad 40 krajach wskaźnik ślubów dzieci osiąga lub przekracza 30 %. Małżeństwa te prowadzą do szeregu przypadków łamania praw człowieka: zmuszanie dziewczynek do małżeństwa niejednokrotnie odbija się negatywnie na ich zdrowiu z uwagi na ich niedojrzałość, a bardzo często zmusza je do zakończenia edukacji. Ponadto odnotowuje się wiele przypadków przemocy domowej.

Jak wygląda strategia Komisji zmierzająca do zajęcia się kwestią małżeństw zawieranych pod przymusem w krajach, które otrzymują od UE środki na rozwój lub inne wsparcie finansowe?

Odpowiedź udzielona przez komisarza Andrisa Piebalgsa w imieniu Komisji

(21 sierpnia 2013 r.)

UE przyjęła całościowe podejście do propagowania zaniechania szkodliwych tradycyjnych praktyk, takich jak wczesne zawieranie małżeństw. Co za tym idzie Unia promuje przyjęcie odpowiednich przepisów prawnych i zachęca tradycyjnych, religijnych i politycznych przywódców do dialogu na temat tradycyjnych praktyk na poziomie narodowym i lokalnym.

Ponadto wspiera ona projekty angażujące społeczeństwo obywatelskie oraz tradycyjnych i lokalnych przywódców, którzy są prawdziwym źródłem zmian. Na przykład dzięki projektowi finansowanemu przez UE w Indiach opracowano cztery krajowe plany działania dotyczące zapobiegania małżeństw dzieci, których realizacja doprowadziła do wzrostu świadomości w społeczeństwie i mobilizacji na rzecz zakończenia procederu małżeństw dzieci.

UE wspiera także regionalny projekt we współpracy z Instytutem Zdrowia Matki i Dziecka MAMTA (z siedzibą w Indiach) zatytułowany „Poprawa zdrowia reprodukcyjnego i seksualnego młodych ludzi poprzez podniesienie wieku małżeńskiego w Indiach, Nepalu i Bangladeszu”.

W Afryce sfinansowano duży projekt obejmujący 6 krajów (Mozambik, Nigeria, Republika Południowej Afryki, Uganda, Zambia i Zimbabwe), którego celem jest lepsze informowanie dziewczynek i kobiet o ich prawach, i walka o zmniejszenie liczby wczesnych małżeństw i ciąż, które są jednym z najczęstszych powodów śmiertelności okołoporodowej matek.

W walce ze szkodliwymi praktykami podstawowe znaczenie ma edukacja: nie ma wątpliwości, iż kontynuacja nauki szkolnej przez dziewczynki jest korzystna zarówno dla nich samych, jak i dla ich rodzin. W związku z tym szczególną uwagę w programach krajowych przykłada się do zapewnienia wszystkim dziewczynkom dostępu do wykształcenia średniego: w Indiach przykładowo UE przekazuje w latach 2011-2013 kwotę 80 mln EUR na programy dostępu do edukacji na poziomie podstawowym i średnim, które obejmują m.in. dziewczynki.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008016/13

to the Commission

Michał Tomasz Kamiński (ECR)

(4 July 2013)

Subject: Violation of young girls' rights

Every year 14 million girls get married worldwide. One in seven girls in the developing world is married before her 15th birthday; some marry as young as eight or nine. There are over 40 countries that have a child marriage rate of 30% or higher. These cases involve a number of human rights violations: When girls are forced to marry, they often suffer health consequences due to their physical immaturity and very frequently the marriage forces them to abandon their education. In addition, there have been many reported cases of domestic violence.

What is the Commission’s strategy for addressing the issue of forced marriage in countries which receive EU funds for development or other financial support?

Answer given by Mr Piebalgs on behalf of the Commission

(21 August 2013)

The EU has adopted a holistic approach to promoting the abandonment of harmful traditional practices, like early marriage. It therefore promotes the adoption of appropriate legislation and engages traditional, religious and government leaders in dialogues on traditional practices at national and community levels.

Furthermore it supports projects which involve the civil society and local or traditional leaders who are the source of real change. For instance, thanks to a project funded by the EU in India, four state-wide action plans on child marriage have been established, leading to large-scale community-led awareness raising and mobilisation in favour of ending child marriage.

The EU is also supporting a regional project with MAMTA Health Institute for Mother and Child (based in India) on ‘Improving Reproductive and Sexual Health of Young People by Increasing the Age at Marriage in India, Nepal, and Bangladesh’.

Again, in Africa, a large project involving 6 countries (Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe) has been funded to better inform girls and women about the rights, to fight against early marriage and early pregnancies, identified among the major causes of maternal mortality.

Education is essential in fighting harmful practices, and it is recognised that keeping girls at school would bring positive effects to their and their families’ lives. Special attention is given therefore in country programmes to ensure access for all girls to secondary education: in India, for instance, the EU is contributing EUR 80 million to the programmes for universal access, including for girls, to quality primary and secondary education for the period 2011-2013.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-008017/13

à la Commission

Gaston Franco (PPE)

(4 juillet 2013)

Objet: Formation des apiculteurs et des vétérinaires au sein de l'Union

Selon l'audit économique de la filière apicole française de FranceAgriMer, les amateurs représentent 96 % de l'ensemble de la filière apicole en France. Au niveau de l'Union, ce chiffre s'élèverait à 97 % (environ 580 000 amateurs sur 600 000 apiculteurs).

Or, certains apiculteurs mettent en avant des mauvaises pratiques, relevant de l'amateurisme, comme une des causes de surmortalité des abeilles. Ainsi, sur une même zone, certaines ruches seraient régulièrement atteintes de pertes allant jusqu'à 50 % alors que d'autres exploitations ne le seraient que dans des proportions acceptables. Cela s'expliquerait par des pratiques apicoles différentes en termes d'hivernage, de traitement des parasites, de nutrition, etc.

À titre d'exemple, le varroa, qui est une des plus importantes causes de surmortalité des abeilles, doit faire l'objet d'un traitement spécifique. Des traitements préventifs doivent également être mis en place. Or, ces traitements sont très délicats à appliquer. Dans la plupart des cas, sans formation adéquate, l'apiculteur, ou le vétérinaire, ne parviendrait donc pas à traiter correctement ses ruches. Les ruches contaminées seraient alors susceptibles de contaminer les ruches adjacentes.

Une des manières les plus efficaces d'enrayer le phénomène de surmortalité des abeilles serait donc de promouvoir des bonnes pratiques et de mieux former les apiculteurs européens, et en particulier les apiculteurs amateurs, ainsi que les vétérinaires. Ces formations permettraient également de faciliter l'installation de jeunes apiculteurs.

Quel est le point de vue de la Commission sur les liens entre formation, bonnes pratiques apicoles et surmortalité des abeilles?

Des programmes de formation ou des financements destinés à la formation et à la création de guides de bonnes pratiques existent-ils ou seront-ils mis en place pour les apiculteurs européens et les vétérinaires?

Réponse donnée par M. Borg au nom de la Commission

(7 août 2013)

Dans la communication au Parlement européen et au Conseil sur la santé des abeilles (32), la Commission soulignait que la surmortalité des abeilles est due à un certain nombre de facteurs, parmi lesquels la mauvaise gestion des ruches. Elle recommandait aux États membres et aux organisations d'apiculteurs de remédier à ce problème et, en particulier, d'assurer la formation des apiculteurs.

Les États membres peuvent élaborer des programmes apicoles nationaux incluant des mesures d'assistance technique, la formation des apiculteurs et la conception et la diffusion de bonnes pratiques en matière d'apiculture. Ces programmes peuvent être cofinancés par l'UE conformément à l'article 108 du règlement (CE) du Conseil n° 1234/2007 (33). 27 États membres ont inclus des mesures d'assistance technique dans leur programme apicole national pour la période 2014-2016.

La Commission fournit également des formations sur la santé des abeilles aux vétérinaires officiels dans le cadre de l'initiative «Une meilleure formation pour des denrées alimentaires plus sûres». Entre 2010 et 2012 ont été organisés cinq ateliers au total, qui ont rassemblé environ 160 participants. Deux autres ateliers sont prévus en 2013 et trois en 2014-15.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008017/13

to the Commission

Gaston Franco (PPE)

(4 July 2013)

Subject: Training of beekeepers and veterinarians in the European Union

According to the economic audit of the French beekeeping sector carried out by FranceAgriMer, amateurs account for 96% of all beekeepers in France. At EU level the figure is 97% (some 580 000 amateurs out of 600 000 beekeepers).

However, some beekeepers are claiming that poor practices related to amateurism are among the causes of high bee mortality. Thus, within the same area some hives regularly suffer losses as high as 50%, while the losses of other beekeepers remain within acceptable proportions. This is allegedly caused by differing practices in terms of over-wintering, parasite treatment, feeding, etc.

By way of example, the Varroa mite, which is one of the most significant causes of bee mortality, has to be dealt with using a specific treatment. Preventive treatments also need to be applied. However, these treatments are very tricky to use. In most cases, without proper training, a beekeeper — or a veterinarian — is unable to treat his hives correctly. Contaminated hives then risk contaminating their neighbours.

One of the most effective ways of eliminating high bee mortality would therefore be to promote good practice and to improve the training of European beekeepers, particularly amateur beekeepers, and of vets. Such training would also make it easier for young beekeepers to become established.

What is the Commission’s view on the links between training, good beekeeping practice and high bee mortality?

Do training programmes, or funding for training and for the creation of guides to good practice, exist, or will they be put in place for European beekeepers and vets?

Answer given by Mr Borg on behalf of the Commission

(7 August 2013)

In the communication to the European Parliament and the Council on honeybee health (34), the Commission stressed that bee mortalities are caused by a number of factors, including the improper management of the hives. The Commission recommended Member States and beekeepers' organisations to take action on this issue and, in particular, to ensure training.

Member States may draw up national apiculture programmes that may include under technical assistance measures, training of beekeepers, and development and propagation of good beekeeping practices. The programmes can be co-financed by the EU in accordance with Article 108 of the Council Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007 (35). 27 Member States included technical assistance measures in their national apiculture programmes for the period 2014-2016.

The Commission also provides trainings on bee health to official veterinarians in the framework of the ‘Better Training for Safer Food’ initiative. Between 2010 and 2012, a total of five workshops were organised gathering approximately 160 participants. Two further workshops are scheduled in 2013 and three in 2014-15.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-008018/13

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(4 juillet 2013)

Objet: Liste noire tenue illégalement par les assureurs

Les assureurs ont inscrit l'an dernier 77 000 Belges en plus sur leur liste noire, révélait la presse mardi matin.

Réponse donnée par Mme Reding au nom de la Commission

(2 septembre 2013)

Les listes noires, qui consistent à collecter et à diffuser certaines informations concernant un groupe donné de personnes, constituent un traitement de données à caractère personnel relevant de la directive 95/46/CE (36) et peuvent entraîner des effets préjudiciables pour les personnes qui y figurent (en leur interdisant l'accès à un service déterminé — contrats d'assurance dans le cas présent — ou en nuisant à leur réputation) (37).Ces activités de traitement de données doivent respecter la législation européenne relative à la protection des données, notamment l'article 6 de la directive, qui dispose que le traitement ne peut être effectué que si les données sont adéquates, pertinentes et non excessives au regard des finalités pour lesquelles elles sont collectées et qu'elles ne sont pas conservées plus longtemps que nécessaire. De plus, le traitement n'est légitime que s'il intervient dans l'un des cas énumérés à l'article 7 de la directive. En outre, l'article 15 de la directive prévoit des règles spécifiques en ce qui concerne les décisions automatisées produisant des effets juridiques à l'égard d'une personne ou l'affectant de manière significative.

Sans préjudice des compétences de la Commission en tant que gardienne des traités, le contrôle et la mise en œuvre de la législation relative à la protection des données relèvent de la compétence des autorités nationales, en particulier des autorités de contrôle chargées de la protection des données ainsi que des tribunaux (article 28).

L'autorité de contrôle belge chargée de la protection des données a fait part, à plusieurs reprises, de ses inquiétudes concernant les listes noires. En ce qui concerne la liste noire dans le secteur des assurances, il a été recommandé de l'interdire ou de déterminer par voie législative les conditions de son établissement. Les autorités belges ont consulté ladite autorité de contrôle pour l'élaboration des dispositions législatives sur les listes noires (38).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008018/13

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(4 July 2013)

Subject: Black list kept illegally by insurers

According to press reports on Tuesday morning, insurers placed another 77 000 Belgian citizens on their black list last year.

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(2 September 2013)

Blacklists, as collection and dissemination of information about a specific group of persons, constitute processing of personal data subject to Directive 95/46/EC (39) and may imply prejudicial effects for the individuals concerned (barring access to a specific service — here insurance contracts — or harming their reputation) (40).Such processing activities have to comply with EU data protection law. In particular, in accordance with Article 6 of the directive, processing may only occur if it is adequate, relevant, and not excessive in relation to the purpose of the collection and the data are not kept longer than necessary. Moreover, processing will only be legitimate if it occurs in one of the situations enumerated in Article 7 of the directive. In addition, Article 15 of the directive provides for specific rules on automated decisions producing significant legal effects for the individual.

Without prejudice to the powers of the Commission as guardian of the Treaties the supervision and enforcement of data protection legislation falls within the competence of national authorities, in particular data protection supervisory authorities and courts (Article 28).

The Belgian data protection supervisory authority has several times expressed its concerns about blacklists. In relation to the insurance sector blacklist it was recommended to either forbid it or to determine by legislation the conditions for setting it up. It has been advising the Belgian authorities in the preparation of legal provisions on blacklists (41).

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-008019/13

au Conseil

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(4 juillet 2013)

Objet: Morales/Snowden

Mardi 2 juillet, l'avion d'Evo Morales, de retour d'une réunion des pays producteurs de gaz naturel à Moscou, a été bloqué à Vienne, en Autriche. La France, l'Espagne, l'Italie et le Portugal, sur le point d'être survolés par son avion, ferment leur espace aérien. Motif: l'avion présidentiel est soupçonné de transporter Edward Snowden. L'arrêt s'éternise; Evo Morales s'oppose à la fouille de l'appareil. Après plusieurs imbroglios diplomatiques, le président bolivien pourra finalement décoller en fin de matinée, et survoler les pays qui s'y étaient auparavant opposés.

L'épisode, pour le moins confus, a provoqué l'ire des dirigeants politiques latino-américains. Une colère que certains ont exprimée sur Twitter. À l'image du président vénézuélien, Nicolas Maduro, également présent à Moscou lundi, qui a dénoncé une «violation de toutes les règles d'immunité qui protègent les chefs d'États» au nom de «l'obsession impérialiste».

Réponse

(30 septembre 2013)

Les incidents auxquels fait référence l'Honorable Parlementaire ont été le résultat de décisions prises par les différents États membres concernés. Le Conseil n'est pas partie prenante et n'a pas non plus examiné les questions soulevées par l'Honorable Parlementaire.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008019/13

to the Council

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(4 July 2013)

Subject: Evo Morales and Edward Snowden

On 2 July 2013, a plane carrying Evo Morales home from a meeting of natural-gas exporting nations in Moscow was diverted to Vienna. The flight was rerouted to Austria after France, Spain, Italy and Portugal closed their airspace on suspicion that Edward Snowden was on board. The forced stopover continued after Mr Morales refused to let his plane be searched. After a number of diplomatic altercations, the Bolivian President was finally able to take off late the following morning and resume his flight over the countries that had previously denied him access to their airspace.

This somewhat bewildering episode angered a number of Latin American leaders, some of whom took to Twitter to express their fury. Nicolas Maduro, the Venezuelan President, who was also in Moscow on Monday, condemned the way in which the international immunity protecting Heads of State had been violated in an act of imperial obsession.

Reply

(30 September 2013)

The incidents to which the Honourable Member refers were the result of decisions taken by the individual Member States concerned. The Council was not involved, nor has it discussed the issues raised by the Honourable Member.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-008020/13

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(4 juillet 2013)

Objet: Morales/Snowden

Mardi 2 juillet, l'avion d'Evo Morales, de retour d'une réunion des pays producteurs de gaz naturel à Moscou, a été bloqué à Vienne, en Autriche. La France, l'Espagne, l'Italie et le Portugal, sur le point d'être survolés par son avion, ferment leur espace aérien. Motif: l'avion présidentiel est soupçonné de transporter Edward Snowden. L'arrêt s'éternise; Evo Morales s'oppose à la fouille de l'appareil. Après plusieurs imbroglios diplomatiques, le président bolivien pourra finalement décoller en fin de matinée et survoler les pays qui s'y étaient auparavant opposés.

L'épisode, pour le moins confus, a provoqué l'ire des dirigeants politiques latino-américains. Une colère que certains ont exprimée sur Twitter. À l'image du président vénézuélien Nicolas Maduro, également présent à Moscou lundi, qui a dénoncé une «violation de toutes les règles d'immunité qui protègent les chefs d'État» au nom de «l'obsession impérialiste».

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

(21 août 2013)

La Vice-présidente/Haute Représentante déplore l'incident concernant l'avion présidentiel. À sa connaissance, les États membres concernés ont donné des explications et, le cas échéant, présenté leurs excuses.

La Vice-présidente/Haute Représentante tient à souligner que cette affaire ne relève pas de la compétence de l'Union européenne mais de la souveraineté nationale des États membres.

Dans ce contexte, la Vice-présidente/Haute Représentante estime qu'il n'est pas opportun d'adopter une position ou une déclaration commune.

Au cours de ces dernières années, l'Union européenne n'a pas ménagé ses efforts pour renforcer les relations tant entre la Bolivie et les États membres, qu'avec l'UE dans son ensemble. L'UE demeure résolue à maintenir de bonnes relations avec la Bolivie.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008020/13

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(4 July 2013)

Subject: Evo Morales and Edward Snowden

On 2 July 2013, a plane carrying Evo Morales home from a meeting of natural-gas exporting nations in Moscow was diverted to Vienna. The flight was rerouted to Austria after France, Spain, Italy and Portugal closed their airspace on suspicion that Edward Snowden was on board. The forced stopover continued after Mr Morales refused to let his plane be searched. After a number of diplomatic altercations, the Bolivian President was finally able to take off late the following morning and resume his flight over the countries that had previously denied him access to their airspace.

This somewhat bewildering episode angered a number of Latin American leaders, some of whom took to Twitter to express their fury. Nicolas Maduro, the Venezuelan President, who was also in Moscow on Monday, condemned the way in which the international immunity protecting Heads of State had been violated in an act of imperial obsession.

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

(21 August 2013)

The HR/VP regrets the incident involving the presidential plane. The HR/VP understands that the Member States concerned have given their explanations and where appropriate, apologised.

The HR/VP would like to underline that this is not a matter of EU competence but under the national sovereignty of Member States.

In this context the HR/VP does not consider it appropriate to adopt a common position or statement.

During the last few years, the EU has worked hard to strengthen the relationship both between Bolivia and individual member states and with the EU as a whole. The EU is committed to maintain its good relations with Bolivia.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-008021/13

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(4 juillet 2013)

Objet: Viol par des policiers en Ukraine

Irina Krashkova, 29 ans, qui a dénoncé ses agresseurs, est désormais sous protection. Toujours hospitalisée une semaine après les faits, elle se remet doucement de ses blessures.

Le ministre de l'intérieur a été appelé à venir s'expliquer devant le parlement. «Elle marche à peine, déclare le frère de la victime, elle donne des preuves, répète la même chose aux reporters. Elle se sent bien sûr mal, on espère que demain ça ira mieux».

Si les deux suspects sont maintenant en garde à vue, le refus des autorités d'interpeller un des policiers a provoqué la colère des habitants de Vradiyivka, dans le sud du pays.

«Nous avons gardé le silence, mais maintenant ils abusent de leur pouvoir autant qu'ils peuvent, déclare une femme devant le poste de police. La victime a donné des preuves qui montrent que c'est le policier Dryzhak qui l'a violée en premier. Les gens d'ici veulent la soutenir».

Le poste de police en question a été attaqué deux fois par des dizaines de personnes, et il a presque été incendié lundi soir. Les policiers qui étaient à l'intérieur ont défendu leur commissariat à coups de gaz lacrymogènes, et plusieurs personnes ont été blessées.

La Commission compte-t-elle mettre tout en œuvre pour que les Droits de l'homme soient respectés dans un pays que la Commission s'évertue à garder comme partenaire économique?

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

(26 août 2013)

Le respect et la promotion des Droits de l'homme sont d'une importance fondamentale pour les relations entre l'Union européenne et l'Ukraine. Les questions touchant aux Droits de l'homme sont examinées régulièrement avec l'Ukraine, à plusieurs niveaux et selon différentes configurations. Cela permet d'aborder avec les autorités ukrainiennes des cas concrets qui sont sources de préoccupation .

Dans ses conclusions du 10 décembre 2012 sur l'Ukraine, qui énoncent les critères de référence auxquels seraient subordonnées la signature éventuelle de l'accord d'association et la zone de libre-échange approfondi et complet, le Conseil «Affaires étrangères» a insisté, entre autres, sur l'importance de la réforme de la police. Conformément au décret 127/2013 adopté par le président ukrainien, les projets de loi sur la réforme du fonctionnement des organismes chargés d'appliquer la loi doivent être parachevés d'ici au 1er octobre 2013, en tenant compte des normes européennes.

Le cas regrettable auquel se réfère l'Honorable Parlementaire illustre la nécessité d'accélérer les travaux portant sur cette réforme, dans le cadre d'un processus plus vaste de réorganisation du système judiciaire, qui engloberait la mise en œuvre effective de la nouvelle législation sur le code de procédure pénale et le barreau, adoptée l'année passée, de même qu'un examen approfondi — mené en concertation étroite avec le Conseil de l'Europe (Commission de Venise) — de la loi sur le fonctionnement du ministère public, du code pénal, du rôle du conseil supérieur de la justice et de la loi sur le système judiciaire et le statut des magistrats. Ces questions font l'objet d'un suivi dans le cadre du dialogue engagé entre l'Union européenne et les autorités ukrainiennes, au cours duquel l'UE continue à appeler instamment ces dernières à opérer des réformes.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008021/13

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(4 July 2013)

Subject: Rape by police officers in Ukraine

Irina Krashkova, 29, who denounced her attackers, is now under protection. She is still in hospital a week after the events, and is gradually recovering from her injuries.

The Minister of the Interior has been called to explain himself before the Ukrainian Parliament. ‘She can hardly walk,’ says her brother. ‘She is giving evidence, and is repeating the same to reporters. Of course she is not feeling well, but we hope she will be better tomorrow.’

While the two suspects are now in custody, the refusal by the authorities to question one of the police officers has provoked anger among the people of Vradiyivka, in southern Ukraine.

‘We have kept quiet, but now they are abusing their power as much as they can,’ says a woman outside the police station. ‘The victim has provided evidence to show that police officer Dryzhak raped her first. The people here want to support her.’

The police station in question has been attacked twice by dozens of people, and was almost set on fire on Monday evening. The police officers inside defended their station with tear gas, and several people were injured.

Will the Commission do its utmost to ensure that human rights are respected in a country which it is doing its utmost to keep as an economic partner?

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

(26 August 2013)

Respect and promotion of human rights are essential in EU-Ukraine relations. Human Rights issues are discussed regularly with Ukraine, at a number of levels and in a number of formats. This provides the opportunity to raise concrete cases of concern with the Ukrainian authorities.

The 10 December 2012 Foreign Affairs Council's conclusions on Ukraine, setting out the benchmarks for the possible signing of the Association Agreement and its Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area, inter alia emphasised the importance of Police reform. According to Ukraine's Presidential Decree 127/2013 the draft laws on reforming the system of law enforcement agencies are to be finalised by 1 October 2013, taking into account the European standards.

The unfortunate case to which the Honourable Member refers illustrates the need to speed up work on such a reform as part of a wider judiciary reform process which would include the effective implementation of last year's adopted new legislation on the Criminal Procedure Code and the Bar as well as a comprehensive review in close consultation with the Council of Europe/Venice Commission of the law on the functioning of the Prosecutor’s Office, of the Criminal Code, of the role of the High Council of Justice, of the laws on the Judicial System and the Status of Judges. These matters are followed up in the EU's dialogue with the Ukrainian authorities, with the EU continuing to press for reforms.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-008022/13

alla Commissione

Aldo Patriciello (PPE)

(4 luglio 2013)

Oggetto: Equiparazione giuridica ed economica degli specializzandi non medici per quanto riguarda la categoria professionale dei biologi

In Italia i dirigenti dell'area medica e non medica (biologi, chimici, psicologi) per accedere ai concorsi nella sanità pubblica o ai laboratori di analisi accreditati devono essere in possesso di un diploma di specializzazione postlaurea, come previsto dal Decreto Ministeriale del 1998 e successive modifiche.

I medici che superano il concorso di specializzazione hanno diritto al trattamento giuridico, contrattuale ed economico previsto dal decreto del MIUR dell'1.8.2005 (G.U. n. 258 del 5.11.2005) e dal Decreto Legislativo n. 368 del 17.8.1999, articolo 37 e successive modificazioni in applicazione delle direttive europee che hanno imposto allo Stato di dare adeguata remunerazione ai medici specializzati a differenza dei biologi che superano il medesimo concorso di specializzazione, ma non hanno diritto a nessuna retribuzione pur svolgendo la stessa attività didattica e di laboratorio e lo stesso impegno di ore.

Lo Stato italiano pretende dai biologi per l'accesso alle strutture pubbliche il possesso di una specializzazione, ma non consente di poter accedere alle borse di studio che invece i medici percepiscono regolarmente e da anni, il che obbliga il biologo che riesce ad accedere a una specializzazione a sopportare onerose spese di iscrizione, nonché a provvedere alla propria sussistenza.

A causa di tale discriminazione a lungo andare il numero dei biologi presenti nei laboratori di analisi pubblici e privati si andrà ad assottigliare fino a determinare l'estinzione di una categoria imprescindibile nell'ambito sanitario, soprattutto per le sue specifiche peculiarità nell'ambito della ricerca e delle analisi di laboratorio.

Tale diverso trattamento giuridico ed economico degli specializzandi non medici costituisce un atto di discriminazione e di violazione tanto della Costituzione italiana che sancisce che tutti i cittadini sono uguali nei diritti e nei doveri quanto dalla Carta dei diritti fondamentali dell'UE.

Ritiene la Commissione necessario intervenire imponendo all'Italia un intervento riparatore nei confronti di una categoria, quella dei biologi, che ha dimostrato negli anni di essere indispensabile in ambito scientifico contribuendo in maniera determinante alla salute dell'uomo?

Risposta di Michel Barnier a nome della Commissione

(2 settembre 2013)

L'interrogazione dell'onorevole deputato riguarda il trattamento giuridico ed economico degli specialisti paramedici che lavorano per laboratori di analisi accreditati in Italia, paese in cui si applicano ai medici che si sono specializzati per lavorare presso tali laboratori e ai biologi specializzati nello stesso campo un trattamento differenziato per quanto riguarda la formazione e la remunerazione.

L'interrogazione dell'onorevole deputato riguarda l'organizzazione dei servizi nazionali di assistenza sanitaria e dei sistemi di istruzione, materie su cui ciascuno Stato membro decide individualmente.

Inoltre, la direttiva dell'Unione europea sulla parità di trattamento (42) vieta le discriminazioni fondate sul genere, sulla religione o le convinzioni personali, gli handicap, l'età o le tendenze sessuali in materia di occupazione e di condizioni di lavoro.

La normativa dell'UE in materia di parità di trattamento non disciplina, tuttavia, altre forme di discriminazione. Pertanto, la questione relativa alla legittimità di un trattamento differenziato tra i medici e i biologi specializzati che operano nello stesso settore deve essere affrontata nell'ambito del diritto nazionale.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008022/13

to the Commission

Aldo Patriciello (PPE)

(4 July 2013)

Subject: Equal legal and financial treatment of non-medical trainee specialists with regard to the professional category of biologists

In Italy, in order to take State healthcare examinations or to work for accredited analytical laboratories, executives from the medical and non-medical sectors (biologists, chemists, psychologists) must hold a diploma of postgraduate specialisation, as required by the Ministerial Decree of 1998, as subsequently amended.

Doctors who pass the specialisation examination are entitled to the legal, contractual and financial treatment as provided for by the Decree of the Ministry of Education of 1 August 2005 (Official Gazette of the Italian Republic No 258 of 5 November 2005) and Article 37 of Legislative Decree No 368 of 17 August 1999, as amended, transposing EU directives requiring the State to provide adequate remuneration to specialist doctors. This is in contrast to the conditions for biologists passing the same specialisation examination, who are not entitled to any remuneration even though they perform the same teaching and laboratory activities and work the same number of hours.

The Italian State requires any biologists wishing to work for public facilities to have a specialisation, but does not allow them access to the scholarships that, by contrast, doctors have been receiving regularly for years, which forces biologists who get a place on a specialisation course to pay costly fees, as well as to provide for their own subsistence.

In the long run, this discrimination will reduce the number of biologists in public and private analytical laboratories, perhaps even leading to the disappearance of a category of such vital importance for the healthcare sector, especially in view of their specific qualities in areas such as research and laboratory analysis.

This unequal legal and financial treatment of non-medical trainee specialists is an act of discrimination as well as a violation both of the Italian Constitution, which stipulates that all citizens have equal rights and responsibilities, and of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights.

Does the Commission think that it should require Italy to take remedial action in favour of a category, namely biologists, that over the years has proven to be vital to the scientific sector, while making a significant contribution to human health?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(2 September 2013)

The question of the Honourable Member concerns the legal and financial treatment of non-medical specialists working for accredited analytical laboratories in Italy. Different regimes are applicable in Italy as regards the training conditions and the remuneration for medical doctors specialised to work for accredited analytical laboratories and for biologists specialised in the same domain.

The Honourable Member's question concerns the organisation of the national healthcare and educational systems and is a subject-matter to be decided by each Member State individually.

Moreover, EU anti-discrimination law (43) prohibits discrimination on grounds of sex, religion or belief, disability, age, or sexual orientation in employment and occupation.

Nevertheless, EU equal treatment legislation does not cover other grounds of discrimination. Therefore, the question whether a differential treatment between medical doctors and biologists which are specialised and are working in the same domain is legitimate or not has to be solved under national law.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-008023/13

alla Commissione

Aldo Patriciello (PPE)

(4 luglio 2013)

Oggetto: Progetto marchio di qualità sanitaria e progetto REAPT

Il settore bufalino costituisce uno dei pilastri economici portanti della Campania, in particolare della Provincia di Caserta, e a causa delle problematiche ambientali verificatesi nel 2003 e nel 2008 risente di una crisi occupazionale senza precedenti che non accenna a diminuire nonostante le procedure nazionali attuate al fine di arginarne gli effetti.

Per ripristinare la fiducia dei consumatori nelle produzioni agro-zootecniche-alimentari, in primis della filiera bufalina, uno specifico protocollo di intesa è stato sottoscritto e sostenuto da Aziende sanitarie locali (ASL), università, imprese, enti locali e sindacati dei lavoratori, teso a definire una produzione in cui sarà facilmente riconoscibile l'area geografica, l'azienda che produce la materia prima e l'opificio che etichetta con conseguenze benefiche tanto dal punto di vista occupazionale quanto produttivo. La stessa Regione Campania ha adottato uno specifico provvedimento normativo per tale iniziativa (Art.1, comma 56, LR n.5/2013 — BURC 24/2013).

Le stesse autorità locali (ASL Caserta, università, enti locali e Confartigianato) hanno integrato al sopramenzionato marchio di qualità sanitaria il progetto di Rinaturalizzazione delle Aree a Rischio Ambientale (REAPT) che si basa sulla preventiva caratterizzazione e successivi interventi di decontaminazione e messa in sicurezza dei suoli da rinaturalizzare attraverso la piantagione di colture, quali piante erbacee perenni (canna gentile, felce) o annuali (mais, sorgo), non destinate al consumo alimentare, che «accumulino» gli inquinanti organici e inorganici da utilizzare per la produzione di energie da fonti rinnovabili;

È evidente l'alto valore delle sopramenzionate progettualità e del risultato etico ottenibile attraverso la combinazione sinergica di attività aventi come obiettivo primario la ricaduta sul territorio e la garanzia di tutela della salute e del lavoro attraverso la rinaturalizzazione dei suoli e la messa in sicurezza delle aree a rischio ambientale della Regione Campania, favorendo il rilancio delle produzioni agroalimentari di eccellenza della zona Terra di lavoro.

Tutto ciò premesso, reputa la Commissione che azioni come il «marchio di qualità sanitaria» e di «Progetto REAPT» possano ricevere finanziamenti europei nell'ambito delle iniziative a tutela delle produzioni agro-alimentari ed energetiche lanciate dall'UE?

Reputa che azioni di questo tipo possano costituire un'utile migliore pratica da riprodurre in altre aree dell'UE contaminate dal punto di vista ambientale?

Risposta di Dacian Cioloș a nome della Commissione

(22 agosto 2013)

Per quanto riguarda la prima questione relativa alla possibilità di finanziare progetti di sviluppo di zone aventi problematiche ambientali, talune azioni sovvenzionate dal programma di sviluppo rurale della regione Campania nel periodo 2007-2013 intendono promuovere la protezione dell'ambiente e lo sviluppo sostenibile del territorio rurale; questi interventi continueranno a essere previsti dal FEADER anche nella programmazione futura. Tuttavia essi possono essere sovvenzionati solo se rispondono alle norme vigenti in materia di protezione dell'ambiente o di condizionalità.

Il caso di specie, relativo a terreni agricoli inquinati, non sembra essere coerente con le norme ambientali cui devono rispondere gli interventi di sviluppo rurale, compreso il rispetto del principio «chi inquina paga», ai sensi dell'articolo 191 del trattato sul funzionamento dell'Unione europea (TFUE). Pertanto le azioni proposte non appaiono compatibili con il quadro normativo dello sviluppo rurale.

Per quanto riguarda la trasferibilità dell'azione proposta, definita come «buona pratica», la sua efficacia dovrebbe essere verificata in via preliminare, in particolare relativamente all'utilizzo finale delle piante cresciute su questi terreni agricoli inquinati. Infatti queste piante avranno assorbito delle sostanze contaminanti, e quindi il loro utilizzo finale dovrà evitare la dispersione di queste sostanze nell'ambiente e i loro effetti nocivi per la salute umana.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008023/13

to the Commission

Aldo Patriciello (PPE)

(4 July 2013)

Subject: Health quality certification and the REAPT project

The buffalo industry is one of the mainstays of the economy in the Campania region, particularly for the province of Caserta. Due to environmental problems in 2003 and in 2008, the industry was hit by an unprecedented employment crisis that continues unabated, despite national policies to reduce its impact.

In order to restore consumer confidence in agri-food and livestock production, primarily the buffalo industry, a specific memorandum of understanding has been signed and supported by local public health authorities, universities, enterprises, local authorities and trade unions, aiming to define a production system in which the geographic area, the company producing the raw materials and the production plant where labelling is performed, will all be clearly visible, leading to benefits both for employment and for production. The Campania Regional Administration has adopted a specific legislative measure for this initiative (Article 1(56), Regional Law No 5/2013 — Campania Official Regional Gazette 24/2013).

The local authorities (Caserta local health authority, universities, local authorities and Confartigianato, the Italian organisation for crafts and micro and small enterprises) have integrated the aforementioned health quality certification into a project for the Renaturalisation of Environmental Risk Areas (REAPT) which is based on prior characterisation and subsequent decontamination and safeguarding of soils for renaturalisation. This is achieved by planting herbaceous plants, both perennials (giant cane, fern) and annuals (maize, sorghum) not intended for human consumption, in order to ‘accumulate’ organic and inorganic pollutants for use in energy production from renewable sources.

The great value of the abovementioned projects is clear to see, as is the ethical result earned through a synergistic combination of a series of activities whose primary objective is to benefit the region on the one hand and to guarantee protection of health and employment through renaturalisation of soils and safeguarding of environmental risk areas in the Campania Region on the other, in order to encourage the revival of quality agri-food products in the Terra di Lavoro area.

Does the Commission think that actions such as health quality certification and the REAPT project could receive EU funding under initiatives launched by the EU for the protection of agri-food and energy production?

Does it believe that such actions may constitute a useful best practice for other areas in the EU affected by environmental contamination?

(Version française)

En ce qui concerne la première question, relative à la possibilité de financer des projets d'aménagement des zones avec problèmes environnementaux, certaines actions subventionnées par le programme de développement rural de la Région Campania pendant la période 2007-2013 visent à promouvoir la protection de l'environnement et le développement durable du territoire rural; ces interventions continueront à être prévues par le Feader également dans la programmation future. Toutefois, de telles interventions peuvent être subventionnées seulement si elles répondent aux normes en vigueur en matière de protection de l'environnement ou d'éco-conditionnalité.

Le cas présenté, concernant des sols agricoles pollués, ne semble pas être en cohérence avec les normes environnementales auxquelles les interventions du développement rural doivent répondre, y inclus le respect du principe du «pollueur-payeur» selon l'article 191 du Traité sur le Fonctionnement de l'Union Européenne (TFUE). Par conséquent, les actions proposées n'apparaissent pas comme compatibles avec le cadre réglementaire du développement rural.

En ce qui concerne la transférabilité de l'action proposée, définie comme « bonne pratique », son efficacité devrait être préalablement vérifiée, notamment en ce qui concerne l'utilisation finale des plantes qui auront poussé sur ces sols agricoles pollués. En effet, ces plantes auront absorbé des contaminants, donc leur utilisation finale devra éviter que ces contaminants soient dispersés dans l'environnement et portent atteinte à la santé humaine.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-008024/13

alla Commissione

Mara Bizzotto (EFD)

(4 luglio 2013)

Oggetto: Energie rinnovabili: crisi della politica energetica europea

Il Pacchetto 2020 approvato dal Parlamento europeo nel 2009 impone agli Stati membri una riduzione dei gas serra del 20 % rispetto al 1990 e un aumento della quota delle energie rinnovabili pari al 20 % della produzione totale di energia entro il 2020 attraverso un maggiore impiego delle fonti rinnovabili. Tuttavia, la crisi economica ha colpito anche il settore delle energie rinnovabili. Secondo uno studio condotto dal Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF) i nuovi investimenti nel settore delle energie rinnovabili hanno subito un calo dell'11 % nel 2012 e in alcuni Stati membri il crollo degli investimenti è stato ancora più grave: —51 % in Italia e —68 % in Spagna.

La crisi economica sfiducia gli investitori a finanziare progetti in paesi ad alto rischio come Spagna, Grecia o Portogallo che sono però i più competitivi nel settore dell'energia pulita. Il settore energetico europeo è ulteriormente penalizzato dalla competizione con gli Stati Uniti che, grazie allo sfruttamento del gas di scisto, hanno accentuato il differenziale dei prezzi energetici tra l'industria europea e quella americana, già alto a causa delle tasse e dei sussidi alle energie rinnovabili. A soffrire dello svantaggio competitivo sono soprattutto le industrie europee dell'acciaio, dell'alluminio e dei prodotti petrolchimici e tutto l'indotto.

— Alla luce dei fatti e con riferimento al Consiglio europeo del 22 maggio scorso sulle politiche energetiche dell'Unione, come intende la Commissione sostenere i governi europei nel supportare le fonti di energia alternativa per raggiungere gli obiettivi previsti dal pacchetto minacciati non solo dalla crisi, ma anche dal prezzo vantaggioso del carbone e del gas di scisto, onde rendere le energie rinnovabili più attraenti per gli investitori?

— Considerato che Stati Uniti e Cina non intendono tagliare i loro consumi e rinunciare alle energie fossili, ritiene essa necessaria una revisione del Pacchetto 2020, che riduce le emissioni sul continente, ma non prevede alcuna azione contro l'inarrestabile ascesa dei gas serra a livello globale?

— Con riferimento alla dichiarazione del 28 maggio scorso da parte del Presidente Barroso sull'impegno della Commissione a proporre entro fine anno una bozza di regolamentazione per l'estrazione del gas di scisto affinché l'Unione europea possa competere in materia energetica con gli Stati Uniti, ritiene che l'estrazione del gas di scisto possa rappresentare una soluzione attuabile ed efficace stante che il territorio europeo non permette di trivellare con la stessa intensità di quello americano?

— Nel caso in cui lo sfruttamento del gas di scisto diventasse effettivo, come intende tutelare i cittadini e l'ambiente dai rischi del fracking?

Risposta di Günther Oettinger a nome della Commissione

(22 agosto 2013)

3-4) La Commissione sta esaminando in profondità i possibili vantaggi e i rischi delle nuove fonti di gas naturale, specificamente il gas di scisto. Nel programma di lavoro 2013 ha inserito una proposta inerente a un quadro di valutazione ambientale climatica ed energetica ai fini dell'estrazione sicura di idrocarburi non convenzionali, il cui scopo è vagliare le possibilità di diversificazione dell'approvvigionamento energetico e di miglioramento della competitività assicurando nel contempo che lo sfruttamento delle fonti energetiche costituite da idrocarburi non convenzionali presenti adeguate garanzie climatiche e ambientali. La Commissione intende garantire la certezza del diritto e la prevedibilità delle norme ai cittadini, alle autorità e agli operatori.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008024/13

to the Commission

Mara Bizzotto (EFD)

(4 July 2013)

Subject: Renewable energy: European energy policy in crisis

The 2020 package adopted by Parliament in 2009 requires the Member States to make greater use of renewable energy sources in order reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20% compared with 1990 levels and to make renewable energy account for 20% of total energy production by 2020. However, the economic crisis has also affected the renewable energy sector. According to a study by Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF), new investments in the renewable energy sector fell by 11% in 2012 and in some Member States the drop in investment was even worse: ‐51% in Italy and ‐68% in Spain.

The economic crisis is discouraging investors from funding projects in high-risk countries like Spain, Greece and Portugal, which are, however, the most competitive in the clean energy sector. The European energy sector is being further damaged by competition with the United States, whose use of shale gas has heightened the energy price differential — already high due to taxes and subsidies for renewable energy — between the European industry and the US industry. The European steel, aluminium and petrochemical industries and all ancillary industries are bearing the brunt of the competitive disadvantage.

— In view of the above and with regard to the European Council of 22 May 2013 on EU energy policies, how does the Commission plan to support European governments in supporting alternative energy sources in order to achieve the targets set by the 2020 package, which are threatened not only by the crisis, but also by the favourable price of coal and shale gas, in order to make renewable energy more attractive to investors?

— Given that the United States and China have no intention of cutting their energy consumption and giving up fossil fuels, does the Commission think that the 2020 package, which reduces emissions in Europe but does not provide for any action to tackle the unstoppable rise in greenhouse gas emissions worldwide, should be revised?

— With regard to President Barroso’s statement of 28 May 2013 regarding the Commission’s commitment to table a draft regulation for shale gas extraction by the end of the year so that the European Union can compete with the United States in terms of energy, does the Commission think that shale gas extraction could be a feasible and effective solution considering that it is not possible to drill as intensively in Europe as it is in the United States?

— Were the use of shale gas to become a reality, how does the Commission plan to safeguard the public and the environment against the risks of fracking?

Answer given by Mr Oettinger on behalf of the Commission

(22 August 2013)

3, 4. The Commission is carefully analysing the possible benefits and risks of new sources of natural gas such as shale gas. In its 2013 Work Programme, the Commission included a proposal for ‘Environmental, Climate and Energy Assessment Framework to Enable Safe and Secure Unconventional Hydrocarbon Extraction’. The aim is to investigate possibilities to diversify energy supply and improve competitiveness while ensuring that unconventional hydrocarbon sources are exploited with proper climate and environmental safeguards. The Commission wants to ensure legal clarity and predictability for citizens, authorities and operators.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-008025/13

alla Commissione

Mara Bizzotto (EFD)

(4 luglio 2013)

Oggetto: TNT Express Italia: 300 lavoratori veneti rischiano di perdere il posto di lavoro

Lo scorso 10 giugno TNT Express Italia, multinazionale del settore spedizioni che occupa oltre 3.000 lavoratori in tutta Italia, ha annunciato un piano di riorganizzazione industriale che prevede 850 esuberi, 300 dei quali nella sola filiale di Padova. L'azienda, che ha già aperto la procedura di mobilità per i dipendenti, ha giustificato la decisione con la necessità di adeguare la struttura operativa italiana al rallentamento dell'economia e di fare fronte all'aumento dei prezzi di benzina, pedaggi autostradali e tasse. Il piano prevede di far confluire le attività operative delle filiali più piccole in strutture di dimensioni maggiori, collocate in posizioni strategiche sul territorio nazionale. Il Veneto è la regione più colpita dai tagli in quanto 7 delle 20 filiali si trovano in tale territorio, e le ricadute sulle attività dell'indotto potrebbero far salire il numero degli esuberi a 3.000.

La Commissione:

Risposta di László Andor a nome della Commissione

(5 settembre 2013)

La Commissione è a conoscenza della situazione dei lavoratori della TNT in Italia.

Per quanto concerne i punti 2 e 4 dell'interrogazione la Commissione rinvia l'onorevole deputata alla propria risposta all'interrogazione E-008295/2013 (46) che riguarda anch'essa i lavoratori della TNT in Italia.

La Commissione non ha poteri per interferire nelle decisioni individuali delle imprese. Essa esorta tuttavia le imprese ad attenersi alle buone pratiche di gestione proattiva e socialmente responsabile delle ristrutturazioni. A seguito del suo Libro verde del gennaio 2012 (47) e dell'adozione ad opera del Parlamento europeo, il 15 gennaio 2013, della relazione Cercas, la Commissione proporrà una comunicazione finalizzata ad istituire un quadro di qualità contenente la legislazione e le iniziative pertinenti in merito alle ristrutturazioni e presenterà le pratiche ottimali che tutti gli stakeholder dovrebbero seguire. La Commissione ribadisce inoltre che, nel caso di chiusura di imprese, il datore di lavoro deve rispettare gli obblighi che gli incombono in tema di informazione e consultazione dei lavoratori conformemente alla legislazione dell'UE (48).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008025/13

to the Commission

Mara Bizzotto (EFD)

(4 July 2013)

Subject: TNT Express Italy: 300 workers in the Veneto region at risk of losing their jobs

On 10 June 2013, TNT Express Italy, a multinational courier company that employs more than 3 000 people across Italy, announced a business reorganisation plan providing for 850 redundancies, including 300 at its Padua branch alone. The company, which has already initiated the redundancy process, justified its decision by saying that it needed to adjust its operations in Italy in response to the economic slowdown and higher fuel prices, motorway tolls and taxes. Under the plan, the operations at the smaller branches would be taken over by larger branches at strategic locations across Italy. Given that seven of the company’s 20 branches are in the region, Veneto is the part of Italy worst affected by the cuts, while the knock‐on effect on related sectors could see the number of redundancies rise to 3 000.

— Is the Commission aware of this problem?

— Will the laid‐off workers be eligible for ESF support under the Veneto Operational Programme (2007‐2013) to help them retrain and reskill, so that they may hold on to their current jobs or find others?

— What ought to be done by companies and local authorities to mitigate the social impact of restructuring in the Veneto region?

— Would it be possible to mobilise the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) for the 850 workers affected?

Answer given by Mr Andor on behalf of the Commission

(5 September 2013)

The Commission is aware of the situation of the TNT workers in Italy.

Regarding points 2 and 4 of this question, the Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to Question E-008295/2013 (49), also concerning the TNT workers in Italy.

The Commission has no powers to interfere in individual company decisions. It urges them, however, to follow good practices in anticipation and socially responsible management of restructuring. Following its January 2012 Green Paper (50) and the adoption by the European Parliament on 15 January 2013 of the Cercas report, the Commission will propose a communication establishing a Quality Framework that will contain the relevant EU legislation and initiatives with regard to restructuring and will present the best practices to be implemented by all stakeholders. In addition, the Commission reiterates that, in case of closure of undertakings, the employer has to respect his/her obligations relating to the information and consultation of workers in accordance with EC law (51).

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-008026/13

alla Commissione (Vicepresidente/Alto Rappresentante)

Susy De Martini (ECR) e Cristiana Muscardini (ECR)

(4 luglio 2013)

Oggetto: VP/HR — Business umanitario cubano

Tra il 1993 e il 2003, la Commissione ha finanziato quasi EUR 145 milioni per misure di assistenza, per lo più nel settore dell'aiuto umanitario (EUR 90 m). A tale importo, è stato aggiunto nel 2009 una somma di EUR 36 milioni per progetti di cooperazione nell'ambito della ricostruzione post-uragano, riabilitazione professionale, sicurezza alimentare e cultura. Il 12 maggio 2010, la Commissione ha adottato il primo documento di strategia nazionale per la Repubblica di Cuba destinando una somma indicativa di EUR 20 milioni per il periodo 2011-2013 nel quadro dello strumento di cooperazione allo sviluppo.

Già dagli anni '60 del secolo scorso, Cuba ha però iniziato la sua politica di cosiddetta «diplomazia umanitaria» esportando lavoratori nei paesi in via di sviluppo. La categoria più utilizzata era quella dei medici che, a quei tempi, scarseggiavano nelle zone colpite da disastri naturali. Il business è pero aumentato: in seguito all'aumento dei rapporti commerciali bilaterali con alcuni partner strategici del continente sud-americano, il governo cubano è riuscito ad instaurare un vero e proprio «business sanitario» con un tornaconto pari a 5000 dollari americani per ogni dottore formato a Cuba, ma «esportato» nei paesi vicini, continuando il baratto degli stessi con petrolio venezuelano.

— È il Vicepresidente/Alto Rappresentante a conoscenza della situazione?

— Può riferire se ci sono stati programmi di monitoraggio dei fondi stanziati dall'Unione europea per Cuba nel settore umanitario?

— È a conoscenza dei progetti realizzati dal governo cubano per lo sviluppo e la formazione professionale? Sa quanti di questi dottori sono poi stati «esportati» nei paesi vicini?

— È a conoscenza che negli ospedali cubani la maggioranza dei pazienti ricoverati è assistita da studenti di medicina perche i medici sono stati inviati all'estero e che questi ultimi sono pagati 25 dollari al mese (nonostante i 5000 ricevuti per ogni dottore espatriato), tenendo i loro famigliari in ostaggio?

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

(10 settembre 2013)

Attraverso la sua delegazione a L’Avana, l’UE segue da vicino la situazione di Cuba, anche per quanto riguarda le sue relazioni esterne con i paesi terzi e gli sviluppi in settori specifici.

Inoltre, la delegazione dell’UE, l’AR/VP e i servizi della Commissione monitorano attentamente l’attuazione di tutti i progetti di cooperazione allo sviluppo e di assistenza umanitaria finanziati dall’UE a Cuba. Questo vale anche per tutti i progetti umanitari finanziati dalla Commissione europea.

Sebbene il monitoraggio del settore sanitario nazionale abbia evidenziato un certo numero di difficoltà, le lamentele riguardanti la qualità dei medici sono relativamente poche. I principali problemi riguardano le forniture e l’assistenza infermieristica. Alla base, la rete medica (ospedali e cliniche locali) è ancora pienamente operativa. In certe cliniche locali si ricorre effettivamente agli studenti di medicina, che operano tuttavia sotto la supervisione di medici qualificati.

Ora come ora la priorità di Cuba è formare i medici dei paesi in via di sviluppo partner attraverso la Scuola panamericana di medicina, che ha sede a L’Avana.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008026/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Susy De Martini (ECR) and Cristiana Muscardini (ECR)

(4 July 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Cuban humanitarian trade

Between 1993 and 2003, the Commission provided funding of almost EUR 145 million for assistance measures, mostly in the area of humanitarian aid (EUR 90 million). There was a further EUR 36 million in 2009 for cooperation projects covering post-hurricane reconstruction, vocational rehabilitation, food security and culture. On 12 May 2010, the Commission adopted the first Country Strategy Paper for the Republic of Cuba, allocating an indicative figure of EUR 20 million for the period 2011-2013 under the Development Cooperation Instrument.

Back in the 1960s, Cuba also started up its policy of so-called ‘humanitarian diplomacy’, exporting workers to countries in the developing world. The biggest group they used was doctors who, at the time, were in short supply in areas affected by natural disasters. Trade has grown, however: following an increase in bilateral trade relations with some strategic partners on the South American continent, the Cuban Government managed to set up a true ‘healthcare trade’, earning USD 5 000 per doctor trained in Cuba, and ‘exported’ to neighbouring countries, in exchange for Venezuelan oil.

— Is the Vice-President/High Representative aware of the situation?

— Can she say whether there were any programmes to monitor the funds allocated by the European Union to Cuba in the humanitarian sector?

— Is she aware of the projects implemented by the Cuban Government for professional development and training? Does she know how many of these doctors were then ‘exported’ to neighbouring countries?

— Is she aware that in Cuban hospitals, the majority of patients admitted are looked after by medical students because the doctors have been sent abroad, and that the students are paid USD 25 a month (despite the USD 5 000 received for each expatriate doctor), thus holding their family members hostage?

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

(10 September 2013)

The EU, through its Delegation in Havanna, monitors the situation in Cuba closely, including with respect to Cuba's external relations with third countries or the developments in specific sectors.

The EU Delegation, the HR/VP and the Commission services also follow very closely the implementation of all development cooperation projects funded by the EU in Cuba. All the humanitarian projects financed by the European Commission are also monitored in details.

Monitoring of the national health sector reveals that there are some difficulties; however, relatively few complaints are heard about the quality of the doctors. The main challenges are supplies and nursing. At the grassroots level, the medical network (hospitals and local clinics) is still fully operational. In certain local consulting clinics, medical trainees are indeed employed but under qualified supervision.

Cuba's present priority is to train doctors from partnering developing countries via the Panamerican School of Medicine located in Havana.

(Wersja polska)

Pytanie wymagające odpowiedzi pisemnej E-008027/13

do Komisji

Elżbieta Katarzyna Łukacijewska (PPE)

(4 lipca 2013 r.)

Przedmiot: Strategia makroregionalna dla regionu Karpat

W dniu 1 lipca 2013 r. Komisja Europejska opublikowała pierwsze badanie dotyczące dwóch unijnych strategii makroregionalnych dla regionów Dunaju i Morza Bałtyckiego. Wynika z niego jasno, iż okazały się one dużym sukcesem, przyczyniając się do powstania wielu nowych projektów i sieci międzyregionalnych. Podkreślone zostało także znaczne udoskonalenie współpracy między państwami członkowskimi, a państwami sąsiedzkimi UE oraz lepsze wykorzystanie przez nie dostępnych zasobów.

Biorąc pod uwagę zgłaszaną już wielokrotnie przez różne podmioty potrzebę utworzenia strategii makroregionalnej dla Karpat oraz fakt, iż region ten posiada już doświadczenie we współpracy transgranicznej w ramach Euroregionu Karpackiego, a utworzenie oddzielnej strategii stanowiłoby kolejny krok w jego rozwoju, zwracam się do Komisji Europejskiej z następującymi pytaniami:

Odpowiedź udzielona przez komisarza Johannesa Hahna w imieniu Komisji

(7 sierpnia 2013 r.)

W najbliższej przyszłości Komisja nie planuje przeprowadzenia i opublikowania badań dotyczących potencjalnych nowych strategii makroregionalnych UE.

Strategie makroregionalne opierają się na podejściu oddolnym i są inicjowane przez państwa członkowskie i regiony. Państwa członkowskie (za pośrednictwem Rady) zwracały się już wcześniej z wnioskami do Komisji o przygotowanie strategii UE dla następujących regionów: regionu Morza Bałtyckiego, regionu Dunaju oraz regionu adriatycko-jońskiego. Jako że te strategie uruchamiane są z inicjatywy państw członkowskich, Komisja nie jest w stanie przyspieszyć przedłożenia wniosków w sprawie nowych strategii makroregionalnych UE.

Obecnie Komisja jest upoważniona do przygotowania strategii UE dla regionu adriatycko-jońskiego (do końca 2014 r.). Pozostałe regiony UE wyraziły zainteresowanie takim podejściem. W przypadku tych regionów nie podjęto jednak decyzji o przygotowaniu nowej strategii UE. Komisja pragnie odesłać Szanowną Panią Poseł do sprawozdania dotyczącego wartości dodanej strategii makroregionalnych przyjętego przez Komisję w dniu 27 czerwca 2013 r., na podstawie upoważnienia udzielonego przez Radę. W sprawozdaniu tym określono warunki, jakie należy spełnić, aby nowe strategie przyniosły pożądane skutki. Oparto się w nim na doświadczeniach z realizacji strategii w regionie Morza Bałtyckiego i Dunaju.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008027/13

to the Commission

Elżbieta Katarzyna Łukacijewska (PPE)

(4 July 2013)

Subject: Macro-regional strategy for the Carpathian region

On 1 July 2013 the Commission published the findings of the first study conducted into the Union’s two macro-regional strategies (for the Danube and Baltic regions) The study clearly shows that the two strategies have been a great success, acting as the catalyst for the setting up of numerous projects and interregional networks. It also states that cooperation between the participating Member States and neighbouring non-EU countries has been significantly stepped up and that better use has been made of the resources available.

Given the repeated calls from a variety of quarters for a macro-regional strategy for the Carpathian region, the experience the region has already gained in the field of cross-border cooperation under the Carpathian Euroregion initiative and the fact that a macro-regional strategy would take that process one step further, can the Commission say:

Answer given by Mr Hahn on behalf of the Commission

(7 August 2013)

In the near future the Commission does not plan to conduct and publish studies on potential new EU macro-regional strategies.

Macro-regional strategies are based on a bottom-up approach and are initiated by Member States and regions. Member States (via the Council) have previously asked the Commission to prepare EU strategies for specific regions: the Baltic Sea Region, the Danube Region, and the Adriatic-Ionian Region. As such strategies are at the initiative of the Member States concerned, the Commission is not in a position to speed up the submission of proposals for new EU macro-regional strategies.

For the time being, the Commission has a mandate to prepare an EU Strategy for the Adriatic-Ionian Region (before the end of 2014). Other EU regions are interested in this approach. However, no decision to prepare new EU strategies for other regions has been taken. The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to the report on the added value on macro-regional strategies adopted by the Commission on 27 June 2013 following a mandate from the Council. In this report, success conditions for new strategies have been identified, based on the experience of the Baltic and Danube strategies.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008028/13

to the Commission

William (The Earl of) Dartmouth (EFD)

(4 July 2013)

Subject: Instrument for Pre-Accession assistance

Is any change anticipated in the Commission’s current arrangements for the provision of pre‐accession funds to Serbia for cross-border cooperation?

Question for written answer E-008029/13

to the Commission

William (The Earl of) Dartmouth (EFD)

(4 July 2013)

Subject: Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance

Is any change anticipated in the Commission’s current arrangements for the provision of pre‐accession funds to Turkey for Cross-Border Cooperation?

Question for written answer E-008030/13

to the Commission

William (The Earl of) Dartmouth (EFD)

(4 July 2013)

Subject: Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance

Is any change anticipated in the Commission’s current arrangements for the provision of pre‐accession funds to Macedonia for Regional Development?

Question for written answer E-008031/13

to the Commission

William (The Earl of) Dartmouth (EFD)

(4 July 2013)

Subject: Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance

Is any change anticipated in the Commission’s current arrangements for the provision of pre‐accession funds to Montenegro for Regional Development?

Question for written answer E-008032/13

to the Commission

William (The Earl of) Dartmouth (EFD)

(4 July 2013)

Subject: Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance

Is any change anticipated in the Commission’s current arrangements for the provision of pre‐accession funds to Turkey for Regional Development?

Question for written answer E-008033/13

to the Commission

William (The Earl of) Dartmouth (EFD)

(4 July 2013)

Subject: Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance

Is any change anticipated in the Commission’s current arrangements for the provision of pre‐accession funds to Macedonia for Human Resource Development?

Question for written answer E-008034/13

to the Commission

William (The Earl of) Dartmouth (EFD)

(4 July 2013)

Subject: Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance

Is any change anticipated in the Commission’s current arrangements for the provision of pre‐accession funds to Montenegro for Human Resource Development?

Joint answer given by Mr Füle on behalf of the Commission

(9 September 2013)

Pre-accession assistance will continue to support the beneficiary countries in the period 2014-2020 in implementing the reforms required to align to EU rules, standards, policies and practices and to come closer to European Union values in the perspective of membership. Coherence between the financial assistance and the overall progress made in the implementation of the pre-accession strategy will be strengthened. The delivery of pre-accession assistance will be more strategic, inter alia by moving towards a sector approach, and more flexible and tailored to address needs and focusing on performance and results.

Different from the current modalities, all five policy areas will be available for all enlargement countries, making support in the policy areas of regional development and employment, social policies and human resources development also available to potential candidate countries. As regards cross-border cooperation, the rules will pursue further simplification, amongst other by further aligning programming and implementation modalities with the Structural Funds approach.

Priorities for assistance and detailed funding arrangements, as appropriate, will be outlined in the strategic planning documents and, in particular, in the (Multi) Country Strategy Papers covering the entire 2014-2020 period. These documents are currently under preparation, in partnership with beneficiary countries and in coordination with Member States, other donors and Civil Society Organisations. They are planned to be finalised in the middle of 2014, subject to agreement of the co-legislators on the basic legislative act and other related acts.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008035/13

to the Commission

William (The Earl of) Dartmouth (EFD)

(4 July 2013)

Subject: EU Missions

Does the Commission intend to expand the personnel of the EU mission to China?

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

(3 September 2013)

As a result of the resource allocation reviews carried out in the Commission and the European External Action Service (EEAS) respectively, the Delegation to China will be reinforced in the months to come with three Commission AD posts (mixed posts to deal with internal policy issues, on top of the two recently allocated by the EEAS), five local agents (one to support political functions, three for different policy areas in the Delegation and another one to strengthen the administration section). The Trade section in the Delegation was also recently reinforced (with as many as five posts). These reinforcements will partly offset the gradual reduction of staff dealing with bilateral cooperation programmes, as the latter are being downsized in line with the country's economic development.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008036/13

to the Commission

William (The Earl of) Dartmouth (EFD)

(4 July 2013)

Subject: EU Missions

Does the Commission intend to expand the personnel of the EU mission to India?

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

(22 August 2013)

The Commission is reducing the personnel of the EU Delegation to India. As India develops to become a middle-income country, the EU is putting an end to bilateral development aid to India with no new financial commitments for the 2014-2020 period.

On 18 July 2013, the organisation chart of the EU Delegation to India includes the following staff:

On 1st January 2011, 2 AD posts were allocated to the EU Delegation to India to handle political work following entry into force of Lisbon Treaty.

In the context of the Commission's Workload Assessment of resources in Delegations, the number of Commission staff in India will be reduced to 43 posts. The difference (18 posts) will be redeployed to other Delegations on the basis of objective needs.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008037/13

to the Commission

William (The Earl of) Dartmouth (EFD)

(4 July 2013)

Subject: EU missions

Does the Commission intend to expand the personnel of the EU mission to the United States?

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

(3 September 2013)

The current organisation chart of the EU Delegation to the United States (Washington) includes the following staff:

* including Officials + Temporary Agents

Remark: SNE (56): 1 Directorate-General for Trade

2 EEAS

In 2011, one new EEAS post was allocated to the Delegation to the US to handle political work following entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty.

There are no present plans for further significant changes in staffing levels.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008038/13

to the Commission

William (The Earl of) Dartmouth (EFD)

(4 July 2013)

Subject: EU Missions

How many staff are employed at the EU mission to Japan, and in what grades?

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

(2 September 2013)

The current organisation chart of the EU Delegation to Japan includes the following staff:

On 1 January 2011, the EU Delegation to Japan was reinforced with 2 EEAS AD posts to handle political work following entry into force of Lisbon Treaty.

A new Commission post was allocated in the context of the 2012 Commission's Workload Assessment in Delegations, which will be placed in the Trade section. In addition, the Trade section also hosts a Junior Professional from FPI.

There are no present plans for further significant changes in staffing levels.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008039/13

to the Commission

William (The Earl of) Dartmouth (EFD)

(4 July 2013)

Subject: EU missions

How many staff are employed at the EU mission to Australia, and in what grades?

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

(21 August 2013)

The current (17-7-2013) organisation chart of the EU Delegation to Australia includes the following staff:

On 1 January 2011, the EU Delegation to Australia was reinforced with 1 EEAS Local Agent post. In 2012 it received also an AD post.

There are no present plans for further significant changes in staffing levels.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008040/13

to the Commission

William (The Earl of) Dartmouth (EFD)

(4 July 2013)

Subject: EU Missions

Does the Commission intend to expand the personnel of the EU mission to Saudi Arabia?

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

(21 August 2013)

The current organisation chart of the EU Delegation to Saudi Arabia includes the following staff:

* including Officials + Temporary Agents.

In 2011, 1 new EEAS AD post and 2 Local Agent posts were allocated to the Delegation to Saudi Arabia to handle political work following entry into force of Lisbon Treaty.

There are no present plans for further significant changes in staffing levels.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008041/13

to the Commission

William (The Earl of) Dartmouth (EFD)

(4 July 2013)

Subject: EU Mission to the UN

Does the Commission intend to expand its personnel on the EU mission to the UN?

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

(5 September 2013)

The current organisation chart of the EU Delegation to the UN (New York) includes the following staff:

On 1st January 2011, the former Council Liaison Office and the Commission Delegation to the US were merged into what is today the EU Delegation to the United Nations in New York. That same year, the Delegation was reinforced with 4 AD posts and 5 Local Agent posts for the new political tasks following the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty.

There are no present plans for further significant changes in staffing levels.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008049/13

to the Commission

William (The Earl of) Dartmouth (EFD)

(4 July 2013)

Subject: Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance

How will the Commission ensure that pre-accession funds allocated to Turkey for Transition Assistance and Institution Building are properly spent?

Question for written answer E-008065/13

to the Commission

William (The Earl of) Dartmouth (EFD)

(4 July 2013)

Subject: Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance

What specific forms of protection does the Commission have in place to ensure that pre‐accession funds to Albania for Transition Assistance and Institution Building are not diverted to anything else?

Question for written answer E-008066/13

to the Commission

William (The Earl of) Dartmouth (EFD)

(4 July 2013)

Subject: Instrument for Pre-Accession assistance

What specific forms of protection does the Commission have in place to ensure that pre‐accession funds to Bosnia and Herzegovina for transition assistance and institution building are not diverted to anything else?

Question for written answer E-008067/13

to the Commission

William (The Earl of) Dartmouth (EFD)

(4 July 2013)

Subject: Instrument for Pre-Accession assistance

What specific forms of protection does the Commission have in place to ensure that pre‐accession funds to Macedonia for transition assistance and institution building are not diverted to anything else?

Question for written answer E-008068/13

to the Commission

William (The Earl of) Dartmouth (EFD)

(4 July 2013)

Subject: Instrument for Pre-Accession assistance

What specific forms of protection does the Commission have in place to ensure that pre‐accession funds to Kosovo for transition assistance and institution building are not diverted to anything else?

Question for written answer E-008069/13

to the Commission

William (The Earl of) Dartmouth (EFD)

(4 July 2013)

Subject: Instrument for Pre-Accession assistance

What specific forms of protection does the Commission have in place to ensure that pre‐accession funds to Montenegro for transition assistance and institution building are not diverted to anything else?

Question for written answer E-008070/13

to the Commission

William (The Earl of) Dartmouth (EFD)

(4 July 2013)

Subject: Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance

What specific forms of protection does the Commission have in place to ensure that pre‐accession funds to Serbia for Transition Assistance and Institution Building are not diverted to anything else?

Question for written answer E-008708/13

to the Commission

William (The Earl of) Dartmouth (EFD)

(16 July 2013)

Subject: Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (rural development)

How will the Commission ensure that pre-accession funds allocated to each of the following countries for rural development are properly spent?

List of countries:

Macedonia, Montenegro and Turkey.

Question for written answer E-008709/13

to the Commission

William (The Earl of) Dartmouth (EFD)

(16 July 2013)

Subject: Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (human resource development)

How will the Commission ensure that pre-accession funds allocated to each of the following countries for human resource development are properly spent?

List of countries:

Macedonia, Montenegro, and Turkey.

Question for written answer E-008710/13

to the Commission

William (The Earl of) Dartmouth (EFD)

(16 July 2013)

Subject: Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (Regional Development)

How will the Commission ensure that pre-accession funds allocated to each of the following countries for Regional Development are properly spent?

List of countries:

Macedonia, Montenegro and Turkey

Question for written answer E-008711/13

to the Commission

William (The Earl of) Dartmouth (EFD)

(16 July 2013)

Subject: Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (Cross-Border Cooperation)

How will the Commission ensure that pre-accession funds allocated to each of the following countries for Cross-Border Cooperation are properly spent?

List of countries:

Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia, Kosovo, Montenegro, Serbia and Turkey

Question for written answer E-008712/13

to the Commission

William (The Earl of) Dartmouth (EFD)

(16 July 2013)

Subject: Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (Transition Assistance and Institution Building)

How will the Commission ensure that pre-accession funds allocated to each of the following countries for Transition Assistance and Institution Building are properly spent?

List of countries:

Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia, Iceland, Kosovo, Montenegro, Serbia and Turkey

Question for written answer E-008725/13

to the Commission

William (The Earl of) Dartmouth (EFD)

(16 July 2013)

Subject: Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (Turkey)

What specific protection does the Commission have in place to ensure that pre-accession funds to Turkey for transition assistance and institution building are not diverted to anything else?

Joint answer given by Mr Füle on behalf of the Commission

(9 September 2013)

During the programming phase of the pre-accession assistance, the Commission ensures that only actions which produce tangible and measurable results in favour of the people, the public administration and the businesses in the beneficiary countries will be supported. In countries such as Turkey and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, which have fulfilled the rigourous assessment for the conferral of management, the national authorities are directly responsible for the procurement procedures and management of the contracts, while the Commission ensures the necessary level of supervision.

The Commission procedures involve a coherent and efficient control system including monitoring, ex-ante and ex-post control of transactions, inspections, systems audits and evaluations for actions implemented with Commission funding. Such controls allow to adopt corrective measures if required, including financial corrections, to ensure the successful implementation of financial assistance. In all cases procurement procedures will be carried out in compliance with the Commission's Financial Regulation and related Practical Guidelines for the management of external actions.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-008071/13

al Consejo

Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE), Ana Miranda (Verts/ALE), Ulrike Lunacek (Verts/ALE), Franziska Keller (Verts/ALE), Catherine Grèze (Verts/ALE), Jürgen Klute (GUE/NGL), Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL), Helmut Scholz (GUE/NGL), Alda Sousa (GUE/NGL) y Marisa Matias (GUE/NGL)

(5 de julio de 2013)

Asunto: Retención del Presidente de Bolivia, Evo Morales, en Europa

Las autoridades aeronáuticas de Francia, España, Italia y Portugal prohibieron el sobrevuelo del avión de Evo Morales, Presidente de Bolivia, que fue forzado a aterrizar en Viena, donde fue retenido y, según fuentes austríacas, requisado. El avión de Morales había partido de Moscú con un plan de vuelo de retorno hacia Bolivia y debía sobrevolar el espacio aéreo de Francia y hacer una parada técnica en Lisboa, pero el periplo fue denegado presuntamente ante la sospecha de que el ex analista estadounidense Edward Snowden se encontraba a bordo de la nave presidencial, luego de solicitar a varios países asilo político sin tener éxito.

Al retener al Presidente Evo Morales y al requisar su aeronave se atentó claramente contra la inmunidad conforme al Convenio Internacional sobre el derecho de las inmunidades jurisdiccionales de los Estados y de sus bienes. A su vez, se puso en riesgo la integridad física del Presidente.

Los países europeos mencionados y la UE en su conjunto cedieron nuevamente a las presiones de su socio preferido, Estados Unidos, quien tenía sospechas que el Sr. Snowden estuviese en el vuelo, poniendo así en duda la palabra del Presidente de Bolivia.

Los vuelos de la CIA, el escándalo del sistema de espionaje PRISM y ahora este hecho demuestra que Estados de la UE están dispuestos a violar derechos fundamentales y el Derecho internacional a fin de complacer las demandas de Estados Unidos, en vez de cooperar de forma legal, transparente e imparcial.

¿Qué opinión tiene el Consejo sobre este escándalo? ¿Considera que se ha violado el Convenio de Viena en el caso mencionado? ¿Aclarará si las decisiones de Francia, España, Portugal e Italia fueron debidas a presiones por parte de Estados Unidos?

¿Qué consecuencias tendrá este hecho sobre las relaciones bilaterales con Bolivia y con los países miembros de Unasur, quienes ya han mostrado su apoyo a Evo Morales y denunciado su retención? ¿Pedirá disculpas públicas por parte de la UE al Presidente Evo Morales por los incidentes causados?

Respuesta

(16 de septiembre de 2013)

Dado que se trata de una pregunta para la Alta Representante de la Unión para Asuntos Exteriores y Política de Seguridad, el Consejo ruega a Su Señoría que dirija dicha pregunta directamente a la Alta Representante, según lo dispuesto en el artículo 117. apartado 1, del Reglamento interno del Parlamento Europeo.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-008071/13

an den Rat

Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE), Ana Miranda (Verts/ALE), Ulrike Lunacek (Verts/ALE), Franziska Keller (Verts/ALE), Catherine Grèze (Verts/ALE), Jürgen Klute (GUE/NGL), Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL), Helmut Scholz (GUE/NGL), Alda Sousa (GUE/NGL) und Marisa Matias (GUE/NGL)

(5. Juli 2013)

Betrifft: Festhaltung des bolivianischen Präsidenten, Evo Morales, in Europa

Die Luftfahrtbehörden von Frankreich, Spanien, Italien und Portugal haben für das Flugzeug des bolivianischen Präsidenten, Evo Morales, die Überflugrechte verwehrt, und die Maschine wurde daraufhin zur Landung in Wien gezwungen, wo sie festgehalten und österreichischen Quellen zufolge kontrolliert wurde. Das Flugzeug von Morales war in Moskau zum Rückflug nach Bolivien gestartet, wobei der Luftraum Frankreichs überflogen und ein technischer Zwischenstopp in Lissabon eingelegt werden sollte; die Genehmigungen dafür wurden jedoch vermutlich wegen des Verdachts, der ehemalige amerikanische Geheimdienstanalyst Edward Snowden könnte sich an Bord der Präsidentenmaschine befinden, nachdem er in mehreren Ländern erfolglos politisches Asyl beantragt hatte, verweigert.

Mit der Festhaltung des Präsidenten Evo Morales und der Kontrolle seines Flugzeugs wurde eindeutig gegen die im Übereinkommen der Vereinten Nationen über die Immunität der Staaten und ihres Vermögens verankerte Immunität verstoßen. Außerdem wurde die körperliche Unversehrtheit des Präsidenten gefährdet.

Die genannten europäischen Länder und die EU insgesamt gaben dabei erneut dem Druck ihres bevorzugten Partners, den Vereinigten Staaten, nach, die Snowden im Flugzeug vermuteten, und zogen somit das Wort des bolivianischen Präsidenten in Zweifel.

Die CIA-Flüge, der Skandal um das Spionageprogramm PRISM und nun dieser Vorfall machen deutlich, dass EU-Staaten bereit sind, gegen Grundrechte und das Völkerrecht zu verstoßen, wenn es darum geht, den Forderungen der Vereinigten Staaten nachzukommen, anstatt auf legale, transparente und unparteiische Weise zu kooperieren.

Welche Auffassung vertritt der Rat in Bezug auf diesen Skandal? Ist er der Ansicht, dass im geschilderten Fall gegen das Wiener Übereinkommen verstoßen wurde? Wird er klären, ob Frankreich, Spanien, Portugal und Italien ihre Entscheidungen unter dem Druck der Vereinigten Staaten getroffen haben?

Wie wird sich der Vorfall auf die bilateralen Beziehungen zu Bolivien und zu den Mitgliedstaaten der UNASUR auswirken, die bereits ihre Unterstützung für Evo Morales zum Ausdruck gebracht und seine Festhaltung verurteilt haben? Wird sich der Rat im Namen der EU öffentlich beim Präsidenten Evo Morales für den Zwischenfall entschuldigen?

Antwort

(16. September 2013)

Da diese Anfrage in die Zuständigkeit der Hohen Vertreterin der Europäischen Union für Außen‐ und Sicherheitspolitik fällt, werden die Damen und Herren Abgeordneten gebeten, sich gemäß Artikel 117 Absatz 1 der Geschäftsordnung des Europäischen Parlaments direkt an die Hohe Vertreterin zu wenden.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-008071/13

au Conseil

Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE), Ana Miranda (Verts/ALE), Ulrike Lunacek (Verts/ALE), Franziska Keller (Verts/ALE), Catherine Grèze (Verts/ALE), Jürgen Klute (GUE/NGL), Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL), Helmut Scholz (GUE/NGL), Alda Sousa (GUE/NGL) et Marisa Matias (GUE/NGL)

(5 juillet 2013)

Objet: Escale forcée en Europe pour Evo Morales, président de la Bolivie

Les autorités aéronautiques françaises, espagnoles, italiennes et portugaises ont interdit le survol de l'espace aérien à Evo Morales, Président de la Bolivie, qui a été contraint d'atterrir à Vienne, où son avion a été retenu au sol et, selon des sources autrichiennes, où il a été fouillé. L'avion avait décollé de Moscou en vue de retourner en Bolivie et il devait survoler l'espace aérien français puis effectuer un arrêt technique à Lisbonne, mais son plan de vol a été refusé avant même que des soupçons ne se fassent jour quant à l'éventuelle présence à bord de l'avion présidentiel de l'ex-analyste américain Edward Snowden, qui avait demandé l'asile politique à nombre de pays, en vain.

Le fait de retenir le Président et de fouiller son avion constitue une violation de son immunité en vertu de la convention internationale sur le droit des immunités juridictionnelles des États et de leurs biens. De fait, l'intégrité du Président a été mise en péril.

Les pays européens susmentionnés et l'Union européenne dans son ensemble ont à nouveau cédé aux pressions de leur partenaire préféré, à savoir les États-Unis, qui soupçonnaient Edward Snowden d'être à bord de l'avion, mettant ainsi en doute la parole du Président bolivien.

Les vols de la CIA, le scandale du système d'espionnage PRISM et cette dernière affaire montrent que certains États européens sont prêts à violer les droits fondamentaux et le droit international pour complaire à Washington, au lieu de coopérer en toute légalité, transparence et impartialité.

Que pense la Vice-présidente/Haute Représentante de ce scandale? N'estime-t-elle pas que la convention de Vienne a été violée? Pourra-t-elle préciser si les décisions prises par la France, l'Espagne, le Portugal et l'Italie sont le résultat de pressions exercées par les États-Unis?

Quelles seront les conséquences de cette affaire sur les relations bilatérales avec la Bolivie et avec les pays membres de l'Union des nations sud-américaines, qui ont déjà manifesté leur soutien au Président bolivien et ont dénoncé son escale forcée? Présentera-t-elle des excuses publiques au nom de l'Union européenne au Président Evo Morales pour les incidents provoqués?

Réponse

(16 septembre 2013)

Cette question étant du ressort du Haut Représentant de l'Union pour les affaires étrangères et la politique de sécurité, le Conseil invite les Honorables Parlementaires à s'adresser directement à la Haute Représentante, ainsi que le prévoit l'article 117, paragraphe 1, du règlement intérieur du Parlement européen.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-008071/13

ao Conselho

Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE), Ana Miranda (Verts/ALE), Ulrike Lunacek (Verts/ALE), Franziska Keller (Verts/ALE), Catherine Grèze (Verts/ALE), Jürgen Klute (GUE/NGL), Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL), Helmut Scholz (GUE/NGL), Alda Sousa (GUE/NGL) e Marisa Matias (GUE/NGL)

(5 de julho de 2013)

Assunto: Retenção do Presidente da Bolívia, Evo Morales, na Europa

As autoridades aeronáuticas de França, Espanha, Itália e Portugal proibiram o sobrevoo do avião de Evo Morales, Presidente da Bolívia, que foi forçado a aterrar em Viena, onde foi retido e, segundo fontes austríacas, apreendido. O avião de Evo Morales tinha partido de Moscovo com um plano de voo de regresso à Bolívia e deveria sobrevoar o espaço aéreo francês e efetuar uma paragem técnica em Lisboa, mas o plano foi recusado, presumidamente, devido à suspeita de que o ex-analista norte-americano Edward Snowden se encontrava a bordo do avião presidencial, depois de solicitar asilo político a diversos países sem êxito.

A retenção do Presidente Evo Morales e a apreensão da sua aeronave constituem um claro atentado contra a imunidade nos termos da Convenção das Nações Unidas sobre as Imunidades Jurisdicionais dos Estados e dos seus Bens. Por seu lado, colocou-se em risco a integridade física do Presidente.

Os países europeus mencionados e a UE, no seu conjunto, cederam novamente a pressões do seu aliado preferido, os Estados Unidos, que suspeitava que Edward Snowden se encontrasse no avião, pondo assim em dúvida a palavra do Presidente da Bolívia.

Os voos da CIA, o escândalo do sistema de espionagem PRISM e agora este acontecimento demonstram que os Estados da UE estão dispostos a violar direitos fundamentais e o direito internacional a fim de satisfazer os pedidos dos Estados Unidos, em vez de cooperar de forma legal, transparente e imparcial.

Que opinião tem o Conselho sobre este escândalo? Considera que a Convenção de Viena foi violada no caso em questão? Informará se as decisões de França, Espanha, Portugal e Itália se deveram a pressões por parte dos Estados Unidos?

Que consequências terá este acontecimento nas relações bilaterais com a Bolívia e com os países membros da Unasur, que têm manifestado o seu apoio a Evo Morales e denunciado a sua retenção? Apresentará um pedido de desculpas público por parte da UE ao Presidente Evo Morales pelos incidentes causados?

Resposta

(16 de setembro de 2013)

Uma vez que a questão é da competência do Alto Representante da União para os Negócios Estrangeiros e a Política de Segurança, o Conselho convida os Senhores Deputados a dirigir-se diretamente à Alta Representante, como de resto prevê o artigo 117.°, n.° 1, do Regimento do Parlamento Europeu.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008071/13

to the Council

Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE), Ana Miranda (Verts/ALE), Ulrike Lunacek (Verts/ALE), Franziska Keller (Verts/ALE), Catherine Grèze (Verts/ALE), Jürgen Klute (GUE/NGL), Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL), Helmut Scholz (GUE/NGL), Alda Sousa (GUE/NGL) and Marisa Matias (GUE/NGL)

(5 July 2013)

Subject: Detention of Bolivian President, Evo Morales, in Europe

The aviation authorities of France, Spain, Italy and Portugal closed their airspace to a plane carrying Bolivian President, Evo Morales. His jet was forced to land in Vienna, where it was grounded and, according to Austrian sources, searched. The presidential plane had left Moscow to return to Bolivia and was due to fly through French airspace before making a technical stop in Lisbon, but permission to continue was refused, allegedly because of suspicion that former US intelligence agent Edward Snowden was on board. Snowden had requested political asylum from a number of countries with no success.

The detention of President Morales and the search of his plane both constitute a clear violation of presidential immunity guaranteed under the United Nations Convention on Jurisdictional Immunity of States and their Property. Furthermore, the physical integrity of the President was put at risk.

The European countries listed above, and the EU in general, have once again given in to pressure from their preferred partner, the United States of America, which suspected that Mr Snowden was on board and questioned the word of the Bolivian President.

This latest incident, together with CIA flights and the PRISM surveillance scandal, show that EU Member States are prepared to violate fundamental rights and international law in order to please the USA, rather than cooperating in a legal, transparent and impartial manner.

What is the opinion of the Council with regard to this scandal? Does the Council believe that the case described above constitutes an infringement of the Vienna Convention? Were the decisions taken by France, Spain, Portugal and Italy a result of pressure exerted by the USA?

What impact will this incident have on bilateral relations with Bolivia and other Unasur members that have already expressed support for Evo Morales and condemned his detention? Will the Council make a public apology to President Morales on behalf of the EU?

Reply

(16 September 2013)

Since this is a question for the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the Council invites the Honourable Member to address the question directly to the High Representative as provided for in Rule 117(1) of the European Parliament's Rules of Procedure.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-008072/13

a la Comisión (Vicepresidenta/Alta Representante)

Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE), Ana Miranda (Verts/ALE), Ulrike Lunacek (Verts/ALE), Franziska Keller (Verts/ALE), Catherine Grèze (Verts/ALE), Jürgen Klute (GUE/NGL), Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL), Helmut Scholz (GUE/NGL), Alda Sousa (GUE/NGL) y Marisa Matias (GUE/NGL)

(5 de julio de 2013)

Asunto: VP/HR — Retención del Presidente de Bolivia, Evo Morales, en Europa

Las autoridades aeronáuticas de Francia, España, Italia y Portugal prohibieron el sobrevuelo del avión de Evo Morales, Presidente de Bolivia, que fue forzado a aterrizar en Viena, donde fue retenido y, según fuentes austríacas, requisado. El avión de Morales había partido de Moscú con un plan de vuelo de retorno hacia Bolivia y debía sobrevolar el espacio aéreo de Francia y hacer una parada técnica en Lisboa, pero el periplo fue denegado presuntamente ante la sospecha de que el ex analista estadounidense Edward Snowden se encontraba a bordo de la nave presidencial, luego de solicitar a varios países asilo político sin tener éxito.

Al retener al Presidente Evo Morales y al requisar su aeronave se atentó claramente contra la inmunidad conforme al Convenio Internacional sobre el derecho de las inmunidades jurisdiccionales de los Estados y de sus bienes. A su vez, se puso en riesgo la integridad física del Presidente.

Los países europeos mencionados y la UE en su conjunto cedieron nuevamente a las presiones de su socio preferido, Estados Unidos, quien tenía sospechas que el Sr. Snowden estuviese en el vuelo, poniendo así en duda la palabra del Presidente de Bolivia.

Los vuelos de la CIA, el escándalo del sistema de espionaje PRISM y ahora este hecho demuestra que Estados de la UE están dispuestos a violar derechos fundamentales y el derecho internacional a fin de complacer las demandas de Estados Unidos, en vez de cooperar de forma legal, transparente e imparcial.

¿Qué opinión tiene la Vicepresidenta/Alta Representante sobre este escándalo? ¿Considera que se ha violado el Convenio de Viena en el caso mencionado? ¿Aclarará si las decisiones de Francia, España, Portugal e Italia fueron debidas a presiones por parte de Estados Unidos?

¿Qué consecuencias tendrá este hecho sobre las relaciones bilaterales con Bolivia y con los países miembros de Unasur, quienes ya han mostrado su apoyo a Evo Morales y denunciado su retención? ¿Pedirá disculpas públicas por parte de la UE al Presidente Evo Morales por los incidentes causados?

Respuesta conjunta de la Alta Representante y Vicepresidenta Ashton en nombre de la Comisión

(21 de agosto de 2013)

La Alta Representante y Vicepresidenta lamenta el incidente con el avión presidencial y sabe que los Estados miembros interesados han dado explicaciones y, en caso necesario, han pedido disculpas.

También desea subrayar que no se trata de un asunto de la competencia de la UE, sino de la soberanía nacional de los Estados miembros. Con arreglo al Convenio de Chicago (1944) de la OACI, cualquier país tiene derecho a denegar el acceso a su espacio aéreo soberano y esta competencia la tiene cada uno de los Estados miembros. Además, la legislación sobre el Cielo Único Europeo reconoce la responsabilidad nacional de los derechos de sobrevuelo en virtud de los acuerdos internacionales en este ámbito.

Durante los últimos años, la UE ha trabajado mucho por reforzar la relación entre Bolivia y cada uno de los Estados miembros y la UE en su conjunto. La UE mantiene su compromiso de mantener sus buenas relaciones con Bolivia.

La Unión Europea espera que se mantengan la atmósfera de cooperación constructiva y el clima cordial que caracterizan las relaciones generales entre la UE y los países de la región.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-008072/13

an die Kommission (Vizepräsidentin/Hohe Vertreterin)

Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE), Ana Miranda (Verts/ALE), Ulrike Lunacek (Verts/ALE), Franziska Keller (Verts/ALE), Catherine Grèze (Verts/ALE), Jürgen Klute (GUE/NGL), Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL), Helmut Scholz (GUE/NGL), Alda Sousa (GUE/NGL) und Marisa Matias (GUE/NGL)

(5. Juli 2013)

Betrifft: VP/HR — Festhaltung des bolivianischen Präsidenten, Evo Morales, in Europa

Die Luftfahrtbehörden von Frankreich, Spanien, Italien und Portugal haben für das Flugzeug des bolivianischen Präsidenten, Evo Morales, die Überflugrechte verwehrt, und die Maschine wurde daraufhin zur Landung in Wien gezwungen, wo es festgehalten und österreichischen Quellen zufolge kontrolliert wurde. Das Flugzeug von Morales war in Moskau zum Rückflug nach Bolivien gestartet, wobei der Luftraum Frankreichs überflogen und ein technischer Zwischenstopp in Lissabon eingelegt werden sollte; die Genehmigungen dafür wurden jedoch vermutlich wegen des Verdachts, der ehemalige amerikanische Geheimdienstanalyst Edward Snowden könnte sich an Bord der Präsidentenmaschine befinden, nachdem er in mehreren Ländern erfolglos politisches Asyl beantragt hatte, verweigert.

Mit der Festhaltung des Präsidenten Evo Morales und der Kontrolle seines Flugzeugs wurde eindeutig gegen die im Übereinkommen der Vereinten Nationen über die Immunität der Staaten und ihres Vermögens verankerte Immunität verstoßen. Außerdem wurde die körperliche Unversehrtheit des Präsidenten gefährdet.

Die genannten europäischen Länder und die EU insgesamt gaben dabei erneut dem Druck ihres bevorzugten Partners, den Vereinigten Staaten, nach, die Snowden im Flugzeug vermuteten, und zogen somit das Wort des bolivianischen Präsidenten in Zweifel.

Die CIA-Flüge, der Skandal um das Spionageprogramm PRISM und nun dieser Vorfall machen deutlich, dass EU-Staaten bereit sind, gegen Grundrechte und das Völkerrecht zu verstoßen, wenn es darum geht, den Forderungen der Vereinigten Staaten nachzukommen, anstatt auf legale, transparente und unparteiische Weise zu kooperieren.

Welche Auffassung vertritt die Vizepräsidentin/Hohe Vertreterin in Bezug auf diesen Skandal? Ist sie der Ansicht, dass im geschilderten Fall gegen das Wiener Übereinkommen verstoßen wurde? Wird sie klären, ob Frankreich, Spanien, Portugal und Italien ihre Entscheidungen unter dem Druck der Vereinigten Staaten getroffen haben?

Wie wird sich der Vorfall auf die bilateralen Beziehungen zu Bolivien und zu den Mitgliedstaaten der UNASUR auswirken, die bereits ihre Unterstützung für Evo Morales zum Ausdruck gebracht und seine Festhaltung verurteilt haben? Wird sich die Vizepräsidentin/Hohe Vertreterin im Namen der EU öffentlich beim Präsidenten Evo Morales für den Zwischenfall entschuldigen?

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

(21. August 2013)

Die HV/VP bedauert den Zwischenfall im Zusammenhang mit dem Flugzeug von Präsident Morales. Nach Kenntnis der HV/VP haben die betreffenden Mitgliedstaaten Erklärungen hierzu abgegeben und um Entschuldigung gebeten, soweit dies angebracht war.

Die HV/VP möchte darauf hinweisen, dass diese Angelegenheit nicht in die Zuständigkeit der EU fällt, sondern unter die nationale Souveränität der Mitgliedstaaten. Im Rahmen des Chicagoer Abkommens von 1944 über die internationale Zivilluftfahrt hat jedes Land das Recht, den Zugang zu seinem souveränen Luftraum zu verweigern; die entsprechende Zuständigkeit liegt bei den einzelnen Mitgliedstaaten. Die einzelstaatliche Verantwortung für Überflugrechte nach den internationalen Übereinkommen in diesem Bereich wird ferner in den Rechtsvorschriften zum einheitlichen europäischen Luftraum anerkannt.

In den letzten Jahren hat die EU sich intensiv für die Stärkung der Beziehungen Boliviens zu den einzelnen Mitgliedstaaten sowie zur EU als Ganzes eingesetzt. Die EU ist auch weiterhin fest entschlossen, ihr gutes Verhältnis zu Bolivien fortzuführen.

Die EU hofft, dass die konstruktive Zusammenarbeit und die freundliche Atmosphäre, die die Beziehungen zwischen der EU und den Ländern der Region insgesamt prägen, erhalten bleiben.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-008095/13

προς την Επιτροπή

Takis Hadjigeorgiou (GUE/NGL)

(8 Ιουλίου 2013)

Θέμα: Καταναγκαστική προσγείωση του προεδρικού αεροπλάνου στο οποίο επέβαινε ο πρόεδρος Μοράλες

Ο πρόεδρος Μοράλες προσγειώθηκε χθες (4 Ιουλίου) στην Λα Πας έπειτα από την αναγκαστική παραμονή του στο αεροδρόμιο της Βιέννης για 13 ώρες (και 17 ώρες πτήσης) λόγω υποψιών ότι, επιστρέφοντας από το ταξίδι του στη Μόσχα, μετέφερε μαζί του στο προεδρικό αεροπλάνο τον Έντουαρντ Σνόουντεν. Ωστόσο αργότερα, τόσο η Γαλλία όσο και η Ισπανία διέψευσαν ότι προέβησαν σε οποιαδήποτε απαγόρευση, ενώ η Πορτογαλία δήλωσε ότι έδωσε άδεια για τον εναέριο χώρο, όχι όμως και για ανεφοδιασμό στη Λισαβόνα.

Ερωτάται η Επιτροπή:

Είναι εις γνώσιν της ΕΕ τα πιο πάνω γεγονότα; Για ποιο λόγο δεν επιτράπηκε στον πρόεδρο της Βολιβίας να ολοκληρώσει το ταξίδι του όπως είχε προγραμματίσει και υποχρεώθηκε να προβεί σε καταναγκαστική προσγείωση; Δεν συνιστά παραβίαση του διεθνούς δικαίου, καταπάτηση της κυριαρχίας των κρατών αλλά και των ατομικών δικαιωμάτων, ο τρόπος με τον οποίο αντιμετωπίστηκε ο πρόεδρος της Βολιβίας από τα κράτη μέλη; O Έντουαρντ Σνόουντεν δεν βρισκόταν στον αεροπλάνο του προέδρου Μοράλες. Εάν όμως οι υποψήφιες των Αμερικάνων ήταν σωστές, δεν θα έπρεπε τα κράτη μέλη της ΕΕ να βοηθήσουν τον Βολιβιανό πρόεδρο να προστατεύσει έναν άνθρωπο, ο οποίος είχε το θάρρος να αποκαλύψει μια τόσο οργανωμένη και συστηματική παραβίαση των ανθρωπίνων δικαιωμάτων;

Κοινή απάντηση της Ύπατης Εκπροσώπου/Αντιπροέδρου Ashton εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(21 Αυγούστου 2013)

Η Ύπατη Εκπρόσωπος/Αντιπρόεδρος λυπάται βαθύτατα για το επεισόδιο με το προεδρικό αεροσκάφος και γνωρίζει ότι τα ενδιαφερόμενα κράτη μέλη έδωσαν εξηγήσεις επ’ αυτού και ζήτησαν συγνώμη κατά περίπτωση.

Η ΥΕ/ΑΠ θα ήθελε να υπογραμμίσει ότι το ζήτημα αυτό δεν εμπίπτει στην αρμοδιότητα της ΕΕ, αλλά στην εθνική κυριαρχία των κρατών μελών. Δυνάμει της Σύμβασης του Σικάγου (1944) της Διεθνούς Οργάνωσης Πολιτικής Αεροπορίας ICAO, κάθε χώρα έχει το δικαίωμα να αρνηθεί την είσοδο στον κυρίαρχο εναέριο χώρο της, πράγμα που εμπίπτει στην αρμοδιότητα κάθε κράτους μέλους. Επιπλέον, η νομοθεσία για τον Ενιαίο Ευρωπαϊκό Ουρανό αναγνωρίζει την εθνική αρμοδιότητα για τα δικαιώματα υπερπτήσεων που απορρέουν από τις διεθνείς συμφωνίες στον τομέα αυτό.

Κατά τα τελευταία έτη, η ΕΕ έχει εργαστεί σκληρά για να ενισχύσει τις σχέσεις μεταξύ της Βολιβίας και των επιμέρους κρατών μελών καθώς και της ΕΕ στο σύνολό της. Η ΕΕ εμμένει στη δέσμευσή της να διατηρήσει καλές σχέσεις με τη Βολιβία.

Η ΕΕ ελπίζει ότι η εποικοδομητική συνεργασία και η εγκάρδια ατμόσφαιρα που χαρακτηρίζουν τις γενικότερες σχέσεις της ΕΕ και των χωρών της περιοχής θα διατηρηθούν.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-008072/13

à la Commission (Vice-présidente/Haute Représentante)

Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE), Ana Miranda (Verts/ALE), Ulrike Lunacek (Verts/ALE), Franziska Keller (Verts/ALE), Catherine Grèze (Verts/ALE), Jürgen Klute (GUE/NGL), Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL), Helmut Scholz (GUE/NGL), Alda Sousa (GUE/NGL) et Marisa Matias (GUE/NGL)

(5 juillet 2013)

Objet: VP/HR — Escale forcée en Europe pour Evo Morales, Président de la Bolivie

Les autorités aéronautiques françaises, espagnoles, italiennes et portugaises ont interdit le survol de l'espace aérien à Evo Morales, Président de la Bolivie, qui a été contraint d'atterrir à Vienne, où son avion a été retenu au sol et, selon des sources autrichiennes, où il a été fouillé. L'avion avait décollé de Moscou en vue de retourner en Bolivie et il devait survoler l'espace aérien français puis effectuer un arrêt technique à Lisbonne, mais son plan de vol a été refusé avant même que des soupçons ne se fassent jour quant à l'éventuelle présence à bord de l'avion présidentiel de l'ex-analyste américain Edward Snowden, qui avait demandé l'asile politique à nombre de pays, en vain.

Le fait de retenir le Président et de fouiller son avion constitue une violation de son immunité en vertu de la convention internationale sur le droit des immunités juridictionnelles des États et de leurs biens. De fait, l'intégrité du Président a été mise en péril.

Les pays européens susmentionnés et l'Union européenne dans son ensemble ont à nouveau cédé aux pressions de leur partenaire préféré, à savoir les États-Unis, qui soupçonnaient Edward Snowden d'être à bord de l'avion, mettant ainsi en doute la parole du Président bolivien.

Les vols de la CIA, le scandale du système d'espionnage PRISM et cette dernière affaire montrent que certains États européens sont prêts à violer les droits fondamentaux et le droit international pour complaire à Washington, au lieu de coopérer en toute légalité, transparence et impartialité.

Que pense la Vice-présidente/Haute Représentante de ce scandale? N'estime-t-elle que la convention de Vienne a été violée? Pourra-t-elle préciser si les décisions prises par la France, l'Espagne, le Portugal et l'Italie sont le résultat de pressions exercées par les États-Unis?

Quelles seront les conséquences de cette affaire sur les relations bilatérales avec la Bolivie et avec les pays membres de l'Union des nations sud-américaines, qui ont déjà manifesté leur soutien au Président bolivien et ont dénoncé son escale forcée? Présentera-t-elle des excuses publiques au nom de l'Europe au Président Evo Morales pour les incidents provoqués?

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

(21 août 2013)

La Vice-présisente/Haute Représentante regrette l'incident dans lequel l'avion présidentiel a été impliqué. La Vice-présisente/Haute Représentante croit savoir que les États membres concernés se sont expliqués à ce sujet et, le cas échéant, ont présenté leurs excuses.

La Vice-présisente/Haute Représentante tient à souligner que cet incident ne relève pas de la compétence de l'Union européenne mais de la souveraineté nationale des États membres. En vertu de la convention relative à l'aviation civile internationale, signée à Chicago en 1944, tout pays a le droit de refuser l'accès à son espace aérien souverain, compétence qui revient à chaque État membre. En outre, la législation relative au ciel unique européen reconnaît la responsabilité nationale relative aux droits de survol découlant des accords internationaux dans ce domaine.

Au cours de ces dernières années, l'Union n'a pas ménagé ses efforts pour renforcer les relations entre la Bolivie et tant les différents États membres que l'Union dans son ensemble. L'Union reste déterminée à conserver de bonnes relations avec la Bolivie.

L'Union européenne espère que la coopération constructive et la cordialité qui caractérisent l'ensemble de ses relations avec les pays de la région se maintiendront.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-008072/13

à Comissão (Vice-Presidente / Alta Representante)

Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE), Ana Miranda (Verts/ALE), Ulrike Lunacek (Verts/ALE), Franziska Keller (Verts/ALE), Catherine Grèze (Verts/ALE), Jürgen Klute (GUE/NGL), Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL), Helmut Scholz (GUE/NGL), Alda Sousa (GUE/NGL) e Marisa Matias (GUE/NGL)

(5 de julho de 2013)

Assunto: VP/HR — Detenção do Presidente da Bolívia, Evo Morales, na Europa

As autoridades aeronáuticas de França, Espanha, Itália e Portugal proibiram o sobrevoo do avião de Evo Morales, Presidente da Bolívia, que foi forçado a aterrar em Viena, onde foi retido e, segundo fontes austríacas, apreendido. O avião de Evo Morales tinha partido de Moscovo com um plano de voo de regresso à Bolívia e deveria sobrevoar o espaço aéreo francês e efetuar uma paragem técnica em Lisboa, mas o plano foi recusado, presumidamente, devido à suspeita de que o ex-analista norte-americano Edward Snowden se encontrava a bordo do avião presidencial, depois de solicitar asilo político a diversos países sem êxito.

A retenção do Presidente Evo Morales e a apreensão da sua aeronave constituem um claro atentado contra a imunidade nos termos da Convenção das Nações Unidas sobre as Imunidades Jurisdicionais dos Estados e dos seus Bens. Por seu lado, colocou-se em risco a integridade física do Presidente.

Os países europeus mencionados e a UE, no seu conjunto, cederam novamente a pressões do seu aliado preferido, os Estados Unidos, que suspeitava que Edward Snowden se encontrasse no avião, pondo assim em dúvida a palavra do Presidente da Bolívia.

Os voos da CIA, o escândalo do sistema de espionagem PRISM e agora este acontecimento demonstram que os Estados da UE estão dispostos a violar direitos fundamentais e o direito internacional a fim de satisfazer os pedidos dos Estados Unidos, em vez de cooperar de forma legal, transparente e imparcial.

Que opinião tem a Vice-Presidente/Alta Representante sobre este escândalo? Considera que a Convenção de Viena foi violada no caso em questão? Informará se as decisões de França, Espanha, Portugal e Itália se deveram a pressões por parte dos Estados Unidos?

Que consequências terá este acontecimento nas relações bilaterais com a Bolívia e com os países membros da Unasur, que têm manifestado o seu apoio a Evo Morales e denunciado a sua retenção? Apresentará um pedido de desculpas público por parte da UE ao Presidente Evo Morales pelos incidentes causados?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-008175/13

à Comissão

Inês Cristina Zuber (GUE/NGL) e João Ferreira (GUE/NGL)

(9 de julho de 2013)

Assunto: Proibição de sobrevoo do Presidente Evo Morales sobre vários países da UE

Portugal, Espanha, França e Itália recusaram que o avião que transportava o Presidente da Bolívia, Evo Morales, sobrevoasse o seu espaço aéreo, vindo da Rússia, quando, de acordo com as normas internacionais, o chefe de Estado tem imunidade internacional.

Assim, pergunta-se à Comissão:

Resposta conjunta dada pela Alta Representante/Vice-Presidente Catherine Ashton em nome da Comissão

(21 de agosto de 2013)

A Alta Representante/Vice-Presidente lamenta o incidente ocorrido com o avião presidencial mas considera que os Estados-Membros interessados já apresentaram as suas explicações e, quando necessário, apresentaram as suas desculpas.

A Alta Representante/Vice-Presidente gostaria ainda de referir que esta não é uma questão da competência da UE mas sim da soberania nacional dos Estados-Membros. No âmbito da Convenção de Chicago da ICAO (1944), qualquer país tem o direito de recusar o acesso ao seu espaço aéreo soberano, o que constitui uma competência de cada um dos Estados‐Membros. Além disso, a legislação relativa ao Céu Único Europeu reconhece a responsabilidade nacional pelos direitos de sobrevoo ao abrigo de acordos internacionais concluídos nesta matéria.

Nos últimos anos, a UE tem envidado grandes esforços para reforçar as relações entre a Bolívia e cada um dos Estados-Membros e a UE no seu conjunto. A União Europeia continua empenhada em manter as suas boas relações com a Bolívia.

A União Europeia espera que se mantenham a cooperação construtiva e o ambiente cordial que caracterizam as relações globais entre a UE e os países da região.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008072/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE), Ana Miranda (Verts/ALE), Ulrike Lunacek (Verts/ALE), Franziska Keller (Verts/ALE), Catherine Grèze (Verts/ALE), Jürgen Klute (GUE/NGL), Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL), Helmut Scholz (GUE/NGL), Alda Sousa (GUE/NGL) and Marisa Matias (GUE/NGL)

(5 July 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Detention of Bolivian President, Evo Morales, in Europe

The aviation authorities of France, Spain, Italy and Portugal closed their airspace to a plane carrying Bolivian President, Evo Morales. His jet was forced to land in Vienna, where it was grounded and, according to Austrian sources, searched. The presidential plane had left Moscow to return to Bolivia and was due to fly through French airspace before making a technical stop in Lisbon, but permission to continue was refused, allegedly because of suspicion that former US intelligence agent Edward Snowden was on board. Snowden had requested political asylum from a number of countries with no success.

The detention of President Morales and the search of his plane both constitute a clear violation of presidential immunity guaranteed under the United Nations Convention on Jurisdictional Immunity of States and their Property. Furthermore, the physical integrity of the President was put at risk.

The European countries listed above, and the EU in general, have once again given in to pressure from their preferred partner, the United States of America, which suspected that Mr Snowden was on board and questioned the word of the Bolivian President.

This latest incident, together with CIA flights and the PRISM surveillance scandal, show that EU Member States are prepared to violate fundamental rights and international law in order to please the USA, rather than cooperate in a legal, transparent and impartial manner.

What is the opinion of the Vice‐President / High Representative with regard to this scandal? Does she believe that the case described above constitutes an infringement of the Vienna Convention? Were the decisions taken by France, Spain, Portugal and Italy a result of pressure exerted by the USA?

What impact will this incident have on bilateral relations with Bolivia and other Unasur members that have already expressed support for Evo Morales and condemned his detention? Will the Vice-President/High Representative make a public apology to President Morales on behalf of the EU?

Question for written answer E-008095/13

to the Commission

Takis Hadjigeorgiou (GUE/NGL)

(8 July 2013)

Subject: Forced landing of President Morales' presidential plane

President Morales landed in La Paz yesterday (4 July), following a 13-hour forced stopover in Vienna (and a 17-hour flight), due to rumours that, because he was returning from a trip to Moscow, Edward Snowden was on the presidential plane with him. Later, however, both France and Spain denied that they had refused use of their airspace and Portugal stated that it had granted permission to use its airspace, but not to refuel in Lisbon.

In view of the above, will the Commission say:

Is it aware of the above events? Why was the Bolivian president not allowed to complete his scheduled journey and obliged to make a forced landing? Is the way in which the Bolivian president was treated by the Member States not an infringement of international law, the sovereignty of states and individual rights? Edward Snowden was not on President Morales’ plane. If, however, the rumours started by the United States were true, should the EU Member States not have helped the Bolivian President to protect a person who had had the courage to blow the whistle on highly organised and systematic human rights violations?

Question for written answer E-008175/13

to the Commission

Inês Cristina Zuber (GUE/NGL) and João Ferreira (GUE/NGL)

(9 July 2013)

Subject: Overflying ban imposed on President Evo Morales by Member States

Portugal, Spain, France, and Italy closed their airspace to the aircraft carrying the Bolivian President, Evo Morales, on his way back from Russia; this happened in spite of the fact that, under international law, a head of state enjoys international immunity.

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

(21 August 2013)

The HR/VP regrets the incident involving the presidential plane. The VP/HR understands that the Member States concerned have given their explanations and where appropriate, apologised.

The HR/VP would like to underline that this is not a matter of EU competence but under the national sovereignty of Member States. Under the ICAO Chicago Convention (1944), any country has the right to refuse access to its sovereign airspace, a competence of each individual Member State. Furthermore, the Single European Sky legislation acknowledges national responsibility for over-flights rights under the international agreements in this area.

During the last few years, the EU has worked hard to strengthen the relationship both between Bolivia and individual member states and with the EU as a whole. The EU remains committed to maintain its good relations with Bolivia.

The EU hopes that the constructive cooperation and the cordial atmosphere that characterised the overall relationship between the EU and the countries of the region will be preserved.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-008073/13

a la Comisión

Izaskun Bilbao Barandica (ALDE)

(5 de julio de 2013)

Asunto: Investigación sobre ayudas a la construcción naval en Holanda

La Comisión Europea ha iniciado una investigación sobre el sistema holandés de ayudas y, además, existe una denuncia de la asociación española de construcción naval contra el mismo por su selectividad y elevada intensidad. Otra perturbación de la competencia es la demostrada existencia de ayudas de Estado, condiciones sociales y medioambientales de fabricación y otras circunstancias que entran de lleno en la calificación de «dumping» en astilleros del sudeste asiático y venden sus productos a armadores europeos o empresas de transporte marítimo que operan en aguas europeas. Esto genera que astilleros e industrias que han realizado enormes esfuerzos en innovación y producen barcos de primera calidad y a precios muy competitivos estén en grave riesgo de desaparición por razones ajenas a su eficiencia o capacidad profesional.

Respuesta del Sr. Almunia en nombre de la Comisión

(9 de septiembre de 2013)

Los Países Bajos respondieron a la denuncia a la que se refiere su Señoría en marzo de 2013. Su evaluación está en curso.

Los Estados miembros pueden conceder ayudas estatales a las compañías marítimas (61), en particular mediante regímenes de tributación en función del tonelaje y reducciones de las cotizaciones a la seguridad social y del impuesto sobre la renta para los trabajadores del mar. El Marco aplicable a las ayudas estatales a la construcción naval (62), adoptado en 2011, tiene por objeto responder a las peculiaridades del sector de la construcción naval, incluidas normas específicas sobre la concesión de ayudas a proyectos innovadores, disposiciones específicas sobre las ayudas regionales y créditos a la exportación. Por supuesto, la concesión de ayudas estatales sin previa autorización de la Comisión es contraria al artículo 108, apartado 3, del TFUE y entraña el riesgo de que se consideren incompatibles y sean recuperadas.

Las Decisiones de la Comisión de 20 de noviembre de 2012 y 17 de julio de 2013 relativas a España indican que los Estados miembros también pueden apoyar la financiación de activos (incluidos buques) para aumentar la competitividad de las industrias de la UE mediante regímenes de amortización acelerada, siempre que se apliquen con carácter general a todas las empresas.

En lo que se refiere a las subvenciones al sector de la construcción naval en los países no pertenecientes a la UE, los únicos instrumentos políticos a este respecto son, a falta de un acuerdo internacional, el grupo de trabajo de la OCDE sobre la construcción naval y el sistema de solución de diferencias de la OMC.

La Comisión, en estrecha cooperación con el sector de la construcción naval, se ha empeñado durante años en un esfuerzo a largo plazo por contribuir a garantizar la competitividad futura de este importante sector. Véanse la Comunicación de la Comisión sobre la estrategia LeaderSHIP 2015 «Definir el futuro de la industria europea de la construcción naval y la reparación de buques — Competitividad a través de la excelencia» (63) y la reciente actualización en el informe de LeaderSHIP 2020 de 20 de febrero de 2013 (64).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008073/13

to the Commission

Izaskun Bilbao Barandica (ALDE)

(5 July 2013)

Subject: Investigation into shipbuilding aid in the Netherlands

The Commission has initiated an investigation into aid in the Netherlands. Furthermore, a complaint has been lodged by the Spanish shipbuilding association regarding Dutch aid and the high levels and selective nature thereof. A further distortion of competition is the proven existence of state aid, social and environmental manufacturing conditions and other flagrant examples of ‘dumping’ in shipyards in Southeast Asia which sell their products to European ship owners or maritime transport undertakings operating in European waters. This leads to a situation in which shipyards and industries which have made huge efforts to produce innovative, first‐class ships at very competitive prices are in grave danger of disappearing for reasons other than their own efficiency or professional ability.

Answer given by Mr Almunia on behalf of the Commission

(9 September 2013)

The Netherlands reacted to the complaint referred to by the Honourable Member in March 2013. The assessment is ongoing.

Member States can grant state aid to shipping companies (65), notably through tonnage tax schemes and reductions of social security charges and income tax for seafarers. The framework on state aid to shipbuilding (66) adopted in 2011 aims to address the particularities of the shipbuilding sector, such as specific rules for aid to be granted to innovative projects, specific provisions for regional aid and export credits. Of course, granting state aid without prior Commission authorisation is contrary to Article 108 (3) TFUE and entails the risk that it might be found incompatible and recovered.

The Commission decisions of 20 November 2012 and 17 July 2013 concerning Spain show that Member States can also support the financing of assets — including vessels — to improve the competitiveness of EU industries through accelerated depreciation schemes, provided they are generally applicable to all undertakings.

As regards subsidies to the shipbuilding sector in non-EU countries, in the absence of an International Shipbuilding Agreement, the only policy tools in this respect are the OECD Working Party on shipbuilding and the WTO dispute settlement system.

The Commission, in close cooperation with the shipbuilding industry, has been inv

olved for years in a long term effort to help ensure the future competitiveness of this important sector. Please see Commission Communication on the LeaderSHIP 2015 strategy Defining the Future of the European Shipbuilding and Repair Industry — Competitiveness through Excellence (67), and the recent update in the LeaderSHIP 2020 Report of 20 February 2013 (68).

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-008074/13

a la Comisión

Izaskun Bilbao Barandica (ALDE)

(5 de julio de 2013)

Asunto: Pérdida de contratos de construcción naval en el País Vasco

La Comisión Europea ha anunciado una próxima decisión presuntamente contraria al sistema de ayudas español al sector naval. Los años transcurridos desde que se inició este expediente han originado ya grandes perjuicios, pero este anuncio produce nuevos problemas. Para empezar, los bancos con que opera habitualmente el sector naval han ordenado bloquear todas las operaciones del mismo y han decidido que no habrá más avales hasta que no se produzca el fallo. Los proveedores igualmente han bloqueado sus operaciones y clientes con los que se negociaban contratos también.

A consecuencia de estas decisiones un contrato pendiente para construir cuatro remolcadores para el mar Caribe ha sido adjudicado a un astillero holandés. Los clientes han comunicado al astillero vasco, que les había construido cinco barcos idénticos y negociaba el contrato para estos cuatro más, que toman la decisión ante la incertidumbre que genera el fallo anunciado por la Comisión. Esta decisión nada tiene que ver con la calidad de los buques, con su precio o las cuestiones que caracterizan la competencia industrial.

Respuesta del Sr. Almunia en nombre de la Comisión

(26 de agosto de 2013)

El 17 de julio de 2013, la Comisión adoptó una Decisión definitiva (69) con respecto al Sistema español de arrendamiento fiscal, que concluyó que dicho sistema constituye ayuda estatal parcialmente incompatible con el mercado interior y que debe ser recuperada de los beneficiarios.

Dos principios fundamentales del control de las ayudas estatales de la UE son que las nuevas ayudas deben ser notificadas a la Comisión y que las ayudas incompatibles deben ser recuperadas cuando se hayan concedido sin la aprobación previa de la Comisión. Conceder una ayuda sin la autorización previa de la Comisión entraña el riesgo de que esta sea considerada incompatible y se exija su devolución a los beneficiarios. La Comisión no puede pronunciarse sobre si cualquier limitación impuesta a los astilleros españoles por parte de proveedores y bancos se debe a la investigación formal de la Comisión en relación con el Sistema español de arrendamiento fiscal, que se ha utilizado como mecanismo de apoyo para la adquisición de buques.

En su Decisión definitiva de 17 de julio de 2013, la Comisión no ordena la devolución de la ayuda por parte de los astilleros ni de los armadores que eran sus clientes, sino de los miembros de las agrupaciones de interés económico que se han beneficiado de una reducción de la base imponible a efectos del impuesto sobre la renta.

Además, la Decisión de la Comisión de 17 de julio de 2013 —así como la adoptada el 20 de noviembre de 2012 relativa al nuevo Sistema español de arrendamiento fiscal (70)— han disipado la incertidumbre en cuanto a las medidas que pueden utilizarse en el contexto de las operaciones de financiación de activos. De hecho, las Decisiones de la Comisión de 20 de noviembre de 2012 y 17 de julio de 2013, cuyo destinatario es España, muestran que la adquisición de activos mediante contratos de arrendamiento financiero también pueden recibir apoyo a través de medidas generales que no constituyen ayuda estatal prohibida por la normativa de la UE.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008074/13

to the Commission

Izaskun Bilbao Barandica (ALDE)

(5 July 2013)

Subject: Loss of shipbuilding contracts in the Basque Country

The Commission has announced that it will soon be adopting a decision which will allegedly have a negative impact on the Spanish system of state aid in the shipping industry. In the years since proceedings were initiated, a great deal of damage had already been caused, but this announcement has exacerbated the situation. To begin with, banks used by the shipping industry have frozen all operations with the sector and have decided that no further loans will be made until a decision is taken. Likewise, suppliers have also frozen all operations, as have clients with whom contracts were being negotiated.

As a consequence of the decisions, a contract to build four tugs for the Caribbean was awarded to a Dutch shipyard. The Basque shipyard, which had already built five identical tugs for the client and which was in the process of negotiating the contract to build four additional boats, has been told by the client that the decision was made on account of the uncertainty created by the Commission’s announcement. It has nothing to do with quality, price, or other factors affecting competition in the industry.

Answer given by Mr Almunia on behalf of the Commission

(26 August 2013)

On 17 July 2013, the Commission adopted a final decision (71) with respect to the Spanish Tax Lease system, concluding that it constitutes state aid that is partly incompatible with the internal market and requiring its recovery from the beneficiaries.

Two fundamental principles of EU State aid control are that new aid must be notified to the Commission and that incompatible aid must be recovered when it is granted without the Commission's prior approval. Granting aid without prior authorisation by the Commission entails the risk that it will be found incompatible and that its recovery from the beneficiaries will be required. The Commission is not in a position to comment on whether any constraints placed on Spanish shipyards by suppliers and banks can be explained by the Commission’s formal investigation of the Spanish Tax Lease system, which was being used as a support mechanism for ship acquisition.

In its final decision of 17 July 2013, the Commissoin does not order recovery of the aid from either the shipyards or the shipowners that were their customers,but from the members of Economic Interest Groupings which have benefited from a reduction of their tax base for income tax purposes.

In addition, the Commission's decision of 17 July 13 — as well as the one adopted on 20 November 2012 concerning the new Spanish Tax Lease system (72) — have cleared uncertainties as to the measures that can be used in the context of asset financing operations. In fact, the Commission decisions of 20 November 2012 and 17 July 2013 addressed to Spain show that the acquisition of assets through financial leasing contracts can also be supported through general measures that do not constitute state aid prohibited by EU rules.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-008076/13

προς την Επιτροπή

Nikos Chrysogelos (Verts/ALE)

(5 Ιουλίου 2013)

Θέμα: Ακατάλληλο πρόγραμμα αποκατάστασης στη λιμνοθάλασσα Επανομής (GR1220011 και GR1220012) χρηματοδοτούμενο από το πρόγραμμα Life+

Η λιμνοθάλασσα Επανομής είναι ενταγμένη στο Ευρωπαϊκό Δίκτυο NATURA 2000, με τους κωδικούς GR1220011 (SPA) και GR1220012 (SAC), αποτελεί Καταφύγιο Άγριας Ζωής και είναι οικότοπος προτεραιότητας με είδη προτεραιότητας. Πρόσφατα δόθηκε Έγκριση Περιβαλλοντικών Όρων (73) των έργων της δράσης C.2 Αποκατάσταση των λειτουργιών της λιμνοθάλασσας Επανομής του προγράμματος Life09 ΝΑΤ/GR/000343 με τίτλο «ACCOLAGOONS», η οποία περιλαμβάνει έντονες παρεμβάσεις στο φυσικό περιβάλλον, όπως διάνοιξη διωρύγων, εγκατάσταση τεσσάρων υδατοφραχτών, σταθεροποίηση των κλίσεων σε περιοχή περίπου 3 000 m2, κατασκευή νησίδων κ.α. (74), χωρίς α) να έχει ακολουθηθεί η διαδικασία Στρατηγικής Περιβαλλοντικής Εκτίμησης που προβλέπεται ως δράση Α.7 (75), για την υλοποίηση των τεχνικών έργων της δράσης C.2 και να έχει εκφραστεί η δημόσια γνώμη, β) να έχει γνωμοδοτήσει η Ευρωπαϊκή Επιτροπή. Οι παρεμβάσεις της δράσης C.2 θεωρούνται απαράδεκτες διότι θα οδηγήσουν στην αποστράγγιση και ολοκληρωτική αλλοίωση του χαρακτήρα της περιοχής, κάτι που έχει επιχειρηθεί και στο παρελθόν, αλλά αποτράπηκε από τις παρεμβάσεις Περιβαλλοντικών ΜΚΟ. Μια ιδιαίτερα αξιόλογη διαχειριστική μελέτη για την περιοχή, η οποία εκπονήθηκε το 2002 από την Ελληνική Ορνιθολογική Εταιρεία για λογαριασμό της «Ελληνικά Τουριστικά Ακίνητα ΑΕ» (76), κατέληγε σε σοβαρές διαχειριστικές προτάσεις, οι οποίες καταστρατηγούνται στην πράξη από τα έργα της δράσης C.2 του συγκεκριμένου προγράμματος Life.

Ερωτάται η Επιτροπή:

Απάντηση του κ. Potočnik εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(30 Αυγούστου 2013)

— Οι επιδόσεις της Στρατηγικής Περιβαλλοντικής Εκτίμησης (ΣΠΕ), που προβλέπονται στη δράση A7, ολοκληρώθηκαν σύμφωνα με την εθνική νομοθεσία και υποβλήθηκαν από την Περιφέρεια της Κεντρικής Μακεδονίας για έγκριση στο Υπουργείο Περιβάλλοντος, Ενέργειας και Κλιματικής Αλλαγής.

Η ΣΠΕ εξέτασε και ενέκρινε τον σχεδιασμό των προτεινόμενων εργασιών, αλλά όχι την υλοποίησή τους. Σύμφωνα με την εθνική νομοθεσία, για τον σκοπό αυτό απαιτείται περαιτέρω άδεια και σχετική μελέτη περιβαλλοντικών επιπτώσεων, καθώς και ειδική οικολογική εκτίμηση. Οι ανωτέρω απαιτήσεις εκπληρώθηκαν και η άδεια εκδόθηκε από την Περιφέρεια της Κεντρικής Μακεδονίας.

Στην περίπτωση της ACCOLAGOONS και της δράσης C2, στη μελέτη περιβαλλοντικών επιπτώσεων δεν διαπιστώνονται δυνητικές αρνητικές επιπτώσεις, αλλά μόνο θετικές επιπτώσεις στην υδρολογία και στην ποιότητα των υδάτων της λιμνοθάλασσας.

Η δράση A3, που αποτελεί την προπαρασκευαστική δράση για την δράση C2, περιλάμβανε εκτίμηση των λειτουργιών της λιμνοθάλασσας. Στο πλαίσιο αυτής της δράσης, επισημάνθηκε η μείωση των λειτουργιών του υγροτόπου και εκπονήθηκε σχέδιο αποκατάστασης της λιμνοθάλασσας για τη βελτίωσή τους. Η υλοποίηση του έργου αναμένεται να έχει σειρά θετικών επιπτώσεων όσον αφορά τη διατήρηση των οικοτόπων και των ειδών της λιμνοθάλασσας, καθώς και όσον αφορά το περιβάλλον.

Οι εργασίες που προτείνονται στο πλαίσιο της δράσης C2 είναι σύμφωνες με τις προτάσεις της διαχειριστικής μελέτης για την περιοχή που εκπονήθηκε το 2002 από την ΕΟΕ για λογαριασμό της ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΑ ΤΟΥΡΙΣΤΙΚΑ ΑΚΙΝΗΤΑ ΑΕ.

— Η Επιτροπή κατανοεί ότι η εκπονηθείσα μελέτη περιβαλλοντικών επιπτώσεων πληροί τις προϋποθέσεις για κατάλληλη αξιολόγηση των επιπτώσεων σχετικά με τους στόχους διατήρησης του τόπου σύμφωνα με το άρθρο 6 της οδηγίας 92/43/ΕΟΚ για τους οικοτόπους.

— Συνεπώς, η Επιτροπή θα εξακολουθήσει να υποστηρίζει το έργο και να παρακολουθεί τα θέματα αυτά εκ του σύνεγγυς.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008076/13

to the Commission

Nikos Chrysogelos (Verts/ALE)

(5 July 2013)

Subject: Unsuitable programme financed under the Life+ programme to restore Epanomi Lagoon (GR1220011 and GR 12200112)

Epanomi Lagoon form part of the Natura 2000 European network [codes GR1220011 (SPA and GR 1220012(SAC)] and is a refuge for wildlife and a priority habitat containing priority species. Approval of environmental terms (79) was recently granted for projects under action C.2 [Restoration of Epanomi Lagoon under Life09 Accolagoons programme (NAT/GR/000343)], which includes severe interventions in the natural environment, such as opening up canals, installing four weirs, stabilising banks over an area measuring approximately 3 000 m2, constructing islands and so forth (80) without a) applying the Environmental Assessment Strategy provided for as action A.7 (81) for the technical works under action C.2 or holding a public consultation and b) informing the European Commission. The interventions under action C.2 are unacceptable, because they will drain and completely alter the character of the area; this is something that has been attempted in the past but which was stopped following intervention by environmental NGOs. One particularly valuable management study on the area prepared in 2002 by the Hellenic Ornithological Society on behalf of Ellinika Touristika Akinita SA (82) resulted in solid management proposals, which are being circumvented in practice by the works under action C.2 of this particular Life programme.

In view of the above, will the Commission say:

Does it have the relevant information from the competent authorities?

Does it agree that the aforementioned works conflict, respectively, with:

If so, what measures does it intend to take to ensure that this programme does not obtain Community financing?

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(30 August 2013)

— The performance of a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA), foreseen in action A7, was completed in accordance with national legislation and submitted by the Region of Central Macedonia (RCM) to the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change for approval.

The SEA examined and approved the planning of the proposed works but not their implementation. According to National legislation this requires a further permit and a related Environmental Impacts Study (EIS) and Special Ecological Evaluation (SEE). These were made and the permit was issued by the RCM.

In the case of ACCOLAGOONS and action C2, the EIS did not reveal any potential negative impacts, it found only positive impacts on the lagoon’s hydrology and water quality.

Action A3, the preparatory action for action C2, included an assessment of the lagoon’s functions. It identified the diminished wetland functions and designed the lagoon restoration plan to improve these. The implementation of the plan is expected to have a number of positive impacts on the conservation of lagoon's habitats and species and on the environment.

The works proposed under action C2 are in line with the proposals of the Management Study on the area prepared in 2002 by HOS on behalf of Ellinika Touristika Akinita SA.

— The Commission understands that the SEE carried out fulfils the requirements for an appropriate assessment of the implications on the site's conservation objectives pursuant to Article 6 of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC.

— The Commission will, therefore, continue to support this project, and will monitor these issues closely.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-008077/13

προς την Επιτροπή

Nikos Chrysogelos (Verts/ALE)

(5 Ιουλίου 2013)

Θέμα: Εκποιούμενες προστατευόμενες περιοχές Κυκλάδων — Υγρότοποι/περιοχές Natura

Σύμφωνα με απόφαση της ελληνικής κυβέρνησης, η οποία δημοσιεύτηκε στο Φ.Ε.Κ. 1020/24-5-13, το Ταμείο Αξιοποίησης της Ιδιωτικής Περιουσίας του Ελληνικού Δημοσίου (ΤΑΙΠΕΔ) αναλαμβάνει να διαχειρίζεται και να εκποιεί εκτάσεις στα νησιά των Κυκλάδων, που βρίσκονται εντός των ορίων περιοχών NATURA 2000. Ήδη έχει ξεκινήσει διαδικασία προκαταρκτικής ενημέρωσης υποψήφιων επενδυτών για το «Δημόσιο ακίνητο στην περιοχή Λίμνες Αγίου Προκοπίου» στη Νάξο και υπάρχουν πληροφορίες ότι επίκειται η εκποίηση και άλλων εκτάσεων στις Κυκλάδες:

Σημαντικά τμήματα των υγροτόπων αυτών καλύπτονται από οικότοπους προτεραιότητας. Σύμφωνα με το άρθρο 11 παρ. 2 του Ν. 3986/2011 «δεν επιτρέπεται η αξιοποίηση δημοσίων ακινήτων, τα οποία εμπίπτουν στο σύνολό τους σε οικότοπους προτεραιότητας και σε περιοχές απόλυτης προστασίας της φύσης ή προστασίας της φύσης».

Ερωτάται η Επιτροπή:

Απάντηση του κ. Potočnik εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(13 Αυγούστου 2013)

Η Επιτροπή δεν έχει ενημερωθεί από τις ελληνικές αρχές σχετικά με την απόφαση που αναφέρεται από το Αξιότιμο Μέλος του Κοινοβουλίου σχετικά με τις χερσαίες περιοχές εντός του δικτύου Natura 2000 σε νησιά των Κυκλάδων, καθώς δεν υπάρχει απαίτηση για τέτοιου είδους πληροφορίες.

Η Επιτροπή δεν παρεμβαίνει σε αλλαγές ιδιοκτησίας γης εντός των περιοχών Natura 2000, αλλά οι ελληνικές αρχές θα πρέπει να εξασφαλίσουν ότι οι εν λόγω μεταβολές δεν υποσκάπτουν τις ανάγκες διατήρησης των περιοχών και ότι οι τυχόν επακόλουθες εξελίξεις θα αξιολογούνται δεόντως και θα εγκρίνονται σύμφωνα με τις διατάξεις του άρθρου 6 της οδηγίας 92/43/ΕΟΚ για τους οικοτόπους (85). Η Επιτροπή υπογραμμίζει ότι η επιλογή του τι και σε ποιο βαθμό τα δημόσια στοιχεία ενεργητικού (συμπεριλαμβανομένων των ακίνητων περιουσιακών στοιχείων και επιχειρήσεων) θα ιδιωτικοποιηθεί, εναπόκειται εξ ολοκλήρου στα κράτη μέλη. Σύμφωνα με τις εθνικές νομοθετικές διατάξεις, οι διαδικασίες ανάπτυξης/πώλησης ακινήτων υπάγονται, κατά περίπτωση, σε στρατηγική περιβαλλοντική εκτίμηση, σύμφωνα με την οδηγία ΣΕΠΕ 2001/42/ΕΚ, ώστε να διασφαλίζεται η βιωσιμότητα του οικείου περιβάλλοντος.

Η Επιτροπή θεωρεί τη διατήρηση και βιώσιμη διαχείριση του δικτύου Natura 2000 ως βασικό μέτρο προτεραιότητας για την επίτευξη των στόχων της στρατηγικής της ΕΕ για τη βιοποικιλότητα με ορίζοντα το 2020 (86). Ένα υψηλό επίπεδο προστασίας των περιοχών που περιλαμβάνονται στο δίκτυο είναι αναγκαία επίσης στο πλαίσιο της τρέχουσας οικονομικής κρίσης, καθώς αυτό θα τους επιτρέψει, επιπλέον των ωφελειών όσον αφορά την βιοποικιλότητα, να αποδώσει τα πολλαπλά κοινωνικοοικονομικά οφέλη από τις διάφορες οικοσυστημικές υπηρεσίες που προσφέρουν.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008077/13

to the Commission

Nikos Chrysogelos (Verts/ALE)

(5 July 2013)

Subject: Sale of conservation areas/wetlands in the Cyclades/Natura areas

According to a decision by the Greek Government published in the Greek Official Gazette 1020/24.05.2013, the Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund (TAIPED) has undertaken to manage and sell land on islands in the Cyclades which lies inside the boundaries of Natura 2000 areas. A procedure to provide preliminary information to potential investors in government property in the area of Agios Prokopios Lakes in Naxos is already under way and, according to reports, other land in the Cyclades is up for sale:

Large sections of these wetlands are priority habitats. Under Article 11 (2) of Law 3986/2011, ‘it is prohibited to develop public property which, as a whole, lies within a priority habitat or in an absolute nature reserve or nature reserve area’.

In view of the above, will the Commission say:

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(13 August 2013)

The Commission has not been informed by the Greek authorities about the decision referred to by the Honourable Member concerning land within Natura 2000 sites on Cyclades islands as there is no requirement for such information.

The Commission does not interfere in land ownership changes within Natura 2000 sites but the Greek authorities will have to ensure that such changes do not undermine the conservation needs of the sites and that any resulting developments are properly assessed and authorised in accordance with the provisions of Art. 6 of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC (87). The Commission would like to highlight that the choice of what and how far public assets (including real estate assets and companies) should be privatised remains entirely with the Member States. According to national legislative provisions, the real estate development/sale procedures are subject where appropriate to a strategic environmental assessment according to the SEA Directive 2001/42/EC in order to guarantee their environmental sustainability.

The Commission considers the conservation and sustainable management of the Natura 2000 network as a key priority measure for achieving the targets of the EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2020 (88). A high level of protection of the sites included in the network is necessary also in the context of the current economic crisis as this will allow them, in addition to biodiversity gains, to deliver the multiple socioeconomic benefits from the various ecosystem services they provide.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-008078/13

προς την Επιτροπή

Theodoros Skylakakis (ALDE)

(5 Ιουλίου 2013)

Θέμα: Πρόωρες συνταξιοδοτήσεις και επιπτώσεις στο έλλειμμα της Γενικής Κυβέρνησης

Η Επιτροπή, ως μέρος της τρόικας, παρεμβαίνει μέσω του μνημονίου σε εκατοντάδες θέματα που αφορούν την πορεία των δημοσίων οικονομικών της Ελλάδας, σε συνεργασία ασφαλώς με τις εκάστοτε ελληνικές κυβερνήσεις.

Στο πλαίσιο αυτό κεντρικό στοιχείο των παρεμβάσεών της ήταν από το πρώτο κιόλας μνημόνιο το ασφαλιστικό σύστημα. Παρόλα αυτά, στη διάρκεια των τελευταίων τριών ετών, με τη δική της ουσιαστική αποδοχή συνεχίστηκε το φαινόμενο των μαζικών πρόωρων συνταξιοδοτήσεων (ακόμα και υγιέστατων ανθρώπων ηλικίας 52-55 ετών), που έχει εκτροχιάσει τα ασφαλιστικά ταμεία και του οποίου την πραγματική έκταση (με δεδομένο ότι εκκρεμούν και δεν έχουν αποδοθεί πάνω από 350 000 συνταξιοδοτικά δικαιώματα) δεν γνωρίζουμε ακόμα. Στη διάρκεια της παρουσίας της τρόικας στην Ελλάδα είχαμε μάλιστα στο θέμα των πρόωρων συνταξιοδοτήσεων πρόσθετη ενθάρρυνσή τους με την θέσπιση πλήθους νέων δυνατοτήτων εξαγοράς πλασματικών ετών συνταξιοδότησης (περιλαμβάνονται πλέον ακόμα και οι ημέρες απεργίας).

Την ίδια ώρα, για να καλυφθεί το δημοσιονομικό κόστος και η απαιτούμενη πρόσθετη ρευστότητα του δημοσίου — λόγω των πρόωρων αυτών συνταξιοδοτήσεων — συνεχίζεται η υπερφορολόγηση και η μείωση της ρευστότητας προς τον ιδιωτικό τομέα. Ερωτάται η Επιτροπή:

Απάντηση του κ. Rehn εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(4 Σεπτεμβρίου 2013)

Από το 2010 έως το 2012, το Ελληνικό Κοινοβούλιο ψήφισε σημαντικά μέτρα για τη μεταρρύθμιση του συνταξιοδοτικού συστήματος της χώρας προκειμένου να καταστεί βιώσιμο. Με τις μεταρρυθμίσεις αυτές απλοποιήθηκε το υπερβολικά κατακερματισμένο συνταξιοδοτικό σύστημα, ενισχύθηκε η διαφάνεια με τη δημιουργία ισχυρότερης αλληλεξάρτησης μεταξύ των εισφορών που καταβάλλονται και των συντάξεων που λαμβάνονται από τους συνταξιούχους και μετατέθηκε η ηλικία συνταξιοδότησης. Πρωταρχικός στόχος της μεταρρύθμισης είναι να εξασφαλίσει τη βιωσιμότητα του συνταξιοδοτικού συστήματος του δημόσιου τομέα. Μέτρα που αφορούν ειδικά την πρόωρη συνταξιοδότηση είναι: i) η αύξηση του νόμιμου ορίου συνταξιοδότησης στα 67 έτη και η επακόλουθη σύνδεσή του με την αύξηση του προσδόκιμου ζωής, ii) η αύξηση της ελάχιστης ηλικίας πρόωρης συνταξιοδότησης στα 60 έτη και η επακόλουθη σύνδεσή της με την αύξηση του προσδόκιμου ζωής, iii) η θέσπιση ελάχιστων περιόδων συσσώρευσης δικαιωμάτων για τη θεμελίωση ανταποδοτικών συντάξεων, iv) η αύξηση των ποινών για πρόωρη συνταξιοδότηση και v) η σημαντική αναθεώρηση του καταλόγου επικίνδυνων και ανθυγιεινών επαγγελμάτων που παρέχουν δικαίωμα σε μικρότερη ηλικία συνταξιοδότησης.

Τα μέτρα αυτά περιορίζουν σημαντικά την πρόωρη συνταξιοδότηση, με θετικό αντίκτυπο για τα δημόσια οικονομικά. Λεπτομερείς πληροφορίες σχετικά με τις πρόωρες συνταξιοδοτήσεις κατά την υπό εξέταση περίοδο θα πρέπει να ζητηθούν από τις ελληνικές αρχές. Η Επιτροπή συνιστά στα κράτη μέλη να περιορίζουν την πρόσβαση σε συστήματα πρόωρης συνταξιοδότησης και σε άλλες δυνατότητες πρόωρης αποχώρησης και να ενθαρρύνουν την παράταση του επαγγελματικού βίου, σύμφωνα με τις προτεραιότητες που καθορίστηκαν από την Ευρωπαϊκή Επιτροπή στις ετήσιες επισκοπήσεις της ανάπτυξης των ετών 2011, 2012 και 2013, καθώς και στη Λευκή Βίβλο της για επαρκείς, ασφαλείς και βιώσιμες συντάξεις.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008078/13

to the Commission

Theodoros Skylakakis (ALDE)

(5 July 2013)

Subject: Early retirement and its impact on the general government deficit

The Commission, as a member of the Troika, is interfering, via the Memorandum, in hundreds of issues in connection with public finances in Greece, doubtless in cooperation with successive Greek governments.

Within this framework, the insurance system has been a core element of its interference since the very first Memorandum. Nonetheless, it has basically accepted the problem of mass early retirement (even of people aged between 52 and 55 in the best of health) which has persisted over the last three years. While the Troika was in Greece, it further encouraged early retirement by introducing a series of new ways of buying out notional pensionable years (which now even include days on strike).

At the same time, in order to cover the fiscal cost and the additional public-sector liquidity needed to pay for those early retirements, over-taxation and the reduction in liquidity to the private sector continue. In view of the above, will the Commission say:

Answer given by Mr Rehn on behalf of the Commission

(4 September 2013)

Significant pension reform measures have been adopted by the Greek parliament between 2010 and 2012 in order to make the Greek pension system sustainable. These reforms simplified the highly fragmented pension system, enhanced transparency by creating a tighter link between contributions paid and pension benefits received, and postponed the retirement age. The overarching objective of the reform is to ensure the sustainability of the public pension system. Measures that specifically address early retirement are i) the increase of the statutory retirement age to 67 and the subsequent link to gains in life expectancy, ii) the increase of the minimum early retirement age to 60 and the subsequent link to gains in life expectancy, iii) the introduction of minimum accrual periods for contributory pensions, iv) the increase of penalties on early retirement and v) a substantial revision of the list of hazardous and arduous professions entitled to a lower retirement age.

These measures restricted early retirement markedly, with a positive impact on public finances. Detailed information on the early retirements which took place in the years under consideration should be requested to the Greek authorities. The Commission encourages Member States to restrict access to early retirement schemes and other early exit pathways as well as to support longer working lives, in line with the priorities in European Commission's Annual Growth Surveys 2011, 2012 and 2013 as well as in its White Paper on adequate, safe and sustainable pensions.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-008080/13

alla Commissione

Lorenzo Fontana (EFD)

(5 luglio 2013)

Oggetto: Iniziativa dei sindaci veronesi a causa del livello della pressione fiscale in Italia

Considerando gli articoli 113 e 114 TFUE, rispettivamente sulle imposte indirette e dirette, ed in particolar modo il primo nella parte in cui richiama la necessità di un'armonizzazione tra Stati membri per evitare distorsioni di concorrenza ed il secondo laddove mira a realizzare un più stretto «ravvicinamento delle disposizioni legislative, regolamentari ed amministrative degli Stati membri che hanno per oggetto l'instaurazione ed il funzionamento del mercato interno»;

ponendo come obiettivo la crescita economica mediante una convergenza e una competitività rafforzate, come stabilito dall'articolo 9 del trattato sulla stabilità, sul coordinamento e sulla governance nell'unione economica e monetaria;

evidenziando inoltre che la materia della fiscalità diretta, pur non essendo di competenza dell'Unione europea, in questo caso coinvolge anche la fiscalità indiretta, poiché le ripercussioni di un'imposizione fiscale che in Italia ha ormai raggiunto quota 44,4 % si hanno non solo sulle finanze degli enti locali, ma anche sui privati, che incontrano sempre più difficoltà nel mantenere in vita le proprie imprese e nel contribuire alla libera circolazione delle merci e alla libera prestazione dei servizi nel mercato unico;

osservando come gli enti locali siano pregiudicati, a causa della mancanza di risorse finanziarie, anche nella loro partecipazione ai progetti di cofinanziamento europeo;

ricordando che per avere maggiori risorse per la crescita, un gruppo di sindaci della provincia di Verona, in Veneto, ha recentemente avviato una raccolta di firme per chiedere al Presidente della Repubblica italiana una riduzione della pressione fiscale, considerando l'aumento dell'imposizione tramite l'imposta municipale unica (Imu) ed il tributo comunale sui rifiuti e sui servizi (Tares). Vista l'impossibilità di usufruire della liquidità presente nelle casse comunali, visti i vincoli imposti dall'originario trattato di Amsterdam, e successive modifiche, in tema di stabilità e crescita;

si chiede alla Commissione:

Risposta di Algirdas Šemeta a nome della Commissione

(3 settembre 2013)

«Taxation Trends in the European Union», secondo cui nel 2011 (ultimo anno per cui si dispone di dati) l’onere fiscale complessivo in Italia (compresi i contributi previdenziali e assistenziali), pari al 42,5 % del PIL, era il sesto più alto nell’UE27. La Commissione aggiorna annualmente la relazione.

La Commissione controlla inoltre attentamente il rispetto delle raccomandazioni formulate nei confronti dell’Italia dal Consiglio del 21 giugno 2013, nel contesto del semestre europeo. Le raccomandazioni vertono, fra l’altro, sia sulla politica fiscale che sulle imprese.

La raccomandazione sulla politica fiscale era basata sulla conclusione che anche se, nell’attuale situazione di bilancio, la riduzione del carico fiscale globale non è ipotizzabile a breve-medio termine, l’Italia ha modo di migliorare l’efficienza del sistema tributario, ridurre le distorsioni e continuare la lotta all’evasione fiscale.

Per quanto riguarda le imprese e la competitività si raccomanda all’Italia, fra l’altro, di semplificare la regolamentazione per i cittadini e le imprese, potenziare l’accesso ai mercati dei capitali per le imprese, rafforzare la formazione professionale, contrastare in modo decisivo il lavoro non dichiarato e l’economia sommersa, abolire le restrizioni nei servizi professionali e promuovere l’accesso ai mercati, ad esempio nella prestazione dei servizi pubblici locali.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008080/13

to the Commission

Lorenzo Fontana (EFD)

(5 July 2013)

Subject: Initiative by mayors from the Verona area due to the heavy tax burden in Italy

Considering Articles 113 and 114 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, respectively covering indirect and direct taxation, in particular the former where it underlines the need for harmonisation between Member States in order to avoid distortion of competition, and the latter where it aims to achieve closer ‘approximation of the provisions laid down by law, regulation or administrative action in Member States which have as their object the establishment and functioning of the internal market’;

aiming to achieve economic growth through enhanced convergence and competitiveness, as set out in Article 9 of the Treaty on Stability, Coordination and Governance in the Economic and Monetary Union;

furthermore, highlighting that the area of direct taxation, although not the responsibility of the European Union, in this case also involves indirect taxation, since the repercussions of taxation in Italy, which has now reached 44.4%, affect not only the finances of local authorities, but also those of individuals who are finding it increasingly difficult to keep their businesses afloat and to contribute to the free movement of goods and freedom to provide services in the single market;

observing how this lack of financial resources hinders local authorities from even taking part in European co-financing projects;

given that in order to set aside more resources for growth, a group of mayors in the province of Verona, in the Veneto region, recently launched a petition calling on the President of the Italian Republic to reduce the tax burden, considering the increase in recurrent taxation on immovable property (IMU) and the municipal tax on waste collection and services (Tares);

given that the cash in the municipal coffers cannot be used, in view of the constraints imposed by the original Treaty of Amsterdam, and subsequent amendments, regarding stability and growth;

can the Commission state:

Answer given by Mr Šemeta on behalf of the Commission

(3 September 2013)

‘Taxation Trends in the European Union’ report 2013 edition, which estimates the total tax burden in Italy (including social security contributions) at 42.5% of GDP in 2011 (latest available year), the 6th highest in the EU-27. The Commission updates the report annually.

The Commission also closely monitors compliance with the recommendations to Italy issued by the Council on 21 June 2013, in the context of the European semester. Recommendations cover both taxation and the business environment, among other issues.

The recommendation on taxation was based on the assessment that while in the short to medium term reducing the overall tax burden is not an option in the current budgetary conditions, Italy has scope for improving the efficiency of the tax system, reducing distortions and pursuing the fight against tax evasion.

Regarding the business environment and competitiveness, Italy is recommended to — among others — simplify the regulatory environment for citizens and businesses, develop access to capital markets for companies, strengthen vocational training, take decisive steps against undeclared work and the shadow economy, remove restrictions in professional services and foster market access, for instance in the provision of local public services.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita P-008081/13

a la Comisión

Esther Herranz García (PPE)

(8 de julio de 2013)

Asunto: Nuevo sistema de peajes en Guipúzcoa

La Diputación de Guipúzcoa ha expresado su intención de implantar un nuevo sistema de peajes en algunas vías de esa provincia (País Vasco) que consistiría en lo siguiente:

¿Ha recibido información la Comisión sobre este sistema?

Un sistema como el descrito ¿es acorde con los principios de no discriminación por lugar de nacionalidad o residencia y proporcionalidad?

¿Cumple el sistema descrito, en relación con los camiones, con la Directiva sobre la euroviñeta?

Respuesta del Sr. Kallas en nombre de la Comisión

(5 de agosto de 2013)

La Comisión ha recibido información preliminaria acerca del proyecto de sistema de peajes en la provincia de Gipuzkoa. Sin embargo, la notificación oficial del sistema, exigido por la Directiva 1999/62/CE (89), no ha sido aún recibido.

En ausencia de esta notificación oficial de la provincia de Gipuzkoa no es posible apreciar si el sistema de peajes sería discriminatorio para el tráfico pesado con arreglo a lo dispuesto en el artículo 7 decies de la citada Directiva. Por lo que se refiere a los turismos, la Comisión recomienda que se apliquen principios similares a los del tráfico pesado con el fin de evitar toda discriminación, como precisó en su Comunicación de 2012 relativa a la imposición de tasas nacionales a los vehículos particulares ligeros por el uso de la infraestructura vial (90).

La Comisión está en contacto con las autoridades competentes y, una vez examine la notificación oficial de la provincia de Gipuzkoa —si la recibe y cuando la reciba—, emitirá el correspondiente dictamen con arreglo a la Directiva 1999/62/CE.

(English version)

Question for written answer P-008081/13

to the Commission

Esther Herranz García (PPE)

(8 July 2013)

Subject: New system of tolls in Gipuzkoa

Gipuzkoa Provincial Council has announced its intention to introduce a new system of tolls on some of the roads in this province of the Basque Country. The system would be set up as follows:

Has the Commission received any information regarding this system?

Would a system such as the one described above be compatible with the principles of non‐discrimination on the grounds of nationality or place of residence and proportionality?

With regard to its treatment of lorries, does the system described above comply with the Eurovignette Directive?

Answer given by Mr Kallas on behalf of the Commission

(5 August 2013)

The Commission has received preliminary information about the planned road tolling arrangement in the Province of Gipuzkoa. However, the formal notification of the tolling arrangement, which is required according to Directive 1999/62/EC (91), has not yet been received by the Commission.

In the absence of such formal notification from the Province of Gipuzkoa, it is not yet possible to provide an assessment of whether the tolling arrangement would be discriminatory for heavy goods vehicles according to Art 7i of the above Directive. Regarding passenger cars, the Commission recommends that similar principles are applied as for heavy goods vehicles with a view to avoiding discrimination, as stated in its 2012 Communication on the application of national road infrastructure charges levied on light private vehicles (92).

The Commission is in contact with the competent authorities and will issue an opinion following the assessment of the formal notification of Province of Gipuzkoa, as and when received, in accordance with Directive 1999/62/EC.

(Versiunea în limba română)

Întrebarea cu solicitare de răspuns scris P-008082/13

adresată Comisiei

Elena Băsescu (PPE)

(8 iulie 2013)

Subiect: Aplicarea cooperării consolidate în domeniul taxei pe tranzacții financiare

Aplicarea taxei pe tranzacții financiare în 11 dintre statele membre poate conduce la armonizarea dispozițiilor privind impozitarea indirectă a acestui tip de tranzacții, dar și la garantarea faptului că instituțiile financiare suportă și ele anumite costuri generate de criza economică și financiară.

Totuși, aplicarea acestui instrument legislativ în 11 dintre cele 28 de state membre, poate avea un impact și asupra funcționării instituțiilor financiare din celelalte state membre.

În propunerea votată și amendată de către Parlamentul European în data de 3 iulie 2013 există amendamente care se referă la necesitatea ca, înainte de introducerea TTF, „Comisia să demonstreze că cooperarea consolidată nu va submina piața internă sau coeziunea economică, socială și teritorială. De asemenea, Comisia ar trebui să demonstreze că aceasta nu constituie un obstacol sau o sursă de discriminare în relațiile comerciale dintre statele membre și nu denaturează concurența dintre acestea. Comisia ar trebui să prezinte o nouă analiză solidă și o nouă evaluare de impact referitoare la consecințele propunerii privind o TTF comună, atât asupra statelor membre participante, cât și a celor neparticipante, precum și asupra pieței unice în ansamblu.”

Intenționează Comisia să vină cu o astfel de analiză?

Dacă da, poate oferi Comisia un termen pentru realizarea unei astfel de analize aprofundate?

În cazul în care va rezulta că propunerea de aplicare a TTF în cele 11 state membre subminează piața internă și coeziunea economică, socială și teritorială, ce intenții are Comisia?

Răspuns dat de dl Šemeta în numele Comisiei

(30 iulie 2013)

Atât Comisia, cât și Consiliul consideră că o cooperare consolidată în domeniul taxei pe tranzacțiile financiare respectă cerințele menționate de distinsa membră a Parlamentului European, cerințe prevăzute la articolul 326 din TFUE.

În ceea ce privește impactul propunerii sale de directivă a Consiliului de punere în aplicare a unei cooperări consolidate în domeniul taxei pe tranzacțiile financiare [COM (2013) 71 final], Comisia a realizat evaluările necesare [SWD(2013) 28 final].

(English version)

Question for written answer P-008082/13

to the Commission

Elena Băsescu (PPE)

(8 July 2013)

Subject: Implementing enhanced cooperation in the field of the financial transaction tax

The application of the financial transaction tax in 11 of the Member States could lead to a harmonisation of the provisions concerning the indirect taxation of such transactions, but would also ensure that financial institutions would themselves also bear certain costs arising from the economic and financial crisis.

However, the implementation of this legislative act in 11 of the 28 Member States could also have an impact on the functioning of the financial institutions in the other Member States.

In the proposal which Parliament voted upon and amended on 3 July 2013, there are amendments which state that ‘Prior to the introduction of FTT the Commission should demonstrate that enhanced cooperation will not undermine the internal market or economic, social and territorial cohesion. It should also demonstrate that it neither constitutes a barrier to, or discrimination in relation to, trade between Member States, nor distorts competition between them. The Commission should present a new robust analysis and impact assessment, of the consequences the proposal for a common FTT on participating and non-participating Member States and on the internal market as a whole.’

Does the Commission plan to come forward with such an analysis?

If so, can the Commission indicate when it will have completed that further analysis?

In the event that the proposal for the application of an FTT in 11 Member States does undermine the internal market and economic, social and territorial cohesion, what will the Commission do?

Answer given by Mr Šemeta on behalf of the Commission

(30 July 2013)

Both the Commission and the Council have assessed that enhanced cooperation in the area of financial transaction tax complies with the requirements referred to by the Honourable Member and laid down in Article 326 TFEU.

Regarding the impact of its Proposal for a Council Directive implementing enhanced cooperation in the area of financial transaction tax (COM(2013) 71 final) the Commission has made the necessary assessments (SWD(2013) 28 final).

(българска версия)

Въпрос с искане за писмен отговор E-008084/13

до Комисията

Mariya Gabriel (PPE)

(8 юли 2013 г.)

Относно: Намаляване на средствата за развитие на селските райони за периода 2014—2020 г.

След заседанието на министрите на земеделието в Люксембург на 24 и 25 юни стана ясно, че се предвиждат намаления на средствата за развитие на селските райони за периода 2014—2020 г. Предвид тези намаления разпределеният пакет за България в цени към 2011 г. е на обща стойност 2 078,6 млн. евро. В сравнение със сумата за настоящия период 2007—2013 г. в размер на 2 609,09 млн. евро това представлява намаление с 20,33 %. В тази връзка разполага ли Комисията с данни за това:

Отговор, даден от г-н Cioloş от името на Комисията

(13 август 2013 г.)

На заседанието на Европейския съвет от 8 февруари 2013 г. държавните и правителствените ръководители постигнаха съгласие за общ пакет в размер на 84 936 млн. евро (по цени от 2011 г.) за развитие на селските райони за периода 2014—2020 г., включително допълнителните средства, договорени за някои държави членки. Това съответства на намаление от 7,6 % в сравнение с предложението на Комисията.

По време на същото заседание на Съвета държавните и правителствените ръководители бяха информирани относно пакета за тяхната държава членка. Освен това на 28 май 2013 г. Комисията изпрати на генералния секретар на Европейския парламент и на Съвета таблица, в която се посочва как ще бъде разпределена сумата, одобрена от Европейския съвет. В таблицата са отразени сумите, които са разгледани и одобрени от държавните и правителствените ръководители по време на Европейския съвет. В тях се вземат предвид общият пакет за развитие на селските райони, договорените допълнителни средства, обективните критерии, свързани с политиката за развитие на селските райони и с резултатите от минали периоди, както и сумата за техническа помощ, която не е разпределена между държавите членки.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008084/13

to the Commission

Mariya Gabriel (PPE)

(8 July 2013)

Subject: Cuts in rural development funding for 2014-2020

It became clear, after the EU Agriculture Ministers’ meeting in Luxembourg on 24 and 25 June 2013, that rural development funding for the period 2014-2020 is to be reduced. Bulgaria’s share of the available funding, at 2011 prices, will now total EUR 2 078.6 million. By comparison with the EUR 2 609.09 million allocation for the current 2007-2013 funding period, this represents a 20.33% cut. Can the Commission, therefore, indicate:

Answer given by Mr Cioloş on behalf of the Commission

(13 August 2013)

At the European Council of 8 February 2013, the Heads of State and Government agreed on a total envelope of EUR 84 936 million (in 2011 prices) for rural development for the period 2014-2020, including additional allocations agreed for certain Member States. This corresponds to a decrease of 7.6% compared to the Commission proposal.

During the same Council meeting, the Heads of State and Government were informed about the envelope for their Member State. Furthermore, on 28 May 2013, the Commission sent to the Secretary General of the European Parliament and of the Council a table showing how the amount agreed by the European Council would be distributed. Those figures reflect the ones seen and agreed by the Heads of State and Government during the European Council. The figures took into account the overall envelope for rural development, the additional allocations agreed, objective criteria related to the rural development policy and past performance as well as an amount for technical assistance that is not allocated among Member States.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-008085/13

a la Comisión

Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL)

(8 de julio de 2013)

Asunto: Carta a la consejería de Fomento y Vivienda de la Junta de Andalucía

En la carta remitida por la Dirección General de Economía y Finanzas de la Comisión Europea al Gobierno Autonómico de Andalucía, la Comisión excede el ámbito de las competencias de dicha Dirección General realizando consideraciones sobre áreas donde prevalece el Derecho nacional por encima de las normas de gobernanza económica y el Memorando de Entendimiento.

En la carta la Comisión pide explicaciones para que el Gobierno de España esclarezca la situación legal sobre el Decreto-Ley de Andalucía sobre la Función Social de la Vivienda. Dice la Comisión Europea que dicho decreto pone en riesgo los intereses de los inversores internacionales y el proceso de recapitalización del sistema bancario español. Los propios servicios de la Comisión, que toman decisiones sobre España a través del Memorando de Entendimiento, parecen carecer de recursos suficientes para comprender el marco legal de un Estado miembro. La normativa española resulta meridianamente clara en sus competencias y en la soberanía que la Comunidad Autónoma de Andalucía dispone para desarrollar un Decreto-Ley de estas características en el ámbito de la aplicación efectiva del derecho a una vivienda, derecho recogido en la máxima norma del sistema jurídico de España, la Constitución.

El verdadero problema es cuando se pretende situar por encima de la soberanía que la citada Constitución otorga al pueblo andaluz el Memorando de Entendimiento firmado por el Gobierno y la Unión Europea para el « rescate » del sector bancario. Esto podría ser entendido como una injerencia en la voluntad popular de una de las regiones de Europa y por eso debe ser aclarado.

— ¿Qué pretende decir la Comisión cuando exige la clarificación de « legal and governance situation in Spain » cuando esta norma emanada de los correspondientes órganos autonómicos es absolutamente ajustada al derecho español y comunitario?

— ¿Cuáles son las competencias exactas que la Comisión se atribuye para actuar en torno a una normativa regional perfectamente ajustada a Derecho y que tiene que ver con ámbito de la vivienda?

— ¿Considera que la Implementación del Memorando de Entendimiento puede encontrarse por encima de una norma soberana de un Estado miembro?

— ¿Considera que el derecho a vivienda recogido por la Constitución española, siendo la máxima norma de un Estado miembro, no se encuentra por encima de lo acordado en el Memorando de Entendimiento?

Respuesta del Sr. Rehn en nombre de la Comisión

(7 de octubre de 2013)

La Comisión es consciente de la precaria situación de algunas familias en situación especialmente vulnerable en España que han sufrido ejecuciones hipotecarias o desahucios, o están amenazadas de sufrirlos. Se congratula de que el Gobierno español y el Gobierno de Andalucía hayan aprobado recientemente medidas legales para proteger, al menos parcialmente, a las familias más vulnerables ante una situación de penuria considerable e inmediata. Considera que este tipo de iniciativas deben ser efectivas y conseguir un equilibrio viable entre la exigencia imperativa de proteger a las familias más vulnerables y la exigencia, igualmente imperativa, de estabilizar el sector financiero español.

La Comisión opina que ambas exigencias están intrínsecamente vinculadas: el restablecimiento de la estabilidad financiera en España es una condición necesaria para que el país vuelva a una senda de crecimiento sostenible y para conseguir unos efectos positivos y duraderos en las condiciones de vida de todos los ciudadanos españoles.

Esta última exigencia es el principal objetivo de la ayuda al sector bancario español. El 23 de julio de 2012 la Comisión, en nombre de la FEEF/Mecanismo Europeo de Estabilidad (MEDE), España y el Banco de España firmaron un Memorando de Entendimiento en el que se exponen los elementos horizontales institucionales y específicos del país de las condiciones vinculadas al suministro de la ayuda financiera. Dicho Memorando de Entendimiento es un acuerdo celebrado entre España y el Mecanismo Europeo de Estabilidad cuyo respeto condiciona el desembolso de la ayuda financiera por parte de este último. La Comisión supervisa su aplicación con arreglo a las condiciones del Tratado Constitutivo del Mecanismo de Estabilidad y al Reglamento 472/2013.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008085/13

to the Commission

Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL)

(8 July 2013)

Subject: Letter to the Government of Andalusia's Department of Public Works

The letter from the Commission’s Directorate-General for Economic and Financial Affairs to the autonomous Government of Andalusia goes beyond the scope of the Directorate-General’s powers into areas in which national law prevails over economic governance rules and the memorandum of understanding.

The Commission asks the Spanish Government for clarifications on the legal status of Andalusia’s Decree-Law on the social function of housing. The Commission claims that the decree undermines the interests of international investors and the process of recapitalising the Spanish banking system. The Commission’s departments, who make decisions about Spain via the memorandum of understanding, appear to be unable to understand the legal system of this Member State. Spanish law makes it abundantly clear that Andalusia has sufficient powers and sovereignty to pass decrees on the right to housing, a right enshrined in Spain’s most important legal text, its constitution.

The real issue here is a desire to set the memorandum of understanding signed by the Government and the EU to ‘rescue’ the banking sector above the sovereignty the constitution bestows on the people of Andalusia. This could be seen to be an effort to interfere in the affairs of a region against the will its people, and should therefore be clarified.

— What does the Commission mean in asking for clarification on the ‘legal and governance situation in Spain’ given that this decree was passed by the appropriate authorities in accordance with Spanish and EC law?

— Precisely what powers has the Commission been accorded in respect of action concerning a lawfully adopted piece of regional legislation on housing?

— Does the Commission believe that the implementation of the memorandum of understanding can prevail over sovereign legislation in a Member State?

— Does the Commission not think that the right to housing enshrined in the Spanish constitution, the most important source of law in a Member State, outweighs the provisions of the memorandum of understanding?

Answer given by Mr Rehn on behalf of the Commission

(7 October 2013)

The Commission recognises the precarious situation of some most vulnerable households in Spain, subject to or threatened by evictions or foreclosures. It welcomes that the Spanish Government and the government of Andalusia have recently introduced legislation in order to shelter these most vulnerable households from some of their immediate and massive hardship. It is of the view that such initiatives should be effective and strike a workable balance between the imperative needs of protecting these most vulnerable households and the equally imperative requirements of stabilising the financial sector in Spain.

These two requirements are in the view of the Commission intrinsically linked: restoring financial stability in Spain constitutes a necessary requirement for Spain to move back on a sustainable growth path and to deliver lasting positive effects on the living conditions on all Spanish citizens.

The latter requirement is the main objective of the banking-sector assistance in favour of Spain. On 23 July 2012, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was entered into between the Commission, acting on behalf of the EFSF/European Stability Mechanism (ESM), Spain and the Bank of Spain setting out the institution and country-specific horizontal elements of the conditions attached to the provision of the financial assistance. The mentioned MoU is an agreement concluded between Spain and the ESM, whose respect conditions the disbursement of the financial assistance by the latter. The Commission monitors its implementation under the terms of the ESM Treaty and Regulation 472/2013.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-008086/13

a la Comisión (Vicepresidenta/Alta Representante)

Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL)

(8 de julio de 2013)

Asunto: VP/HR — Asesinato de 17 civiles pakistaníes por un avión no tripulado estadounidense

Según una noticia aparecida en la prensa el 3 de julio, un avión no tripulado del ejército de los Estados Unidos de América ha producido la muerte de 17 civiles inocentes en un bombardeo realizado en la ciudad de Miranshah, en la región pakistaní de Waziristán del Norte.

Esta inestable región fronteriza del país es considerada un bastión para las milicias de los talibanes y por ello el ejército de los EE.UU. se atribuye la capacidad de intervenir en la zona. El Primer Ministro del país, Nawaz Sharif ha pedido con anterioridad el final de estos ataques realizados con « drones » , pero el Ejército estadounidense ha hecho caso omiso a la voluntad del legítimo representante de la voluntad política de Pakistán.

Los asesinatos con este tipo de equipamiento militar no tripulado plantean numerosas dudas legales sobre la responsabilidad en la autoría de los crímenes de guerra, así como riesgos que implican para la población civil, y por ello son parte de un importante debate internacional. Sin embargo, el ejército de EE.UU. los viene empleando sistemáticamente en todos los conflictos militares que el país ha abierto a lo largo y ancho del mundo. En Pakistán, argumentando que el ejército nacional no tiene capacidad para controlar varias zonas fronterizas, se emplean habitualmente, por lo que ésta no es la primera vez que se produce el asesinato de inocentes en el país.

— ¿Piensa la Vicepresidenta/Alta Representante condenar y exigir responsabilidades al Gobierno de Estados Unidos por el asesinato de los citados 17 civiles pakistaníes?

— ¿Considera una violación de la soberanía de Pakistán el empleo de «drones» pese a que el Gobierno paquistaní ha exigido el fin de este equipamiento militar?

— ¿Condena al ejército de EE.UU. por el empleo de este tipo de equipamiento militar en Pakistán en contra de la voluntad política del país, expresada por su Primer Ministro Nawaz Sharif?

Respuesta de la Alta Representante y Vicepresidenta Ashton en nombre de la Comisión

(10 de septiembre de 2013)

La AR/VP es consciente del trágico incidente en el que el ataque de un drone causó la muerte de 17 civiles, así como de otros incidentes de ese tipo.

La UE ha manifestado en varias ocasiones su opinión de que la lucha contra el terrorismo debe llevarse a cabo dentro del respeto del Estado de Derecho y en plena conformidad con las disposiciones aplicables del Derecho internacional, incluido el Derecho internacional en materia de derechos humanos, el Derecho internacional relativo a los refugiados y el Derecho humanitario internacional.

La UE y los Estados miembros mantienen un diálogo informal con los Estados Unidos sobre cuestiones de Derecho internacional público, que tiene lugar dos veces al año. En el contexto de ese diálogo, expertos de la Unión Europea en Derecho internacional han planteado repetidamente una serie de preguntas y preocupaciones a los representantes de los Estados Unidos sobre la lucha contra el terrorismo y el Derecho internacional, incluida la utilización de drones.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008086/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL)

(8 July 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Murder of 17 Pakistani civilians by a US drone

According to press reports, on 3 July seventeen innocent civilians were murdered in a US drone strike on the city of Miranshah, in the Pakistani region of North Waziristan.

This unstable border region is considered a stronghold for the Taliban militia, and the US military has therefore decided it can intervene there. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has called for an end to these drone attacks, but the US army continues to ignore the wishes of this country’s legitimate political representative.

Killings perpetrated in drone strikes raise numerous questions concerning legal responsibility for war crimes and endangering the civilian population, and are thus a crucial issue in international debate. However, the US military continues to systematically use drones in all of the conflicts in which it is engaged around the world. It uses them as a matter of course in Pakistan, claiming that several border areas are out of the Pakistani army’s control, and this is therefore not the first time that the country has seen innocent people murdered in this way.

— Does the Vice-President/High Representative intend to condemn the murder of these 17 Pakistani civilians and hold the US Government to account?

— Does she consider the use of drones expressly against Pakistani Government’s wishes to be in violation of it sovereignty?

— Will she condemn the US military for using drones in Pakistan in direct violation of its political will, as expressed by Prime Minister Sharif?

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

(10 September 2013)

The HR/VP is aware of the tragic incident in which 17 civilians were killed in a drone strike, as well as other such incidents.

The EU has repeatedly stated its position that the fight against terrorism must be conducted with respect for the rule of law and in full conformity with applicable international law including international human rights law, international refugee law and international humanitarian law.

The EU and its Member States conduct an informal dialogue with the US on topical issues of public international law, which takes place twice a year. In the context of this dialogue, international law experts from the European Union have repeatedly raised a number of questions and concerns with the US representatives regarding counter-terrorism and international law, including the use of drones.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-008088/13

a la Comisión

Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL)

(8 de julio de 2013)

Asunto: Venta de la finca La Almoraima en Cádiz

El ministerio de Agricultura, Alimentación y Medio ambiente del Gobierno español ha declarado su interés en poner de nuevo a la venta la finca pública La Almoraima, situada en la provincia de Cádiz. Dicha venta se realizará para «ponerla en valor» a través de la construcción de un hotel de cinco estrellas, dos campos de golf y un aeródromo.

La finca La Almoraima ha sido calificada como « el mayor latifundio de España » : unas 14 109 hectáreas que contienen el 90 % del Parque Natural de los Alcornocales, una de las reservas de la biosfera más importantes de Andalucía, con un incalculable valor ecológico, económico y cultural. Este parque natural fue expropiado en 1983 a Rumasa, y ahora es un verdadero motor económico de la zona que no necesita ser « puesto en valor » : la recolección de setas, el corcho, el turismo, la organización de monterías, su importancia para el abastecimiento de agua en la provincia, su biodiversidad, etc., dan una idea de la importancia y el valor de sus usos públicos, resaltando que la « puesta en valor » planteada por el ministerio supondría un fuerte impacto y su degradación.

Existen propuestas para un incremento del uso de la finca sin poner en peligro los bienes públicos que produce. Diferentes movimientos políticos y sociales han expresado su interés por la finca a través de su ocupación simbólica para generar empleo a través de la agricultura, cediendo el usufructo de parte de la finca para el desarrollo de agricultura ecológica por parte de desempleados. Dicha actividad permitiría generar empleo e impuestos sin un impacto en el patrimonio natural de la finca que afectase a los bienes públicos que provee, manteniendo su titularidad pública. En este sentido, la Junta de Andalucía aprobó el pasado 20 de marzo una resolución para exigir al Gobierno central su gestión para evitar este tipo de proyectos.

¿Conoce la Comisión la intención del Gobierno de España de privatizar la citada finca? ¿Y los planes de construcción de un aeródromo, hotel y campos de golf? ¿Ha solicitado información a las autoridades españolas sobre sus planes con respecto a dicha finca? ¿Conoce la movilización por un uso alternativo, que pretende la cesión del usufructo de parte de la finca para agricultura ecológica? ¿Considera que una finca que provee tal cantidad de bienes públicos a la población local y visitante necesita «ponerse en valor» a través de los proyectos anteriormente citados? ¿Considera que la privatización planteada podría ser contraria a las Directivas 92/43/CEE y 2009/147/CE, que protegen el parque de los Alcornocales?

Respuesta del Sr. Potočnik en nombre de la Comisión

(14 de octubre de 2013)

La Comisión no dispone de información detallada acerca de los planes del Ministerio de Agricultura, Alimentación y Medio Ambiente español en relación con la finca La Almoraima y no ha solicitado información a las autoridades españolas a este respecto.

El parque de los Alcornocales (ES0000049) ha sido designado espacio Natura 2000 de acuerdo con la Directiva sobre hábitats (93) y la Directiva sobre aves (94). De conformidad con lo dispuesto en el artículo 6, apartado 3, de la Directiva sobre hábitats, cualquier plan o proyecto que pueda tener un impacto significativo en un espacio de la Red Natura 2000 se someterá a una adecuada evaluación teniendo en cuenta los objetivos de conservación de dicho espacio. La aplicación de la legislación de la UE compete principalmente a los Estados miembros. Las disposiciones de la Directiva sobre hábitats y la Directiva sobre aves relativas a los espacios de la Red Natura 2000 son aplicables independientemente de que estos espacios sean de propiedad pública o privada.

De la información proporcionada por Su Señoría, parece desprenderse que las autoridades españolas todavía no han autorizado ningún proyecto para el desarrollo de la finca La Almoraima. Por consiguiente, no se ha podido constatar infracción alguna de la legislación de la UE.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008088/13

to the Commission

Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL)

(8 July 2013)

Subject: Sale of the Almoraima estate in Cádiz

The Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Food and the Environment has said that it is interested in selling off once again the Almoraima publicly‐owned estate in the province of Cádiz in order to develop it by building a five‐star hotel, two golf courses and an airfield.

Almoraima has been described as the ‘finest estate in Spain’. It covers some 14 109 hectares and includes 90% of the Los Alcornocales Natural Park, one of Andalusia’s largest biosphere reserves whose environmental, economic and cultural value is incalculable. The park was expropriated from the Rumasa company in 1983 and is now a key source of local income which is in no need of development. The fact that it is used for activities as diverse as mushroom picking, cork growing, tourism, and hunting and the role it plays in safeguarding water resources and biodiversity, among other things, give an idea of its importance and value. Developing it, as the ministry plans, would in fact do untold damage.

There are proposals to increase the use made of the estate without jeopardising the benefits it provides for society. Various political and social organisations have expressed interest in using part of the estate to set up a flagship project to involve unemployed people in organic farming. This would generate jobs and tax revenue without damaging the environment and thus undermining the benefits it offers to society while keeping it in public hands. On March 20 the Andalusian regional government passed a resolution calling on the central government to retain control over the estate in order to block any plans for its commercial exploitation.

Is the Commission aware of the Spanish Government's plans to privatise this estate? Is it aware of the plans to build an airfield, hotel and golf courses? Has it requested information from the Spanish authorities on their plans?Is it aware of the campaign to set aside part of the estate for organic farming? Does the Commission think that an estate which offers such benefits to the local population and visitors needs to be developed by means of the aforementioned building projects? Does it think that the plans to privatise the estate are inconsistent with Directives 92/43/EEC and 2009/147/EC, which provide for the protection of areas such as the Los Alcornocales park?

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(14 October 2013)

The Commission does not possess detailed information about the plans of the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Environment in relation to the land estate of Almoraima, and it has not requested information from the Spanish authorities on this matter.

The site ‘Los Alcornocales’ (ES0000049) has been designated as a Natura 2000 site in accordance with the Habitats (95) and the Birds (96) Directive. In accordance with Article 6.3 of the Habitats Directive any plan or project likely to have a significant impact on a Natura 2000 site must be subject to an appropriate assessment in view of the site’s conservation objectives. The implementation of the EU legislation lies primarily within the Member States. The Provisions of the Habitats and Birds Directive concerning the Natura 2000 sites are applicable regardless of whether sites are publicly or privately owned.

According to the information provided by the Honourable Member, it appears that the Spanish authorities have not authorised any project for the development of the land state of Almoraima at this stage. Therefore, it has not been possible to identify any breach of EU legislation.

(Dansk udgave)

Forespørgsel til skriftlig besvarelse E-008089/13

til Kommissionen

Christel Schaldemose (S&D)

(8. juli 2013)

Om: Mærkning af tøj

En borger har rettet henvendelse til mig vedrørende mærkning af tøj. Borgeren ønsker en større åbenhed omkring produktionsvilkårene for tøj, der sælges i EU. En mærkning vil give forbrugerne en garanti for, at tøjet er fremstillet efter så gode vilkår som muligt. En mærkning skal både dække over de miljømæssige forhold, f.eks farvning af tøjet, men også arbejdsvilkårene, så bl.a. en lignende ulykke som den seneste i Bangladesh og børnearbejde undgås.

Mit spørgsmål er derfor følgende:

Svar afgivet på Kommissionens vegne af Antonio Tajani

(11. september 2013)

Kommissionen har ingen planer om en forordning om mærkning med oplysninger om produktionsforholdene i beklædnings‐ og tekstilindustrien. Forordning (EU) nr. 1007/2011 udgør den sektorspecifikke EU-lovgivning om tekstilvarer og beklædningsgenstande; den omfatter krav om angivelse af fibersammensætningen.

Kommissionen minder om, at den støtter forbedring af arbejdsvilkårene overalt i verden, navnlig gennem tæt samarbejde med Den Internationale Arbejdsorganisation (ILO) og fremme af ratificeringen og den effektive gennemførelse af ILO's konventioner, især de grundlæggende arbejdstagerrettigheder, gennem en bred vifte af politikker.

Kommissionen fremmer også aktivt virksomhedernes sociale ansvar (VSA) (97) og anbefaler, at virksomhederne overholder internationalt anerkendte principper og retningslinjer for virksomhedernes sociale ansvar, herunder OECD’s retningslinjer om multinationale virksomheder, ILO’s trepartserklæring om multinationale virksomheder og FN’s vejledende principper om erhvervslivet og menneskerettigheder. Disse dokumenter vedrører også sundhed, sikkerhed og arbejdsvilkår i virksomhedernes forsyningskæde.

Hvad angår Bangladesh, lancerede Kommissionen, regeringen for Bangladesh og ILO den 8. juli 2013 sammen med repræsentanter for industrien, fagforeninger og andre centrale berørte parter et initiativ, som kaldes »Staying engaged: A Sustainability Compact for continuous improvements in labour rights and factory safety in the Ready-Made Garment and Knitwear Industry in Bangladesh« (98) (fortsat engagement: en aftale vedrørende bæredygtighed, som skal give løbende forbedringer inden for arbejdstagerrettigheder og fabrikssikkerhed i industrien for konfektionstøj og strikvarer i Bangladesh), med en beskrivelse af deres forpligtelser inden for arbejdstagerrettigheder, arbejdsforhold og ansvarlig virksomhedsførelse.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008089/13

to the Commission

Christel Schaldemose (S&D)

(8 July 2013)

Subject: Labelling of clothes

I have a query about clothes labelling from a member of the public, who desires greater transparency concerning the conditions under which clothes sold in the EU are produced. Labelling would give consumers a guarantee that the clothes were produced under the best possible conditions. Labelling should cover not just environmental conditions, e.g. the dyes used, but also working conditions, so as to prevent, for example, accidents such as the recent one in Bangladesh, and the use of child labour.

I therefore have the following questions:

Answer given by Mr Tajani on behalf of the Commission

(11 September 2013)

The Commission has no plans for a labelling regulation to indicate conditions of production in the cloth and textile industry. Regulation (EU) No 1007/2011 is the sector-specific EU legislation applicable to textile and clothing products; it requires the indication of fibre composition.

The Commission recalls that it supports the improvement of working conditions worldwide, notably through close cooperation with the International Labour Organisations (ILO) and the promotion of the ratification and effective implementation of the Conventions of the ILO, in particular the core labour standards, through a wide range of policies.

The Commission also actively promotes Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) (99), and recommends that companies adhere to internationally recognised CSR principles and guidelines, including the OECD Guidelines on Multinational Enterprises, the ILO Tripartite Declaration on Multinational Enterprises, and the UN Guiding Principles on business and human rights. Such instruments also adress health, safety and labour conditions along companies' supply chain.

As regards Bangladesh, the Commission, the Government of Bangladesh and the ILO, accompanied by representatives of industry, trade unions and other key stakeholders, launched on 8 July 2013 ‘Staying engaged: A Sustainability Compact for continuous improvements in labour rights and factory safety in the Ready-Made Garment and Knitwear Industry in Bangladesh’ (100), outlining their commitments on labour rights, working conditions and responsible business conduct.

(Dansk udgave)

Forespørgsel til skriftlig besvarelse E-008090/13

til Kommissionen

Morten Messerschmidt (EFD)

(8. juli 2013)

Om: Testpaneler i forslaget til nyt tobaksdirektiv, KOM(2012)0788

Vil Kommissionen på baggrund af det fremsatte forslag til ny regulering af tobaksprodukter, KOM(2012)0788, oplyse, hvad der er den praktiske plan med de på side 5 nævnte testpaneler?

Betragter Kommissionen det som et tilstrækkeligt videnskabeligt grundlag at lade et testpanel — med forskellige, subjektive vurderinger af smagsoplevelser — afgøre, hvorvidt enkelte produkter skal være lovlige eller ulovlige?

Mener Kommissionen, at et testpanel på betryggende vis vil kunne teste de tusinder af forskellige tobaksprodukter, der forhandles i EU?

Hvordan forestiller Kommissionen sig endelig, at dette/disse testpanel(er) skal fungere og sammensættes?

Svar afgivet på Kommissionens vegne af Tonio Borg

(3. september 2013)

Ifølge Kommissionens forslag KOM(2012)0788 skal Kommissionen vedtage fælles regler for de procedurer, der skal anvendes for at fastslå, om en tobaksvare afgiver en kendetegnende aroma. Uafhængige paneler vil bistå i beslutningsprocessen, og det vil blive fastsat i en gennemførelsesretsakt, hvordan sådanne rådgivende paneler helt præcist skal fungere.

Sensorisk analyse, der inddrager paneler af forsøgspersoner, er en veletableret videnskabelig metode, der anvender principper om udformning af forsøg og statistisk analyse på udnyttelse af menneskets sanser med henblik på at evaluere forbrugerprodukter. Der er udviklet en række internationale ISO-standarder på området (101). Sensorisk analyse er allerede blevet anvendt i EU-lovgivningen (102)  (103). Endvidere findes der omfattende dokumentation vedrørende sensoriske undersøgelser, der er udført af tobaksindustrien for at afprøve, om og hvordan aromaer gør et produkt mere eller mindre attraktivt. Derfor mener Kommissionen, at den foreslåede metode er tilstrækkelig og pålidelig til det tiltænkte formål.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008090/13

to the Commission

Morten Messerschmidt (EFD)

(8 July 2013)

Subject: Test panels in the proposal for a new Tobacco Directive

In the light of its proposal for new rules on tobacco products (COM(2012)0788), can the Commission state what practical plans are implied by the test panels referred to on page 5?

Does the Commission regard it as an adequate scientific basis to allow a test panel — with differing subjective assessments of taste sensations — decide whether individual products are to be legal or illegal?

Does the Commission consider that a test panel will be able to reliably test the thousands of different tobacco products that are marketed in the EU?

Finally, how does the Commission envisage that this test panel /these test panels will operate and be composed?

Answer given by Mr Borg on behalf of the Commission

(3 September 2013)

The Commission proposal COM(2012)788 requires the Commission to adopt uniform rules on the procedures for determining whether a tobacco product imparts a characterising flavour. Independent panels would be used to assist in such decision making and the precise functioning of such advisory panels would be determined by implementing act.

Sensory analysis, involving panels of test subjects, is an established scientific method that applies principles of experimental design and statistical analysis to the use of human senses for the purposes of evaluating consumer products. A number of international ISO standards have been developed in this field (104). Sensory analysis has been already been used in EU legislation (105)  (106). Moreover, there is a wealth of documentation on sensory studies conducted by the tobacco industry to test the influence of flavours on the attractiveness of a product. In this respect, the Commission believes that the proposed method is adequate and reliable for the purpose in question.

(Dansk udgave)

Forespørgsel til skriftlig besvarelse E-008091/13

til Kommissionen

Morten Messerschmidt (EFD)

(8. juli 2013)

Om: Støtte til Ma'an News Agency

Den palæstinensiske medieorganisation Ma'an News Agency, der betegner sig selv som »uafhængig«, publicerer på sin egen eller tilknyttede hjemmeside(r) stærkt anti-israelsk og antisemitisk materiale (107).

I et svar til Folketinget har den danske udenrigsminister oplyst, at Danmark ikke har støttet Ma'an økonomisk siden 2009, ligesom den danske regering i svaret tilføjer, at den »… tager skarpt afstand fra ytringer og budskaber, der opfordrer til vold og terrorhandlinger. Endvidere tager regeringen afstand fra opildnende udtalelser, der kun medvirker til at skabe yderligere afstand mellem parterne og derved medvirker til en undergravning af en fredsløsning« (108). Det fremgår af Ma'ans hjemmeside (109), at organisationen samarbejder med og er støttet af bl.a. Europa-Kommissionen.

Kan Kommissionen bekræfte, at den støtter Ma'an News Agency økonomisk eller i øvrigt samarbejder med organisationen?

Vil Kommissionen i bekræftende fald oplyse, hvilke beløb der er tale om, både pr. år siden støtten er påbegyndt og det samlede beløb til dags dato?

Finder Kommissionen i lighed med den danske regering og spørgeren, at samarbejdet med Ma'an er stærkt problematisk, og agter Kommissionen i givet fald at underkaste organisationen og dens publikationer et nærmere eftersyn og som konsekvens heraf evt. indstille den økonomiske støtte til og samarbejdet med den?

Svar afgivet på Kommissionens vegne af Štefan Füle

(4. september 2013)

EU har aldrig direkte finansieret Ma’an News Agency, som blot er et af de mediebureauer, der indgår i Ma'an Network, og EU har ingen indflydelse på dens redaktionelle linje.

Ma'an Network, der er en ikke-statslig medieorganisation, har modtaget EU-støtte til to separate projekter til et samlet beløb af 888 290 EUR.

Det første projekt, der blev finansieret, var en tjenesteydelseskontrakt til en værdi af 600 000 EUR med titlen »Maksimering af EU’s tilstedeværelse i den europæiske naboskabspolitik og de begunstigede lande«, som blev afsluttet i 2010. Inden for rammerne af denne kontrakt afsluttede netværket seks medieprojekter til fremme af EU’s aktiviteter i Palæstina. For det andet bevilgede Kommissionen i 2011 en støtte på 288 290 EUR til Ma’an Network inden for rammerne af Det europæiske instrument for demokrati og menneskerettigheder til et projekt med titlen »Mobilisering af medierne for at fremme menneskerettigheder, demokratiske reformer og intern forsoning for borgerne og civilsamfundet i Palæstina«.

Begge kontrakter blev gennemført på en tilfredsstillende måde, og Kommissionen ser ingen grund til at underkaste organisationen øget kontrol. Under alle omstændigheder finansierer EU ikke ikke-statslige organisationer (ngo’er), men yder støtte til specifikke projekter og veldefinerede foranstaltninger; Ma’an Network kan fortsat søge om støtte til sådanne foranstaltninger, men er også ansvarlig herfor.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008091/13

to the Commission

Morten Messerschmidt (EFD)

(8 July 2013)

Subject: Support for the Ma'an News Agency

The Palestinian media organisation Ma’an News Agency, which describes itself as ‘independent’, publishes strongly anti-Israeli and anti-Semitic material on its own and associated websites (110).

In a reply to a question in the Danish Parliament (Folketing) the Danish Foreign Minister said that Denmark had not supported Ma’an financially since 2009, and in its answer the Danish Government added that it ‘…distances itself firmly from statements and messages calling for violence and terrorist action. The Government also distances itself from inflammatory opinions which only help deepen the division between the parties and thus contribute to undermining a peaceful solution’ (111). It appears from the Ma’an website (112) that the organisation works with and receives support from the European Commission, among others.

Can the Commission confirm that it supports the Ma’an News Agency financially or otherwise cooperates with this organisation?

If so, will the Commission state what amounts are involved, both per year since the aid began, and as a total to date?

Does the Commission agree with the Danish government and myself that cooperation with Ma’an is highly problematic, and if so does the Commission propose to subject this organisation and its publications to closer scrutiny and possibly, in consequence, halt financial aid to it and cooperation with it?

Answer given by Mr Füle on behalf of the Commission

(4 September 2013)

The EU never directly funded the Ma’an News Agency, which is merely one of the media agencies that are part of the Ma'an Network, and has no influence on the content of its editorial line.

The Ma’an Network, a non-governmental organisation for media network, has received EU funding for two separate actions amounting to a total of EUR 888 290.

The first action financed was a service contract for a value of EUR 600 000 entitled ‘Maximising EU Presence in the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) and beneficiary countries’, which ended in 2010. Under this contract the Network completed six media actions promoting EU activities in Palestine. Secondly, in 2011 the Commission awarded a EUR 288 290 grant to Ma’an Network under the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights for a project entitled ‘Mobilising Media to Empower Citizens and Civil Society for Human Rights, Democratic Reform and Intra-Palestinian reconciliation’.

Both contracts were implemented in a satisfactory manner and the Commission sees no reasons to subject the organisation to closer scrutiny. In any event, the EU does not provide funding to non-governmental organisations (NGOs) but awards grants supporting specific projects and well-defined actions, for which Ma’an Network will remain eligible to apply, but also accountable.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-008092/13

an die Kommission

Daniel Caspary (PPE), Ingeborg Gräßle (PPE) und Markus Pieper (PPE)

(8. Juli 2013)

Betrifft: Förderung von Nichtregierungsorganisationen

Nichtregierungsorganisationen spielen eine zunehmend wichtige Rolle in der europäischen Politik und der Gesetzgebung.

Welche sogenannten Nichtregierungsorganisationen haben im Jahr 2012 Mittel aus dem Haushalt der Europäischen Kommission oder einer Agentur erhalten; in welcher Höhe und für welche Projekte?

Antwort von Herrn Lewandowski im Namen der Kommission

(21. August 2013)

Die Kommission hat bereits in ihrer Antwort auf die schriftliche Anfrage E-10716/11 (113) darauf hingewiesen, dass es auf EU-Ebene keine einheitliche Definition von Nichtregierungsorganisationen (NRO) gibt. Im Rechnungsführungssystem der Kommission wird derzeit zwischen natürlichen Personen, privatrechtlichen Einrichtungen und öffentlich-rechtlichen Körperschaften unterschieden. Die Kommission behandelt NRO nicht anders als andere Empfänger von EU-Finanzhilfen oder andere Vertragspartner.

Für gezieltere Anfragen kann das Finanztransparenzsystem (FTS) (114) konsultiert werden. Im FTS ist eine Suche anhand von Kriterien wie Name des Begünstigten, Land, Haushaltslinie oder Finanzhilfebetrag möglich.

Das FTS enthält Informationen ab 2007 über alle Empfänger von EU-Finanzmitteln, die zentral direkt oder indirekt von der Kommission oder zentral indirekt von den Exekutivagenturen verwaltet werden. Informationen über andere Verwaltungsarten (dezentrale, geteilte oder gemeinsame Mittelverwaltung) können auf der Website der betreffenden Verwaltungsbehörde (115) eingeholt werden.

Weitere Informationen können auch mit zwei speziellen Suchwerkzeugen für Maßnahmen im Außenbereich recherchiert werden: zum einen mithilfe einer Suchmaschine, die Auskunft über Empfänger von Außenhilfe gibt und von EuropAid (116) verwaltet wird, und zum anderen in einer speziellen Datenbank für Empfänger humanitärer Hilfe (117).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008092/13

to the Commission

Daniel Caspary (PPE), Ingeborg Gräßle (PPE) and Markus Pieper (PPE)

(8 July 2013)

Subject: Support for non-governmental organisations (NGOs)

NGOs play an increasingly important role in European policy and legislation.

Which so-called NGOs received funding from the Commission budget or an agency in 2012? How much money were they allocated and for which projects?

Answer given by Mr Lewandowski on behalf of the Commission

(21 August 2013)

As previously mentioned in its reply to Written Question E-10716/11 (118), the Commission would like to recall the absence of an agreed definition of non-governmental organisations (NGO) at EU level. At present the Commission's accounting system distinguishes between natural persons, private law bodies and public law bodies. The Commission treats NGOs no differently than all other recipients of European Union (EU) grants or contracts.

For a more targeted request, the Financial Transparency System (FTS) (119) could be consulted. The FTS allows a search by criteria such as the name of the beneficiary, its country, the relevant budget line or the amount granted.

The FTS includes information from 2007 on all beneficiaries of EU funds implemented by the Commission under centralised direct and centralised indirect management modes, and by Executive Agencies under the centralised indirect management mode. Information regarding other management modes (decentralised, shared, and joint) can be found in the relevant management authority's website (120).

Further data is also available in two specific search tools for the area of external actions: on one hand, a search engine giving access to the details of beneficiaries in the field of external aid and managed by EuropAid (121). And on the other hand, a separate database for beneficiaries in the field of humanitarian aid (122) .

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-008093/13

an die Kommission

Martin Kastler (PPE)

(8. Juli 2013)

Betrifft: EU-Familienstrategie und Europäisches Jahr 2014

Familienfreundlichkeit ist ein entscheidender Faktor im globalen Wettbewerb um die besten Fachkräfte. Politisch sind dazu schlüssige Familienstrategien gefragt. Bereits 2007 hat die deutsche EU-Ratspräsidentschaft die Schaffung der „Europäischen Allianz für Familien“ angeregt. April 2011 hat das spanisch-belgisch-ungarische Präsidentschaftstrio — ergänzt um Polen — offiziell dafür plädiert, die Familienpolitik unter dem Vorzeichen der Demographie, der europäischen Sozialagenda und einer nachhaltigen wirtschaftlichen Entwicklung in den Rang einer europäischen Angelegenheit zu erheben. Im März 2013 haben fast 400 Mitglieder des Europäischen Parlaments für die Schriftliche Erklärung 32/2012 gestimmt und ein „Europäisches Jahr für die Vereinbarkeit von Familie und Beruf 2014“ gefordert. Diese Position wird im offiziellen Arbeitsprogramm der aktuellen Trio-Ratspräsidentschaft Irlands, Litauens und Griechenlands (Ratsdokument 16994/12) und von vielen Nichtregierungsorganisationen geteilt.

„Europäischen Allianz für Familien“ beendet und — unter Meidung des Familienbegriffs — durch eine „Plattform für Investitionen in Kinder“ ersetzt, wo sie sich entgegen dem Subsidiaritätsprinzip verstärkt den national und regional zu regelnden Themen Kinderbetreuung und Bildung widmet?

„Europäisches Jahr zur Vereinbarkeit von Familie und Beruf 2014“ vorzuschlagen?

Antwort von Herrn Andor im Namen der Kommission

(23. August 2013)

Der kürzlich veröffentlichte Bericht über die Barcelona-Ziele (125) zeigt, dass die Regierungen die Erwerbstätigkeit von Frauen steigern können, wenn sie für eine bessere Vereinbarkeit von Beruf und Familie sorgen. Die Verfügbarkeit von Kinderbetreuungseinrichtungen ist von entscheidender Bedeutung. Neben flexiblen Formen der Arbeitsorganisation und Elternzeit ist dies Bestandteil des empfohlenen Maßnahmenkatalogs für eine bessere Vereinbarkeit von Beruf und Privatleben.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008093/13

to the Commission

Martin Kastler (PPE)

(8 July 2013)

Subject: The EU family strategy and the European Year 2014

Family friendliness is a decisive factor in the global competition for the most highly skilled workers. From a political perspective, coherent family strategies are needed in this area. As early as 2007, the German Council Presidency launched the European Alliance for Families. In April 2011, the Spanish, Belgian and Hungarian Presidencies, together with Poland, officially called for family policy to be raised to the status of a European concern, against the background of demographic change, the European social agenda and sustainable economic development. In March 2013, almost 400 Members of the European Parliament voted in favour of Written Declaration 32/2012 and called for a European Year for Reconciling Work and Family Life 2014. This position forms part of the official work programme of the current trio of Council Presidencies of Ireland, Lithuania and Greece (Council document 16994/12) and is shared by many non-governmental organisations.

‘family’ and, contrary to the subsidiarity principle, has an increasing focus on subjects such as childcare and education that come under national and regional authority?

Answer given by Mr Andor on behalf of the Commission

(23 August 2013)

The recent report on the Barcelona objectives (128) shows that governments can increase female employment if they make it easier to reconcile work and family life. The availability of childcare facilities is crucial in this respect. together with flexible working arrangements and the provision of parental leave, it is part of the recommended policy mix for achieving a better work-life balance.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-008094/13

an die Kommission

Franz Obermayr (NI)

(8. Juli 2013)

Betrifft: Neue Studie zu den negativen Auswirkungen von gentechnisch veränderten Nahrungs‐ und Futtermitteln auf die menschliche Gesundheit

Die Verfütterung von gentechnisch veränderten Pflanzen soll auch nachhaltige negative Auswirkungen auf die Gesundheit des Menschen haben: Eine Studie des Institute for Health and Environment Research aus Adelaide/Australien hat schwere Schäden für das Verdauungs‐ und Fortpflanzungssystem von Schweinen ergeben. Das Institut hatte eine fünf Monate dauernde Studie an insgesamt 168 Schweinen in den USA durchgeführt. Dabei wurde die Hälfte der Schweine mit gentechnisch manipulierten Soja‐ und Maispflanzen gefüttert. Alle Futterpflanzen sollen aus Saatgut des Agrarindustriekonzerns Monsanto gezogen worden sein. Am Ende der fünfmonatigen Studiendauer wurden alle Tiere geschlachtet und auf Gesundheitsschäden untersucht.

Die mit gentechnisch veränderten Futterpflanzen gefütterten Schweine zeigten sowohl signifikant höhere Werte bei Magen-Darm-Erkrankungen als auch Einschränkungen bei der Fortpflanzungsfähigkeit. Bei einzelnen gentechnisch versorgten Tieren nahm das Gewicht der Gebärmutter um bis zu 25 % zu; gleichzeitig erhöhte sich das Risiko von Magen-Darm-Erkrankungen auf das bis zu 2,6-fache jener Untersuchungsgruppe, die ohne Gen-Futter aufgezogen wurde. Da Menschen den Schweinen in ihrem biologischen Grundaufbau ähnlich sind, würden die Ergebnisse der Studie laut Wissenschaftlern auch auf den Menschen zutreffen. Damit hätten Gentechnik-Produkte einen unmittelbaren Einfluss auf die Gesundheit des Menschen. Auch der Verzehr von Fleisch von gentechnisch gefütterten Schweinen könnte für den Menschen schädlich sein (129).

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-008692/13

an die Kommission

Franz Obermayr (NI)

(15. Juli 2013)

Betrifft: Neue Studie zu den negativen Auswirkungen von gentechnisch veränderten Nahrungs‐ und Futtermitteln auf die menschliche Gesundheit

Die Verfütterung von gentechnisch veränderten Pflanzen soll auch auf die Gesundheit des Menschen nachhaltige negative Auswirkungen haben: Eine Studie des Institute for Health and Environment Research aus Adelaide/Australien hat schwere Schäden für das Verdauungs‐ und Fortpflanzungssystem von Schweinen ergeben. Das Institut hatte eine fünf Monate dauernde Studie an insgesamt 168 Schweinen in den USA durchgeführt. Dabei wurde die Hälfte der Schweine mit gentechnisch manipulierten Soja‐ und Maispflanzen gefüttert. Alle Futterpflanzen sollen aus Saatgut des Agrarindustriekonzerns Monsanto gezogen worden sein. Am Ende der fünfmonatigen Studiendauer wurden alle Tiere geschlachtet und auf Gesundheitsschäden untersucht. Die mit gentechnisch veränderten Futterpflanzen gefütterten Schweine hatten sowohl signifikant höhere Werte bei Magen-Darm-Erkrankungen als auch Einschränkungen bei der Fortpflanzungsfähigkeit. Bei einzelnen gentechnisch versorgten Tieren nahm das Gewicht der Gebärmutter um bis zu 25 % zu; gleichzeitig erhöhte sich das Risiko von Magen-Darm-Erkrankungen auf das bis zu 2,6-fache jener Untersuchungsgruppe, die ohne Gen-Futter aufgezogen wurde. Da Menschen den Schweinen in ihrem biologischen Grundaufbau ähnlich sind, würden die Ergebnisse der Studie laut Wissenschaftlern auch auf den Menschen zutreffen. Damit hätten Gentechnik-Produkte einen unmittelbaren Einfluss auf die Gesundheit des Menschen. Auch der Verzehr von Fleisch von gentechnisch gefütterten Schweinen könnte für den Menschen schädlich sein (130).

Gemeinsame Antwort von Herrn Borg im Namen der Kommission

(21. August 2013)

1./5. Der Kommission ist die genannte Studie bekannt. Sie hat die Europäische Behörde für Lebensmittelsicherheit (EFSA) schriftlich gebeten, die Studie zu überprüfen und mitzuteilen, ob diese neue wissenschaftliche Erkenntnisse zur Risikobewertung von GVO liefert.

„GMO risk assessment and communication of evidence“ (Risikobewertung von GVO und Weitergabe der Ergebnisse) trägt.

3./4. Alle Anträge auf Zulassung von GV‐Lebens‐ und Futtermitteln werden einer Risikobewertung durch die EFSA unterzogen und nur dann genehmigt, wenn sie als unbedenklich für die Gesundheit von Mensch und Tier sowie für die Umwelt eingestuft wurden. Des Weiteren trat im April dieses Jahres eine neue Verordnung über Anträge auf Zulassung genetisch veränderter Lebens‐ und Futtermittel in Kraft. Gemäß der neuen Verordnung sind Antragsteller verpflichtet, einen systematischen Überblick über alle in den letzten zehn Jahren durchgeführten Studien vorzulegen, bei einzelnen Ereignissen die 90‐tägige Studie mit Ratten, die zuvor nur auf Einzelfallbasis eingesetzt wurde, durchzuführen, und bei der Durchführung von Studien eine Qualitätssicherung (Gute Laborpraxis oder ISO) vorzunehmen, während auf Einzelfallbasis durchgeführte zweijährige Toxizitätsstudien weiterhin verpflichtend sind.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008094/13

to the Commission

Franz Obermayr (NI)

(8 July 2013)

Subject: New study on the negative effects of genetically modified food and animal feed on human health

It has been claimed that feeding genetically modified crops to animals has lasting negative effects on the health of humans. A study carried out by the Institute of Health and Environmental Research Inc. (IHER) in Adelaide in Australia showed that severe damage was caused to the digestive and reproductive systems of pigs. The institute carried out the study on a total of 168 pigs in the USA for a period of five months. Half of these pigs were fed with genetically modified soya and maize. It is said that all the feed crops were grown from seed supplied by the agribusiness company Monsanto. At the end of the five-month study, all the animals were slaughtered and examined for health problems.

The pigs fed on genetically modified crops had significantly higher levels of gastro-intestinal disease, together with reproductive problems. In some of the animals fed on genetically modified feedstuffs the uterus was up to 25% heavier. At the same time, the risk of gastro-intestinal diseases was as much as 2.6 times higher than in the group of animals fed on non-genetically modified feed. Because humans have a similar biological make-up to pigs, scientists say that the results of the study could also apply to humans. This would mean that genetically modified products would have a direct influence on human health and that eating meat from pigs fed on genetically modified feedstuffs could also be harmful to humans (131).

Question for written answer E-008692/13

to the Commission

Franz Obermayr (NI)

(15 July 2013)

Subject: New study on the negative human-health impact of genetically modified food and feed

Feeding animals genetically modified (GM) crops is said to have a lasting negative impact on human health. A study by the Institute for Health and Environment Research in Adelaide, Australia, has shown that serious damage is caused to pigs’ digestive and reproductive systems. The institute carried out the study on a total of 168 pigs in the US over five months. Half of the pigs were fed with GM soya and maize. All feed crops used were reportedly grown from seed supplied by the agro-industry concern Monsanto. At the end of the five-month study, all the animals were slaughtered and examined for health problems. The pigs fed on GM crops had significantly higher levels of gastro-intestinal disease, together with reproductive problems. In some of the animals fed on GM feed, the uterus was up to 25% heavier. At the same time, the risk of gastro-intestinal diseases was as much as 2.6 times higher than in the group of animals fed on non-GM feed. Because humans have a similar biological make-up to pigs, scientists say that the results of the study could also apply to humans. This would mean that GM products have a direct influence on human health and that eating meat from pigs fed on GM feed could also be harmful to humans (132).

Joint answer given by Mr Borg on behalf of the Commission

(21 August 2013)

1, 5. The Commission is aware of this study. The Commission has written to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) asking it to review the study and inform whether the study adds any new scientific elements for the risk assessment of GMOs.

3, 4. All applications for GM food and feed undergo a risk assessment by EFSA and are only authorised if they are found to be safe for human and animal health and the environment. Furthermore a new Regulation on GM food and feed applications for authorisation entered into force earlier this year. The new regulation includes: a requirement for applicants to submit a systematic review of all studies conducted over the last 10 years; imposes the 90-day study with rats for single events, previously only performed on a case-by-case basis; requires quality assurance for studies (Good Laboratory Practice or ISO); and maintains the requirement for 2 year toxicity studies performed on a case-by-case basis.

(Versiunea în limba română)

Întrebarea cu solicitare de răspuns scris E-008096/13

adresată Comisiei

Daciana Octavia Sârbu (S&D)

(8 iulie 2013)

Subiect: Valorile de referință privind aportul de energie pentru copii

Angajamentul UE este un program prin care numeroase societăți se angajează să-și autoreglementeze publicitatea privind produsele alimentare pentru copii. Acesta face parte din strategia UE din 2007 privind problemele de sănătate legate de alimentație, excesul de greutate și obezitate.

Angajamentul UE este ilustrat în Cartea albă care stabilește criteriile nutriționale conform cărora trebuie evaluate diferitele categorii de produse alimentare. În ceea ce privește valorile energetice, autorii observă următoarele: „În prezent, nu există valori zilnice de referință aprobate oficial sau consimțite la nivel de UE privind aportul de energie pentru copii” (133).

Valorile zilnice de referință privind aportul de energie pentru copii ar putea contribui în mod util la combaterea obezității infantile, care constituie o problemă de sănătate publică tot mai mare.

Răspuns dat de dl Borg în numele Comisiei

(19 august 2013)

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008096/13

to the Commission

Daciana Octavia Sârbu (S&D)

(8 July 2013)

Subject: Energy intake reference values for children

The EU Pledge is a scheme in which a number of companies engage in self-regulation of advertising of food products for children. It operates as part of the 2007 EU Strategy on nutrition, overweight and obesity-related health issues.

The EU Pledge is described in a White Paper setting out the nutrition criteria by which different categories of food products are to be assessed. Regarding energy values, the authors note: ‘Currently there are no officially approved or EU-endorsed daily reference intake values for children available in Europe’ (136).

Daily reference values for energy intake for children could make a useful contribution to the fight against childhood obesity, which is an ever-increasing public health concern.

Answer given by Mr Borg on behalf of the Commission

(19 August 2013)

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-008097/13

προς την Επιτροπή

Georgios Stavrakakis (S&D)

(8 Ιουλίου 2013)

Θέμα: Επίπεδο πληρωμών στις 30 Ιουνίου 2013

Μετά από έγκριση του Σχεδίου Διορθωτικού Προϋπολογισμού αριθ. 6/2012, η Επιτροπή, κατόπιν αιτήσεως της αρμόδιας για τον προϋπολογισμό αρχής, υπέβαλε Σχέδιο Διορθωτικού Προϋπολογισμού αριθ. 2/2013, ο οποίος ανέρχεται σε 11,2 δισεκατομμύρια ευρώ, ποσό που επιτρέπει σε όλες τις νόμιμες υποχρεώσεις πληρωμών που παραμένουν σε εκκρεμότητα το τέλος του 2012, καθώς και σε αυτές που θα προκύψουν πριν από το τέλος του 2013, να καλυφθούν από τον προϋπολογισμό του τρέχοντος έτους.

Κατά τη συνεδρίαση του Συμβουλίου Ecofin της 14ης Μαΐου 2013, επιτεύχθηκε πολιτική συμφωνία για την παροχή της επιπλέον χρηματοδότησης για τον Προϋπολογισμό του 2013 σε δύο δόσεις, με την πρώτη ύψους 7,3 δισ. ευρώ, ενώ οι υπουργοί δεσμεύτηκαν να επανέλθουν στο θέμα αργότερα εντός του έτους. Ωστόσο, δεν υπήρξε καμία επίσημη δέσμευση για το υπόλοιπο ποσό των 3,9 δισεκατομμυρίων του Σχεδίου Διορθωτικού Προϋπολογισμού αριθ. 2/2013.

Η πολιτική συμφωνία στην οποία κατέληξαν τα θεσμικά όργανα στις 27 Ιουνίου 2013 επί του ΠΔΠ 2014-2020 ορίζει ότι το Συμβούλιο δεσμεύεται να λάβει επίσημη απόφαση για την πρώτη δόση του Σχεδίου Διορθωτικού Προϋπολογισμού αριθ. 2/2013 το αργότερο μέχρι τη συνεδρίαση του Συμβουλίου Ecofin στις 9 Ιουλίου 2013 και να λάβει όλα τα απαραίτητα πρόσθετα μέτρα ώστε να διασφαλίσει ότι τηρούνται πλήρως οι υποχρεώσεις της Ένωσης για το 2013. Στο πλαίσιο αυτό, βάσει της πρότασης που πρόκειται να υποβάλει η Επιτροπή στις αρχές του φθινοπώρου, με βάση τις νέες ενημερωμένες εκτιμήσεις όσον αφορά τις πιστώσεις πληρωμών, το Συμβούλιο δεσμεύεται να αποφασίσει χωρίς καθυστέρηση επί ενός πρόσθετου σχεδίου διορθωτικού προϋπολογισμού προκειμένου να αποφευχθεί οποιαδήποτε ανεπάρκεια για τις αιτιολογημένες πιστώσεις πληρωμών.

Λαμβάνοντας υπόψη όλα τα ανωτέρω και δεδομένου του γεγονότος ότι το επίπεδο πληρωμών για τον προϋπολογισμό της ΕΕ όσον αφορά το 2013 είναι κατά 5 δισεκατομμύρια ευρώ χαμηλότερο από τις εκτιμήσεις της Επιτροπής για τις ανάγκες πληρωμών στο σχέδιο προϋπολογισμού της για το 2013, θα μπορούσε η Επιτροπή να παράσχει λεπτομερείς πληροφορίες σχετικά με το επίπεδο των αιτημάτων πληρωμών που της έχουν διαβιβασθεί μέχρι τις 30 Ιουνίου 2013;

Ειδικότερα, θα μπορούσε η Επιτροπή να γνωστοποιήσει τις πληρωμές που έχουν καταβληθεί κατά τους μήνες Ιανουάριο, Φεβρουάριο, Μάρτιο, Απρίλιο, Μάιο και Ιούνιο 2013, κατανεμημένες ανά κράτος μέλος και ανά τομέα/πρόγραμμα πολιτικής;

Απάντηση του κ. Lewandowski εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(22 Αυγούστου 2013)

Η αναλυτική κατανομή των έγκυρων αιτημάτων πληρωμών (139) που υποβλήθηκαν τον Ιούνιο για τα χρηματοδοτούμενα από το ΕΚΤ, το ΕΤΠΑ και το ΤΣ επιχειρησιακά προγράμματα της περιόδου 2007-2013, παρατίθεται στο παράρτημα I της παρούσας απάντησης, ενώ τα στοιχεία σχετικά με το ΕΤΑ παρατίθενται στο παράρτημα ΙΙ. Όσον αφορά το ΕΓΤΑΑ, δεν υποβλήθηκαν αιτήματα πληρωμών κατά τη διάρκεια του Ιουνίου. Τα αριθμητικά στοιχεία του πίνακα προκύπτουν από τη σύγκριση των αιτημάτων πληρωμής που υποβλήθηκαν έως το τέλος Ιουνίου 2013 με τα στοιχεία που υποβλήθηκαν μέχρι το τέλος Μαΐου 2013. Η Επιτροπή μπορεί να αποφασίσει την αλλαγή χαρακτηρισμού ενός αιτήματος πληρωμής από «Αποδεκτή» σε «Πλήρως απορριφθείσα» ή «Επιστραφείσα προς διόρθωση» και συνεπώς, τα αριθμητικά στοιχεία των παραρτημάτων της παρούσας απάντησης ενδέχεται να αποτελέσουν αντικείμενο περαιτέρω προσαρμογών. Τα αρνητικά υπόλοιπα του ΕΚΤ για το Ηνωμένο Βασίλειο, για παράδειγμα, είναι αποτέλεσμα τέτοιας αλλαγής κατάστασης.

Ανάλογα στοιχεία για τους μήνες Ιανουάριο, Φεβρουάριο, Μάρτιο, Απρίλιο και Μάιο δόθηκαν από την Επιτροπή στις ερωτήσεις E-1090/2013, E-3237/2013, E-3928/2013, E-4903/2013 και E-6405/2013 (140), αντίστοιχα.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008097/13

to the Commission

Georgios Stavrakakis (S&D)

(8 July 2013)

Subject: Level of payments as of 30 June 2013

After the approval of Draft Amending Budget No 6/2012, the Commission, at the request of the Budgetary Authority, submitted Draft Amending Budget No 2/2013, amounting to EUR 11.2 billion, that will allow all the legal payment obligations left pending at the end of 2012, as well as those arising before the end of 2013, to be covered in this year’s budget.

At the Ecofin meeting of 14 May 2013, a political agreement was reached to provide the extra funding for the 2013 Budget in two tranches, with the first one amounting to EUR 7.3 billion, while the Ministers undertook to return to the issue later in the year. However, there has been no formal commitment on the remaining EUR 3.9 billion of Draft Amending Budget No 2/2013.

The political agreement of 27 June 2013 reached by the institutions on the 2014-2020 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) stipulates that the Council undertakes to make a formal decision on the first tranche of Draft Amending Budget No 2/2013 no later than the Ecofin Council on 9 July 2013 and to take all necessary additional steps to ensure that the Union’s obligations for 2013 are fully honoured. In this respect, on the basis of a proposal to be made by the Commission in early autumn, based on the latest updated estimates regarding payment appropriations, the Council undertakes to decide, without delay, on a further draft amending budget to avoid any shortfall in justified payment appropriations.

Taking all of the above into consideration and given the fact that the level of payments for the 2013 EU Budget is EUR 5 billion lower than the Commission’s estimates for payment needs in its 2013 Draft Budget, could the Commission provide detailed information on the level of payments received by the 30 June 2013?

More specifically, could the Commission provide information on payments received in the months of January, February, March, April, May and June 2013, broken down by Member State and policy area/programme?

Answer given by Mr Lewandowski on behalf of the Commission

(22 August 2013)

A detailed breakdown of the valid payment claims (141) received in June for the 2007-2013 ESF, ERDF and CF-funded operational programmes is provided in Annex I to this reply while for EFF the data is included in Annex II. For EAFRD no payment claims were submitted during the month of June. The figures in the table result from comparing valid payment claims submitted until the end of June 2013 with those submitted until the end of May 2013. The Commission may decide to change the status of a payment claim from ‘Accepted’ to ‘Fully rejected’ or ‘Returned for corrections’ and therefore the figures presented in the annexes to this reply could still undergo further adjustments. A negative ESF balance for the United Kingdom, for instance, is the result of such changes in status.

Similar data for the months of January, February, March, April and May were provided by the Commission to Questions E-1090/2013, E-3237/2013, E-3928/2013, E-4903/2013 and E-6405/2013 (142), respectively.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008098/13

to the Commission

Glenis Willmott (S&D)

(8 July 2013)

Subject: Alcohol and nutrition

Alcohol accounts for nearly 10% of the calorie intake of adults who drink (143).

It has an energy value of 7 kcal/g, second only to fat, which is the most energy-dense macronutrient at 9 kcal/g. Therefore daily energy intake may rise considerably when alcohol is consumed (144).

Many people are unaware of how many calories they are consuming in the form of alcohol. For example, a medium glass of white wine (175ml) has 130 calories, similar to an average chocolate bar. Two pints of beer have more calories than a cheeseburger.

Currently, producers of alcoholic beverages are not required to state the ingredients of their products or to provide nutritional information about them. The Commission is obligated to come forward with a report on nutritional labelling on alcohol under the Food Information to Consumers Regulation.

Could the Commission update Members of the European Parliament on activities in this area, especially given next year’s deadline for submission of a report on the matter, as outlined in the regulation (EU) No 1169/2011?

Answer given by Mr Borg on behalf of the Commission

(19 August 2013)

The report refered to by the Honourable Member is planned for December 2014. Given that the preparation of the report is currently at a very early stage, the Commission is not in a position to comment about orientations on the issue in question.

The Commission has started some preliminary work by collecting information from Member States on existing national legislation in this field and on information provided voluntarily by food business operators on different types of alcoholic beverages. This work also includes an ongoing project on ‘health related information on alcoholic beverage labels’, the results of which will be a precursor to starting a discussion on the possible inclusion of ingredients and nutrition labelling, for example of energy content, on the labels of alcoholic beverages.

(Slovenska različica)

Vprašanje za pisni odgovor E-008099/13

za Komisijo

Sirpa Pietikäinen (PPE) in Alojz Peterle (PPE)

(8. julij 2013)

Zadeva: Izboljšanje postopka za vložitev zdravstvenih trditev

Na delavnici v Parlamentu februarja 2013 so se poslanci Evropskega parlamenta, predstavniki Evropske agencije za varnost hrane (EFSA) in Komisija na splošno strinjali, da je pri sedanjem postopku Evropske agencije za varnost hrane za ocenjevanje zdravstvenih trditev nastal precejšen problem na področju probiotikov. Na področju, kjer je Evropska unija v raziskave vložila več kot 70 milijonov EUR, je Evropska agencija za varnost hrane negativno ocenila več kot 300 zahtevkov za zdravstvene trditve za specifične probiotike kljub obsežnim znanstvenim dokazom o njihovih koristih za zdravje. Tako potrošnikom niso na voljo informacije, ki bi lahko koristile njihovemu zdravju.

Čeprav so že bili uvedeni ukrepi, da bodo lahko vsi prosilci Evropski agenciji za varnost hrane predložili pisna vprašanja, jim je vendar treba pri trditvah za probiotike pomagati v večjem obsegu. Evropska agencija za varnost hrane priznava, da se ti zahtevki obravnavajo posamezno ter da lahko prosilci za zdravstvene trditve na probiotikih zahtevane standarde razumejo le, če pred predložitvijo dokumentacije sodelujejo v kakršnem koli preglednem dialogu z EFSA.

V posameznih redkih primerih, kot je primer probiotikov, bi bilo treba dialog v kakršni koli obliki med člani odbora EFSA in prosilci, da bi ti lahko razumeli standarde za presojo ter da bi čim bolje izkoristili čas in sredstva Evropske agencije za varnost hrane.

Ali bo Komisija pripravila študijo, kako izboljšati postopek za vložitev zahtevka za zdravstvene trditve na probiotikih, skupaj s preglednim posvetovanjem, ki ohranja neodvisnost Evropske agencije za varnost hrane, tako da bi lahko prosilci pred pripravo dokumentacije dobro poznali standarde, ki jih morajo izpolnjevati?

Odgovor komisarja Tonia Borga v imenu Komisije

(2. september 2013)

Tako Evropska agencija za varnost hrane (EFSA) kot Komisija sta si zelo prizadevali za zagotovitev jasnosti pri ocenjevanju zdravstvenih trditev.

Od leta 2007 dalje je EFSA sodelovala z deležniki, da bi predstavila in pojasnila postopek odbora NDA (145) za ocenjevanje trditev. Zaradi znanstvene in tehnične kompleksnosti zdravstvenih trditev je EFSA objavila splošne smernice (146) o načelih, ki se uporabljajo pri postopku ocenjevanja. Poleg tega je leta 2010 v Amsterdamu organizirala sestanek o znanstvenih zahtevah za zdravstvene trditve v zvezi z delovanjem črevesja in imunskega sistema, po katerem so bile izdane dodatne posebne smernice (147).

EFSA bo novembra 2013 organizirala sestanek (148) za spodbujanje interaktivne izmenjave strokovnih mnenj o informacijah, potrebnih za celovito znanstveno ocenjevanje študij na ljudeh, ki so predložene za znanstveno utemeljitev zdravstvenih trditev. Julija 2013 je odgovorila na dva dopisa, ki jih je prejela od svetovnega združenja za probiotike (Global Alliance for Probiotics) in mednarodne organizacije za probiotike (International Probiotics Association), v katerih je odgovorila na številna znanstvena vprašanja iz navedenih dopisov.

Komisija je v zvezi s tem sprejela Uredbo (ES) št. 353/2008 (149) o vlogah za zdravstvene trditve, vključno s pravili za pripravo in vložitev vlog ter zahtevanimi znanstvenimi dokazi. Službe Komisije in deležniki, vključno s probiotičnim sektorjem, so se srečali na številnih sestankih o utemeljitvi zdravstvenih trditev.

Komisija se zaveda, da je probiotični sektor na evropskem industrijskem področju ključnega pomena, vendar ga s posebnimi ukrepi glede zdravstvenih trditev za probiotike ne more obravnavati drugače od ostalih prehranskih sektorjev.

(Suomenkielinen versio)

Kirjallisesti vastattava kysymys E-008099/13

komissiolle

Sirpa Pietikäinen (PPE) ja Alojz Peterle (PPE)

(8. heinäkuuta 2013)

Aihe: Terveysväitteiden hyväksymisjärjestelmän kehittäminen

Euroopan parlamentin seminaarissa helmikuussa 2013 Euroopan parlamentin jäsenet sekä Euroopan elintarviketurvallisuusviranomaisen (EFSA) ja Euroopan komission edustajat olivat laajasti yksimielisiä siitä, että EFSAn nykyiseen terveysväitteiden arviointimenettelyyn liittyy merkittävä ongelma, joka koskee probiootteja. Alalla, jonka tutkimukseen EU on sijoittanut yli 70 miljoonaa euroa, yli 300 probiootteja koskevaa terveysväitehakemusta on hylätty EFSAn arvioinnissa, huolimatta probioottien terveysvaikutuksia puoltavasta laajasta tieteellisestä näytöstä. Näin ollen kuluttajilla ei ole mahdollisuutta tutustua tietoon, joka voisi olla heidän terveytensä kannalta hyödyllistä.

On totta, että joitakin toimia on toteutettu, jotta kaikki hakijat voisivat esittää kirjallisia kysymyksiä EFSAlle, mutta enemmän on kuitenkin vielä tehtävä terveysväitehakemuksen esittäjien tukemiseksi. EFSA myöntää, että terveysväitteitä tarkastellaan tapauskohtaisesti ja että tästä syystä hakijat voivat saada selkeän käsityksen siitä, millaisia vaatimuksia heidän on täytettävä, ainoastaan, jos he käyvät jossain muodossa avointa vuoropuhelua EFSAn kanssa ennen hakemusasiakirjan toimittamista.

Tietyissä esimerkiksi probiootteja koskevissa rajatuissa tapauksissa EFSAn lautakunnan jäsenten ja terveysväitteiden hyväksyntää hakevien toimijoiden välillä olisi otettava käyttöön jonkinlainen avoimen vuoropuhelun muoto, sillä näin voitaisiin varmistaa, että hakijat ymmärtävät vaatimukset, joiden perusteella väitteitä arvioidaan sekä optimoida EFSAn ajankäyttöä ja voimavaroja.

Ryhtyykö komissio selvittämään probiootteja koskevien terveysväitteiden hyväksymisjärjestelmän kehittämismahdollisuuksia, kuten EFSAn avointa kuulemista, jolla sen riippumattomuus säilytetään, jotta hakijat voivat saada selkeän käsityksen vaatimuksista, jotka heidän on täytettävä, ennen hakemusasiakirjojen laatimista?

Tonio Borgin komission puolesta antama vastaus

(2. syyskuuta 2013)

Niin Euroopan elintarviketurvallisuuviranomainen (EFSA) kuin komissiokin ovat kaikin keinoin pyrkineet varmistamaan, että terveysväitteiden arviointi olisi selkeää.

EFSA on vuodesta 2007 lähtien yhdessä sidosryhmien kanssa auttanut jäsentämään ja selkeyttämään sitä prosessia, jota sen ravitsemusasioita käsittelevä lautakunta (150) käyttää väitteiden arvioinnissa. Koska terveysväitteet ovat tieteellisesti ja teknisesti monimutkaisia, EFA on asettanut saataville yleisen oppaan (151), jossa käsitellään arviointiprosessissa sovellettuja periaatteita. Lisäksi se järjesti vuonna 2010 Amsterdamissa kokouksen, jossa tarkasteltiin suolistoon ja immuunijärjestelmään liittyviä terveysväitteitä koskevia tieteellisiä vaatimuksia ja jonka pohjalta julkaistiin erityisesti niitä koskeva uusi opas (152).

EFSA järjestää marraskuussa 2013 kokouksen (153). Kokouksessa on määrä edistää interaktiivista asiantuntijoiden näkemysten vaihtoa niistä tiedoista, joita tarvitaan täyden tieteellisen arvioinnin tekemiseksi terveysväitteiden tieteellistä perustelemista varten toimitetuista ihmisillä tehdyistä tutkimuksista. Heinäkuussa 2013 EFSA vastasi kahteen kansainvälisiltä probiootteja käsitteleviltä järjestöiltä (Global Alliance for Probiotics ja International Probiotics Association) saamaansa kirjeeseen ja kommentoi erinäisiä kussakin kirjeessä esiin nostettuja tieteellisiä kysymyksiä.

Komissio on lisäksi antanut terveysväitteitä koskevia hakemuksia käsittelevän asetuksen (EY) N:o 353/2008 (154), jossa säädetään niiden laatimisesta ja esittämisestä ja niitä varten tarvittavasta tieteellisestä näytöstä. Komission yksiköt ja sidosryhmät, probioottiala mukaan luettuna, ovat lisäksi järjestäneet lukuisia kokouksia terveysväitteiden perustelemiseen liittyen.

Komissio tiedostaa, että probioottiala on keskeinen teollisuuden ala Euroopassa. Se ei kuitenkaan voi syrjiä muita elintarvikesektoreita ryhtymällä erityisiin toimiin nimenomaan probiootteja koskevien väitteiden osalta.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008099/13

to the Commission

Sirpa Pietikäinen (PPE) and Alojz Peterle (PPE)

(8 July 2013)

Subject: Improving the health claim application procedure

At a Parliament workshop in February 2013, there emerged a broad consensus among MEPs and representatives of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the Commission that a significant problem existed with the current EFSA health claims assessment procedure in respect of probiotics. In a sector in which the EU has invested over EUR 70 million in research, more than 300 specific probiotics claim applications have been negatively assessed by EFSA, despite extensive scientific evidence supporting the health benefits of probiotics. As a result, consumers are being denied access to information that could be beneficial to their health.

Recognising that some steps have been taken to allow all applicants to submit written questions to the EFSA, more needs to be done to assist applicants of probiotics claims. The EFSA acknowledges that these claims are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and that probiotics claim applicants may therefore only really understand what standards they are required to meet if they are involved in some form of transparent dialogue with the EFSA before they submit a dossier.

In certain limited cases, such as that of probiotics, some form of dialogue between the EFSA panel members and the applicant should be introduced to ensure that applicants understand the standards against which they will be judged and to optimise the EFSA’s time and resources.

Will the Commission undertake to study how to improve the health claim application process for probiotics, including transparent consultation that preserves the EFSA’s independence, so that applicants have a clear understanding of the standards they are required to meet before they prepare their dossier?

Answer given by Mr Borg on behalf of the Commission

(2 September 2013)

Both European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the Commission have made considerable efforts to ensure clarity on the issue of the evaluation of health claims.

Since 2007, EFSA has engaged with stakeholders to outline and clarify the process followed by the NDA Panel (155) in the evaluation of claims. Due to the scientific and technical complexity of health claims, EFSA has made available a general guidance document (156) covering the principles applied in the evaluation process. Furthermore, it organised a meeting in 2010 in Amsterdam, on the scientific requirements for health claims related to gut and immune function which led to publication of additional specific guidance (157).

EFSA will organise a meeting (158), in November 2013, in order to promote an interactive exchange of expert views regarding the information required for a full scientific evaluation of human studies submitted for the scientific substantiation of health claims. In July 2013, EFSA responded to two letters received by the Global Alliance for Probiotics and by the International Probiotics Association replying to a number of scientific questions raised in each letter.

In the same context, the Commission adopted Regulation (EC) No 353/2008 (159) concerning health claims' applications which inlcuded rules for their prepration, presentation and scientific evidence required. Various meetings on the substantiation of health claims have also taken place between the Commission services and stakeholders, including the probiotic sector.

The Commission recognises that the sector of probiotics represents a key sector in the European industrial scene, however, it cannot discriminate between the various food sectors by proceeding with specific actions concerning claims for probiotics.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-008101/13

alla Commissione

Antonio Cancian (PPE)

(8 luglio 2013)

Oggetto: Pratiche commerciali scorrette nella vendita di farmaci

Secondo quanto segnalato da alcune associazioni di categoria, le farmacie sono spesso vittime di una pratica commerciale che procura danni a loro ed ai consumatori finali.

È infatti emerso che alcune aziende multinazionali produttrici di farmaci hanno stabilito un meccanismo di contingentamento, al fine di impedire l'esportazione parallela da parte di aziende italiane di piccole dimensioni, che operano come distributori intermedi, verso altri Paesi europei in cui lo stesso prodotto viene venduto a prezzi più alti.

Nello specifico, le farmacie sono obbligate ad ordinare direttamente alle aziende produttrici modiche quantità di prodotto, con grave detrimento per i pazienti che spesso, a causa di queste restrizioni, sono costretti ad aspettare diversi giorni, se non settimane, prima di poter acquistare il medicinale.

I ritardi nella somministrazione della terapia che ne conseguono possono dare luogo a problemi per il paziente e non di rado a ricoveri dovuti alla sostituzione di farmaci o alla interruzione della terapia.

Ritiene la Commissione che questa pratica commerciale costituisca una violazione del trattato sul funzionamento dell'Unione europea, in particolare dell'articolo 102, che definisce incompatibile con il mercato interno e vietato lo sfruttamento abusivo di una posizione dominante per il fatto di introdurre condizioni di transazione non eque e palesemente contrarie agli scopi del mercato interno stesso?

Ritiene inoltre che essa violi la Carta dei diritti fondamentali dell'Unione europea, che all'articolo 35 sancisce che ogni persona ha diritto di accedere alla prevenzione sanitaria e ottenere cure mediche alle condizioni stabilite dalle legislazioni e dalle prassi internazionali?

Risposta di Joaquín Almunia a nome della Commissione

(11 settembre 2013)

Sulla base delle informazioni fornite, la Commissione non può stabilire se le pratiche menzionate dall'onorevole parlamentare violino l'articolo 102 del TFUE.

Per accertare una violazione dell'articolo 102 del TFUE, la Commissione dovrebbe individuare i mercati rilevanti e dimostrare che le imprese farmaceutiche interessate occupano una posizione dominante. Inoltre essa dovrebbe stabilire che le pratiche in questione (l'applicazione di un meccanismo di fissazione dei prezzi per impedire le esportazioni parallele di farmaci) rappresentano una «pratica abusiva», ai sensi dall'articolo 102 del TFUE. Questo richiede un'attenta valutazione basata sulle circostanze specifiche del caso. La Corte di giustizia ha decretato che la Commissione dovrebbe valutare, tra l'altro, se queste pratiche costituiscano una misura ragionevole e proporzionata alla minaccia rappresentata dalle esportazioni parallele rispetto ai legittimi interessi commerciali delle imprese farmaceutiche (160).

L'articolo 35 della Carta dei diritti fondamentali dell'Unione europea, riguardante il diritto di accedere all'assistenza sanitaria e alle cure mediche, non si applica ai privati, bensì alle istituzioni, organi e organismi dell'Unione, come pure agli Stati membri nell'attuazione del diritto dell'Unione (v. art. 51, par. 1 della Carta).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008101/13

to the Commission

Antonio Cancian (PPE)

(8 July 2013)

Subject: Unfair commercial practices regarding the sale of medicines

According to reports by certain trade organisations, pharmacies are often victims of a commercial practice which harms them and end users.

It has emerged that certain multinational pharmaceutical companies have established a quota mechanism to prevent parallel exports by small Italian businesses, operating as intermediate distributors, to other European countries where the same product is sold at a higher price.

To be specific, pharmacies are obliged to order directly from manufacturers small quantities of a product, to the serious detriment of patients who, owing to these restrictions, are often forced to wait for several days, if not weeks, before they can buy the medicine.

The consequent delays in administering treatment may cause problems for patients and often lead to their admission to hospital owing to their medicine being replaced or their treatment being interrupted.

Does the Commission believe that this commercial practice violates the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, particularly Article 102 which defines as incompatible with the internal market, and prohibits, any abuse of a dominant position inasmuch as it introduces unfair trading conditions which clearly conflict with the aims of the internal market?

Furthermore, does it believe that it violates Article 35 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union which states that everyone has the right of access to preventive healthcare and the right to benefit from medical treatment under the conditions established by laws and international practices?

Answer given by Mr Almunia on behalf of the Commission

(11 September 2013)

The Commission cannot establish, on the basis of the information provided, whether the commercial practices mentioned by the Honourable Member infringe Article 102 TFEU.

To find a breach of Article 102 TFEU, the Commission would have to delineate the relevant markets and demonstrate that the pharmaceutical companies concerned are dominant. Moreover, it would have to establish that the practices at issue (the application of a quota mechanism to prevent parallel exports of medicines) constitute an ‘abuse’ within the meaning of Article 102 TFEU. This requires a careful assessment based on the specific circumstances of the case. The Court of Justice has ruled that the Commission would have to assess, among other things, whether these practices constitute a reasonable and proportionate measure in relation to the threat that parallel exports represent to the legitimate commercial interests of the pharmaceutical companies concerned (161).

Article 35 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, which concerns the right of access to healthcare and medical treatment, is not addressed to private parties, but to the institutions, bodies, offices and agencies of the Union and to the Member States when they are implementing Union law (see Article 51(1) of the Charter).

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-008102/13

alla Commissione

Oreste Rossi (PPE)

(8 luglio 2013)

Oggetto: Stato dei fiumi italiani

L'Italia è attraversata da una grande quantità di corsi d'acqua naturali piccoli e medi. Sebbene i vantaggi di poter disporre comodamente di una fonte di approvvigionamento idrico in buono stato siano chiari, soprattutto per il settore agricolo, un adeguato impegno per proteggere i corsi d'acqua italiani sembra ancora mancare. I dati provenienti dai risultati delle analisi effettuate da enti di rilevazione istituzionali e non, infatti, sono allarmanti. Uno degli ultimi rapporti pubblicati è quello dell'Istituto superiore per la protezione e la ricerca ambientale e si concentra sulla presenza di pesticidi, usati soprattutto in agricoltura per migliorare i raccolti, nelle acque superficiali: più della metà di esse (55 %) risulterebbe inquinato, mentre per quanto riguarda le falde sotterranee, il 28,2 % è inquinato. L'istituto ha rilevato la presenza di centinaia di tipologie diverse di agenti inquinanti, alcuni anche potenzialmente tossici. A quanto appena esposto va aggiunto lo stato di incuria in cui versano molti impianti di depurazione delle acque reflue che, insieme a un'eccessiva urbanizzazione delle coste italiane che ha congestionato i sistemi fognari, contribuiscono ad acuire il problema dell'inquinamento dei corsi d'acqua e, conseguentemente, anche a compromettere la balneabilità delle spiagge.

Le direttive 2000/60/CE e 2006/118/CE impegnano gli Stati membri a raggiungere entro il 2015 l'obiettivo del buono stato sia per le acque superficiali che per quelle sotterranee. I rischi per l'uomo derivanti dall'inquinamento dei corsi d'acqua, soprattutto per i soggetti più esposti come le donne in gravidanza, non sono ben chiari, anche a causa della difficoltà di stabilire le concentrazioni di pericolosità delle diverse sostanze, ragion per cui sarebbe utile adottare dei provvedimenti cautelari.

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

Risposta di Janez Potočnik a nome della Commissione

(30 agosto 2013)

La Commissione non era a conoscenza della relazione dell'I.S.P.R.A, ma ha ricevuto informazioni sullo stato dei corpi idrici italiani nell'ambito dell'attuazione della direttiva quadro sulle acque 2000/60/CE (162). La relazione del 2010 relativa ai piani di gestione dei bacini idrografici nell'ambito della direttiva quadro sulle acque dovrebbe contenere una valutazione dello stato di tutti i corpi idrici sotterranei e di superficie, in base ai programmi di monitoraggio previsti a norma dell'articolo 8 della stessa direttiva. Incombe pertanto agli Stati membri l'obbligo di effettuare il campionamento e la valutazione dello stato delle acque.

La Commissione, nel novembre 2012, ha pubblicato una relazione sull'attuazione della direttiva quadro sulle acque (163) comprendente una valutazione dell'attuazione in Italia, corredata di numerose raccomandazioni. La Commissione sta organizzando riunioni bilaterali con gli Stati membri al fine di garantire che venga dato seguito alle raccomandazioni con gli interventi dovuti. Inoltre la Commissione, come gli Stati membri, ha già elaborato numerose linee guida in merito all'attuazione della direttiva quadro nell'ambito della strategia comune di attuazione (164). Recentemente è stato approvato un nuovo programma di lavoro per il 2013-2015 che affronta le priorità evidenziate nella relazione sull'attuazione del 2012.

Per quanto riguarda l'inquinamento urbano, la direttiva 1991/271/CEE (165) stabilisce delle scadenze entro le quali gli Stati membri sono tenuti a raccogliere e trattare le acque reflue degli agglomerati urbani. Attualmente vi sono due casi d'infrazione in corso nei confronti dell'Italia (causa C-565/10 per cui è stata pubblicata una sentenza della Corte e C-85/13 ancora pendente).

Per quanto riguarda le acque di balneazione, dalle ultime informazioni trasmesse dall'Italia risulta che il 96 % delle acque di balneazione rispetta i requisiti della direttiva sulle acque di balneazione 2006/7/CE (166). Laddove le acque di balneazione non siano conformi alle norme, devono essere adottate le idonee misure.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008102/13

to the Commission

Oreste Rossi (PPE)

(8 July 2013)

Subject: State of Italian rivers

A large number of small and medium-sized natural watercourses run through Italy. Although the advantages of being able to easily draw upon a water supply in a good state are clear, especially for the agricultural sector, sufficient efforts to protect Italian watercourses still appear to be lacking. The data obtained from the results of analyses carried out by institutional and other monitoring bodies are, in fact, alarming. One of the most recently published reports is that by ISPRA (Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research) focusing on the presence of pesticides, used in particular in the agricultural sector to improve harvests, in surface waters: over half of these (55%) have been found to be polluted, whereas 28.2% of underground aquifers are polluted. The institute found hundreds of different kinds of pollutants present, some of which are potentially toxic. In addition to the above situation is the state of neglect of many wastewater purification plants which, together with the excessive urbanisation of Italy’s coasts which has congested sewerage systems, are contributing to the problem of pollution of watercourses and, consequently, also jeopardising the quality of bathing water at beaches.

Directives 2000/60/EC and 2006/118/EC require the Member States to attain the objective of good surface water and groundwater status by 2015. The risks to humans from the pollution of watercourses, especially for more vulnerable persons such as pregnant women, are unclear, not least owing to the difficulty of establishing the concentrations at which the various substances are dangerous; it would therefore be appropriate to take precautionary measures.

In light of the above, can the Commission state:

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(30 August 2013)

The Commission was not aware of the ISPRA report but has received information on the status of Italian water bodies in the context of the implementation of the Water Framework Directive (WFD, 2000/60/EC (167)). The WFD River Basin Management Plans (RMBPs) reported in 2010 should include the assessment of the status of all surface and groundwater bodies, based on the monitoring programmes established under WFD Article 8. It is therefore the MS's obligation to carry out the sampling and status assessment.

The Commission published a WFD implementation report (168) in November 2012, including an assessment of the WFD implementation in Italy which included a number of recommendations. The Commission is holding bilateral meetings with MS to ensure that the recommendations are followed up appropriately. In addition, extensive guidance on the WFD implementation has been produced by the Commission and the MS under the Common Implementation Strategy (169). A new work programme for 2013-2015 was recently approved which addresses the priorities identified in the 2012 implementation report.

As regards urban pollution, Directive 1991/271/EEC (170) establishes certain deadlines for MS to collect and treat waste water from urban agglomerations. There are currently two ongoing infringement cases against Italy (Case C-565/10 for which a Court ruling has been published and C‐ 85/13 still pending before the Court).

As regards bathing water, the latest information submitted by Italy show that 96% of bathing waters fulfil the requirements of the Bathing water Directive 2006/7/EC (171). Where bathing water does not meet the standards, measures should be taken.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-008103/13

alla Commissione

Oreste Rossi (PPE)

(8 luglio 2013)

Oggetto: Il ruolo dei trattamenti placebo nella sperimentazione: tra dibattiti medico-legali ed etici

Lo scorso anno in un centro medico degli Stati Uniti un'equipe di ricercatori ha creato un programma di studi sui trattamenti placebo e sui rapporti terapeutici tra medico e paziente. Il programma è arrivato a dimostrare che anche trattamenti che non prevedano la somministrazione di alcun farmaco attivo possono apportare dei benefici, in particolare, sono utili a stimolare reazioni fisiologiche come cambiamenti nel ritmo cardiaco e nella pressione sanguigna o nelle attività chimiche all'interno del cervello. Di fatto sono state condotte sperimentazioni che consistevano nel confrontare le reazioni di diversi gruppi di pazienti ai vari trattamenti a cui venivano sottoposti: in alcuni casi le persone venivano informate che la terapia non prevedeva la somministrazione di farmaci bensì di placebo, mentre in altri la sperimentazione consisteva nel simulare un trattamento farmacologico, laddove i medicinali erano, invece, rimpiazzati da sostanze inerti senza che i pazienti ne fossero stati a conoscenza. I risultati di tali studi hanno evidenziato un tangibile impatto sul sollievo provato dai pazienti trattati con placebo, benché vi siano comunque degli effetti collaterali dovuti all'attivazione di una parte del cervello, l'ippocampo, che può generare disturbi quali mal di testa e nausea.

Considerato che:

–il ricorso al placebo evidenzia la grande consapevolezza del maggior rigore scientifico della sperimentazione clinica «in cieco» e delle migliori capacità tecniche usate per dare adeguate risposte terapeutiche al possibile sorgere di episodi sfavorevoli, collegati sempre di più alla prevenzione della terapia efficace.

Può la Commissione riferire:

Risposta di Tonio Borg a nome della Commissione

(5 settembre 2013)

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008103/13

to the Commission

Oreste Rossi (PPE)

(8 July 2013)

Subject: The role of placebo treatment in trials: medico-legal and ethical issues

In the United States last year, a team of researchers conducted a study on treatment with placebo and the therapeutic relationship between doctor and patient. The study showed that treatments that do not involve giving an active drug can also bring benefits. These treatments are particularly useful in stimulating physiological reactions such as changes in heart rate and blood pressure or chemical activity in the brain. In fact, trials have been conducted comparing the reactions of different groups of patients to various treatments: in some cases, the people were informed that the therapy used a placebo rather than a drug. In other trials, the medicines were replaced by inert substances without the patient's knowledge, simulating pharmacological treatment. These studies showed a tangible effect on the relief provided to patients treated with the placebo, although there were some side effects due to activation of a part of the brain — the hippocampus — that can cause symptoms such as headache and nausea.

There are conflicting opinions on the definition and use of placebos: they pose sensitive medical and legal issues on how to reconcile a) the duty to provide information to trial subjects so that they may receive sufficient reward for their participation, with b) the continued need for the subject not to be aware of whether they are taking the trial drug — especially in relation to the fundamental obligation to treat trial subjects with respect and protect their health.

The use of placebos shows a greater awareness of the increased scientific rigour of blind clinical trials, and the greater technical capacity to provide sufficient therapeutic responses to any adverse events, which are increasingly linked to the prevention of effective therapy.

— Given the above, what is the Commission's position on the use of placebo treatment, and does it believe that the current regulatory framework is clear, both for healthcare workers and patients?

— Will the Commission encourage the European Medicines Agency (EMA) to conduct further research on the effects of placebos on patients?

Answer given by Mr Borg on behalf of the Commission

(5 September 2013)

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-008104/13

alla Commissione

Oreste Rossi (PPE)

(8 luglio 2013)

Oggetto: Nuovo vaccino «al contrario» per i pazienti con diabete di tipo 1 o insulinodipendente

Il diabete giovanile è una malattia in cui il sistema immunitario del paziente attacca e uccide le cellule pancreatiche che producono insulina e i sintomi compaiono improvvisamente, con sete sfrenata, aumento della diuresi, aumento dell'appetito non accompagnato da incremento del peso bensì da una riduzione del peso corporeo. Nota anche come diabete di tipo 1 o insulinodipendente, questa patologia riguarda il 3 % della popolazione mondiale. Il paziente, quindi, per regolare la propria glicemia, ha bisogno di iniettarsi ogni giorno e per tutta la sua vita dosi di insulina (di qui la definizione di diabete insulinodipendente). I vaccini normalmente servono per stimolare il sistema immunitario ad attaccare il nemico. Ma il nuovo vaccino c.d. inverso spegne anziché accendere la risposta immunitaria, uccidendo le cellule immunitarie impazzite che danneggiano il pancreas.

La ricerca, condotta su 80 pazienti con diabete da almeno 1-3 anni, ha dato risultati ottimi. Nello specifico ha dimostrato che le persone vaccinate erano in grado di produrre maggiori quantità di insulina (l’ormone che trasporta il glucosio nel sangue) rispetto a quelle non sottoposte al trattamento e che le cellule dannose o immunitarie cattive che attaccano il pancreas risultavano numericamente ridotte. Anche se il vaccino «al contrario» ha avuto ottimi risultati, ancora non garantisce al diabetico di liberarsi definitivamente delle dosi di insulina.

Considerato che:

può la Commissione far sapere se e come intenda approfondire la ricerca in tale campo e che posizione intenda assumere in merito al nuovo vaccino «al contrario» per diabetici di tipo 1?

Risposta di Máire Geoghegan-Quinn a nome della Commissione

(19 agosto 2013)

La Commissione è a conoscenza delle attività di ricerca sul vaccino «inverso» a base di DNA per il diabete di tipo 1, pubblicate su Science Translational Medicine il 26 giugno 2013 (174) e menzionate dall’onorevole parlamentare. Da tempo la scienza è alla ricerca di una terapia per il diabete di tipo 1 che colpisca la risposta autoimmune specifica di questa malattia lasciando però intatto il resto del sistema immunitario.

La ricerca sul diabete, e in particolare sul diabete di tipo 1, è stata ampiamente coperta nell’ambito del Settimo programma quadro per la ricerca e lo sviluppo tecnologico (7o PQ, 2007‐2013). Il contributo totale dell’UE per i 174 progetti di ricerca sul diabete è superiore a 380 milioni di EUR, che includono 24 progetti sul diabete di tipo 1 ai quali sono stati destinati 92,3 milioni di EUR.

Nuove strategie per il trattamento di questo tipo di diabete — simili a quelle alle quali si riferisce la pubblicazione citata, basate su una migliore conoscenza dei meccanismi autoimmuni e che non intaccano il funzionamento delle cellule beta‐pancreatiche — sono oggetto di diversi progetti quali BETACELLTHERAPY (175), EE-ASI (176) o NAIMIT (177). La proposta della Commissione per Orizzonte 2020, il programma quadro per la ricerca e l’innovazione (2014-2020), offrirà probabilmente ulteriori opportunità per la ricerca sugli approcci terapeutici al diabete di tipo 1, attraverso, tra l'altro, nuove sfide per la società quali l'obiettivo specifico «Salute, cambiamento demografico e benessere» (178).

La pubblicazione in Science Translational Medicine dimostra che il vaccino, basato su un plasmide che contiene il codice per la proinsulina, riduce la frequenza delle cellule CD8(+) T reattive alla proinsulina (un obiettivo importante della risposta immunitaria adattiva nel diabete di tipo 1) pur preservando il peptide-C nel corso della somministrazione. Sono necessarie ulteriori ricerche per determinare l'intero potenziale offerto da questo approccio terapeutico nel trattamento della malattia.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008104/13

to the Commission

Oreste Rossi (PPE)

(8 July 2013)

Subject: New ‘reverse vaccine’ for patients with type 1 or insulin-dependent diabetes

Juvenile diabetes causes the immune system to attack and kill the pancreatic cells that produce insulin. Symptoms appear suddenly, including extreme thirst, increased urination, increase in appetite without an increase in weight, and a reduction of body weight. Also known as type 1 or insulin-dependent diabetes, this disease affects 3% of the population globally. To regulate their blood glucose levels, patients must self-administer insulin injections every day for the rest of their lives (giving rise to the term ‘insulin-dependent’). Vaccines normally work to stimulate the immune system to fight off invaders, but the new ‘reverse vaccine’ actually turns the immune response off, killing the haywire immune cells that damage the pancreas.

The research, conducted on 80 patients who had had diabetes for at least 1-3 years, has produced excellent results, showing that vaccinated people were able to produce greater quantities of insulin (the hormone that transports glucose into the blood) compared with those who had not been vaccinated, and that the harmful or haywire immune cells that attack the pancreas were reduced in number. Although the ‘reverse vaccine’ has produced excellent results, it still does not guarantee diabetics total freedom from insulin injections.

Since type 1 diabetes largely occurs in infants and children, is rarely seen over the age of 40, and has a peak incidence around the age of 14, and since the new vaccine is the first effective reverse vaccine capable of radically changing the course of the disease and preventing its progression, does the Commission intend to continue research in this area? What is its position on the new ‘reverse vaccine’ for type 1 diabetics?

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

(19 August 2013)

The Commission is aware of research efforts on DNA ‘reverse’ vaccine for type 1 Diabetes, published in Science Translational Medicine (26 June 2013 (179)) and mentioned by the Honourable Member. A therapy for type 1 Diabetes that targets the specific autoimmune response in this disease while leaving the remainder of the immune system intact, has long been sought.

Research on diabetes, and specifically on type 1 Diabetes, has been extensively covered within the Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (FP7, 2007-2013). The total EU contribution provided for the 174 research projects on diabetes exceeds EUR 380 million, including 24 projects on type 1 Diabetes granted with EUR 92.3 million.

Novel treatment strategies for type 1 Diabetes based on a better knowledge of autoimmune mechanisms and preservation of pancreatic beta-cell functioning, as the abovementioned publication refers to, are dealt with in several projects such as BETACELLTHERAPY (180), EE-ASI (181) or NAIMIT (182). The Commission's proposal for Horizon 2020 — The framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2014-2020) will likely offer opportunities for research on therapeutic approaches of Type 1 Diabetes, amongst other, through the ‘Health, Demographic Change and Well-being’ societal challenge (183).

The publication demonstrates that a plasmid encoding proinsulin reduces the frequency of CD8(+) T cells reactive to proinsulin — a major target of the adaptive immune response in type 1 Diabetes — while preserving C-peptide over the course of dosing. Further research is needed to establish the full potential offered by this therapeutic approach in the treatment of this disease.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-008105/13

alla Commissione

Oreste Rossi (PPE)

(8 luglio 2013)

Oggetto: Sicurezza alimentare e etichettatura: prospettive per una possibile revisione delle norme e del sistema di controlli

L'attuale politica di sicurezza alimentare è incentrata su una serie di principi stabiliti e attualizzati all'inizio degli anni 2000. Questi principi, applicati adottando l'approccio globale dai campi alla tavola, comprendono in particolare la trasparenza, l'analisi e la prevenzione dei rischi, la tutela degli interessi dei consumatori e la libera circolazione di prodotti sicuri e di qualità nel mercato interno e con i paesi terzi. Una serie di organismi specializzati, in particolare l'Autorità europea per la sicurezza alimentare, contribuiscono a garantire la sicurezza dei prodotti alimentari che, insieme alla ricerca rappresentano un elemento importante della politica di sicurezza alimentare. Per raggiungere tale obiettivo, l'Unione europea provvede a elaborare e far rispettare norme di controllo in materia di igiene degli alimenti e dei prodotti alimentari, salute e benessere degli animali, salute delle piante e prevenzione dei rischi di contaminazione da sostanze esterne. Inoltre prescrive norme volte a garantire l'adeguata etichettatura di tali prodotti.

Nonostante ciò, in Europa si è registrato un aumento sensibile degli «scandali alimentari», legati alla contraffazione e al mancato rispetto delle prescrizioni igienico-sanitarie. In particolare, ancora una volta in Italia è stato denunciato un caso di distribuzione di cibi scaduti e avariati in scuole materne e istituti per anziani, che a partire dal 2009 ha coinvolto gli stessi dirigenti sanitari ospedalieri e amministratori dei vari comuni oltre a un folto gruppo di imprenditori che, grazie alla collusione e compiacenza di pubblici funzionari, hanno messo a rischio la salute di molte vite umane, eludendo i dovuti accertamenti sulla quantità e qualità nella gestione di fornitura di cibo.

Considerato che a fronte dei recenti scandali alimentari, la politica di sicurezza alimentare dell'Unione europea ha evidenziato lacune normative nella protezione della salute e degli interessi dei consumatori, mettendo a rischio il regolare funzionamento del mercato interno, può la Commissione riferire se ritiene opportuno fissare nuove linee guida ai fini di una corretta attuazione da parte degli Stati membri delle vigenti misure sull'etichettatura e sulla sicurezza dei prodotti alimentari, sulla legislazione veterinaria pertinente e sui controlli sanitari dei prodotti alimentari e dei sistemi di produzione alimentare?

Risposta di Tonio Borg a nome della Commissione

(8 agosto 2013)

La Commissione concorda sul fatto che i recenti casi di mancato rispetto delle regole della catena agroalimentare evidenziano la necessità di applicare in modo efficace la legislazione vigente. A tale scopo e per rafforzare le norme applicabili ai controlli ufficiali sulla catena agroalimentare, la Commissione ha pertanto adottato il 6 maggio 2013 una proposta di revisione del regolamento vigente sui controlli ufficiali (184). La proposta intende rafforzare il sistema esistente, in particolare per quanto riguarda la lotta contro le frodi alimentari e le sanzioni da comminare in caso di violazioni intenzionali.

Norme chiare ed efficaci, che possono essere applicate senza ulteriori orientamenti, sono inoltre essenziali per garantire un'adeguata attuazione delle norme tecniche dell'UE sulla catena agroalimentare. Le norme sull'etichettatura alimentare sono state migliorate e rafforzate mediante l'adozione del regolamento (UE) n. 1169/2011 (185); il 6 maggio 2013 la Commissione ha inoltre adottato una serie di proposte legislative volte a semplificare e modernizzare la legislazione applicabile alla sanità degli animali e alla sanità delle piante e le norme sul riproduttivo vegetale. Informazioni più dettagliate su queste proposte sono disponibili sul sito web della Commissione (186).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008105/13

to the Commission

Oreste Rossi (PPE)

(8 July 2013)

Subject: Food safety and labelling: prospects of a possible revision of standards and control systems

Current food safety policy is based on a set of principles established and updated in the early 2000s. Those principles, applied in line with the integrated ‘from the farm to the fork’ approach, specifically include transparency, risk analysis and prevention, the protection of consumers’ interests and the free movement of safe and quality products within the internal market and with third countries. A group of specialist bodies, and in particular the European Food Safety Authority, help guarantee the safety of food products and, together with research, are an important part of food safety policy. In order to achieve this objective, the EU ensures that control standards are established and adhered to as regards food and food product hygiene, animal health and welfare, plant health and preventing the risk of contamination from external substances. It also lays down rules on appropriate labelling for these products.

Despite this, there has been a significant increase in ‘food scandals’ in Europe, linked to counterfeiting and failure to comply with hygiene and health requirements. In particular, there have been reports of yet another case in Italy involving out-of-date and rotten food being distributed to nursery schools and care homes for the elderly. This has been going on since 2009 and involves hospital health officials and officials from several municipalities as well as a large group of contractors who, in collusion with accommodating public officials, have endangered the health of lots of people by circumventing the proper quantity and quality checks in managing food supplies.

Considering that in view of the recent food scandals the EU’s food safety policy has revealed regulatory loopholes in the protection of consumers’ health and interests, jeopardising the proper functioning of the internal market, does the Commission think it should set new guidelines for the proper implementation, by Member States, of the measures in force on the labelling and safety of foodstuffs, on the relevant veterinary legislation and on health checks on foodstuffs and food production systems?

Answer given by Mr Borg on behalf of the Commission

(8 August 2013)

The Commission agrees that recent cases of non-compliance with the agri-food chain rules show the need to effectively enforce existing legislation. Therefore, to pursue this objective and to strengthen the rules applicable to official controls on the agri-food chain it adopted on 6 May 2013 a proposal to review the current Regulation on official controls (187). This proposal aims to strengthen the existing system, including as regards the fight against food fraud and the sanctions to be applied in cases of intentional violations.

Clear and efficient rules that can be implemented without additional guidelines are also key for the proper implementation of EU agri-food chain standards. While the rules on food labelling were improved and strengthened with the adoption of Regulation (EU) 1169/2011 (188), on 6 May 2013 the Commission also adopted legislative proposals aimed at simplifying and modernising the legislation applicable to animal health and plant health requirements and the rules on plant propagating material. More detailed information on these proposals is available on the Commission web page (189).

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-008106/13

alla Commissione (Vicepresidente/Alto Rappresentante)

Oreste Rossi (PPE)

(8 luglio 2013)

Oggetto: VP/HR — Elezioni in Iran: passi avanti per la democratizzazione delle istituzioni iraniane

Il 14 giugno in Iran si sono tenute le elezioni presidenziali che hanno visto prevalere con larghissimo margine Hassan Rouhani, candidato che la stampa internazionale considera moderato: il 50,71 % dei quasi 40 milioni di iraniani che si sono recati alle urne, pari a quasi l'80 % degli aventi diritto, segno della volontà della popolazione di esprimere il proprio diritto di voto, ha infatti scelto l'ex segretario del Consiglio supremo di sicurezza nazionale. Proprio i precedenti incarichi ricoperti da Rouhani danno però adito a scetticismi: come già anticipato, è stato infatti il rettore dell'organo responsabile della difesa del paese per ben 16 anni, membro dell'influente Consiglio del discernimento, nonché caponegoziatore con i paesi membri dell'Agenzia internazionale per l'energia atomica riguardo al programma nucleare iraniano. Un tale coinvolgimento nelle posizioni di vertice dell'establishment lascia intendere che, nonostante le posizioni di Rouhani siano meno radicali di quelle di alcuni dei candidati sconfitti alle elezioni, come Saeed Jalili o Mohammad Baqe Qalifab, vi possano essere legami con la guida, o leader supremo, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Considerato che l'articolo 110 della Costituzione iraniana attribuisce poteri molto ampi alla guida come ad esempio la firma dell'atto di nomina del Presidente della Repubblica in seguito alle elezioni, nonché della sua destituzione; il comando supremo delle forze armate; la facoltà di dichiarare guerra, concordare la pace e mobilitare le forze armate; il potere di indire i referendum, nominare e/o destituire sei dei dodici faqih componenti il Consiglio dei guardiani, il presidente della radio e televisione nazionale, il capo di Stato maggiore e il comandante in capo delle Forze armate e delle Forze di polizia; la concentrazione di tali poteri in mano ad un eminente esperto di teologia islamica, quale deve essere la guida, de facto svilisce la figura del Presidente, eletto democraticamente, e rende l'Iran simile a una teocrazia; le candidature alle elezioni presidenziali iraniane non sono libere poiché è il Consiglio dei guardiani a stabilirne l'ammissibilità caso per caso, organo che può anche invalidare il voto popolare, può il Vicepresidente/Alto Rappresentante, Baronessa Lady Ashton riferire se i canali diplomatici attuali si stiano impegnando a fare in modo che la suddetta struttura gerarchica, profondamente imperniata sull'islamismo, sia rivista e modificata nell'ambito di un reale processo di democratizzazione dell'Iran e delle sue istituzioni?

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

(10 settembre 2013)

L’Unione europea promuove il rispetto dei diritti umani e delle libertà fondamentali e una maggiore apertura della vita politica in Iran mediante contatti diplomatici e dichiarazioni pubbliche e applicando sanzioni nei casi di violazione dei diritti umani. L’Iran è uno Stato sovrano e qualsiasi iniziativa di modifica della Costituzione deve partire dal suo interno.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008106/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Oreste Rossi (PPE)

(8 July 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Elections in Iran: progress towards democratic Iranian institutions

On 14 June 2013 presidential elections were held in Iran. Hassan Rouhani, seen as the moderate candidate by the international press, won by a landslide: 50.71% of the almost 40 million Iranians who voted — almost 80% of the electorate and a sign of the people’s desire to exercise their right to vote — actually chose the former secretary of the Supreme National Security Council. Previous positions Rouhani has occupied, however, give cause for scepticism: as already mentioned, he was the head of the national defence body for some 16 years, a member of the influential Expediency Discernment Council, as well as chief negotiator with the member countries of the International Atomic Energy Agency with regard to the Iranian nuclear programme. Such involvement in the highest echelons of the establishment suggests that, despite Rouhani’s views being less radical than those of some of the unsuccessful election candidates, such as Saeed Jalili and Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, he may have links with the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Article 110 of the Iranian Constitution gives the Supreme Leader wide-ranging powers, such as signing the act to appoint the President of the Republic after the elections, as well as the act to remove him; supreme command of the armed forces; the power to declare war, agree peace and mobilise the armed forces; the power to call referendums, appoint and/or dismiss 6 of the 12 Faqihs sitting on the Guardian Council, the president of national radio and television, the chief of staff and the commander-in-chief of the armed forces and the police. The concentration of these powers in the hands of an eminent expert on Islamic theology, as the Supreme Leader must be, effectively undermines the role of the democratically elected President and makes Iran something of a theocracy. People are not free to stand as candidates in the Iranian presidential elections as the Guardian Council, the body that can also veto the popular vote, determines eligibility on a case-by-case basis. Can the Vice-President/High Representative say whether diplomatic efforts are currently being made to ensure that the aforementioned hierarchy, which is fundamentally rooted in Islamism, is reconsidered and transformed as part of a genuine process to democratise Iran and its institutions?

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

(10 September 2013)

The European Union encourages respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms and a greater opening of political life in Iran. It does this through diplomatic contacts and public statements as well as through the imposition of sanctions on human rights offenders. Iran is a sovereing state and changes to its Constitution must be initiated from within Iran.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-008107/13

alla Commissione

Oreste Rossi (PPE)

(8 luglio 2013)

Oggetto: Farmaci anticancro e diritto alle cure

Un cortocircuito delle normative europee e italiane sta producendo una macroscopica ingiustizia per i malati. Due nuovi farmaci oncologici molecolari che allungano la vita e ne migliorano la qualità sono stati messi in commercio in Italia (giacché per il momento potevano essere reperiti solo all'estero) ma a totale carico dei cittadini: il Pertuzumab usato contro i carcinomi della mammella e l'Aflibercept per i tumori del colon retto. Il primo costa 6 000 euro all'inizio e poi 3 000 ogni tre settimane, il secondo 4 000 euro ogni tre settimane. L'Ema, l'agenzia di regolazione farmaceutica europea, ha approvato i due medicinali, rispettivamente il 4 marzo e il 1o febbraio scorsi, ma fino ad ora l'agenzia per il farmaco italiana non ne ha ancora previsto la commercializzazione ritenendo necessari un incontro con l'azienda produttrice e una decisione sul prezzo, nonché sul valore del rimborso che il Sistema sanitario nazionale dovrebbe riconoscere per il medicinale. È la prima volta che due farmaci oncologici vengono fatti pagare ai pazienti. Nessuno si augura di sviluppare un cancro, malattia già destabilizzante sotto l'aspetto fisico e psicologico, e per questo non bisogna aggiungere un ulteriore onere finanziario per i malati.

Considerato che il diritto alle cure e alla salute deve essere garantito a tutti e a livello europeo, i farmaci devono essere garantiti ai pazienti e essere a carico della sanità nazionale, specialmente per patologie così gravi e in Italia 9 milioni di malati si sono rivolti alla sanità «low cost» o hanno addirittura rinunciato alle cure a causa del reddito insufficiente, può la Commissione far sapere:

Risposta di Tonio Borg a nome della Commissione

(20 agosto 2013)

Il 6 marzo 2013 la Commissione ha adottato una decisione con cui rilascia l'autorizzazione alla commercializzazione del farmaco «Perjeta» (sostanza attiva pertuzumab) (190) per il trattamento del cancro della mammella metastatico o non resecabile e il 5 febbraio 2013 per il farmaco «Zaltrap» (aflibercept) (191) per il trattamento del cancro colo-rettale metastatico. Sulla base di queste autorizzazioni unionali alla commercializzazione, valide su tutto il territorio dell'UE, il «Perjeta» e il «Zaltrap» possono essere immessi sul mercato in tutti gli Stati membri dell'UE.

Tuttavia, l'erogazione di assistenza sanitaria compreso l'accesso ai prodotti medicinali successivamente all'autorizzazione, i prezzi dei medicinali e la loro inclusione nel sistema sanitario o di sicurezza sociale nazionale rientrano, conformemente al trattato UE, nelle competenze degli Stati membri. Pertanto, la Commissione non può intervenire per quanto concerne l'accesso, nei diversi Stati membri, ai due farmaci menzionati né in merito alle opzioni terapeutiche offerte nel trattamento del cancro.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008107/13

to the Commission

Oreste Rossi (PPE)

(8 July 2013)

Subject: Cancer drugs and the right to treatment

An oversight in European and Italian legal systems means that the sick are being done a great injustice. Two new molecular cancer drugs that extend life expectancy and improve the quality of life have been put on sale in Italy (they could previously only be found abroad) but entirely at the cost of the public: Pertuzumab, used in the treatment of breast cancer and Aflibercept, for colorectal tumours. The first costs EUR 6 000 initially and then EUR 3 000 every three weeks, while the second costs EUR 4 000 every three weeks. The EMA, the European Medicines Agency, has approved both drugs, on 4 March 2013 and 1 February 2013 respectively, but up to now the Italian Medicines Agency has still not issued a marketing authorisation for them, as it feels that it needs to hold a meeting with the manufacturer and to decide on the price, as well as on the amount that the Italian national health service should reimburse for the drug. It is the first time that two cancer drugs are to be paid for by patients. No one hopes they develop cancer, a disease that is physically and psychologically debilitating, so laying another financial burden on patients is unnecessary.

Everyone should be guaranteed the right to treatment and health across Europe and patients should be guaranteed drugs, which should be paid for by national health systems, particularly for such serious diseases. Nine million people in Italy have turned to ‘low-cost’ healthcare or have even given up treatment because they cannot afford it.

— Is the Commission aware of this case and how will it guarantee the right to treatment and health?

— Does it think that the case in question could, in the long term, lead to patients going elsewhere and increased use of ‘low-cost’ drugs?

— What position will it take with regard to the problem of cancer treatment being handled differently in different countries?

— Does it plan to take further action to raise awareness among the Member States to gradually adapt the system for treating cancer in their various national legislations?

Answer given by Mr Borg on behalf of the Commission

(20 August 2013)

The Commission adopted a decision granting a marketing authorisation for ‘Perjeta’ (the active substance pertuzumab) (192) for the treatment of metastatic or unressectable breast cancer on 6 March 2013 and for ‘Zaltrap’ (aflibercept) (193) for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer on 5 February 2013. On the basis of these EU marketing authorisations, valid across the whole EU, ‘Perjeta’ and ‘Zaltrap’ can be placed on the market in all EU Member States.

However, the delivery of healthcare including the access to medicinal products after authorisation, the prices of medicinal products and their inclusion in the national health system or social security schemes is, according to the EU Treaty, the competence of the Member States. Therefore, the Commission does not have ability to take action on the access to the two medicinal products mentioned in the different Member States, nor on the treatment options for cancer offered.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-008108/13

alla Commissione

Mara Bizzotto (EFD)

(8 luglio 2013)

Oggetto: Pakistan: due sorelle uccise per aver ballato sotto la pioggia

Il 30 giugno scorso a Chilas, località della regione settentrionale del Gilgit-Baltistan, due sorelle di 15 e 16 anni sono state uccise insieme alla loro madre da un commando armato per essersi fatte filmare nel giardino di casa con il cellulare mentre ballavano sotto la pioggia. Nel video le ragazze appaiono velate e vestite in abiti tradizionali mentre ridono e accennano ad alcuni passi di danza sotto la pioggia insieme a due bambini. Il fratellastro, che ha giudicato il filmato (risalente a sei mesi fa) lesivo dell'onore della famiglia, è stato arrestato insieme a quattro presunti complici con l'accusa di essere il mandante dell'omicidio. Solo un anno fa quattro donne erano state uccise per aver cantato e danzato con alcuni uomini durante un matrimonio a Kohistan, nel nordest del Pakistan. Il consiglio dei capitribù del villaggio avevano ordinato l'omicidio dopo aver decretato che il gesto era stato in realtà un atto di fornicazione. Secondo la Aurat Foundation, gruppo per la tutela dei diritti delle donne che ha sedi in diverse città del Pakistan, sono circa un migliaio i delitti d'onore che vengono commessi ogni anno nel paese. Nel 77 % dei casi gli accusati vengono poi assolti.

— È la Commissione a conoscenza della vicenda?

— Ritiene la Commissione che il governo pakistano abbia accolto l'esortazione, che l'Unione europea gli aveva rivolto in seguito alla morte della giovane Anusha, a prendere con urgenza misure atte a garantire la protezione dei diritti delle donne?

— Considerando che il nuovo governo eletto il 17 maggio scorso aveva dichiarato il proprio impegno a una graduale apertura sui diritti delle donne, come valuta la Commissione le sue reazioni a fronte dei fatti sopra descritti?

— Considerando che i dati ufficiali non riflettono perfettamente la realtà, visto che molti di questi delitti vengono mantenuti segreti all'interno di nuclei familiari o nelle comunità tribali, non ritiene la Commissione opportuno richiamare l'attenzione della comunità internazionale?

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

(2 settembre 2013)

L'Alta Rappresentante/Vicepresidente è a conoscenza del caso delle sorelle Noor. L'onorevole deputata è invitata a consultare le risposte alle interrogazioni scritte E-10574/12 ed E-10338/12 riguardanti le misure adottate dall'UE per affrontare la problematica dei delitti d'onore nel dialogo con il Pakistan e i provvedimenti adottati dalle autorità pakistane. L'UE ha condannato ripetutamente gli atti di violenza contro donne e bambini, incoraggiando il governo del Pakistan ad adottare misure urgenti per proteggere i diritti di questi due gruppi e invitando le autorità a garantire l'incolumità fisica e la protezione dei diritti di tutti i cittadini.

La questione dei delitti d'onore sarà sollevata con il nuovo governo nell'ambito del prossimo dialogo sui diritti umani, previsto per l'autunno del 2013. L'UE difende la posizione secondo cui è possibile influenzare gli sviluppi che interessano la società soltanto con un progressivo impegno globale con il Pakistan, favorendo la sensibilizzazione e la protezione dei diritti umani, rafforzando le organizzazioni della società civile, sostenendo programmi di istruzione e di equilibrio di genere e programmi sullo Stato di diritto, oltre che fornendo assistenza per l'accesso dei gruppi vulnerabili alla giustizia.

I delitti d'onore sono un fenomeno mondiale. La risoluzione 1681 adottata dal Consiglio di Europa nel 2009 avvertiva che il problema si era aggravato, anche in Europa, e metteva in luce la difficoltà di valutare il numero dei delitti di questo tipo. Uno degli ostacoli principali è la mancanza di testimoni. Le vittime più frequenti sono le donne e, nella maggior parte dei casi, i delitti d'onore sono perpetrati da altri membri della famiglia della donna o della ragazza giudicata colpevole.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008108/13

to the Commission

Mara Bizzotto (EFD)

(8 July 2013)

Subject: Two sisters killed for dancing in the rain in Pakistan

On 30 June 2013 in Chilas, a town in the northern region of Gilgit-Baltistan, two sisters, aged 15 and 16, were killed along with their mother by an armed group for having been filmed on a mobile phone in their garden while they danced in the rain. The girls appear in the video wearing veils and traditional dress, smiling and dancing in the rain together with two children. Their stepbrother, who thought the video (which was filmed six months ago) dishonoured the family, has been arrested along with four alleged accomplices, and charged with ordering the killings. Only one year ago, four women were killed for singing and dancing with men at a wedding in Kohistan, in north-eastern Pakistan. The village’s council of tribal elders ordered them to be killed after decreeing that the act was tantamount to fornication. According to the Aurat Foundation, a group for the protection of women’s rights that has offices in several cities in Pakistan, around a thousand honour killings take place every year in the country. In 77% of cases, those accused are acquitted.

— Is the Commission aware of this incident?

— Does the Commission think that the Pakistani Government has heeded the call made by the European Union following the death of young Anusha, to take urgent action to ensure that women’s rights are protected?

— Given that the new government elected on 17 May 2013 has reaffirmed its commitment gradually to promote women’s rights, what does the Commission think of its response to the above incident?

— Given that official information does not entirely correspond with the facts, since many such killings are kept secret within families or within tribal communities, does the Commission not think it should bring this to the attention of the international community?

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

(2 September 2013)

The HR/VP is aware of the case of the Noor sisters. See replies to E-10574/12 and E-10338/12 concerning action taken by the EU to address the issue of honour crimes in its dialogue with Pakistan, and steps taken by the Pakistani authorities. The EU has regularly condemned violence against women and children and encouraged the Government of Pakistan to take urgent measures to ensure protection for the rights of both groups and has called on the authorities to ensure the physical security and protect the rights of all its citizens.

The issue of honour killings will be raised with the new government in the forthcoming human rights dialogue, expected to take place in the autumn of 2013. The EU’s position is that we can only influence developments through progressive engagement with Pakistan across the board, including through improving awareness and protection of human rights, strengthening civil society organisations, supporting programmes related to education and gender balance, and programmes on the rule of law as well as support for access to justice for vulnerable groups.

Honour crimes are a worldwide phenomenon. A 2009 Council of Europe Resolution (Resolution 1681 (2009)) warned that the problem of honour killings has worsened, including in Europe, and referred to the difficulty of assessing the number of such crimes. A major challenge is a lack of witnesses. The most frequent victims of this crime are women, and in the majority of cases, honour killings are perpetrated by other family members of the woman or the girl regarded as culpable.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-008109/13

alla Commissione

Mara Bizzotto (EFD)

(8 luglio 2013)

Oggetto: Situazione del sistema di stage in Italia e in Europa

Il Progetto Excelsior — Sistema informativo per l'occupazione e la formazione — di Unioncamere e del ministero del Lavoro italiano, ha redatto un rapporto dal titolo «Formazione sul luogo di lavoro e attivazione di stage, i risultati dell'indagine 2012». Il rapporto analizza i dati relativi al mondo degli stage e dei tirocini in Italia evidenziando che dal 2007 al 2011 la percentuale degli assunti, in seguito a questa esperienza, è passata dal 12,9 % al 10,6 %; per di più risulta che una minima percentuale degli stage che si svolgono in Italia sono retribuiti.

Considerando che stage e tirocini rappresentano da un lato la possibilità per completare la formazione scolastica per i giovani e dall'altro, per le imprese, la possibilità di formare ad hoc nuovi giovani da inserire nelle proprie aziende, può la Commissione indicare:

Risposta di László Andor a nome della Commissione

(29 agosto 2013)

Lo studio del 2012 effettuato dalla Commissione su un'ampia rassegna delle disposizioni sui tirocini negli Stati membri (194) conferma che sempre più spesso i giovani effettuano tirocini per acquisire esperienze lavorative nei 27 Stati membri (Croazia ancora esclusa). Inoltre, da un recente sondaggio Eurobarometro è emerso che il 46 % dei cittadini dell'UE di età compresa fra i 18 e i 35 anni aveva al suo attivo almeno un'esperienza di tirocinio.

Sebbene la Commissione non disponga di alcuna informazione circa il tasso di occupazione complessivo dei tirocinanti dopo aver completato il tirocinio, dal summenzionato sondaggio Eurobarometro è risultato che al 27 % dei partecipanti è stato offerto un contratto di lavoro, da parte dell'organizzazione ospitante, al termine dell'ultimo tirocinio effettuato. I risultati a livello nazionale oscillano tra il 15 % (195) e il 56 % (196). In Italia il sondaggio ha rivelato che al 25 % dei tirocinanti è stato offerto un contratto di lavoro dall'organizzazione ospitante subito dopo il tirocinio.

La formazione in azienda è anche importante per i giovani studenti impegnati in attività di istruzione e formazione professionali.

Si ritiene che gli apprendistati nel corso dei quali la formazione in azienda va di pari passo e si alterna ufficialmente con periodi di istruzione in istituti scolastici, e che terminano con il conferimento di titoli di studio riconosciuti a livello nazionale, agevolino l'ingresso dei giovani studenti nel mondo del lavoro. Uno studio del 2012 (197) rivela che 9,4 milioni di giovani sono apprendisti o che la formazione in azienda costituisce parte integrante della loro istruzione e formazione professionali. Nel mese di luglio è stata avviata l'Alleanza europea per l'apprendistato, per rafforzare la qualità, l'offerta e l'immagine dell'apprendistato.

La Commissione ritiene che tirocini e apprendistati rappresentino strumenti di grande rilevanza per aiutare i giovani nella transizione scuola-lavoro. Essa sostiene pertanto tirocini e apprendistati di elevata qualità, che contribuiscano all'attuazione della raccomandazione del Consiglio (198) sull'istituzione di una garanzia per i giovani.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008109/13

to the Commission

Mara Bizzotto (EFD)

(8 July 2013)

Subject: Situation of the internship system in Italy and Europe

The Excelsior project — the employment and training information system — run by Unioncamere, the Italian union of chambers of commerce, industry, craft trades and agriculture, and the Italian Ministry of Employment has produced report entitled Formazione sul luogo di lavoro e attivazione di stage, i risultati dell'indagine 2012 (Training in the workplace and internships, results of the 2012 survey). According to the report, which analyses figures for internships and traineeships in Italy, the percentage of people recruited following an internship or traineeship fell from 12.9% to 10.6% between 2007 and 2011. Moreover, very few internships undertaken in Italy are paid.

Internships and traineeships give young people a chance to build on their school education and give companies the opportunity to train young people as they need them, in order to take them on in their companies.

— What training is available in terms of internships and traineeships in other Member States?

— What percentage of interns and trainees are employed in the market in other Member States, on completion of such internships or traineeships?

— Does the Commission think that this system should be expanded in Italy in order to support the integration of young people into the labour market?

Answer given by Mr Andor on behalf of the Commission

(29 August 2013)

The European Commission's 2012 study on a Comprehensive overview of traineeship arrangements in the Member States (199) confirms that young people increasingly take up traineeships to gain practical work experience in 27 Member States (Croatia not yet included). Furthermore, a recent Eurobarometer survey found that 46% of the EU population aged 18-35 had at least one traineeship experience.

While the Commission has no information about the overall employment rate of trainees after the finishing of the traineeship, the abovementioned Eurobarometer survey found that 27% of the trainees were offered an employment contract at the end of their last traineeship by their host organisation. National results vary between 15% (200) and 56% (201). In Italy the survey found that 25% were offered an employment contract by the host organisation immediately after the traineeship.

In-company training is also important for young students in vocational education and training.

Apprenticeships that formally combine and alternate company based training with periods in school, and that lead to nationally recognised degrees, are seen to ease young students' way into employment. A 2012 study (202) shows that 9.4 million young people are apprentices or have in-company training as part of their vocational education and training. In July, a European Alliance for Apprenticeships was launched to boost the quality, supply and image of apprenticeships.

The Commission believes that both traineeships and apprenticeships are indeed important tools to support young people's education to work transitions. Therefore it supports high quality traineeships and apprenticeships that help implementing the Council Recommendation on establishing a Youth Guarantee (203).

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-008110/13

alla Commissione

Andrea Zanoni (ALDE)

(8 luglio 2013)

Oggetto: Dati preoccupanti relativi ad alcuni comuni della Provincia autonoma di Bolzano per quanto riguarda le concentrazioni di uranio nell'acqua potabile

L'uranio, sotto forma di metallo disciolto, può essere presente anche nell'acqua; accanto ai pericoli di contaminazione radiologica notoriamente associati a tale elemento, esso presenta anche una tossicità chimica, in quanto tende ad accumularsi nei reni e a causare patologie quali le nefropatie. (204)

Secondo quanto si può leggere sul sito Internet dell'OMS (Organizzazione mondiale della sanità), essa ha fissato il valore limite/guida di presenza di uranio nell'acqua potabile dapprima a 15 µg/l e successivamente a 30 µg/l. (205)

Si tratta di una valutazione basata sugli effetti della sostanza su un individuo adulto di 60 kg, ma per quanto riguarda lattanti, bambini e donne in gravidanza, per logica conclusione, il valore dovrebbe attestarsi su una soglia di molto inferiore.

In base a una recente ricerca sugli acquedotti commissionata dall'Agenzia provinciale per l'ambiente della Provincia autonoma di Bolzano, le concentrazioni di uranio nell'acqua potabile superano i 20 µg/l in diversi comuni della provincia, precisamente San Genesio (22 µg/l), Postal (23 µg/l), Lana (36 µg/l), Silandro (62 µg/l) e infine Martello, in merito al quale i rilievi registrano il preoccupante valore di 80 µg/l. (206)

Tutto ciò premesso si chiede alla Commissione di rispondere ai quesiti di seguito esposti.

— È a conoscenza dei dati sopra riportati riguardanti la presenza di uranio nell'acqua potabile della Provincia autonoma di Bolzano?

— Non intende contattare le autorità locali al fine di fare chiarezza sulle ragioni della presenza negli acquedotti di concentrazioni così elevate del metallo disciolto in questione?

— Può far sapere se sono stati rilevati dati analoghi in altre zone dell'Unione europea? In caso affermativo, dove?

Risposta di Janez Potočnik a nome della Commissione

(30 agosto 2013)

La Commissione non è a conoscenza di questa situazione nella provincia di Bolzano. Tuttavia, concentrazioni di uranio sono state riscontrate in altre zone italiane, come in Lombardia, e in altri Stati membri, Finlandia e Svezia.

La direttiva sull'acqua potabile (207) stabilisce che le acque destinate al consumo umano devono essere salubri e pulite. In particolare, gli Stati membri devono garantire il rispetto di taluni requisiti minimi di cui all'allegato I della detta direttiva. In quest'ultimo l'uranio non figura nell'elenco dei parametri chimici. Ai sensi dell'articolo 5 della direttiva gli Stati membri devono fissare valori per parametri aggiuntivi non riportati nell'allegato I, qualora ciò sia necessario per tutelare la salute umana. Vari Stati membri hanno adottato i valori dell'OMS (208) per l'uranio citati dall'onorevole parlamentare come riferimento o valore limite da non superare nell'acqua potabile.

Inoltre, una direttiva sulle sostanze radioattive presenti nelle acque destinate al consumo umano, basata sul trattato Euratom, è attualmente in attesa di adozione finale da parte del Consiglio (209). Ai sensi di questo progetto di direttiva, se è superato il valore radiologico del parametro di riferimento, devono essere avviate indagini relative al rischio per la salute connesso al consumo di acqua, e se sussiste un rischio considerevole devono essere adottate misure correttive.

La Commissione scriverà alle autorità nazionali competenti al fine di ottenere informazioni più dettagliate sulla situazione in provincia di Bolzano, prima di decidere sugli eventuali provvedimenti futuri.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008110/13

to the Commission

Andrea Zanoni (ALDE)

(8 July 2013)

Subject: Worrying figures for several municipalities in the Autonomous Province of Bolzano as regards uranium concentrations in drinking water

Uranium, in the form of dissolved metal, may be present in water. As well as the well-known dangers of radiological contamination associated with this element, it is also chemically toxic, in that it tends to accumulate in the kidneys and cause kidney disease (210).

According to the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) website, it originally set the limit/guide value for uranium in drinking water as 15 µg/l and then 30 µg/l (211).

This value was based on the effects the substance has on an adult weighing 60 kg, but for infants, children and pregnant women, the value should logically be a lot lower.

According to a recent study on the water supply, commissioned by the Provincial Environmental Agency of the Autonomous Province of Bolzano, the concentrations of uranium in drinking water exceed 20 µg/l in several municipalities in the province, namely Jenesien (22 µg/l), Burgstall (23 µg/l), Lana (36 µg/l), Schlanders (62 µg/l) and finally Martell, where measurements show a worrying value of 80µg/l (212).

— Is the Commission aware of the above figures regarding the presence of uranium in drinking water in the Autonomous Province of Bolzano?

— Does it plan to contact the local authorities to clarify why such high concentrations of the dissolved metal in question are present in the water supply?

— Have similar levels been detected in other parts of the European Union? If so, where?

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(30 August 2013)

The Commission is not aware of this situation in the Province of Bolzano. However, uranium concentrations have been found in other areas of Italy, such as the region of Lombardy, and other Member States, such as Finland and Sweden.

The Drinking Water Directive (213) stipulates that water intended for human consumption must be wholesome and clean. In particular, Member States must ensure that certain minimum requirements set out in Annex I to the directive are met. Uranium is not included in the list of chemical parameters in Annex I. According to Article 5 of the directive, Member States must, however, set values for additional parameters not included in Annex I where the protection of human health so requires. Several Member States have taken the WHO (214) values for uranium mentioned by the Honourable Member as the reference or limit value not to be exceeded in drinking water.

Moreover, a directive on radiological substances in drinking water, based on the Euratom Treaty, is currently awaiting final adoption by the Council (215). According to this draft Directive, where the (radiological) indicative parametric value is exceeded, investigations have to be carried out as to the health risk posed by the consumption of water with such values, and if there is a significant risk, remedial measures have to be taken.

The Commission will write to the competent national authorities with the view to obtaining more detailed information on the situation in Province of Bolzano before deciding on possible action.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-008111/13

alla Commissione

Andrea Zanoni (ALDE)

(8 luglio 2013)

Oggetto: Eccessivo sfruttamento idroelettrico del bacino fluviale del Piave dovuto a gravi violazioni della direttiva quadro sulle acque e delle direttive VIA, VAS e Habitat

Ben il 90 % dei corsi d'acqua che compongono il tratto alpino del bacino del fiume Piave è attualmente caratterizzato da impianti e derivazioni realizzati a fini di produzione di energia idroelettrica, e molti altri progetti sono in fase di approvazione. Trattasi di aree connotate da elevata naturalità e da scarse/assenti pressioni antropiche, per larga parte tutelate all'interno della rete Natura 2000 quali siti di importanza comunitaria (SIC) e zone di protezione speciale (ZPS) ai sensi delle direttive Habitat (92/43/CEE) e Uccelli (2009/147/CE). A causa delle opere in questione numerosi corsi d'acqua sono stati compromessi o addirittura sostanzialmente prosciugati.

Per reagire alla situazione descritta, il Comitato bellunese «Acqua Bene Comune» ha commissionato a una società di consulenza ambientale l'analisi tecnica della situazione in atto, allegandola a una denuncia presentata alla Commissione (216). Secondo quanto emerso, la causa va individuata nel susseguirsi di provvedimenti statali, regionali e provinciali, promananti dall'Autorità del bacino dei fiumi dell'Alto Adriatico, posti in essere in violazione della normativa dell'UE. In estrema sintesi (217), nella succitata relazione si ravvisano per esempio plurime violazioni della direttiva quadro sulle acque (2000/60/CE) nell'ambito del Piano di gestione dei bacini idrografici delle Alpi Orientali adottato ai sensi dell'articolo 13 per l'omonimo distretto idrografico. Il censimento dei corpi idrici e delle relative «condizioni di riferimento» (condizioni idromorfologiche e fisico-chimiche nonché biologiche) ivi presente risulta infatti incompleto, sommario e superficiale. Risulta inoltre sistematicamente violata/elusa da parte delle autorità la direttiva 2011/92/UE sulla valutazione dell'impatto ambientale (VIA), in virtù dell'esclusione di qualsiasi valutazione per i progetti ritenuti minori e, quanto alla generalità dei progetti, nel caso in cui gli stessi soddisfino sulla carta determinati parametri (218), senza tenere conto né della loro ubicazione (in violazione dell'articolo 2), né del loro rilevante impatto cumulativo (219). Vengono altresì riscontrate violazioni della direttiva 2001/42/CE sulla valutazione ambientale strategica (VAS), in particolare alla luce del fatto che l'autorità competente per la VAS del Piano di tutela delle acque della Regione Veneto in quanto piano attuativo del succitato piano di gestione risulta essere sostanzialmente la stessa che ha elaborato e approvato il medesimo, nonché della direttiva Habitat, con valutazioni di incidenza ambientale sui progetti — VINCA — gravemente lacunose.

Tutto ciò premesso, quali iniziative intende la Commissione intraprendere per accertare le violazioni in questione e reagire alle stesse? Come valuta la situazione in atto, ricordando che l'articolo 1 della direttiva quadro sulle acque impone agli Stati membri il miglioramento, o almeno la conservazione, della qualità dei corpi idrici?

Risposta di Janez Potočnik a nome della Commissione

(27 agosto 2013)

La Commissione ha ricevuto la denuncia cui l'onorevole parlamentare fa riferimento e l'ha protocollata con il riferimento CHAP(2013)01873. La Commissione valuterà questa denuncia e deciderà sulle misure adeguate di follow-up da adottare.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008111/13

to the Commission

Andrea Zanoni (ALDE)

(8 July 2013)

Subject: Excessive hydroelectric exploitation of the Piave river basin due to serious violations of the Water Framework, EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment), SEA (Strategic Environmental Assessment) and Habitats Directives

Over 90% of the waterways that make up the Alpine section of the Piave river basin are currently being used by hydroelectric plants, and many similar projects are now awaiting authorisation. These are natural areas with little to no human impact, largely protected as part of the Natura 2000 network as Sites of Community Importance (SCI) and Special Protection Areas (SPA), pursuant to the Habitats Directive (94/43/EEC) and Birds Directive (2009/147/EC). Because of these hydroelectric plants, many of these waterways have been compromised or even substantially dried up.

In response, the Belluno Acqua Bene Comune Committee commissioned an environmental consulting firm to perform a technical analysis on the current situation, attaching it to a complaint submitted to the Commission (220). The report identifies as the cause the series of national, regional, and provincial provisions issued by the Northern Adriatic River Basin Authority and implemented in violation of EU regulations. Very briefly (221), the report cites, for example, multiple violations of the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) in the Eastern Alps River Basin Management Plan, adopted under Article 13 of the abovementioned Directive by the Eastern Alps river basin district. The census of bodies of water and their ‘reference conditions’ (biological, hydromorphological and physico-chemical conditions) is in fact brief, superficial, and incomplete. The report also found that the authority systematically violated or evaded Directive 2011/92/EU on Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), lacking any assessment of projects that were considered minor, and those whose project details satisfied certain parameters on paper (222), without taking into consideration either their location (in violation of Article 2), or their significant cumulative impact (223). The report also found violations of Directive 2001/42/EC on Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA); in particular, the competent authority for the Veneto Region's Water Protection Plan SEA, as the implementing plan for the abovementioned management plan, was found to be essentially the same authority that developed and approved it (as well as the Habitats Directive), with a severe lack of environmental implications assessments (known in Italy as VINCA) on the projects.

What will the Commission do to ascertain and take action on these violations? How does it assess the current situation, keeping in mind that Article 1 of the Water Framework Directive requires that Member States improve, or at least conserve, the quality of bodies of water?

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(27 August 2013)

The Commission has received the complaint mentioned by the Honourable Member and registered it under reference CHAP(2013)01873. The Commission will assess this complaint and decide on the appropriate follow-up to be taken.

(Nederlandse versie)

Vraag met verzoek om schriftelijk antwoord P-008112/13

aan de Commissie

Lambert van Nistelrooij (PPE)

(8 juli 2013)

Betreft: Uitspraken inzake subsidies voor hernieuwbare en fossiele energiebronnen

Tijdens de conferentie van de Commissie over het energie‐ en klimaatbeleid voor 2030 (High Level Stakeholder Conference on the 2030 framework for climate and energy policies) op 19 juni heeft de Commissie (DG Energie) gezegd dat in Europa de subsidies voor hernieuwbare en fossiele energiebronnen allebei EUR 30 miljard bedragen [op jaarbasis] (224).

Antwoord van de heer Oettinger namens de Commissie

(1 oktober 2013)

De cijfers zijn gebaseerd op verslagen van het IEA (225) en de OESO (226). De Commissie is zich ervan bewust dat het moeilijk is goed gefundeerde en exacte cijfers vast te stellen voor de subsidiebedragen die zijn toegekend aan energie, door de grote verscheidenheid aan methoden en instrumenten van de steunmaatregelen. De beschikbare gegevens wijzen echter duidelijk op een mate van ondersteuning die in de miljarden euro’s loopt. Deze aanzienlijke steun kan tot een verstoring van de concurrentievoorwaarden leiden en verhoogt de totale maatschappelijke kosten van de productie van elektriciteit.

Met behulp van de methode van de OESO heeft de Commissie ook ramingen (227) gemaakt voor de zes EU-landen die geen lid zijn van de OESO: Bulgarije, Cyprus, Letland, Litouwen, Malta en Roemenië.

Wel moet er op worden gewezen dat bij de schattingen van de OESO en IEA twee verschillende benaderingen zijn toegepast. Het IEA maakt gebruik van de prijsverschil-benadering, terwijl de OESO-inventaris betrekking heeft op een bredere scala van metingen in de betrokken landen (zoals rechtstreekse budgettaire overdrachten en belastingvoordelen die uitsluitend een voordeel verstrekken of waarbij de voorkeur uitgaat naar productie met of consumptie van fossiele brandstoffen). Dit resulteert in verschillende, maar elkaar aanvullende informatie. Deze cijfers moeten dan ook gehanteerd worden rekening houdend met deze beperkingen, en zijn slechts indicatief voor de orde van grootte van de subsidies.

Bovendien is bij de cijfers van de OESO voor subsidies voor fossiele brandstoffen geen rekening gehouden met indirecte subsidies voor conventionele brandstoffen wat betreft hun maatschappelijke en gezondheidskosten. Deze zijn geraamd op nog eens 40 miljard euro per jaar voor de gezondheidsstelsels in de EU.

(English version)

Question for written answer P-008112/13

to the Commission

Lambert van Nistelrooij (PPE)

(8 July 2013)

Subject: Statements concerning subsidies for energy from renewable and fossil sources

On 19 June 2013, at the Commission’s High Level Stakeholder Conference on the 2030 framework for climate and energy policies, the Commission (DG Energy) said that in Europe energy subsidies amounted to EUR 30 billion per year for energy from renewable sources, and another EUR 30 billion for fossil fuels.

If so:

Answer given by Mr Oettinger on behalf of the Commission

(1 October 2013)

The figures are based on reports from the IEA (228) and OECD (229). The Commission is aware that it is difficult to establish well founded and precise figures on the subsidies amounts granted to energy, because of the variety of methods and instruments of the support measures. However the date available clearly points to a level of support that amounts to billions of Euros. Such substantive support risks distorting the level playing field and increases the overall societal cost of electricity generation.

Using the OECD’s method the Commission (230) extended the coverage to the six non-OECD EU countries: Bulgaria, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta and Romania.

It should be noted that the OECD and IEA estimations follow two different approaches. The IEA uses the price-gap approach, while the OECD inventory addresses a broader range of measures used in the covered countries (such as direct budgetary transfers and tax expenditures that provide a benefit or preference for fossil-fuel production or consumption). This results in distinct but complementary information. Thus these figures have to be used with these limitations in mind, as an indication of the order of magnitude of the issue.

Furthermore, the OECD figures for fossil fuel subsidies exclude indirect subsidies of conventional fuels in terms of their social and health costs that have been estimated at a further annual EUR 40bn for the EU health systems.

(Wersja polska)

Pytanie wymagające odpowiedzi pisemnej E-008113/13

do Komisji (Wiceprzewodniczącej/Wysokiej Przedstawiciel)

Paweł Robert Kowal (ECR)

(8 lipca 2013 r.)

Przedmiot: Wiceprzewodnicząca/Wysoka Przedstawiciel – Relacje UE-Azerbejdżan

Azerbejdżan, jako państwo uczestniczące w Partnerstwie Wschodnim oraz jako członek Rady Europejskiej, jest partnerem UE. Pozostaje w stanie zawieszenia broni w związku z nierozwiązanym konfliktem o Górski Karabach, mającym ogromny wpływ na stabilność w regionie Kaukazu. Azerska ropa i gaz odgrywają dużą rolę w dostarczaniu energii dla Europy, co podkreśla debata i niedawna decyzja Konsorcjum Szach Deniz II o rezygnacji z Nabucco West i wybudowaniu zamiast niego TAP. Ponieważ Europa nadal poszukuje źródeł dywersyfikacji dostaw energii, ta decyzja o budowie TAP z trasą przez Włochy w porównaniu do przebiegu trasy Nabucco West przez Austrię rodzi konsekwencje, jeśli chodzi o stan bezpieczeństwa dostaw energii do Europy Środkowej. Bez Nabucco West, ogromnego projektu dywersyfikacji źródeł dostaw energii, rynek energetyczny Europy Środkowej pozostaje zmonopolizowany.

Odpowiedź udzielona przez Wysoką Przedstawiciel/Wiceprzewodniczącą Catherine Ashton w imieniu Komisji

(26 sierpnia 2013 r.)

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008113/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Paweł Robert Kowal (ECR)

(8 July 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — EU-Azerbaijan relations

As an Eastern Partnership country and a member of the Council of Europe, Azerbaijan is one of the EU’s partners. Although the ceasefire agreement has held, the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, which has major implications for the stability of the Caucasus region as a whole, remains unresolved. Azeri oil and gas play an important role in the supply of energy to the EU, and the Shah Deniz 2 consortium’s recent selection of the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) instead of the Nabucco West project is thus highly significant. The EU is continuing to seek to diversify its energy supply, and the decision to build the TAP, which will go through Italy, instead of the Nabucco West pipeline (through Austria), will have an impact on Central Europe’s security of energy supply. Without the Nabucco West project, which would make a major contribution to diversifying energy supply, the Central European energy market will remain a monopoly.

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

(26 August 2013)

(Wersja polska)

Pytanie wymagające odpowiedzi pisemnej E-008114/13

do Komisji

Zbigniew Ziobro (EFD) oraz Tadeusz Cymański (EFD)

(8 lipca 2013 r.)

Przedmiot: Zwolnienia grupowe w Hucie Częstochowa

Szefostwo Huty Częstochowa, największego zakładu pracy w Częstochowie, poinformowało o planowanych masowych zwolnieniach. ISD Huta Częstochowa chce zwolnić od 1000 do 1500 osób. Sytuacja ekonomiczna huty od 2009 r. jest bardzo trudna. Przedsiębiorstwo produkuje i sprzedaje mniej więcej jedną trzecią tego, co może produkować. Zwolnienie w hucie znacznie pogorszą sytuację na rynku pracy w Częstochowie. Tymczasem na częstochowskim rynku jest coraz mniej pracy. Stopa bezrobocia w mieście przekracza 14 procent, a w regionie częstochowskim 22,1 proc.

Odpowiedź udzielona przez Wiceprzewodniczącego Antonio Tajaniego w imieniu Komisji

(3 września 2013 r.)

„Surveillance 2”, który pozwala na monitorowanie prawie w czasie rzeczywistym, o znacznym stopniu dokładności, jako że dostarcza informacji o rzeczywistym przywozie w krótkim czasie po przeprowadzonej operacji przywozu. Raporty systemu „Surveillance 2” są bardziej szczegółowe niż te dostarczane przez nadzór uprzedni.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008114/13

to the Commission

Zbigniew Ziobro (EFD) and Tadeusz Cymański (EFD)

(8 July 2013)

Subject: Mass redundancies at the Częstochowa steelworks

The management of ISD Częstochowa steelworks, the city’s largest employer, have announced that there are to be mass redundancies at the plant, with between 1000 and 1500 jobs being shed. The company has been in severe financial difficulties since 2009. Production and sales currently stand at around one-third of capacity. The lay-offs at the steelworks will hit an already shrinking Częstochowa labour market extremely hard. Unemployment in the city has already topped the 14% mark and stands at 22.1% for the Częstochowa region as a whole.

Answer given by Mr Tajani on behalf of the Commission

(3 September 2013)

‘Surveillance 2’ system which allows for almost real-time monitoring to a considerable degree of accuracy since it provides information on actual imports very shortly after the import operation has taken place. The ‘Surveillance 2’ reports are more detailed than those produced by the prior surveillance.

(Versiunea în limba română)

Întrebarea cu solicitare de răspuns scris E-008115/13

adresată Comisiei

Vasilica Viorica Dăncilă (S&D)

(8 iulie 2013)

Subiect: Agroindustria

În economiile moderne s-a constituit, treptat, „modelul occidental al integrării industriale”. Acest model se caracterizează prin impactul crescând al agro-industrializării canalelor agroalimentare. Astfel, s-au generalizat metodele de producție moderne în agricultură și industriile de prelucrare, s-au dezvoltat producția, distribuția și consumul de masă, au crescut consumurile energetice și consumurile intermediare. S-a obținut astfel un nivel înalt al productivității muncii și a scăzut numărul de agricultori. Agroindustria este modelul de producție care susține modelele de consum occidentale și s-a transformat de-a lungul unui proces istoric, după legi proprii și ca rezultat al proceselor de industrializare.

Industrializarea agriculturii, tocmai în cazul Europei, are influențe negative asupra alimentației mondiale. Pe de-o parte, industrializarea a dus la o creștere a volumului de produse animaliere care, pe de o parte, afectează sănătatea cetățenilor europeni, iar pe de alta duce la un supraconsum în cadrul Uniunii Europene.

În acest context, care este abordarea Comisiei față de procesul agro-industrializării la nivel european, astfel încât să se evite efectele negative asupra mediului, dar și a securității alimentare?

Răspuns dat de dl Cioloş în numele Comisiei

(23 august 2013)

Datorită unei populații mondiale în creștere și unei cereri importante pentru bunuri publice ecologice și zone rurale sustenabile, agricultura Uniunii continuă să joace un rol esențial pentru societatea europeană.

Pentru a o sprijini, Uniunea pune în aplicare un cadru politic solid, Politica agricolă comună, constând într-o serie de instrumente care vizează îndeplinirea a trei obiective comune și complementare: producția alimentară sustenabilă bazată pe activități agricole competitive și ultramoderne și pe un lanț alimentar funcțional; gestionarea sustenabilă a resurselor naturale și a politicilor climatice care protejează însăși baza producției agricole; și dezvoltarea teritorială echilibrată, care să pună în valoare diversitatea Europei constituită din zonele sale rurale și comunitățile acestora.

În vederea îndeplinirii cu succes a acestor obiective bazate pe o competitivitate sporită, pe o sustenabilitate mai bună și pe o mai mare eficacitate, Comisia a prezentat, în 2011, propuneri de reformă, care au culminat cu acordul politic interinstituțional din luna iunie privind noua PAC.

Reforma modifică paradigma politicii prin transformarea celor doi piloni făcându-i mai „ecologici”, oferă un sprijin mai eficient, mai bine țintit și mai integrat — printre altele — pentru tânăra generație și recunoaște diversitatea agriculturii în întreaga UE, prin acordarea unei mai mari flexibilități în punerea în aplicare. De asemenea, ea continuă să sprijine inovarea în domeniul activităților agricole și diversificarea acestora, punând și mai mult accentul pe calitate, pe organizațiile de producători și pe lanțurile scurte de aprovizionare.

Astfel, noua PAC reprezintă un angajament clar pentru un model de producție agricolă bazat pe sustenabilitate în toate dimensiunile sale — ecologică, economică, socială și teritorială — și introduce modificări și instrumente necesare realizării obiectivelor acesteia, acționând împreună cu alte politici ale Uniunii.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008115/13

to the Commission

Vasilica Viorica Dăncilă (S&D)

(8 July 2013)

Subject: Agri-food industry

The ‘Western model of industrial integration’ has gradually established itself in modern economies. One major aspect of that model is the growing impact of the industrialisation of agri‐food circuits. Modern agricultural production and processing methods are becoming increasingly widespread, and we have seen the development of mass production, distribution and consumption, and an increase in energy consumption and intermediate consumption. This has resulted in a high level of productivity and fewer farmers. The agri‐food production model is a key component of the Western consumption model and has developed through time, according to its own laws, and as a result of a process of industrialisation.

The industrialisation of agriculture in Europe has had adverse effects on the world food system. Industrialisation has also led to an increase in the volume of animal products, which has both impacted on the health of the European public and led to over‐consumption in the European Union.

In this connection, what approach will the Commission adopt to the process of agricultural industrialisation in Europe, in order to avoid its adverse effects the environment and also on food security?

Answer given by Mr Cioloş on behalf of the Commission

(23 August 2013)

Due to an increasing world population and a strong demand for ecological public goods and sustainable rural areas the Union's agriculture continues to play a key role for European society.

In order to support it the Union puts in place a strong policy framework, the common agricultural policy, consisting of a series of instruments aimed at the fulfilment of three common and complementary objectives: viable food production based on competitive and state-of-the-art agricultural activities and a functioning food chain; sustainable management of natural resources and climate action that safeguard the very basis for agricultural production; and balanced territorial development that values Europe's diversity constituted by its rural areas and their communities.

To successfully pursue these objectives based on enhanced competitiveness, improved sustainability and greater effectiveness the Commission put forward in 2011 reform proposals which culminated in the June interinstitutional political agreement on the new CAP.

It changes the policy paradigm by making the two pillars ‘greener’, adopts a more efficient, targeted and integrated support‐ among others — for the young generation and recognises the diversity across EU agriculture by granting greater flexibility in implementation. It also continues to support innovation in and diversification of agricultural activities, while strengthening the focus on quality, producer organisations and short supply chains.

Thus, the new CAP is a clear commitment to an agricultural production model based on sustainability in all its dimensions — environmental, economic, social and territorial — and introduces changes and instruments to deliver on it acting together with other Union policies.

(Versiunea în limba română)

Întrebarea cu solicitare de răspuns scris E-008116/13

adresată Comisiei

Rareş-Lucian Niculescu (PPE)

(8 iulie 2013)

Subiect: Interdicții comerciale impuse de Federația Rusă

Federația Rusă a anunțat că, începând cu 1 iulie 2013, nu va mai importa cartofi sau material săditor din Uniunea Europeană, afirmând că în ultimul timp au fost descoperiți dăunători periculoși în produsele agricole importate din Europa.

Autoritățile ruse susțin că, la controlul fitosanitar efectuat asupra cartofilor livrați din mai multe țări europene între anii 2010 și 2013, au fost depistate mai mult de 100 cazuri de cartofi contaminați.

Comisia este rugată să prezinte un punct de vedere cu privire la această decizie a Federației Ruse.

Răspuns dat de dl Borg în numele Comisiei

(13 septembrie 2013)

Federația Rusă a impus la 1 iulie 2013 o interdicție privind cartofii de masă și de sămânță și anumite plante destinate plantării, exportate din UE, după două amânări ale datei intrării în vigoare a interdicției. Agenția guvernamentală rusă în cauză justifică această măsură pe baza cazurilor de depistare în importurile din UE a unor organisme dăunătoare reglementate de Federația Rusă. Cu toate acestea, Comisia ia notă de faptul că aceste depistări se referă în principal la fructe, legume și flori tăiate și, într-o anumită măsură, la cartofii pentru consum. Comisia consideră că ar trebui să fie luate în considerare riscurile diferite cauzate de aceste categorii de produse, în comparație cu plantele destinate plantării.

Comisia contestă compatibilitatea măsurii propuse cu principiile din Acordul SPS al OMC, întrucât măsura nu pare să fie susținută de o evaluare științifică a riscurilor și pare să fie mai restrictivă pentru comerț decât este necesar.

În același timp, Comisia depune toate eforturile pentru a răspunde preocupărilor exprimate de Federația Rusă și, după consultarea statelor membre ale UE, a propus Federației Ruse în acest scop un sistem care să asigure garanții de certificare suplimentare. Agenția guvernamentală rusă nu a acceptat până în prezent această propunere ca oferind o bază suficientă pentru a ridica interdicția, iar Comisia continuă să coopereze cu statele membre ale UE cu scopul de a ajusta sistemul propus și de a adresa observațiile Rusiei.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008116/13

to the Commission

Rareş-Lucian Niculescu (PPE)

(8 July 2013)

Subject: Trade bans imposed by the Russian Federation

The Russian Federation has announced that, as from 1 July 2013, potatoes and plant propagating products will no longer be imported from the European Union, claiming that in recent years harmful pests have been found in imports of these agricultural products from Europe.

The Russian authorities maintain that these pests were detected in over 100 of the plant health checks conducted on potatoes supplied by divers European countries between 2010 and 2013.

What is the Commission’s view of this decision by the Russian Federation?

Answer given by Mr Borg on behalf of the Commission

(13 September 2013)

The Russian Federation imposed a ban on table and seed potatoes as well as certain plants for planting exported from the EU on 1 July 2013, after two postponements of the date of entry into force of the ban. The concerned Russian governmental agency justifies this measure based on the detections in imports from the EU of harmful organisms regulated in the Russian Federation. However, the Commission notes that these detections concern mainly fruits, vegetables and cut flowers, and to some extent ware potatoes. The Commission considers that the different risks caused by these categories of products, compared to plants for planting, should be taken into account.

The Commission questions the compatibility of the proposed measure with the principles of the WTO SPS Agreement as the measure appears not to be supported by a scientific risk assessment and to be more trade restrictive than necessary.

Simultaneously, the Commission is doing its utmost to address the concerns raised by the Russian Federation and to that end has proposed to the Russian Federation, after consultation with the EU Member States, a system providing further certification guarantees. The Russian governmental agency has so far not accepted this proposal as providing a sufficient basis to lift the ban, and the Commission continues to work with EU Member States to fine-tune the proposed system and address the Russian comments.

(Versiunea în limba română)

Întrebarea cu solicitare de răspuns scris E-008117/13

adresată Comisiei

Rareş-Lucian Niculescu (PPE)

(8 iulie 2013)

Subiect: Modificarea procedurilor de achiziții publice în România

Parlamentul României a aprobat o lege care prevede eliminarea procedurilor de achiziții publice pentru companiile cu capital de stat și regiile autonome și creșterea pragului de achiziții publice (la 30 000 euro) și lucrări (100 000 euro) fără licitații.

Această modificare legislativă elimină principiile fundamentale în ceea ce privește cheltuirea banului public și anume, principiile transparenței, al nediscriminării și al bunei funcționări a unei piețe concurențiale.

Totodată, singura instituție care putea sesiza o instanță de judecata în ceea ce privește anularea contractelor încheiate ilegal de autoritățile publice a pierdut această competența. Această instituție a fost înființată ca organism de control și reglementare a achizițiilor publice în aplicarea prevederilor capitolului 21 a Tratatului de Aderare al României la UE.

Comisia este rugată să prezinte un punct de vedere cu privire la aceste decizii și la măsurile care se impun.