http://www.europarl.europa.eu/QP-WEB
INTERROGAZIONI SCRITTE CON RISPOSTA

Interrogazioni scritte presentate dai deputati al Parlamento europeo e relative risposte date da un’Istituzione dell’Unione europea

(2013/C 247 E/01)

Sommario

E-003249/12 by Gabriel Mato Adrover to the Commission

Subject: Geographical indication of ‘gofio’ from the Canary Islands

Versión española

English version

E-003254/12 by Willy Meyer, Patrick Le Hyaric, Sabine Wils, Nikolaos Chountis, Sabine Lösing, Paul Murphy, Inês Cristina Zuber and Gabriele Zimmer to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Brutality and repression perpetrated against the inhabitants of Aysen by the Piñera government in Chile

Versión española

Deutsche Fassung

Ελληνική έκδοση

Version française

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-003264/12 by Vilija Blinkevičiūtė to the Commission

Subject: Proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the Erasmus for All programme

Tekstas lietuvių kalba

English version

E-003265/12 by Ildikó Gáll-Pelcz to the Commission

Subject: The infringement of Union rules on language use, with particular reference to translations

Magyar változat

English version

E-003267/12 by Barry Madlener to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — The EU is going to combat pirates on land

Nederlandse versie

English version

E-003290/12 by Frédérique Ries to the Commission

Subject: Authorisation for stevia to be made available as a food additive on the EU market

Version française

English version

E-003322/12 by Ivo Belet to the Commission

Subject: Ryanair

Nederlandse versie

English version

E-003323/12 by Nuno Teixeira to the Commission

Subject: Sum allocated to the outermost and sparsely populated regions from the specific funding package for cohesion policy 2014-2020

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-003602/12 by Auke Zijlstra to the Commission

Subject: Requirements regarding zoos

Nederlandse versie

English version

E-003603/12 by Auke Zijlstra to the Commission

Subject: Carbon footprint left by biofuels

Nederlandse versie

English version

E-003604/12 by Nikolaos Chountis to the Commission

Subject: Coastal erosion in the Northern Peloponnese

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

P-003623/12 by Catherine Stihler to the Commission

Subject: Crane safety

English version

P-003627/12 by Pablo Zalba Bidegain to the Commission

Subject: Repsol — Argentina

Versión española

English version

E-003633/12 by Nikolaos Chountis to the Commission

Subject: Mavrorachi landfill — natural mineral springs

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-003640/12 by Frieda Brepoels to the Commission

Subject: VAT — restrictions on the right of deduction — movable business assets

Nederlandse versie

English version

E-003645/12 by Lucas Hartong to the Commission

Subject: 2012 budget: budget line 15 05 55 — Youth in Action

Nederlandse versie

English version

E-003648/12 by Albert Deß to the Commission

Subject: Implementation of the Fauna-Flora and Habitat Directive (FFH): provisions and derogations

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-003668/12 by Chrysoula Paliadeli to the Commission

Subject: U-Multirank (multi-dimensional global university ranking)

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

P-003680/12 by Tomasz Piotr Poręba to the Commission

Subject: Wind farms in Poland

Wersja polska

English version

E-003684/12 by Georgios Papanikolaou to the Commission

Subject: Effectiveness of EU networks in the fight against doping in sport

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-003690/12 by Ramon Tremosa i Balcells to the Commission

Subject: Amendment to the proposal for a regulation on verification and accreditation of verifiers of greenhouse gas emission reports (I)

Versión española

English version

E-003692/12 by Ramon Tremosa i Balcells to the Commission

Subject: Amendment to the proposal for a regulation on verification and accreditation of verifiers of greenhouse gas emission reports (III)

Versión española

English version

E-003715/12 by Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris to the Commission

Subject: ‘Bikes, not pills’ project

Versione italiana

English version

E-003718/12 by Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris to the Commission

Subject: Online shopping and secure payments

Versione italiana

English version

E-003720/12 by Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris to the Commission

Subject: Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs

Versione italiana

English version

E-003722/12 by Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris to the Commission

Subject: Possible funding for the Polje Consortium Association

Versione italiana

English version

E-003733/12 by Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris to the Commission

Subject: Research and innovation in Europe

Versione italiana

English version

E-003742/12 by Satu Hassi to the Commission

Subject: Degree of filling of consumer packaging

Suomenkielinen versio

English version

P-003743/12 by Debora Serracchiani to the Commission

Subject: Santiago de Compostela cultural trail

Versione italiana

English version

E-003751/12 by Marta Andreasen to the Commission

Subject: Follow-up to Question E‐010609/11 on psychological harassment — Part 1

English version

E-003814/12 by Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Korea satellite launch

Versione italiana

English version

E-003766/12 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: North Korean rocket launch

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-003775/12 by Cristiana Muscardini to the Commission

Subject: Ritual slaughter and animal welfare

Versione italiana

English version

E-003776/12 by Esther de Lange to the Commission

Subject: Possible damaging effects of chemical compound 4-methylimidazole which forms during the production of food and beverages

Nederlandse versie

English version

E-003779/12 by Frieda Brepoels to the Commission

Subject: Directive 2005/60/EC — penalties for non-compliance with obligation to report to a financial intelligence unit (FIU) and ban on cash payments of over EUR 15 000

Nederlandse versie

English version

P-003780/12 by Ulrike Lunacek to the Commission

Subject: Compliance of New Kosovo Power Plant project with European standards

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-003781/12 by Konstantinos Poupakis to the Commission

Subject: IMF report on restructuring housing loans

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-003782/12 by Edward McMillan-Scott to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Grand Mufti Sheik Abdul Aziz al-Asheik of Saudi Arabia's calls for the destruction of all churches on the Arab Peninsula

English version

E-003783/12 by Nikos Chrysogelos, Raül Romeva i Rueda, Bart Staes, Franziska Keller, Heide Rühle and Satu Hassi to the Commission

Subject: Release of Turkish conscientious objector and human rights activist Halil Savda

Versión española

Deutsche Fassung

Ελληνική έκδοση

Nederlandse versie

Suomenkielinen versio

English version

E-003784/12 by Mario Borghezio to the Commission

Subject: Hidden funding of car manufacturers by the ECB

Versione italiana

English version

E-003785/12 by Antonio Cancian, Gabriele Albertini, Sonia Alfano, Roberta Angelilli, Paolo Bartolozzi, Salvatore Caronna, Lara Comi, Silvia Costa, Carlo Fidanza, Salvatore Iacolino, Clemente Mastella, Mario Mauro, Erminia Mazzoni, Claudio Morganti, Alfredo Pallone, Mario Pirillo, Gianni Pittella, Niccolò Rinaldi, Licia Ronzulli, Oreste Rossi, Giancarlo Scottà, Marco Scurria, Debora Serracchiani, Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris, Salvatore Tatarella, Patrizia Toia, Giommaria Uggias, Andrea Zanoni, Herbert Dorfmann, Giovanni La Via, Iva Zanicchi and Vincenzo Iovine to the Commission

Subject: European cultural heritage-role in the future Horizon 2020 programme

Deutsche Fassung

Versione italiana

English version

E-003786/12 by Nuno Teixeira to the Commission

Subject: The definition of SMEs (micro, small and medium-sized enterprises)

Versão portuguesa

English version

P-003787/12 by Gianni Pittella to the Commission

Subject: Undertakings imposed by the Commission in response to the granting of state aid to the aviation sector

Versione italiana

English version

E-003788/12 by Raül Romeva i Rueda to the Commission

Subject: Detention of students in Barcelona

Versión española

English version

E-003789/12 by Franz Obermayr to the Commission

Subject: Destruction of the essential habitat of orangutans on Sumatra

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-003790/12 by William (The Earl of) Dartmouth to the Commission

Subject: South Sudan

English version

E-004028/12 by Eleni Theocharous to the Commission

Subject: Flagrant violation of the religious freedom of Greek Cypriot enclave in occupied Karpasia

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-003793/12 by Mario Mauro to the Commission

Subject: Bishop Christoforos stuck in Cyprus

Versione italiana

English version

E-004254/12 by Oreste Rossi to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — New violation of freedom of religion in Cyprus

Versione italiana

English version

E-004255/12 by Cristiana Muscardini to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Religious freedom in the occupied area of Cyprus

Versione italiana

English version

P-004261/12 by Mara Bizzotto to the Commission

Subject: Turkey and violation of the right to religious freedom for the inhabitants of Cyprus

Versione italiana

English version

E-004341/12 by Claudio Morganti, Lorenzo Fontana, Mario Borghezio, Oreste Rossi, Fiorello Provera, Mara Bizzotto, Giancarlo Scottà, Matteo Salvini and Francesco Enrico Speroni to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — New violations of religious freedom in Cyprus

Versione italiana

English version

E-003794/12 by Nuno Teixeira to the Commission

Subject: Support for European companies in economic difficulty

Versão portuguesa

English version

P-003795/12 by Martin Ehrenhauser to the Commission

Subject: ACTA (Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement)

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-003796/12 by Raül Romeva i Rueda to the Commission

Subject: Reform of the Criminal Code in Spain

Versión española

English version

E-003797/12 by Axel Voss to the Commission

Subject: Use of EU resources in Romania

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-003798/12 by Mara Bizzotto to the Commission

Subject: Authorisation to place four genetically modified soybean variants on the market

Versione italiana

English version

E-003799/12 by Mara Bizzotto to the Commission

Subject: Aluminium-based food additives

Versione italiana

English version

E-003800/12 by Joanna Katarzyna Skrzydlewska to the Commission

Subject: Uniform rules for issuing passports to children in the EU

Wersja polska

English version

E-003802/12 by Evelyn Regner and Josef Weidenholzer to the Commission

Subject: Data protection in businesses

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-003803/12 by Evelyn Regner and Josef Weidenholzer to the Commission

Subject: Greater consumer protection through a regulation on a Common European Sales Law?

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-003804/12 by Sarah Ludford to the Commission

Subject: European far-right extremist movement

English version

E-003805/12 by Laurence J.A.J. Stassen to the Commission

Subject: New move in trade war: India forbids participation in European aviation tax

Nederlandse versie

English version

E-003806/12 by Mario Borghezio to the Commission

Subject: Costs of new rules for the EU enlargement process

Versione italiana

English version

E-003807/12 by Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris to the Commission

Subject: Reduction of development aid to non-EU countries

Versione italiana

English version

E-003808/12 by Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Purges in China, case of Bo Xilai

Versione italiana

English version

E-003809/12 by Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris to the Commission

Subject: Europeans: dietary habits compared

Versione italiana

English version

E-003810/12 by Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris to the Commission

Subject: Best practices of the ‘Support for the development of production projects’ programme in the audiovisual field

Versione italiana

English version

E-003816/12 by Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris to the Commission

Subject: Quality marks for foodstuffs

Versione italiana

English version

E-003823/12 by Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris to the Commission

Subject: New type of photovoltaic system

Versione italiana

English version

E-003827/12 by Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris to the Commission

Subject: Urban allotments

Versione italiana

English version

E-003839/12 by Marian Harkin to the Commission

Subject: Homeopathic medicinal products in the EU

English version

E-003843/12 by Pat the Cope Gallagher to the Commission

Subject: EU/Latin America trade agreements

English version

E-003879/12 by Liam Aylward to the Commission

Subject: Web accessibility for the visually impaired

English version

E-003893/12 by Pavel Poc, Claudiu Ciprian Tănăsescu and Michèle Rivasi to the Commission

Subject: Safety of methylphenidate containing medicinal products placed on the EU market

České znění

Version française

Versiunea în limba română

English version

E-003904/12 by Pat the Cope Gallagher to the Commission

Subject: IMF World Economic Outlook report 2012

English version

E-003912/12 by Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris to the Commission

Subject: Dolphin deaths

Versione italiana

English version

E-003913/12 by Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris to the Commission

Subject: Directive 2010/31/EU

Versione italiana

English version

E-003920/12 by Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris to the Commission

Subject: Digital money and transactions using mobile phones

Versione italiana

English version

E-003938/12 by David Casa to the Commission

Subject: EEAS membership

Verżjoni Maltija

English version

E-003945/12 by Bas Eickhout to the Commission

Subject: Dutch target for sustainable energy

Nederlandse versie

English version

E-003965/12 by Ana Miranda to the Commission

Subject: Effects of drought on the Galician agricultural sector

Versión española

English version

E-003984/12 by Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris to the Commission

Subject: Pay as you throw

Versione italiana

English version

E-004005/12 by Niki Tzavela to the Commission

Subject: Military junta in Mali

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-004013/12 by William (The Earl of) Dartmouth to the Commission

Subject: EULEX and Russian convoys to Kosovo

English version

E-004035/12 by Mara Bizzotto to the Commission

Subject: Asbestos emergency in Veneto

Versione italiana

English version

E-004040/12 by Mojca Kleva to the Commission

Subject: The new Google privacy policy

Slovenska različica

English version

E-004045/12 by Willy Meyer to the Commission

Subject: Four hundred million children living in slavery. Product traceability criteria and regulating the activities of European multinationals in third countries

Versión española

English version

E-004071/12 by Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris to the Commission

Subject: Seizure of counterfeit shoes

Versione italiana

English version

E-004076/12 by Petru Constantin Luhan to the Commission

Subject: Green Public Procurement

Versiunea în limba română

English version

P-004082/12 by Francesco Enrico Speroni to the Commission

Subject: Applicability on the part of Italy of a tax on aircraft registered in the EU

Versione italiana

English version

P-004145/12 by Oreste Rossi to the Commission

Subject: Compatibility of Italian aircraft tax

Versione italiana

English version

P-004743/12 by Claudio Morganti to the Commission

Subject: Tax on aircraft in Italy

Versione italiana

English version

E-004087/12 by Adrian Severin and Fiorello Provera to the Commission

Subject: The situation regarding the justice system in Ukraine

Versione italiana

Versiunea în limba română

English version

E-004125/12 by Hannu Takkula and Mitro Repo to the Commission

Subject: The budget for and the future of the European Schools

Suomenkielinen versio

English version

E-004133/12 by Jens Rohde to the Commission

Subject: Change of regulations relating to liquids at airports

Dansk udgave

English version

E-004609/12 by Jim Higgins to the Commission

Subject: Removal of liquids ban in airports

English version

E-004138/12 by John Stuart Agnew to the Commission

Subject: When is a paper a non-paper?

English version

E-004141/12 by Nuno Teixeira to the Commission

Subject: Agreement between the European Union and Mercosur

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-004147/12 by Raül Romeva i Rueda to the Commission

Subject: Italian prisons

Versión española

English version

E-004148/12 by Franz Obermayr to the Commission

Subject: EU Directive 98/8/EC — Revision of the EU regulations on pesticides

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-004152/12 by Nikolaos Chountis to the Commission

Subject: Landfill site in Karvounari (Paramithia)

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-004153/12 by John Stuart Agnew to the Commission

Subject: Does water hydrate?

English version

E-004154/12 by Andrew Henry William Brons to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — The Falkland Islands

English version

E-004156/12 by Nikolaos Chountis to the Commission

Subject: The 2009 ruling of the European Court of Justice against Greece regarding the protection of animals during transport and at the time of slaughter

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-004157/12 by Fiorello Provera to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Dispute between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the UAE over islands in the Persian Gulf

Versione italiana

English version

E-004158/12 by Roberta Angelilli to the Commission

Subject: Cuts in incentives for the Italian photovoltaic industry and unfair Chinese competition

Versione italiana

English version

E-004160/12 by Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris to the Commission

Subject: Potentially dangerous drugs

Versione italiana

English version

E-004161/12 by Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris to the Commission

Subject: Anti-fraud operation in Foggia

Versione italiana

English version

E-004162/12 by Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris to the Commission

Subject: Cancer research

Versione italiana

English version

E-004163/12 by Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris to the Commission

Subject: A European parliament for young people

Versione italiana

English version

E-004164/12 by Oreste Rossi to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Human rights of Burma's Kachin people

Versione italiana

English version

E-004165/12 by Oreste Rossi to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — The crisis in Tibet

Versione italiana

English version

E-004166/12 by Oreste Rossi to the Commission

Subject: Wind farms: impact on the bird population

Versione italiana

English version

E-004167/12 by Oreste Rossi to the Commission

Subject: Increased use of hallucinogens and stimulants amongst the young under 20 years of age

Versione italiana

English version

E-004168/12 by Oreste Rossi to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Violent attacks and human rights violations in Pakistan

Versione italiana

English version

E-005778/12 by Oreste Rossi to the Commission

Subject: Tension and violence in Karachi: continuing human rights violations

Versione italiana

English version

E-004169/12 by Giommaria Uggias to the Commission

Subject: Pollution caused by military activities in areas surrounding the Quirra firing range

Versione italiana

English version

E-004170/12 by Frieda Brepoels to the Commission

Subject: Directive 2000/84/EC on summer-time arrangements

Nederlandse versie

English version

E-004171/12 by Ivo Belet to the Commission

Subject: New French obligation regarding breathalysers in cars

Nederlandse versie

English version

E-004172/12 by Ivo Belet to the Commission

Subject: Distortion of the working of the single European market by the use of national quality marks

Nederlandse versie

English version

E-004173/12 by Nuno Teixeira to the Commission

Subject: Identifying strategic sectors at EU level

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-004174/12 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Argentine government decision to expropriate YPF

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-004175/12 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Argentine government decision to expropriate YPF — II

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-004176/12 by Elena Băsescu to the Commission

Subject: Erasmus for All programme proposal

Versiunea în limba română

English version

E-004177/12 by Catherine Grèze to the Commission

Subject: Resumption of oil companies' activities in the Unesco-listed Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Version française

English version

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-003249/12

a la Comisión

Gabriel Mato Adrover (PPE)

(27 de marzo de 2012)

Asunto: Indicación geográfica «gofio» de Canarias

El Gobierno canario acaba de conceder la protección de la indicación geográfica «gofio canario», que se encuentra a la espera de su aprobación por parte de la Comisión Europea. El gofio es un producto típico de esta región y responde a unos requisitos específicos de elaboración.

— ¿Podría informar la Comisión de la fase en la que se encuentra el trámite de aprobación de esa nueva Indicación Geográfica Protegida (IGP)?

— ¿Tendría este producto derecho a recibir algún apoyo financiero de la PAC en calidad de IGP?

Respuesta del Sr. Cioloş en nombre de la Comisión

(14 de mayo de 2012)

La Comisión recibió el 24 de enero de 2012 la solicitud de registro de la denominación «gofio canario» como Indicación Geográfica Protegida (IGP).

La Comisión está examinando actualmente la solicitud a fin de evaluar si cumple los requisitos establecidos en el Reglamento (CE) n° 510/2006 (1).

La política de promoción (2) y el programa de desarrollo rural de Canarias de 2007-2013 contemplan la posibilidad de prestar una ayuda financiera para las indicaciones geográficas registradas.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003249/12

to the Commission

Gabriel Mato Adrover (PPE)

(27 March 2012)

Subject: Geographical indication of ‘gofio’ from the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands Government has recently granted protected geographical indication status to ‘Gofio Canario’, pending approval by the European Commission. Gofio is a typical product from this region, meeting specific production requirements.

— Can the Commission report on the current stage of the approval process for this new Protected Geographical Indication (PGI)?

— Would this product, as a PGI, be entitled to receive any financial support from the CAP?

Answer given by Mr Cioloş on behalf of the Commission

(14 May 2012)

The application for registration of the designation ‘Gofio Canario’ as Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) was received by the Commission on 24 January 2012.

The application is currently under scrutiny by the Commission to assess whether it fulfils the requirements of Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 (3).

The possibility to receive financial support for registered geographical indications is foreseen in the promotion policy (4) and the Rural Development Programme of Canarias 2007-2013.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-003254/12

a la Comisión (Vicepresidenta/Alta Representante)

Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL), Patrick Le Hyaric (GUE/NGL), Sabine Wils (GUE/NGL), Nikolaos Chountis (GUE/NGL), Sabine Lösing (GUE/NGL), Paul Murphy (GUE/NGL), Inês Cristina Zuber (GUE/NGL) y Gabriele Zimmer (GUE/NGL)

(27 de marzo de 2012)

Asunto: VP/HR — Brutalidad y represión ejercidas por el Gobierno de Piñera contra los habitantes de Aysén en Chile

La región de Aysén, situada en el norte de la Patagonia chilena, ha sido testigo el mes pasado de un proceso ejemplar de movilización social. Organizaciones sindicales, populares y medio ambientales, unidas en la Mesa social por Aysén han organizado una petición generalizada compuesta de diez puntos en la que se exige al Gobierno que encuentre soluciones a los problemas de aislamiento geográfico, elevado coste de vida, graves carencias en sanidad y educación, reducción drástica de los recursos naturales y marcada desigualdad socioeconómica de la región.

Estas demandas y las acciones de la Mesa social por Aysén cuentan con un respaldo casi unánime en la región, como constatan las manifestaciones y las marchas multitudinarias de las últimas semanas.

Siguiendo con la política de represión y sanción empleada contra las protestas de los habitantes de la región de Magallanes y el movimiento estudiantil que tuvieron lugar el año pasado, el Gobierno de Sebastián Piñera ha desplazado a la zona un amplio contingente de cuerpos especiales de la policía (el cuerpo represivo de élite de la policía militarizada chilena). El resultado es un recrudecimiento de la violencia y las prácticas abusivas de la policía, que se ha saldado con un gran número de activistas heridos. Al comienzo de la semana, el Gobierno invocó la ley de seguridad del Estado, un acto legislativo represivo heredado de la dictadura de Pinochet, para intimidar a los manifestantes y desarticular el movimiento.

Ayer, 22 de marzo de 2012, un nuevo contingente de la policía enviado a la zona realizó maniobras que sugerían un estado de guerra, dirigidas a las ciudades de Puerto Aysén y Coihaique. Son muchas las denuncias de palizas y de uso indiscriminado de armas de fuego por parte de la policía, así como de civiles heridos por perdigones y balines.

Estas acciones del Gobierno y la policía contravienen los convenios internacionales para la protección de los derechos humanos firmados por Chile y están poniendo en peligro los derechos humanos de la población de Aysén.

Habida cuenta del acuerdo de asociación entre la UE y Chile y, en especial de su segundo artículo, que obliga a ambas partes a respetar los derechos humanos y los principios democráticos básicos en sus relaciones exteriores e interiores,

— ¿se ha puesto en contacto la Vicepresidenta/Alta Representante con el Gobierno de Chile, o tiene intención de hacerlo, para condenar de manera oficial estas acciones en nombre de la UE y subrayar la necesidad urgente de poner fin a esta represión brutal e intimidación de los ciudadanos y de pedir que se abra una investigación independiente?

Respuesta de la Alta Representante y Vicepresidenta Sra. Ashton en nombre de la Comisión

(8 de junio de 2012)

La Unión Europea ha seguido de cerca el proceso de movilización social en la región de Aysén, en el sur de Chile, que ha sido coordinado por el Movimiento Social por la Región de Aysén (MSPRA) y que se inició a comienzos de febrero de 2012. Como tal vez sepa Su Señoría, a raíz de las conversaciones entre las autoridades chilenas y el MSPRA, las partes firmaron un acuerdo el 23 de marzo de 2012 en el que se recogían compromisos en materia de salud, educación, empleo, conectividad, infraestructura y subsidios de combustible y leña para los habitantes de Aysén. También se acordó un calendario de ejecución de los mismos.

La Alta Representante y Vicepresidenta observa que el Instituto Nacional de los Derechos Humanos (INDH) de Chile ha publicado los informes de dos misiones de observación independientes que llevó a cabo a petición del MSPRA, del 22 al 25 de febrero y del 13 al 17 de marzo de 2012 respectivamente. El INDH, recordando que la obligación de los Estados de mantener el orden público no debe ir en detrimento de su obligación de respetar y garantizar los derechos humanos, ha expresado su preocupación por la actuación de las Fuerzas Especiales de Carabineros y ha remitido oportunas observaciones a las autoridades chilenas competentes. A raíz de la intervención del INDH, el Ministerio de Interior ha retirado los cargos presentados con arreglo a la Ley de Seguridad del Estado contra 22 manifestantes, decisión que ha sido bien acogida por el MSPRA.

Se ha encontrado una solución negociada y han cesado las protestas. Teniendo en cuenta el papel efectivo del INDH en la investigación de las supuestas violaciones de los derechos humanos y en su intervención frente a las autoridades, la Alta Representante y Vicepresidenta no tiene previsto contactar al Gobierno chileno.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-003254/12

an die Kommission (Vizepräsidentin / Hohe Vertreterin)

Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL), Patrick Le Hyaric (GUE/NGL), Sabine Wils (GUE/NGL), Nikolaos Chountis (GUE/NGL), Sabine Lösing (GUE/NGL), Paul Murphy (GUE/NGL), Inês Cristina Zuber (GUE/NGL) und Gabriele Zimmer (GUE/NGL)

(27. März 2012)

Betrifft: VP/HR — Gewalt und Unterdrückung gegenüber den Einwohnern von Aysén durch die Piñera-Regierung in Chile

In der Region Aysén, die sich im Norden Patagoniens in Chile befindet, gab es im vergangenen Monat eine noch nie da gewesene soziale Mobilisierung. Die zum Bündnis „Mesa Social“ von Aysén zusammengeschlossenen Gewerkschaften, Basisorganisationen und Umweltgruppen haben einen allgemeinen Zehn-Punkte-Katalog aufgestellt, in dem sie die Regierung aufrufen, Lösungen für die Probleme der geografischen Isolation, die hohen Lebenshaltungskosten, die unzulängliche Gesundheits— und Bildungsversorgung, den Abbau natürlicher Ressourcen und die schwerwiegenden sozioökonomischen Ungleichheiten in der Region zu finden.

Diese Forderungen und die Maßnahmen des „Mesa Social“ von Aysén finden nahezu einstimmige Unterstützung in der Region, wie auch die Massenkundgebungen und Demonstrationen der letzten Wochen gezeigt haben.

Die Regierung von Sebastián Piñera setzte ihre Politik der Unterdrückung und Kriminalisierung, die gegen die Proteste der Einwohner der Magellanregion und die Studentenbewegung im vergangenen Jahr angewandt wurde, nun fort und stellte in dem Gebiet ein großes Sonderpolizeikontingent (repressiver Flügel der Eliteeinheit der chilenischen Militärpolizei) auf. Dies führte zu einem Aufflammen der Gewalt und missbräuchlichem Verhalten der Polizei, wobei zahlreiche Demonstranten verletzt wurden. Anfang dieser Woche berief sich die Regierung auf das Gesetz über die Staatssicherheit, eine Rechtsvorschrift mit repressivem Charakter aus den Zeiten der Pinochet-Diktatur, um die Protestierenden einzuschüchtern und die Bewegung im Keim zu ersticken.

Gestern, am 22. März 2012, führte ein neues Polizeikontingent, das in das Gebiet entsendet wurde, spezielle Manöver durch, die einen Kriegszustand hervorrufen sollten und auf die Städte Puerto Aysén und Coyhaique abzielten. Es liegen zahlreiche Berichte über das gewaltsame Vorgehen und die willkürliche Verwendung von Feuerwaffen durch die Polizei sowie über Zivilisten vor, die durch Schüsse verwundet wurden.

Diese Maßnahmen der Regierung und der Polizei verstoßen gegen die internationalen Menschenrechtskonventionen, die von Chile unterzeichnet wurden, und stellen eine Gefährdung der Menschenrechte der Einwohner von Aysén dar.

Unter Berücksichtigung des EU-Chile-Assoziationsabkommens, insbesondere des darin enthaltenen zweiten Artikels, wonach beide Parteien zur Einhaltung der Menschenrechte und der grundlegenden demokratischen Grundsätze in ihrer Außen— und Innenpolitik verpflichtet sind, ergeht folgende Frage:

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

(8. Juni 2012)

Die Europäische Union hat die soziale Mobilisierung in der Region Aysén im Süden Chiles, die von der Sozialen Bewegung für die Region Aysén (MSPRA) koordiniert worden ist und Anfang Februar 2012 begonnen hat, aufmerksam verfolgt. Wie den Damen und Herren Abgeordneten vermutlich bekannt ist, haben die chilenische Regierung und die MSPRA am 23. März 2012 im Anschluss an Gespräche ein Abkommen unterzeichnet, das Verpflichtungen in Bezug auf Gesundheit, Bildung, Beschäftigung, Verkehrsanbindung, Infrastruktur sowie Treibstoff— und Brennholzsubventionen für die Bewohner von Aysén enthält; zudem haben sie einen Zeitplan für die Umsetzung vereinbart.

Die Hohe Vertreterin/Vizepräsidentin stellt fest, dass das Nationale Institut für Menschenrechte in Chile (INDH) Berichte von zwei unabhängigen Beobachtungsmissionen veröffentlicht hat, die es auf Ersuchen der MSPRA vom 22. bis zum 25. Februar bzw. vom 13. bis zum 17. März 2012 in Aysén durchführte. Das INDH erinnerte daran, dass die Verpflichtung der Staaten, die öffentliche Ordnung aufrechtzuerhalten, nicht schwerer wiegt als ihre Verpflichtung, die Menschenrechte zu achten und zu garantieren. Es äußerte sich besorgt über das Vorgehen der Spezialkräfte der Militärpolizei (Fuerzas Especiales de Carabineros) und richtete einschlägige Empfehlungen an die zuständigen chilenischen Behörden. Nach dieser Intervention des INDH ließ das Innenministerium die Anklagen fallen, die nach dem Gesetz über die Staatssicherheit gegen 22 Demonstranten erhoben worden waren. Die MSPRA begrüßte diese Entscheidung.

Da eine Verhandlungslösung gefunden worden ist, die Proteste aufgehört haben und das Nationale Institut für Menschenrechte bei der Untersuchung von mutmaßlichen Menschenrechtsverletzungen eine wirksame Rolle gespielt und sich erfolgreich bei den Behörden eingeschaltet hat, beabsichtigt die Hohe Vertreterin/Vizepräsidentin nicht, die chilenische Regierung in dieser Angelegenheit zu kontaktieren.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-003254/12

προς την Επιτροπή (Αντιπρόεδρος/Ύπατη Εκπρόσωπος)

Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL), Patrick Le Hyaric (GUE/NGL), Sabine Wils (GUE/NGL), Nikolaos Chountis (GUE/NGL), Sabine Lösing (GUE/NGL), Paul Murphy (GUE/NGL), Inês Cristina Zuber (GUE/NGL) και Gabriele Zimmer (GUE/NGL)

(27 Μαρτίου 2012)

Θέμα: VP/HR — Πράξεις βιαιότητας και καταστολής κατά των κατοίκων της Aysen από την κυβέρνηση Piñera στη Χιλή

Τον τελευταίο μήνα, η περιοχή Aysen στη βόρεια Παταγονία της Χιλής δίνει ένα αξιοσημείωτο δείγμα κοινωνικών κινητοποιήσεων. Συνδικάτα, πολιτικές οργανώσεις και περιβαλλοντικές ομάδες, συνασπισμένα στο Κοινωνικό Μέτωπο της Aysen, έχουν υποβάλει ένα συλλογικό αίτημα με δέκα σημεία με το οποίο καλούν την κυβέρνηση να βρει λύσεις για τα προβλήματα της γεωγραφικής απομόνωσης, του υψηλού κόστους ζωής, των σοβαρών ανεπαρκειών στους τομείς της υγείας και της παιδείας, της εξάντλησης των φυσικών πόρων και των σοβαρών κοινωνικοοικονομικών ανισοτήτων στην περιοχή.

Τα εν λόγω αιτήματα και οι δράσεις του Κοινωνικού Μετώπου της Aysen τυγχάνουν της σχεδόν ομόφωνης στήριξης των κατοίκων της περιοχής, όπως επιβεβαιώνεται από τις μαζικές πορείες και διαδηλώσεις κατά τις τελευταίες εβδομάδες.

Εμμένοντας στην κατασταλτική πολιτική και στην πολιτική ποινικοποίησης ως απάντηση στις διαδηλώσεις των κατοίκων της περιοχής Magallanes και στο φοιτητικό κίνημα του περασμένου έτους, η κυβέρνηση του Sebastián Piñera εγκατέστησε στην περιοχή μεγάλο σώμα των ειδικών αστυνομικών δυνάμεων (επίλεκτο κατασταλτικό σώμα της στρατικοποιημένης αστυνομίας της Χιλής). Το γεγονός αυτό είχε ως αποτέλεσμα την έξαρση της βίας και των καταχρηστικών πρακτικών εκ μέρους των αστυνομικών δυνάμεων καθώς και πολλούς τραυματίες μεταξύ των κινητοποιημένων διαδηλωτών. Νωρίτερα αυτήν την εβδομάδα, η κυβέρνηση επικαλέστηκε τον Νόμο Εσωτερικής Ασφάλειας του Κράτους, νομοθεσία με κατασταλτικό χαρακτήρα, κληροδότημα της δικτατορίας του Pinochet, έτσι ώστε να εκφοβίσει τους διαδηλωτές και να αποδυναμώσει το κίνημα.

Χτες, 22 Μαρτίου 2012, μια νέα αστυνομική ομάδα που κατέφθασε στην περιοχή προέβη σε χειρισμούς που υποδήλωναν εμπόλεμη κατάσταση και είχαν ως στόχο τις πόλεις Puerto Aysen και Coyhaique. Έχουν γίνει πολλές αναφορές για χτυπήματα και αδιάκριτη χρήση πυροβόλων από την αστυνομία καθώς και για τραυματισμούς αμάχων από σκάγια και σφαίρες.

Οι ανωτέρω δράσεις της κυβέρνησης και της αστυνομίας παραβιάζουν τις διεθνείς συμβάσεις για τα ανθρώπινα δικαιώματα που έχει υπογράψει η Χιλή και θέτουν σε κίνδυνο τα ανθρώπινα δικαιώματα των κατοίκων της Aysen.

Λαμβανομένης υπόψη της συμφωνίας σύνδεσης ΕΕ-Χιλής και κυρίως του δεύτερου άρθρου της, βάσει του οποίου και τα δύο συμβαλλόμενα μέρη υποχρεούνται να σέβονται τα ανθρώπινα δικαιώματα και τις βασικές δημοκρατικές αρχές στο πλαίσιο των εξωτερικών και εσωτερικών τους υποθέσεων,

— Ερωτάται η Ύπατη Εκπρόσωπος/Αντιπρόεδρος της Επιτροπής εάν έχει έρθει σε επαφή με την κυβέρνηση της Χιλής ή εάν σκοπεύει να το πράξει, προκειμένου να καταδικάσει επισήμως τις εν λόγω ενέργειες εκ μέρους της ΕΕ, να τονίσει την επείγουσα ανάγκη να δοθεί τέλος στην βίαιη καταστολή και στον απάνθρωπο εκφοβισμό των πολιτών, και να ζητήσει την εκκίνηση ανεξάρτητης έρευνας.

Απάντηση της Ύπατης Εκπροσώπου/Αντιπροέδρου Ashton εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(8 Ιουνίου 2012)

Η Ευρωπαϊκή Ένωση παρακολουθεί στενά τη διαδικασία κοινωνικής κινητοποίησης που συντονίζεται από το κοινωνικό κίνημα για την περιφέρεια Aysén (ΚΚΠΑ), στην περιφέρεια Aysén της νότιας Χιλής, διαδικασία η οποία ξεκίνησε στις αρχές Φεβρουαρίου 2012. Όπως ίσως γνωρίζουν τα αξιότιμα μέλη, μετά τις διαβουλεύσεις μεταξύ των αρχών της Χιλής και του ΚΚΠΑ, τα μέρη υπέγραψαν συμφωνία στις 23 Μαρτίου 2012 που περιλάμβανε δεσμεύσεις σχετικά με την υγεία, την παιδεία, τη συγκοινωνιακή σύνδεση, τις υποδομές και τις επιδοτήσεις υγρών καυσίμων και καυσόξυλων για τους κατοίκους της Aysén, και έχει συμφωνηθεί χρονοδιάγραμμα για την εφαρμογή των δεσμεύσεων αυτών.

Η Ύπατη Εκπρόσωπος/Αντιπρόεδρος (ΥΕ/ΑΠ) σημειώνει ότι το εθνικό ινστιτούτο για τα ανθρώπινα δικαιώματα (ΕΙΑΔ) της Χιλής εξέδωσε εκθέσεις σχετικά με δύο ανεξάρτητες αποστολές παρακολούθησης τις οποίες πραγματοποίησε στην Aysén μετά από αίτημα του ΚΚΠΑ στις 22-25 Φεβρουαρίου και στις 13-17 Μαρτίου αντίστοιχα. Το ΕΙΑΔ, υπενθυμίζοντας ότι η υποχρέωση των κρατών να διατηρούν τη δημόσια τάξη δεν υπερτερεί της υποχρέωσης τους να σέβονται και να εξασφαλίζουν τα ανθρώπινα δικαιώματα, εξέφρασε την ανησυχία του σχετικά με τη συμπεριφορά των ειδικών δυνάμεων της στρατιωτικοποιημένης αστυνομίας (Fuerzas Especiales de Carabineros) και έκανε σχετικές συστάσεις στις αρμόδιες αρχές της Χιλής. Μετά από την παρέμβαση του ΕΙΑΔ, το Υπουργείο Εσωτερικών απέσυρε τις κατηγορίες που είχε αναγγείλει βάσει του νόμου Εσωτερικής Ασφάλειας εναντίον 22 διαδηλωτών, απόφαση που επιδοκιμάστηκε από το ΚΚΠΑ.

Καθότι βρέθηκε λύση μέσω διαπραγματεύσεων και οι διαδηλώσεις σταμάτησαν, και έχοντας υπόψη τον αποτελεσματικό ρόλο του εθνικού ινστιτούτου για τα ανθρώπινα δικαιώματα στην έρευνα των εικαζόμενων παραβιάσεων των ανθρωπίνων δικαιωμάτων και στην διεξαγωγή των σχετικών παρεμβάσεων με τις αρχές, η ΥΕ/ΑΠ δεν σκοπεύει να επικοινωνήσει με τη χιλιανή κυβέρνηση σχετικά με το ζήτημα αυτό.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-003254/12

à la Commission (Vice-Présidente/Haute Représentante

Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL), Patrick Le Hyaric (GUE/NGL), Sabine Wils (GUE/NGL), Nikolaos Chountis (GUE/NGL), Sabine Lösing (GUE/NGL), Paul Murphy (GUE/NGL), Inês Cristina Zuber (GUE/NGL) et Gabriele Zimmer (GUE/NGL)

(27 mars 2012)

Objet: VP/HR — Brutalité et répression perpétrées contre les habitants d'Aysén, au Chili, par le gouvernement Piñera

Ce dernier mois, la région d'Aysén, dans le nord de la Patagonie chilienne, a connu une mobilisation sociale exemplaire. Des syndicats, des organisations de base et des groupes de défense de l'environnement, rassemblés au sein du Front social d'Aysén, ont lancé une pétition générale en dix points, demandant au gouvernement de trouver des solutions aux problèmes de l'isolation géographique, du coût élevé de la vie, des graves lacunes en matière de santé et d'éducation, de l'appauvrissement des ressources naturelles et de la forte inégalité socio-économique dans la région.

Ces demandes et actions du Front social d'Aysén bénéficient d'un soutien presque généralisé dans la région, comme le confirment les marches et manifestations de masse de ces dernières semaines.

Poursuivant la politique de répression et de criminalisation des protestations des habitants de la région de Magallanes et du mouvement des étudiants qui ont eu lieu l'année dernière, le gouvernement de Sebastián Piñera a déployé dans la région un grand contingent du corps spécial de police (l'aile répressive de la police militarisée Chili). Cela entraîné un regain de violence et donné lieu à des pratiques abusives de la police; de nombreux militants ont été blessés. Cette semaine, le gouvernement a invoqué la loi sur la sécurité de l'État, un acte législatif répressif hérité de la dictature de Pinochet, afin d'intimider les protestants et de démanteler le mouvement.

Hier, le 22 mars 2012, un nouveau contingent de police envoyé dans la région a entrepris des manœuvres impliquant un état de guerre, ciblant les villes de Puerto Aysén et de Coyhaique. On signale de nombreuses bagarres, le recours à tort et à travers aux armes à feu par la police et des civils blessés par des chevrotines et des balles de plomb.

Ces agissements du gouvernement et de la police sont contraires aux conventions internationales sur les Droits de l'homme signées par le Chili et menacent les Droits de l'homme des habitants d'Aysén.

Compte tenu de l'accord d'association UE-Chili, et en particulier de son article 2, qui oblige les deux parties à respecter les Droits de l'homme et les principes démocratiques fondamentaux dans leurs politiques internes et internationales,

— la Vice-Présidente/Haute Représentante a-t-elle pris contact avec le gouvernement chilien, ou entend-elle le faire, afin de condamner formellement ces actes au nom de l'UE, d'insister sur la nécessité de mettre d'urgence un terme à cette répression brutale et à cette intimidation des citoyens et de demander l'ouverture d'une enquête indépendante?

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

(8 juin 2012)

L'Union européenne a observé de près le processus de mobilisation sociale dans la région d'Aysén au sud du Chili, qui a été coordonné par le mouvement social pour la région d'Aysen (MSPRA) et a commencé début février 2012. Ainsi que les Honorables Membres le savent peut-être, suite aux discussions entre les autorités chiliennes et le MSPRA, les parties ont signé un accord le 23 mars 2012 qui comportait des engagements en matière de santé, d'éducation, d'emploi, de connectivité, d'infrastructure et des subventions pour l'achat de combustibles et de bois de chauffage en faveur des habitants d'Aysén et un calendrier a été décidé pour leur mise en œuvre.

La Vice-présidente/Haute Représentante (VP/HP) note que l'Institut national des Droits de l'homme (INDH) du Chili a publié des rapports sur la région d'Aysén, rédigés au terme de deux missions d'observation indépendantes effectuées, respectivement du 22 au 25 février et du 13 au 17 mars 2012, à la demande du MSPRA. Rappelant que l'obligation des États de maintenir l'ordre public ne les dispense pas de leur obligation de garantir le respect des Droits de l'homme, l'INDH a exprimé son inquiétude concernant le comportement des forces spéciales ainsi que de la police militarisée (Fuerzas Especiales de Carabineros) et a formulé des recommandations appropriées à l'adresse des autorités chiliennes compétentes. Suite à l'intervention de l'INDH, le ministère de l'intérieur a abandonné les charges contre 22 manifestants retenues en vertu de la loi sur la sécurité de l'État, une décision saluée par le MSPRA.

Étant donné qu'une solution négociée a été trouvée et que les manifestations ont cessé et considérant le rôle efficace joué par l'Institut national des Droits de l'homme dans les enquêtes sur des violations alléguées des Droits de l'homme et les actions appropriées menées auprès des autorités, la Vice-présidente/Haute Représentante ne prévoit pas de prendre contact avec le gouvernement chilien sur cette question.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-003254/12

à Comissão (Vice-Presidente / Alta Representante)

Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL), Patrick Le Hyaric (GUE/NGL), Sabine Wils (GUE/NGL), Nikolaos Chountis (GUE/NGL), Sabine Lösing (GUE/NGL), Paul Murphy (GUE/NGL), Inês Cristina Zuber (GUE/NGL) e Gabriele Zimmer (GUE/NGL)

(27 de Março de 2012)

Assunto: VP/HR — Brutalidade e repressão cometidas pelo Governo de Piñera contra os habitantes de Aysen, no Chile

A região de Aysen, situada no norte da Patagónia, no Chile, assistiu, no mês passado, a um processo exemplar de mobilização social. Sindicatos, organizações populares e grupos ambientalistas, reunidos na Frente Social de Aysen, apresentaram uma petição conjunta de dez pontos, exigindo ao Governo que encontrasse soluções para os problemas do isolamento geográfico, custo de vida elevado, carências substanciais na saúde e educação, delapidação dos recursos naturais e graves desigualdades socioeconómicas na região.

Estas exigências e as ações da Frente Social de Aysen contam com um apoio praticamente unânime na região, como mostram as marchas e manifestações de massa das últimas semanas.

Prosseguindo a política de repressão e criminalização levada a cabo contra os protestos dos habitantes da região de Magalhães e o movimento estudantil no ano passado, o Governo de Sebastián Piñera instalou na zona um vasto contingente do Corpo Especial de Polícia (a ala repressiva de elite da polícia militarizada do Chile). O resultado é uma nova vaga de violência e ações autoritárias por parte da polícia, com grande número de militantes feridos. Ainda esta semana, o Governo invocou a Lei de Segurança do Estado, um instrumento jurídico repressivo herdado da ditadura de Pinochet, para intimidar os manifestantes e desmantelar o movimento.

Ontem, 22 de março de 2012, um novo contingente policial enviado para a região iniciou manobras que incluem o estado de sítio e visa as cidades de Puerto Aysen e Coyhaique. Há numerosos relatos de espancamentos e uso indiscriminado de armas de fogo pela polícia, com civis feridos por disparos de pistolas de pressão de ar e caçadeiras.

Estas ações do Governo e da polícia violam as convenções internacionais dos direitos humanos assinadas pelo Chile e estão a pôr em perigo os direitos humanos da população de Aysen.

Tendo em conta o Acordo de Associação UE-Chile, em especial o seu artigo 2.°, que obriga ambas as partes ao respeito dos direitos humanos e de princípios democráticos básicos nos seus assuntos externos e internos,

— A Vice-Presidente/Alta Representante já contactou ou tenciona contactar o Governo chileno para manifestar a condenação formal destas ações por parte da UE e sublinhar a necessidade urgente de pôr fim a esta repressão e intimidação brutais dos cidadãos e ordenar a abertura de um inquérito independente?

Resposta dada pela Alta Representante/Vice-Presidente Catherine Ashton em nome da Comissão

(8 de Junho de 2012)

A União Europeia tem acompanhado de perto o processo da mobilização social na região de Aysén, no sul do Chile, que começou no início de fevereiro de 2012, e tem sido coordenado pelo Movimento Social pela Região de Aysén (MSPRA). Como os Senhores Deputados devem saber, na sequência das conversações entre as autoridades chilenas e o MSPRA, as partes assinaram um acordo em 23 de março de 2012 contendo compromissos em matéria de saúde, educação, emprego, conectividade, infraestruturas e subsídios para a compra de combustível e lenha para os habitantes de Aysén. Foi igualmente aprovado um calendário para a execução dos compromissos.

A Alta Representante/Vice-Presidente (AR/VP) recorda que o Instituto Nacional dos Direitos Humanos (INDH) do Chile publicou os relatórios das duas missões de observação independentes realizadas em Aysén a pedido do MSPRA, de 22 a 25 de fevereiro e de 13 a 17 de março de 2012, respetivamente. Recordando que a obrigação dos Estados de manter a ordem pública não dispensa a sua obrigação de garantir o respeito pelos direitos humanos, o INDH exprimiu preocupação com o comportamento das forças especiais da polícia militarizada (Fuerzas Especiales de Carabineros) e apresentou recomendações oportunas às autoridades chilenas competentes. Após a intervenção do INDH, o Ministério da Administração Interna retirou as acusações formuladas contra 22 manifestantes ao abrigo da Lei de Segurança do Estado, decisão que foi bem acolhida pelo MSPRA.

Atendendo a que foi encontrada uma solução negociada e que cessaram os protestos e tendo em conta o papel ativo do Instituto Nacional dos Direitos Humanos na investigação de alegadas violações dos direitos humanos e na sua intervenção junto das autoridades, a AR/VP não tenciona contactar o Governo chileno sobre esta questão.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003254/12

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL), Patrick Le Hyaric (GUE/NGL), Sabine Wils (GUE/NGL), Nikolaos Chountis (GUE/NGL), Sabine Lösing (GUE/NGL), Paul Murphy (GUE/NGL), Inês Cristina Zuber (GUE/NGL) and Gabriele Zimmer (GUE/NGL)

(27 March 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — Brutality and repression perpetrated against the inhabitants of Aysen by the Piñera government in Chile

The region of Aysen, located in northern Patagonia in Chile, has seen, over the last month, an exemplary process of social mobilisation. Trade unions, grassroots organisations and environmental groups, coming together in the Social Front of Aysen, have mounted an across-the-board ten-point petition, calling on the government to find solutions to the problems of geographical isolation, the high cost of living, serious shortcomings in health and education, depletion of natural resources and severe socioeconomic inequality in the region.

These demands and the actions of the Social Front of Aysen are meeting with virtually unanimous support in the region, as confirmed in the mass marches and demonstrations of recent weeks.

Continuing with the policy of repression and criminalisation used against the protests by the inhabitants of the Magallanes region and the student movement that took place last year, the government of Sebastián Piñera has installed in the area a large contingent of the special police corps (the elite repressive wing of Chile’s militarised police). The result is an upsurge in violence and abusive practices by the police, with large numbers of militants being injured. Earlier this week, the government invoked the Law on State Security, a repressive piece of legislation inherited from the Pinochet dictatorship, in order to intimidate the protesters and dismantle the movement.

Yesterday 22 March 2012, a new police contingent sent to the area undertook manoeuvres implying a state of war, targeted on the cities of Puerto Aysen and Coyhaique. There are numerous reports of beatings and indiscriminate use of firearms by the police, and of civilians being wounded by buckshot and pellets.

These actions by the government and the police are in breach of the international human rights conventions signed by Chile and are jeopardising the human rights of the people of Aysen.

Taking into account the EU‐Chile Association Agreement, and especially its second article, which obliges both parties to respect human rights and basic democratic principles in their foreign and internal affairs,

— Has the Vice-President/High Representative contacted the Chilean government, or does she intend to contact it, in order to make a formal condemnation of these actions on the EU’s part and to stress the need, as a matter of urgency, to put an end to this brutal repression and intimidation of citizens and call for an independent inquiry to be opened?

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

(8 June 2012)

The European Union has followed closely the process of social mobilisation in Chile’s southern Aysén region, that has been coordinated by the Social Movement for the Aysén Region (MSPRA) and began in early February 2012. As the Honourable Members may know, following talks between the Chilean authorities and the MSPRA, the parties signed an agreement on 23 March 2012 containing commitments relating to health, education, employment, connectivity, infrastructure and fuel and firewood subsidies for the inhabitants of Aysén; and a timetable has been agreed for their implementation.

The High Representative/Vice-President (HR/VP) notes that Chile’s National Institute for Human Rights (INDH) has published reports of two independent observation missions which it undertook in Aysén at the request of the MSPRA, from 22 to 25 February and 13 to 17 March 2012 respectively. The INDH, recalling that the obligation of states to maintain public order does not outweigh their obligation to respect and guarantee human rights, has expressed concern about the behaviour of the special forces of the militarised police (Fuerzas Especiales de Carabineros) and made relevant recommendations to the respective Chilean authorities. Following the intervention of the INDH, the Ministry of the Interior has dropped charges brought under the Law on State Security against 22 protestors, a decision which was welcomed by the MSPRA.

As a negotiated solution has been found and the protests have ceased, and having regard to the effective role of the National Institute for Human Rights in investigating alleged human rights abuses and making relevant interventions with the authorities, the HR/VP has no plans to contact the Chilean government about this matter.

(Tekstas lietuvių kalba)

Klausimas, į kurį atsakoma raštu, Nr. E-003264/12

Komisijai

Vilija Blinkevičiūtė (S&D)

(2012 m. kovo 27 d.)

Tema: Pasiūlymas dėl Europos Parlamento ir Tarybos reglamento, kuriuo sukuriama Sąjungos programa „Erasmus visiems“

Praėjusių metų pabaigoje Europos Komisija pateikė pasiūlymą dėl Europos Parlamento ir Tarybos reglamento, kuriuo sukuriama Sąjungos švietimo, mokymo, jaunimo ir sporto programa „Erasmus visiems“.

Ar Komisija mano, kad programoje, kuria siūloma jungti švietimo, mokymo, jaunimo ir sporto sritis, bus skiriama pakankamai dėmesio jaunimo problemoms ir jaunimo bei jaunimo organizacijų veiklai ir ar bus užtikrintas šių problemų sprendimas ir šios veiklos finansavimas?

Ar Komisija taip pat mano, jog bus užtikrinta socialinė jaunų žmonių, turinčių mažiau galimybių, įtrauktis, neformalaus mokymosi galimybės jaunimui, jaunų žmonių aktyvaus pilietiškumo ugdymas, kas buvo akcentuojama įgyvendinant ES programą „Veiklus jaunimas“ (2007‐2013)?

Jei taip, tai kokiomis formomis ir kokiu būdu?

A. Vassiliou atsakymas Komisijos vardu

(2012 m. birželio 1 d.)

Atsižvelgdama į 2014‐2020 m. daugiametės finansinės programos gaires, kuriose pabrėžta, kad būtina racionalizuoti ir supaprastinti Sąjungos finansinę paramą (5), Komisija pasiūlė priimti vieną programą, kuri jungia šiuo metu pagal Mokymosi visą gyvenimą programą, programą „Veiklus jaunimas“ ir tarptautinio bendradarbiavimo aukštojo mokslo srityje programas remiamą veiklą.

Komisija įsitikinusi, kad programoje „Erasmus visiems“, kaip ir dabartinėje programoje „Veiklus jaunimas“, bus skirta pakankamai dėmesio jaunimo problemoms ir tinkamai sprendžiami su šios srities specialistų ir jaunimo organizacijų veikla susiję uždaviniai. Programos pasiūlymas tiesiogiai susietas su 2009 m. pabaigoje priimta 2010‐2018 m. Europos bendradarbiavimo jaunimo reikalų srityje sistema. Be to, Komisijos pasiūlyme su jaunimu susijusiai veiklai numatytas metinis biudžeto asignavimas yra didesnis už dabartinės programos „Veiklus jaunimas“ metinį biudžetą.

Reglamento pasiūlymo 17 straipsnio 2 dalyje ir 5 straipsnyje aiškiai nurodyta, kad mažiau galimybių turintys jaunuoliai turi būti skatinami dalyvauti programoje, ir nurodyti kiti tikslai – remti neformalųjį mokymąsi ir aktyvų jaunimo dalyvavimą visuomenės gyvenime.

Programos tikslams įgyvendinti bus imamasi įvairių veiksmų. Pagrindiniais veiksmais bus siekiama toliau tęsti veiksmingiausią pagal programą „Veiklus jaunimas“ remtą veiklą (ypač jaunimo mainus, Europos savanorių tarnybą, specialistų mokymą ir jaunimo organizacijų tinklų kūrimą).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003264/12

to the Commission

Vilija Blinkevičiūtė (S&D)

(27 March 2012)

Subject: Proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the Erasmus for All programme

At the end of last year, the European Commission presented a proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the Union programme for education, training, youth and sport entitled Erasmus for All.

Does the Commission believe that the programme, which proposes linking education, training, youth and sport, will pay sufficient attention to young people’s issues and youth organisation activity, and that it will guarantee that these issues will be addressed and this activity funded?

Does the Commission also believe that the programme will guarantee the inclusion of young people with fewer opportunities, non-formal learning opportunities for young people and the teaching of active citizenship to young people, as stressed in the implementation of the EU Youth in Action programme (2007‐2013)?

If so, in what forms and by what means?

(Version française)

Conformément aux orientations retenues pour le cadre financier pluriannuel 2014-2020 qui mettent l'accent sur la rationalisation et simplification des interventions financières de l'Union (6), la Commission a proposé un programme unique, intégrant les activités aujourd'hui soutenues par les programmes Éducation et formation tout au long de la vie et Jeunesse en Action et des programmes de coopération internationale dans le domaine de l'enseignement supérieur.

La Commission est convaincue qu'Erasmus pour tous permettra, comme l'actuel programme Jeunesse en Action, de répondre de manière appropriée aux questions de jeunesse et à l'activité des professionnels et des organisations qui œuvrent dans le domaine de la jeunesse. La proposition de programme établit un lien direct avec le Cadre pour la coopération européenne dans le domaine de la jeunesse (2010-2018) adopté fin 2009. D'autre part, la proposition de la Commission envisage une allocation budgétaire annuelle pour les activités de jeunesse supérieure aux budgets annuels de l'actuel programme Jeunesse en Action.

Les articles 17.2 et 5 de la proposition de règlement se réfèrent explicitement à l'accès au programme des jeunes ayant moins d'opportunités et aux objectifs de soutenir l'apprentissage non formel et la participation active des jeunes à la société.

Les objectifs du programme seront servis par diverses actions dont les principales reconduiront les activités les plus efficaces de Jeunesse en Action (notamment les échanges de jeunes, le Service volontaire européen et les actions de formation et de mise en réseau des animateurs et des organisations de jeunesse).

(Magyar változat)

Írásbeli választ igénylő kérdés E-003265/12

a Bizottság számára

Gáll-Pelcz Ildikó (PPE)

(2012. március 27.)

Tárgy: Az Unió nyelvhasználatra vonatkozó szabályainak megsértése, különös tekintettel a fordításokra

Az európai harmonizált szabványok kialakítása angol, német és francia nyelven történik. A jelenleg hatályban lévő, az európai szabványosítás finanszírozásáról szóló 1673/2006/EK európai parlamenti és tanácsi határozat (5) preambulumbekezdése rögzíti: biztosítani kell, hogy a kis— és középvállalkozások alkalmazni tudják az európai szabványokat. Azért, hogy a kkv-k teljes mértékben ki tudják használni a harmonizált európai szabványok adta előnyöket és könnyen alkalmazni tudják azokat, fokozottan segíteni kell az európai harmonizált szabványok nemzeti nyelven történő hozzáférését. Azonban számos esetben a nemzeti nyelvekre történő fordítás rendkívül lassú, s mindezeken felül az uniós finanszírozási keretből a fordításokra elkülönített pénzekhez való hozzáférés korlátozott.

Hasonló probléma jelenik meg a REACH rendelet alkalmazása kapcsán. A regisztrációk túlnyomó többsége — az előzetes várakozásoknak megfelelően — 2013-ban illetve 2018-ban lesz esedékes. A REACH és az azt kiegészítő CLP értelmezését több ezer oldalas — állandóan változó — útmutatók segítik. Ezek csak nagy késéssel érhetők el számos hivatalos nyelven. Az ECHA honlapján a kérdések és az azokra adott válaszok szintén segítik az értelmezést, de ezek is csak angol nyelven érhetőek el. A kis— és középvállalkozások többségénél nincs arra lehetőség, hogy ezekre a feladatokra önálló stábokat állítsanak fel, akik folyamatosan nyomon követik az angol nyelvű háttéranyagokat.

A „hivatalos nyelvek” közötti megkülönböztetés ellentétes az Unió alapértékeivel, ugyanakkor sajnálatos tény, hogy a „nagy nyelvek” számára előnyös nyelvi hierarchia alakult ki a jogszabályokban, közleményekben és végül az uniós szabadalom során használt nyelvpolitikában.

A „Szerződések őreként” tervezi-e a Bizottság olyan egységes intézkedések meghozatalát, melyek értelmében az EU valamennyi hivatalos nyelvére vonatkozó egyenértékűség elvét ténylegesen alkalmazzák, biztosítva ezáltal az összes uniós nyelv számára az egyenlő és megkülönböztetés-mentes „hivatalos nyelv” státuszát? A ráruházott hatáskörök alapján a fordításokat illetően milyen további intézkedéseket szándékozik hozni a Bizottság e tekintetben?

José Manuel Barroso válasza a Bizottság nevében

(2012. május 30.)

A Bizottság – a költségvetési hatóság biztosította források erejéig – továbbra is elkötelezett a jelenlegi többnyelvűség és a hivatalos nyelvek egyenlősége mellett (7), és minden tőle telhetőt megtesz az egyenlőség tiszteletben tartására és alkalmazására.

Az európai harmonizált szabványokkal kapcsolatban a Bizottság tisztában van azzal, mekkora nehézséget jelent az angol, a francia és a német nyelvet nem beszélő felhasználóknak az európai harmonizált szabványok elérhetősége, illetve lefordítása, különösen a kkv-k esetében.

Az európai harmonizált szabványok közzététele, valamint az angol, a francia és a német nyelvtől eltérő nyelvekre történő lefordítása az egyes tagállamok nemzeti szabványügyi testületeinek hatáskörébe tartozik. Az európai harmonizált szabványok nemzeti nyelvekre történő lefordítását tehát legjobban a tagállamok tudják támogatni, például úgy, hogy elegendő forrást bocsátanak a nemzeti szabványügyi testületek rendelkezésére.

A REACH alkalmazásával kapcsolatban az ECHA törekszik a kkv-knak és a nyilvánosságnak szánt dokumentumok (például útmutatók, kézikönyvek, sajtóközlemények) 22 hivatalos európai uniós nyelven történő biztosítására. Ennek keretében eddig több mint 7000 oldalt fordíttatott le. A szövegek fordítását az Európai Unió Szerveinek Fordítóközpontja végzi (8). A Bizottság továbbra is minél több útmutató dokumentum és eszköz lefordíttatására biztatja az ECHA-t, különösen azon dokumentumokat szem előtt tartva, amelyek a kkv-k számára fontosak. Az ECHA igyekszik ennek eleget tenni.

Az ECHA 2011 decemberében indította el új honlapját, amelyen szintén egyre több oldal olvasható az említett nyelveken.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003265/12

to the Commission

Ildikó Gáll-Pelcz (PPE)

(27 March 2012)

Subject: The infringement of Union rules on language use, with particular reference to translations

The development of European harmonised standards is carried out in English, German and French. Recital 5 of Decision No 1673/2006/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the financing of European standardisation, currently in force, states: ‘it is necessary to ensure that small and medium-sized enterprises (…) are able to apply European standards’. In order to allow small and medium-sized enterprises to take advantage of the harmonised European standards and apply them with ease, access to the European harmonised standards in national languages should be facilitated. However, in many cases their translation into the national languages is extremely slow, and access to the funds designated for translations from the EU financial framework is restricted.

A similar problem is faced with respect to the application of the REACH Regulation. According to preliminary expectations, the vast majority of registrations will be due in 2013 and in 2018. The interpretation of REACH and its supplement, the CLP, is assisted by several thousand ever-changing pages of guides. These are available only with a significant delay in several official languages. Their interpretation is also helped by the questions and answers published on the ECHA website; however, these are also available only in English. The majority of small and medium-sized enterprises do not have the means to assign independent staff to continuously follow the English-language background materials.

Any discrimination among ‘official languages’ violates the basic values of the Union, and it is regrettable that a linguistic hierarchy has developed in favour of the ‘big languages’ in the field of legislation and communications and in the linguistic policy pursued in relation to European Union patents.

As the ‘guardian of the Treaties’, is the Commission planning to introduce uniform measures to ensure that the principle of equality among all official languages of the EU will genuinely be applied, thus guaranteeing the equal status, without discrimination, of each Union language as an ‘official language’? Based on the powers bestowed upon the Commission with regard to translations, what further measures does it intend to take in this regard?

Answer given by Mr Barroso on behalf of the Commission

(30 May 2012)

The Commission remains committed to the current multi-language regime and the equality of all official languages (9) within the resources allocated by the budgetary authority and makes every effort to respect and apply it.

With regards to the European harmonised standards, the Commission is aware of the difficulties that the users may face in terms of the availability of European harmonised standards in languages other than English, French and German, as well as a particular need for translations amongst SMEs.

The publication and translation of the European harmonised standards in languages other than English, French and German is in the competence of the national standardisation bodies of the Member States. The Member States can thus best support the translations of European harmonised standards in their national languages, e.g. by providing sufficient resources to their national standardisation bodies.

Concerning the application of REACH, ECHA follows the practice of providing in 22 official EU languages those documents aimed at SMEs and the general public (i.a. guidances, manuals, press releases) and more than 7 000 pages have been translated. The translations are provided by the Translation Centre of the bodies of the European Union (10). The Commission is encouraging ECHA to translate more of the guidance documents and tools, in particular those important for SMEs and they continue working on this.

ECHA’s new website, launched in December 2011, also provides an increasing volume of web-pages in these languages.

(Nederlandse versie)

Vraag met verzoek om schriftelijk antwoord E-003267/12

aan de Commissie (Vicevoorzitter — Hoge Vertegenwoordiger)

Barry Madlener (NI)

(27 maart 2012)

Betreft: VP/HR — EU gaat piraten aan land bestrijden

De Europese Unie gaat ook piraten op de kust van Somalië bestrijden. De Europese antipiraterijmissie Atalanta bij de Hoorn van Afrika wordt uitgebreid. Dat zijn de ministers van Defensie van de Europese Unie donderdag overeengekomen.

Het is de bedoeling dat met gerichte operaties acties of plannen van de piraten worden verstoord. Vanuit de lucht of vanaf zee zou bijvoorbeeld een brandstof‐ of munitiedepot kunnen worden beschoten. Verder worden korte operaties van mariniers op een smalle kuststrook mogelijk (11).

Antwoord van hoge vertegenwoordiger/vicevoorzitter Ashton namens de Commissie

(17 juli 2012)

In het besluit van de Raad wordt het operatiegebied als volgt uitgebreid:

„Het operatiegebied van de hiertoe ingezette troepenmacht bestaat uit de kustgebieden en de binnenwateren van Somalië, en uit de maritieme gebieden voor de kust van Somalië en van de buurlanden binnen de regio van de Indische Oceaan, […]” (12).

De deelnemende Nederlandse strijdkrachten maken een volwaardig deel uit van de operatie EUNAVFOR Atalanta, die in overeenstemming met het (geheime) operatieplan wordt uitgevoerd. Momenteel nemen er geen Nederlandse oorlogsschepen deel aan de operatie.

De uitrusting van de Nederlandse strijdkrachten is een nationale verantwoordelijkheid, conform de opgave van behoeften van de operationeel commandant.

De EU heeft met de Republiek Somalië een overeenkomst inzake de status van de troepen (13) gesloten, waarin vrij verkeer en immuniteit tegen aanhouding of vrijheidsbeneming voor de EUNAVFOR-troepen in Somalië worden gegarandeerd. De beveiliging van schepen blijft de verantwoordelijkheid van de vlagstaat, de reders en de kapiteins. De gehele internationale gemeenschap draagt echter bij aan de bestrijding van piraterij; in het bijzonder de EU-lidstaten die deelnemen aan Atalanta werken hiervoor samen en beveiligen alle schepen die onder buitenlandse vlag varen in het kader van zowel de algemene beginselen van het Verdrag van de Verenigde Naties inzake het recht van de zee (UNCLOS) als relevante resoluties van de VN-veiligheidsraad. Tot op heden hebben echter niet alle schepen de nodige maatregelen genomen om zich doeltreffend tegen piraterij te beschermen. EUNAVFOR werkt nauw samen met vertegenwoordigers van de scheepvaartwereld en de IOM voor het bevorderen van beste beheerspraktijken.

Overeenkomstig artikel 105 van het UNCLOS en de relevante resoluties van de VN-veiligheidsraad, kunnen alle belanghebbende staten — zoals vlag-, haven‐ en kuststaten, staten waarvan slachtoffers en daders van piraterij en gewapende zeeroverij de nationaliteit bezitten, of andere staten met rechtsmacht — voorts nog steeds aanspraak maken op jurisdictie. Artikel 105 geldt onverminderd de toekomstige oprichting van Somalische rechtbanken die jurisdictie uitoefenen conform de toepasselijke internationale wetgeving inzake mensenrechten.

De EU heeft overdrachtsovereenkomsten gesloten met de Seychellen en Mauritius en legt de laatste hand aan een overdrachtsovereenkomst met Tanzania. De overdrachtsovereenkomst met Kenia kan worden gebruikt op basis van een ad-hocbesluit van de Keniaanse regering.

Overeenkomstig artikel 41 van het Verdrag betreffende de Europese Unie komen uitgaven die voortvloeien uit operaties die gevolgen hebben op militair of defensiegebied ten laste van de lidstaten (met uitzondering van Denemarken) volgens de bruto nationaal product-verdeelsleutel. De „gemeenschappelijke kosten” voor de operatie Atalanta bedroegen respectievelijk:

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003267/12

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Barry Madlener (NI)

(27 March 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — The EU is going to combat pirates on land

The European Union will also combat pirates on the Somali coast. The European anti-pirate mission, Operation Atalanta at the Horn of Africa, will be expanded. The European Union Defence Ministers agreed upon these actions on Thursday.

The intention is to disrupt pirate actions or plans with targeted operations. For example, a fuel or ammunition depot could be bombarded from the air or by sea. In addition, rapid marine operations on a narrow coastline are possible (14).

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

(17 July 2012)

The Council decision extends the area of operation as follows:

‘The area of operations of the forces deployed to that end shall consist of the Somali coastal territory and internal waters, and the maritime areas off the coasts of Somalia and neighbouring countries within the region of the Indian Ocean, …’ (15).

The participating Dutch forces are an integral part of Operation EUNAVFOR Atalanta which is conducted in accordance with the (classified) Operations Plan. There are currently no Dutch warships active in the operation.

The equipment of Dutch forces is a national responsibility in accordance with the statement of requirements of the Operation Commander.

The EU has concluded a Status of Forces agreement with the Somali Republic (16) which foresees freedom of movement and immunity from arrest or detention for EUNAVFOR forces in Somalia.

The protection of ships remains a responsibility of the Flag State, shipowners and shipmasters. However, the international community as a whole contributes to the fight against piracy, and in particular EU Member States participating to Atalanta cooperate to the fight against piracy protecting all foreign flagged ships in the framework of both Unclos general principles and pertinent UNSCRs. To date however, not all ships take the required measures to effectively protect them of piracy. EUNAVFOR is working closely with representatives of the shipping community and IOM to promote Best Management Practices.

Furthermore, in accordance with Article 105 of the Unclos and the relevant UNSCRs it is still possible for all interested States — such as flag, port, and coastal States, States of the nationality of victims, and perpetrators of piracy and armed robbery, or other States with relevant jurisdiction — to claim jurisdiction. The previsions of Article 105 are to be considered without prejudice to the future establishment of Somali Courts exercising jurisdiction consistent with applicable international human rights law.

The EU signed transfer agreements with the Seychelles and Mauritius; a further transfer agreement is being finalised with Tanzania. The transfer agreement with Kenya can be used on the basis of ad-hoc decision making by the Kenyan government.

Pursuant to Article 41 of the Treaty on EU, expenditure arising from operations with military or defence implications are charged to the Member States (with the exception of Denmark) in accordance with the gross national product scale. The ‘Common costs’ of Operation Atalanta were respectively:

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-003290/12

à la Commission

Frédérique Ries (ALDE)

(27 mars 2012)

Objet: Autorisation de mise sur le marché de l'Union européenne de la stévia comme additif alimentaire

En novembre 2011, la Commission européenne publiait au Journal officiel de l'Union européenne le règlement (UE) no 1131/2011 autorisant l'usage des glycosides de stéviol comme édulcorants, issus d'une plante sud-américaine: la stévia.

Elle reconnaissait implicitement à travers cette autorisation de mise sur le marché, effective en début d'année 2012, l'innocuité de ces édulcorants naturels, dont le pouvoir sucrant est considéré jusqu'à 300 fois plus élevé que celui du sucre ordinaire, rejoignant ainsi l'avis positif remis en avril 2010 par l'Autorité européenne de sécurité des aliments.

Cette reconnaissance, même tardive, laisse augurer une diversification de l'offre, notamment dans les boissons «light», mais aussi dans une large gamme de produits, dont des yaourts, des céréales, des sodas, des confiseries, des chocolats et des édulcorants de table. Elle pourrait également satisfaire la demande croissante des consommateurs européens, nombreux à se tourner vers les produits dits de «santé naturelle».

La Commission peut-elle dresser un premier état des lieux de la commercialisation de la stévia sur le marché de l'Union depuis l'entrée en application du règlement (UE) no 1131/2011?

Peut-elle confirmer que le règlement (UE) no 1131/2011 n'est pas restrictif et qu'il ne limite pas l'application de la stévia aux édulcorants de table (sous forme de sucrettes) et aux boissons aromatisées édulcorées au détriment d'autres applications, par exemple dans le domaine de la boulangerie-pâtisserie?

La Commission estime-t-elle également que, si l'on est en droit de se féliciter de la mise sur le marché d'un édulcorant naturel commercialisé en toute sécurité depuis près de 50 ans au Japon et en Amérique du Sud, il est important de rester vigilant face au risque d'appropriation de cette substance, et des possibles brevets sur les stéviosides, par les «géants» du secteur de l'agroalimentaire?

Réponse donnée par M. Dalli au nom de la Commission

(2 mai 2012)

Dans son avis relatif aux glycosides de stéviol, l'Autorité européenne de sécurité des aliments (EFSA) a conclu que leur utilisation en tant qu'édulcorant ne présentait globalement pas de danger. Compte tenu des utilisations proposées, tant pour les adultes que pour les enfants, l'EFSA a toutefois également estimé que les grands consommateurs de cet édulcorant risquaient d'en dépasser la dose journalière acceptable (de 4 mg/kg de poids corporel, exprimée en équivalents stéviols). La Commission a par conséquent prié les demandeurs d'autorisation de revoir les utilisations envisagées, afin de parvenir à un niveau d'utilisation sans danger.

Sur la base des niveaux d'utilisation révisés proposés par les demandeurs d'autorisation et d'un nouvel avis rendu par l'EFSA, la Commission a adopté le règlement (UE) n° 1131/2011 (17) du 9 novembre 2011, qui autorise l'utilisation des glycosides de stéviol en tant qu'édulcorant. L'utilisation des glycosides de stéviol est désormais permise à des doses à la fois sans danger et fonctionnelles, en tant qu'édulcorant, dans 31 catégories d'aliments.

À ce jour, la Commission ne dispose pas d'informations quant à la façon dont les glycosides de stéviol sont commercialisés dans l'UE depuis l'adoption du règlement.

Leur autorisation dans les produits de boulangerie fine n'a pas été envisagée, car aucune demande ne portait sur leur utilisation dans cette catégorie d'aliments.

Comme tous les autres additifs alimentaires, les glycosides de stéviol respectant les spécifications fixées par le règlement (UE) n° 231/2012 (18) peuvent être commercialisés librement et utilisés par tous les producteurs de denrées alimentaires, dans le respect de la législation de l'UE.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003290/12

to the Commission

Frédérique Ries (ALDE)

(27 March 2012)

Subject: Authorisation for stevia to be made available as a food additive on the EU market

In November 2011, the Commission published in the Official Journal of the European Union Commission Regulation (EU) No 1131/2011 authorising the use of steviol glycosides, derived from the South American stevia plant, as sweeteners.

By authorising their placement on the market, with effect from the beginning of 2012, the Commission implicitly recognised that these natural sweeteners, considered to be up to 300 times as sweet as ordinary sugar, were harmless, a view that was in line with the positive opinion issued by the European Food Safety Authority in April 2010.

Although late in coming, this recognition holds out the prospect of product diversification, in particular of ‘light’ drinks, but also of a wide range of other products, including yoghurts, cereals, fizzy drinks, confectionery, chocolate and table top sweeteners. It could also meet increasing demand from European consumers, many of whom are switching to ‘naturally healthy’ products.

Could the Commission provide an initial assessment regarding the way in which stevia has been marketed on the EU market over the period since Commission Regulation (EU) No 1131/2011 came into effect?

Can it confirm that Commission Regulation (EU) No 1131/2011 is not restrictive and that it does not limit the use of stevia to table top sweeteners (in the form of artificial sweetener tablets) and sweetened flavoured drinks at the expense of other possible uses, for example in cakes and other bakery items?

Although allowing a natural sweetener that has been safely marketed in Japan and South America for nearly 50 years to be sold on the EU market is a welcome step, does the Commission also recognise the importance of preventing this substance and any patents awarded for steviosides from being monopolised by the ‘giants’ of the food industry?

Answer given by Mr Dalli on behalf of the Commission

(2 May 2012)

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) concluded in its opinion on steviol glycosides that in general the use of steviol glycosides as sweetener is safe. However, EFSA also concluded that with the proposed uses, both in adults and children, it is likely that the Acceptable Daily Intake (4 mg/kg body weight expressed as steviol glycosides) could be exceeded for high level consumers. The Commission therefore requested the applicants to reconsider these uses in order to arrive at a safe level of use.

Taking into account the revised uses proposed by the applicant and additional advice of EFSA, the Commission adopted Regulation (EU) No 1131/2011 (19) on 9 November 2011 authorising the use of steviol glycosides as a sweetener. The use of steviol glycosides is now authorised at levels that are safe and at the same time functional as sweetener in 31 different food categories.

The Commission does not presently dispose of information regarding the way in which steviol glycosides have been marketed in the EU since the adoption of the regulation.

The authorisation of steviol glycosides in fine bakery ware was not considered as none of the applicants requested an authorisation for use of the sweetener in that food category.

As for all other food additives steviol glycosides that comply with the specifications laid down in Regulation (EU) No 231/2012 (20), can be freely marketed and used in accordance with the EU legislation by all food producers.

(Nederlandse versie)

Vraag met verzoek om schriftelijk antwoord E-003322/12

aan de Commissie

Ivo Belet (PPE)

(28 maart 2012)

Betreft: Ryanair

De luchtvaartorganisatie Ryanair is in België actief op de luchthaven van Charleroi en stelt Belgische piloten tewerk. Hoewel België de uitvalsbasis is voor de piloten, zijn ze officieel ingeschreven in Ierland, waar zich de hoofdzetel van het bedrijf bevindt. Hierbij ontstaat een situatie waarbij Belgische piloten die door Ryanair tewerkgesteld worden in België onder het Ierse belastingsregime vallen en dus minder duur zijn dan Belgische piloten die door andere luchtvaartmaatschappijen in België worden tewerkgesteld. Zo kost een piloot met hetzelfde brutoloon aan Ryanair veel minder dan aan bijvoorbeeld Brussels Airlines en toch krijgt een piloot die in België ingeschreven is minder loon uitbetaald dan zijn collega die in Ierland ingeschreven is.

Deze situatie wijkt af van de algemene regel dat je beroepsinkomen belast wordt in het land waar je werkt. Hierdoor ontstaat een situatie die de arbeidsmarkt voor piloten in België geheel ontwricht. Ook in andere lidstaten — onder meer in Frankrijk, Spanje en Italië — werden hieromtrent reeds klachten geformuleerd (o.a. middels parlementaire vraag P-8653/2010).

1. Kan de Commissie een overzicht geven van de klachten die zij over deze problematiek reeds heeft ontvangen vanuit de lidstaten?

2. Zijn deze praktijken verenigbaar met de doelstellingen in het EU Verdrag?

3. Oordeelt de Commissie dat de praktijken van Ryanair in overeenstemming zijn met de Europese regelgeving, en meer bepaald met Verordening (EG) nr. 593/2008 over het recht dat van toepassing is op contractuele verplichtingen en de uitspraak van het Europees Hof van Justitie in de zaak Koelzsch (C-29/10) hierover en Verordening (EG) nr. 1899/2006 inzake de harmonisatie van technische voorschriften en administratieve procedures op het gebied van de burgerluchtvaart?

Antwoord van de heer Andor namens de Commissie

(28 juni 2012)

In 2010 heeft de Commissie voorgesteld Verordening (EG) nr. 883/2004 (23) betreffende de coördinatie van de socialezekerheidsstelsels te wijzigen om de wetgeving met betrekking tot de „thuisbasis” aan te passen aan Verordening (EG) nr. 1899/2006. Het voorstel is onlangs door de Raad en het Europees Parlement goedgekeurd en zal medio 2012 in werking treden. Alle bemanningsleden die voor Ryanair werken en hun thuisbasis in Charleroi hebben, zullen dan ook onder de Belgische socialezekerheidswetgeving vallen.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003322/12

to the Commission

Ivo Belet (PPE)

(28 March 2012)

Subject: Ryanair

The airline company Ryanair is active in Belgium at Charleroi Airport and employs Belgian pilots. Although Belgium is the operating base for the pilots, they are officially registered in Ireland, where the company headquarters are located. This fact creates a situation in which Belgian pilots employed by Ryanair in Belgium fall under the Irish tax regime and, therefore, are less expensive than Belgian pilots who are employed by other airline companies in Belgium. So a pilot with the same gross salary costs much less to Ryanair than to, for example, Brussels Airlines, and yet a pilot who is registered in Belgium receives a lower salary than a colleague who is registered in Ireland.

This situation deviates from the general rule that your income is taxed in the country where you work. Consequently, a situation arises that completely disrupts the labour market for pilots in Belgium. Complaints of the same nature have also already been drawn up in other Member States — including in France, Spain and Italy (among others, through parliamentary Question P‐8653/2010).

1. Can the Commission provide an overview of the complaints that have already been received from Member States on this issue?

2. Are these practices compatible with the objectives in the EU Treaty?

3. Does the Commission find that Ryanair’s practices are in agreement with the European rules, and, more specifically, with Regulation (EC) No 593/2008 on the law applicable to contractual obligations and the decision by the European Court of Justice in the Koelzsch case (C‐29/10) about this issue, and Regulation (EC) No 1899/2006 on the harmonisation of technical requirements and administrative procedures in the field of civil aviation?

Answer given by Mr Andor on behalf of the Commission

(28 June 2012)

In 2010 the Commission proposed to amend Regulation (EC) No 883/2004 (26) on the coordination of social security systems in order to align the legislation applicable to the ‘home base’ on Regulation (EC) No 1899/2006. The proposal was adopted by the Council and EP recently and will be applicable by summer 2012. All aircrew members who work for Ryanair and have their home base in Charleroi will therefore be subject to Belgian social security legislation.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-003323/12

à Comissão

Nuno Teixeira (PPE)

(28 de Março de 2012)

Assunto: Valor alocado às 11 Regiões Ultraperiféricas e de baixa densidade populacional no âmbito da dotação específica da Política de Coesão 2014/2020

— A proposta da Comissão Europeia de Regulamento do Parlamento Europeu e do Conselho relativa ao estabelecimento do Fundo Europeu de Desenvolvimento Regional (FEDER) e ao objetivo de Investimento no Crescimento e no Emprego (COM(2011)614 final) para a Política de Coesão entre 2014 e 2020, refere que existem grandes disparidades entre os países da União Europeia em termos de desenvolvimento, produtividade e emprego, sendo evidente a necessidade de tomar as necessárias medidas programáticas;

— No período compreendido entre 2014 e 2020, as Regiões Ultraperiféricas e as Regiões menos povoadas possuem uma dotação adicional específica de 926 milhões de euros, equivalente a uma diminuição de 47 % das verbas atribuídas no anterior período de programação a preços de 2011;

— Segundo a resposta (E-009784/2011) do Comissário Europeu da Política Regional, Johannes Hahn, as regiões NUTS-2 elegíveis para a referida dotação específica são: Canárias (Espanha), Guadalupe, Martinica, Guiana Francesa, Ilha da Reunião (França), Região Autónoma dos Açores e Região Autónoma da Madeira (Portugal), Itä-Suomi, Pohjois-Suomi (Finlândia), Mellersta Norrland e Övre Norrland (Suécia);

— Na mesma resposta, foi referido que a distribuição da dotação específica se fará proporcionalmente em função da população, sendo o montante per capita 20 euros/habitante/ano;

— Em março de 2012, o Eurostat apresentou o índice do PIB per capita referente ao ano de 2009, sendo possível aferir que as 7 Regiões Ultraperiféricas ficaram 0,8 % mais ricas que a média europeia registada entre 2007 e 2009, enquanto as 4 Regiões de baixa densidade populacional empobreceram mais de 4 % no mesmo período de tempo;

Pergunta-se à Comissão:

Resposta dada por Mr Hahn em nome da Comissão

(8 de Maio de 2012)

1. Em conformidade com o anexo II, ponto 20, do Regulamento (CE) n.o 1083/2006, as regiões ultraperiféricas e as regiões setentrionais escassamente povoadas receberam financiamentos suplementares cujos montantes são os seguintes (em euros, a preços de 2004)

2. As baixas taxas de execução devem‐se sobretudo ao arranque moroso dos programas do período de 2007 a 2013. No entanto, nas regiões escassamente povoadas de Mellersta Norrland e Övre Norrland, na Suécia, as taxas de execução são muito elevadas (de 100 % para projetos no terreno, até janeiro de 2012).

3. A totalidade da população das 11 regiões será elegível para efeitos do financiamento suplementar proposto. A Comissão propôs a repartição proporcional das verbas suplementares, em função da população total destas regiões.

4. No contexto das negociações relativas ao quadro financeiro plurianual para 2014/2020, a Comissão não irá perder de vista esta questão e procurará chegar a resultados equitativos para todas as regiões, incluindo as regiões ultraperiféricas e as regiões setentrionais escassamente povoadas.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003323/12

to the Commission

Nuno Teixeira (PPE)

(28 March 2012)

Subject: Sum allocated to the outermost and sparsely populated regions from the specific funding package for cohesion policy 2014-2020

— The European Commission proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on specific provisions concerning the European Regional Development Fund and the Investment for growth and jobs goal (COM(2011) 0614 final) for cohesion policy between 2014 and 2020 mentions that there are major disparities between the countries of the European Union in terms of development, productivity and employment, and there is a clear need to take the necessary programme measures.

— In the period between 2014 and 2020, the outermost and sparsely populated regions have a specific additional allocation of EUR 926 million, which equates, at 2011 prices, to a 47 % decrease from the funding allocated in the previous programming period.

— According to answer E-009784/2011 from the European Commissioner for Regional Policy, Johannes Hahn, the NUTS-2 regions eligible for the aforementioned specific allocation are: the Canary Islands (Spain); Guadeloupe, Martinique and French Guiana (France); the Autonomous Region of the Azores and the Autonomous Region of Madeira (Portugal); Itä-Suomi and Pohjois-Suomi (Finland); and Mellersta Norrland and Övre Norrland (Sweden).

— In the same answer, mention was made that these specific funds will be allocated proportionally, according to population, to the value of EUR 20 per inhabitant per year.

— In March 2012, Eurostat published the index of gross domestic product per capita for 2009. This showed that the seven outermost regions were 0.8 % richer than the European average recorded between 2007 and 2009, while the four sparsely populated regions became more than 4 % poorer over the same period.

Can the Commission answer the following:

Answer given by Mr Hahn on behalf of the Commission

(8 May 2012)

1. In accordance with Annex II, § 20 of Council Regulation (EC) 1083/2006, the outermost regions and the sparsely populated northern regions received the following amounts (EUR, in 2004 prices) as additional funding:

2. Low implementation rates have mainly been due to a slow start of the programmes of the 2007-2013 period. However, in the sparsely populated regions of Mellersta Norrland and Övre Norrland in Sweden implementation rates are very high (100 % allocated to projects on the ground by January 2012).

3.The entire population of the 11 regions will be eligible for the proposed additional allocation. The Commission has proposed to distribute the additional funding pro-rata according to the total population of these regions.

4. In the context of the negotiations on the multi-annual financial framework 2014-20 the Commission will keep this aspect under consideration and will try to find equitable outcomes for all regions, including the outermost regions and the sparsely populated northern regions.

(Nederlandse versie)

Vraag met verzoek om schriftelijk antwoord E-003602/12

aan de Commissie

Auke Zijlstra (NI)

(4 april 2012)

Betreft: Eisen ten aanzien van dierentuinen

Richtlijn. 1999/22/EG van de Raad van de Europese Unie van 29 maart 1999 betreffende het houden van wilde dieren in dierentuinen (dierentuinrichtlijn) borduurt voort op Verordening 338/97/EG. Op grond van de richtlijn moeten dierentuinen vijf instandhoudingsmaatregelen uitvoeren. Eén van deze vereisten is dat dierentuinen moeten deelnemen aan onderzoek ten behoeve van het behoud van de diersoorten, en/of aan opleiding in relevante vaardigheden gericht op het behoud en/of fokken van dieren in gevangenschap, herstel van de populatie of het herintroduceren van soorten in hun natuurlijke omgeving.

Dit vereiste brengt hoge kosten met zich mee voor de dierentuinen en geeft aanleiding tot de volgende vragen aan de Commissie:

1a. Draagt het onderzoek en onderwijs naar verwachting bij aan de doelen die de Commissie zich heeft gesteld met betrekking tot het behoud van biodiversiteit?

1b. Is het genoemde vereiste effectief?

2a. Is de Commissie zich bewust van de kosten die dit vereiste in Richtlijn 1999/22/EG met zich meebrengt voor dierentuinen?

2b. Is het vereiste efficiënt?

3. Welke voorziening heeft de Commissie getroffen als tegemoetkoming aan de dierentuinen voor de onderzoeks— en onderwijskosten die zij moeten maken om aan het vereiste te kunnen voldoen?

4. Zijn er dierentuinen die via de Commissie een vergoeding hebben ontvangen om aan één of meer van de instandhoudingsmaatregelen te voldoen?

5. Indien de Commissie geen voorzieningen heeft getroffen  ter tegemoetkoming aan dierentuinen, op welke wijze voorziet de Commissie dat deze kosten door de dierentuinen kunnen worden opgebracht?

Antwoord van de heer Potočnik namens de Commissie

(25 mei 2012)

Hoewel de grootste inspanningen voor de instandhouding en het duurzame gebruik van de biodiversiteit, zowel in Europa als mondiaal, op maatregelen „in situ” moeten zijn gericht, is ook voor instandhoudingsmaatregelen „ex situ” een rol weggelegd. In dat verband wordt met Richtlijn 1999/22/EG van de Raad betreffende het houden van wilde dieren in dierentuinen (27) beoogd de bescherming en de instandhouding van wilde diersoorten te bevorderen door de rol van dierentuinen bij de instandhouding van de biodiversiteit te versterken.

In de richtlijn is niet voorzien in EU-medefinanciering van maatregelen om de doelstellingen van de richtlijn te halen, ook niet met betrekking tot onderzoek en opleiding. De Commissie beschikt niet over een kostenraming voor de onderzoeksvereisten en beschouwt het evenmin als haar taak een tegemoetkoming in de kosten die worden gemaakt  ter nakoming van de verplichtingen uit hoofde van de richtlijn te verstrekken. Het is de verantwoordelijkheid van de bevoegde autoriteiten in de lidstaten om ervoor te zorgen dat de bepalingen van de richtlijn worden toegepast.

De Commissie blijft ijveren voor de tenuitvoerlegging van de dierentuinenrichtlijn en zal in 2012 een studie laten uitvoeren die is bedoeld om richtsnoeren te ontwikkelen  ter bevordering van het delen van ervaring en goede praktijken met het oog op de tenuitvoerlegging van de dierentuinenrichtlijn. Zij houdt zich ook bezig met opleiding voor overheidsambtenaren en betrokken beroepsbeoefenaars, met name dierenartsen en bestuurders van dierentuinen, alsook leden van niet-gouvernementele organisaties die werkzaam zijn op dit gebied.

In de LIFE+-verordening (28) is voorzien in EU-medefinanciering voor biodiversiteit, met inbegrip van medefinanciering voor instandhoudingsmaatregelen ex situ. Dierentuinen komen in aanmerking om dergelijke financiering aan te vragen overeenkomstig de doelstelling en de regels van LIFE+.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003602/12

to the Commission

Auke Zijlstra (NI)

(4 April 2012)

Subject: Requirements regarding zoos

Directive 1999/22/EC from the Council of the European Union of 29 March 1999 regarding the keeping of wild animals in zoos (Zoo Directive) elaborates on Regulation 338/97/EC. Based on the directive, zoos must implement five conservation measures. One of these requirements is that zoos must participate in research benefiting the preservation of animal species, and/or training in relevant skills focusing on the preservation and/or breeding of animals in captivity, restoration of the population or the reintroduction of species into their natural environment.

This requirement entails high costs for zoos and gives rise to the following questions to the Commission:

1a. Does the research and training contribute as expected to the goals that the Commission has set for itself regarding the preservation of biodiversity?

1b. Is the stated requirement effective?

2a. Is the Commission aware of the costs for zoos that the research requirement in Directive 1999/22/EC entails?

2b. Is the requirement efficient?

3. What provision has the Commission made by way of compensation to zoos for the research and training costs that they must incur in order to be able to meet the requirement?

4. Are there zoos that have received compensation via the Commission in order to comply with one or more of the conservation measures?

5. If the Commission has not made any provisions by way of compensation to zoos, how does the Commission anticipate that these costs will be able to be covered by the zoos?

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(25 May 2012)

Whereas the greatest efforts for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity need to focus on in situ measures, both in Europe and globally, there is also a role for ex situ conservation and in this context Council Directive 1999/22/EC relating to the keeping of wild animals in zoos (29) aims to promote wild animal species protection and conservation by strengthening the role of zoos in the conservation of biodiversity.

The directive does not foresee EU co-financing of measures to achieve the objectives of the directive, including in relation to research and training. The Commission does not have any estimate of costs for research requirements nor does it consider that it has a role to play in compensation for fulfilment of the obligations of the directive. It is the responsibility of the relevant authorities in the Member States to ensure that the provisions of the directive are applied.

The Commission continues to support implementation of the Zoos Directive and will be launching a study in 2012 aimed at developing guidance to help promote the sharing of experience and of good practice for the implementation of the Zoos Directive. It is also engaged in training for government officials and relevant practitioners, particularly veterinarians and managers of Zoological gardens as well as members of non-governmental organisations operating in the field.

EU co-financing for biodiversity, including in relation to ex-situ conservation measures, is possible under the LIFE+ Regulation (30) and Zoos are eligible to apply for such funding in accordance with the objective and rules governing this programme.

(Nederlandse versie)

Vraag met verzoek om schriftelijk antwoord E-003603/12

aan de Commissie

Auke Zijlstra (NI)

(4 april 2012)

Betreft: Carbon footprint van biobrandstof

Op 29 maart jongsleden is een „breakfast meeting” gehouden over „Carbon emissions from bioenergy” onder voorzitterschap van Linda McAvan MEP (S&D). Tijdens deze bijeenkomst werd door verschillende onderzoekers aangetoond dat de CO2-uitstoot als gevolg van het aanwenden van biomassa voor energie, groter is dan de CO2-uitstoot als gevolg van het aanwenden van fossiele energiedragers voor energie.

Op deze bijeenkomst was ook het hoofd van de administratieve eenheid in DG Energie van de Europese Commissie aanwezig. Deze gaf tijdens de bijeenkomst aan dat, ondanks deze hogere CO2-uitstoot door het gebruik van biomassa voor de opwekking van energie, de Europese Commissie het gebruik van bio-energie blijft voorstaan.

In de Energy Roadmap 2050 staat dat het doel van de EU is om de uitstoot van broeikasgassen in 2050 met 80-95 % terug te dringen. Ook staat daarin dat de elektriciteitsproductie in 2050 vrij van broeikasgassen moet zijn. Deze doelen stroken mijns inziens niet met het voorstaan van het gebruik van biomassa als energiedrager, zoals het hoofd van de administratieve eenheid propageert.

bij het aanwenden van die biomassa als brandstof?

Antwoord van de heer Oettinger namens de Commissie

(30 mei 2012)

De Commissie analyseert momenteel de bestaande wetenschappelijke studies betreffende de biogene koolstofemissies van biomassa, die niet allemaal tot dezelfde conclusies komen aangezien het resultaat afhangt van talrijke factoren (soorten, teeltrotatie, opbrengst).

In het Stappenplan Energie 2050 (31) wordt aangegeven dat het gebruik van biomassa aanzienlijk zal moeten toenemen om de broeikasgasemissies met 80-95 % te kunnen verminderen. De Commissie is van mening dat biomassa een belangrijke bijdrage zal leveren tot het koolstofarm maken van de energiesector en buigt zich momenteel over de behoefte aan aanvullende duurzaamheidseisen met betrekking tot vaste biomassa.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003603/12

to the Commission

Auke Zijlstra (NI)

(4 April 2012)

Subject: Carbon footprint left by biofuels

At a breakfast meeting held on 29 March 2012 to discuss carbon emissions from bioenergy chaired by Linda McAvan, MEP (S&D), a number of researchers pointed out that biomass power generation produced higher CO2 emission levels than energy from fossil fuels.

A Head of Unit from the Commission’s Directorate-General for Energy also present at the meeting indicated that the Commission was continuing to advocate the use of biomass as an energy source, notwithstanding the higher CO2 emission levels resulting.

emission levels?

Answer given by Mr Oettinger on behalf of the Commission

(30 May 2012)

The Commission is currently analysing the scientific studies carried out on biogenic carbon emissions from biomass which do not all lead to the same conclusions since the outcomes depend on many factors (species, rotation pattern, yield).

The Energy Roadmap 2050 (32) points out that biomass use will need to grow significantly to reduce emissions by 80-95%. The Commission is of the opinion that biomass will make a major contribution to decarbonisation of the energy sector and is currently considering if there is a need to introduce additional sustainability requirements for solid biomass.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-003604/12

προς την Επιτροπή

Nikolaos Chountis (GUE/NGL)

(4 Απριλίου 2012)

Θέμα: Διάβρωση ακτών στη Βόρεια Πελοπόννησο

Στη βόρεια ακτή της Πελοποννήσου εμφανίζεται, εδώ και πολλά χρόνια, το φαινόμενο της διάβρωσης των ακτών και της ανόδου της στάθμης της θάλασσας. Πιο συγκεκριμένα, στην περιοχή Δερβένι Κορινθίας, στις 29.2.2012, παρατηρήθηκε γενικευμένη διάβρωση της παράλιας ζώνης, λόγω υποχώρησης του βυθού της παραλίας (έως και 30 μέτρα), καταστρέφοντας δεκάδες οικίες και επιχειρήσεις.

Η συγκεκριμένη περιοχή εμφανίζεται, τόσο στην Πανευρωπαϊκή Έκθεση για τη διάβρωση των ακτών (Μάιος 2004 — Eurosion: Coastal Erosion. Evaluation of the need for Action, Part II, Maps and Statistics, σελ. 12), όσο και στη βάση δεδομένων του Ευρωπαϊκού Οργανισμού Περιβάλλοντος για τις παράκτιες περιοχές (European coastal lowlands most vulnerable to sea level rise), ως ιδιαίτερα ευάλωτη, όσον αφορά τις επιπτώσεις της διάβρωσης των ακτών και της ανόδου του επιπέδου της θάλασσας.

Με δεδομένο το πρόβλημα στη συγκεκριμένη περιοχή, καθώς επίσης και του γεγονότος ότι το 31,6 % των ελληνικών ακτών και το 50 % των ακτών της Πελοποννήσου αντιμετωπίζουν προβλήματα διάβρωσης των ακτών (βλ. Έκθεση Eurosion), ερωτάται η Επιτροπή:

Απάντηση του κ. Potočnik εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(6 Ιουνίου 2012)

2. Πληροφορίες σχετικά με τις καλλίτερες πρακτικές για την αντιμετώπιση προβλημάτων διάβρωσης των ακτών περιλαμβάνονται στους ακόλουθους ιστότοπους:

http://ec.europa.eu/ourcoast/index.cfm?menuID=3 και

http://www.eurosion.org

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003604/12

to the Commission

Nikolaos Chountis (GUE/NGL)

(4 April 2012)

Subject: Coastal erosion in the Northern Peloponnese

The northern coastline of the Peloponnese has been afflicted by erosion and sea level rise for many years. More specifically, in the region of Derveni, Corinthia, on 29 February 2012, generalised erosion of the coastal zone was observed on account of seabed subsidence (up to 30 m) along the coastline, destroying dozens of houses and business premises.

In both the Pan-European Report on Coastal Erosion (May 2004 — Eurosion: Coastal Erosion — Evaluation of the need for Action, Part II, Maps and Statistics, p. 12) and the European Environment Agency database on European coastal lowlands most vulnerable to sea level rise, the area in question is characterised as particularly vulnerable, on account of the effects of coastal erosion and rising sea levels.

Given the problem that exists in this area, along with the fact that 31.6% of the Greek coastline and 50% of the Peloponnese coastline are facing problems of coastal erosion (see Eurosion report) can the Commission answer the following questions:

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(6 June 2012)

2. Information on best practices for dealing with coastal erosion problems can be found at the following websites:

http://ec.europa.eu/ourcoast/index.cfm?menuID=3

http://www.eurosion.org

(English version)

Question for written answer P-003623/12

to the Commission

Catherine Stihler (S&D)

(10 April 2012)

Subject: Crane safety

In February 2012 a fatal accident inquiry in Scotland found that the fatal car crash in 2008 caused by hydraulic fluid that had leaked from a crane should, as a matter of urgency, prompt the UK Government to introduce legislation to make it a legal requirement for cranes to have an MOT test.

Given that oil spillages from cranes are commonplace as a result of poor maintenance, will the Commission consider introducing legislation to prevent any more tragic accidents of this nature happening in the EU in the future?

Answer given by Mr Tajani on behalf of the Commission

(16 May 2012)

The Commission is planning a revision of the European roadworthiness legislation. This modification would have the effect of including mobile cranes.

The items to be compulsorily tested during the roadworthiness test are set out in Annex II. Concerning the risk of leaks of hydraulic fluid, it may be noted that Commission Directive 2010/48/EU (34) introduced into Annex II the requirement to test for any excessive fluid leak likely to harm the environment or to pose a safety risk to other road users.

According to Article 5, work equipment exposed to conditions causing deterioration liable to result in dangerous situations shall be subject to periodic inspections and, where appropriate, testing by competent persons.

It is for the Member States to determine which categories of work equipment are subject to such periodic inspections, the content and frequency of the inspections and by whom they may be carried out.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita P-003627/12

a la Comisión

Pablo Zalba Bidegain (PPE)

(10 de abril de 2012)

Asunto: Repsol — Argentina

Las autoridades argentinas, tras una campaña injustificada de hostigamiento y amenazas de nacionalización, han retirado licencias a la petrolera Repsol-YPF en cinco provincias argentinas y amenazan con hacer lo mismo en otras tres provincias. Esta retirada carece de justificación alguna y supone un precedente peligroso para la seguridad jurídica de las empresas europeas en Argentina.

Se acusa a la petrolera de no cumplir con sus obligaciones de inversión y producción. Sin embargo, el volumen de inversión de YPF desde 2006, en Argentina, ha sido superior a los resultados con un record de inversión en 2011, a pesar de los conflictos gremiales en el sur del país que afectaron significativamente a su producción. Por ejemplo, en Chubut se ha registrado un aumento ininterrumpido en las inversiones desde 2009 que ascendieron hasta 350 millones de dólares en 2011, lo que supone un incremento del 236 % en ese periodo. Además, el índice de incorporación de reservas de YPF fue superior a la media de otras compañías, tanto en petróleo (144 %) como en gas (100 %), y presenta un ratio de producción/reservas en petróleo y gas natural superior al resto de compañías. Por otra parte YPF es una de las petroleras más innovadoras en Argentina y se ha convertido en la compañía pionera en descubrir y desarrollar un shale oil play en el yacimiento de Vaca Muerta.

La UE debe exigir firmemente a nuestros socios comerciales el respeto de la seguridad jurídica de las inversiones de las empresas europeas.

¿Qué acciones emprenderá la Comisión Europea para asegurar que se respeten los derechos de la petrolera europea y se garantice la seguridad jurídica de las inversiones de las empresas europeas en Argentina?

Respuesta del Sr. De Gucht en nombre de la Comisión

(15 de mayo de 2012)

La Comisión coincide con Su Señoría en que la acción emprendida por el Gobierno argentino envía una señal muy negativa a los inversores internacionales, que buscan la estabilidad y la previsibilidad para sus inversiones, y puede perjudicar gravemente el entorno empresarial en Argentina. La medida crea inseguridad jurídica no sólo para la empresa española Repsol, sino también para otras empresas europeas en Argentina.

La Comisión ha instado al Gobierno de Argentina a garantizar el cumplimiento de sus compromisos internacionales en materia de tratamiento y protección de las inversiones procedentes de un Estado miembro de la Unión Europea.

El Presidente de la Comisión trasladó claramente esta opinión a la Presidenta de Argentina el 6 de abril de 2012, a través de un mensaje enviado a través de la Delegación de la UE en Argentina. El 17 de abril de 2012, la Alta Representante/Vicepresidenta hizo una declaración en el Parlamento, insistiendo en que la decisión argentina era motivo de profunda preocupación.

El 19 de abril de 2012, el Comisario responsable de Comercio envió una carta a su homólogo argentino, reiterando las graves inquietudes de la UE sobre esta cuestión, expresadas previamente por el Presidente de la Comisión.

Debido al clima creado por la expropiación, la Comisión y la Alta Representante/Vicepresidenta decidió aplazar la Comisión Mixta UE-Argentina prevista para los días 19 y 20 de abril de 2012.

La Comisión está analizando la medida argentina y analizando todas las opciones con el fin de determinar, en colaboración con las autoridades españolas, las futuras acciones.

(English version)

Question for written answer P-003627/12

to the Commission

Pablo Zalba Bidegain (PPE)

(10 April 2012)

Subject: Repsol — Argentina

The Argentine authorities, after an unwarranted campaign of harassment and threats of nationalisation, have withdrawn licences from the Repsol-YPF oil company in five Argentine provinces and are threatening to do the same in three other provinces. This withdrawal has no justification whatsoever and sets a dangerous precedent for the legal certainty of European companies in Argentina.

The oil company is accused of failing to meet its investment and production obligations. However, YPF’s investment in Argentina since 2006 has been higher than its income, with record investment in 2011 despite labour conflicts in the south of the country that significantly affected production. For example, in Chubut, investment had steadily increased since 2009 to reach USD 350 million in 2011, which represents an increase of 236 % over this period. Furthermore, YPF’s rate of capitalisation of reserves was higher than the average for other companies both in oil (144 %) and gas (100 %), showing a higher production-reserves ratio in oil and natural gas than these other companies. YPF is also one of the most innovative oil companies in Argentina, becoming the pioneer in discovering and developing a shale oil play in the Vaca Muerta field.

The EU should demand firmly of its trading partners that they respect the legal certainty of investments by European companies.

What action will the European Commission take to ensure respect for the rights of the European oil industry and to ensure legal certainty for investments by European companies in Argentina?

Answer given by Mr De Gucht on behalf of the Commission

(15 May 2012)

The Commission concurs with the Honourable Member's view that this action by the Argentine Government sends a very negative signal to international investors, who seek stability and predictability for their investments, and that it could seriously harm the business environment in Argentina. The measure creates legal insecurity not only for the Spanish company Repsol but also for other European firms in Argentina.

The Commission has urged the Government of Argentina to ensure compliance with its international commitments on the treatment and protection of investments originating from a Member State of the European Union.

The President of the Commission clearly conveyed this to the President of Argentina on 6 April 2012, through a message delivered via the EU Delegation in Argentina. On 17 April 2012, the High Representative/Vice-President made a statement at Parliament, reaffirming that the Argentine decision was cause for grave concern.

On 19 April 2012, the Commissioner responsible for Trade sent a letter to his Argentine counterpart, reiterating the serious concerns the EU has on this matter, as expressed beforehand by the President of the Commission.

Due to the climate created by the expropriation, the Commission and the High Representative/Vice-President decided to postpone the EU‐Argentina Joint Committee foreseen for 19-20 April 2012.

The Commission is analysing the Argentine measure and exploring all options in order to determine, in liaison with the Spanish authorities, the next steps.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-003633/12

προς την Επιτροπή

Nikolaos Chountis (GUE/NGL)

(10 Απριλίου 2012)

Θέμα: ΧΥΤΑ Μαυροράχης — φυσικές πηγές μεταλλικού νερού

Σε προηγούμενη ερώτησή μου (E-011586/2011) σχετικά με πρόβλημα στον βιολογικό καθαρισμό του ΧΥΤΑ Μαυροράχης, η Επιτροπή είχε απαντήσει <QT.START>«</QT.START>κατόπιν αιτήσεως της Επιτροπής, οι αρμόδιες ελληνικές αρχές διαβίβασαν τις ακόλουθες πληροφορίες σε σχέση με τον ΧΥΤΑ Μαυροράχης: δεν έχουν αναφερθεί προβλήματα στη λειτουργία του σταθμού επεξεργασίας στραγγισμάτων του ΧΥΤΑ Μαυροράχης. Η σχεδόν συνεχής ροή του νερού οφείλεται στις φυσικές πηγές μεταλλικού νερού της περιοχής, που προέρχονται από γεωλογικούς σχηματισμούς. Η χημική ανάλυση δείχνει ότι το νερό είναι εμπλουτισμένο σε σίδηρο και ενώσεις του θείου, γεγονός που δικαιολογεί το <QT.START>‘</QT.START>κατακίτρινο ρεύμα που εκπέμπει την χαρακτηριστική οσμή των χημικών ουσιών<QT.END>’</QT.END><QT.END>»</QT.END>.

Ερωτάται η Επιτροπή:

Απάντηση του κ. Potocnik εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(20 Ιουνίου 2012)

Η οδηγία περί υγειονομικής ταφής των αποβλήτων (36) δεν περιλαμβάνει ειδικές απαιτήσεις για την τοποθεσία του χώρου υγειονομικής ταφής, ούτε εξειδικεύει ότι η άδεια δεν πρέπει να χορηγείται σε χώρο υγειονομικής ταφής (ΧΥΤΑ) που βρίσκεται κοντά σε φυσικές πηγές μεταλλικού νερού. Αντιθέτως, η οδηγία αναφέρει ότι μπορεί να δοθεί άδεια για ΧΥΤΑ μόνον εάν τα χαρακτηριστικά του τόπου όσον αφορά ορισμένες απαιτήσεις που απαριθμούνται στην οδηγία, ή τα διορθωτικά μέτρα που πρέπει να ληφθούν, καταδεικνύουν ότι ο ΧΥΤΑ δεν συνεπάγεται σοβαρό κίνδυνο για το περιβάλλον. Η επιλογή του ΧΥΤΑ, η αξιολόγηση των κινδύνων και η απόφαση έγκρισής του εμπίπτουν στον τομέα ευθύνης των αρμοδίων αρχών του κράτους μέλους.

Οι πληροφορίες που ζητά το Αξιότιμο Μέλος του Κοινοβουλίου περιλαμβάνονται στην εκτίμηση περιβαλλοντικών επιπτώσεων του έργου, η οποία αποτελεί δημόσιο έγγραφο. Ως εκ τούτου, η Επιτροπή συνιστά στο Αξιότιμο Μέλος του Κοινοβουλίου να ανατρέξει στο εν λόγω έγγραφο για την απόκτηση του οποίου πρέπει να επικοινωνήσει με τις αρμόδιες τοπικές αρχές.

Η Ενδιάμεση Διαχειριστική Αρχή Κεντρικής Μακεδονίας διαβίβασε στην Επιτροπή τις πληροφορίες στις οποίες αναφέρεται η απάντηση στην προηγούμενη ερώτηση (E-011586/2011).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003633/12

to the Commission

Nikolaos Chountis (GUE/NGL)

(10 April 2012)

Subject: Mavrorachi landfill — natural mineral springs

The Commission stated in reply to a previous question (E‐011586/2011) of mine, on the problem of biological purification of the Mavrorachi landfill, that ‘upon the Commission’s request, the competent Greek authorities provided the following information in relation to the operation and expansion of the Mavrorachi landfill: 1. no problems have been reported in the operation of the Leachate Treatment Plant of Mavrorachi landfill. The near constant flow of water is due to natural spring water in the area, caused by geological formations. Chemical analysis presents that the water is enriched with iron and sulphur compounds which justifies the “completely yellow stream giving off the characteristic odour of chemicals”.’

Would the Commission answer the following:

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(20 June 2012)

The Landfill Directive (37) does not include specific requirements for the location of a landfill, nor does it specify that a licence should not be granted to a landfill located nearby natural mineral springs. Instead, the directive states that a landfill can only be authorised if the characteristics of the site with respect to a number of requirements listed in the directive, or the corrective measures to be taken, indicate that the landfill does not pose a serious environmental risk. The selection of the landfill location, evaluation of risks and the decision to authorise a landfill lay in the area of responsibility of the Member State's competent authorities.

The information requested by the Honourable Member is included in the Environmental Impact Assessment of the project which is a public document. Therefore, the Commission would suggest to the Honourable Member to consult this document for which he should contact the competent local authority.

The Intermediate Managing Authority of Central Macedonia communicated to the Commission the information referred to in reply to the previous question (E‐011586/2011).

(Nederlandse versie)

Vraag met verzoek om schriftelijk antwoord E-003640/12

aan de Commissie

Frieda Brepoels (Verts/ALE)

(10 april 2012)

Betreft: Btw — Beperking recht op aftrek — Roerende bedrijfsmiddelen

Artikel 168bis van de Richtlijn 2006/112/EG, ingevoegd bij artikel 1, 12 van de Richtlijn 2009/162/EU van de Raad van 22 december 2009 tot wijziging van enkele bepalingen van Richtlijn 2006/112/EG betreffende het gemeenschappelijk stelsel van belasting over de toegevoegde waarde, beperkt het recht op aftrek van onroerende goederen die deel uitmaken van het vermogen van het bedrijf van een belastingplichtige en die zowel voor de activiteiten van het bedrijf als voor zijn privégebruik of meer algemeen voor andere dan bedrijfsdoeleinden worden gebruikt.

De lidstaten hebben de keuze om de nieuwe beperking van het recht op aftrek uit te breiden tot andere goederen dan onroerende goederen.

1. Hoeveel en welke lidstaten hebben gebruik gemaakt van de keuze voorzien in artikel 168 bis, 2 Richtlijn 2006/112/EG?

2. Indien een lidstaat het recht op aftrek beperkt van roerende goederen, die zowel voor bedrijfsdoeleinden als voor privégebruik of meer algemeen voor andere dan bedrijfsdoeleinden worden aangewend, hoe dient het tijdelijk bijkomend gebruik voor:

3. Wordt de gelijkheid tussen belastingplichtigen met betrekking tot voor ander dan bedrijfsdoeleinden aangewende roerende goederen niet beter gewaarborgd door het gebruik gelijk te stellen met een dienst onder bezwarende titel (cf. art. 26, 1, a) Richtlijn 2006/112/EG) in plaats van het recht op aftrek te beperken?

4. Indien de ongelijkheid tussen belastingplichtigen met betrekking tot roerende bedrijfsmiddelen, „zij het op een minder significante en minder uniforme wijze, zich voordoet” (cf. overweging 11 Richtlijn 2009/162/EG), schendt een lidstaat dan het proportionaliteitsbeginsel door het recht op aftrek te beperken voor alle roerende bedrijfsmiddelen?

5. Om welke redenen werd artikel 168 bis, 2, Richtlijn 2006/112/EG ingevoerd?

Antwoord van de heer Šemeta namens de Commissie

(5 juni 2012)

Lid 2 van artikel 168 bis van de btw-richtlijn (38) betreffende roerende goederen is ingevoegd bij Richtlijn 2009/162/EG van de Raad. Dit lid was niet opgenomen in het voorstel van de Commissie (39), waarin oorspronkelijk was bepaald dat — uitsluitend voor onroerende goederen — veranderingen in de verhouding tussen het gebruik voor bedrijfsdoeleinden en voor andere dan bedrijfsdoeleinden, na een eerste opsplitsing, in aanmerking zouden worden genomen zoals dat gebeurt bij herzieningen in het kader van de regeling voor investeringsgoederen (onder de voorwaarden van de artikelen 187, 188, 190 en 192).

Artikel 168 bis is evenwel geen beperking van het recht op aftrek als zodanig, maar strekt ertoe het algemene beginsel te ondersteunen dat btw op goederen en diensten slechts in aanmerking komt voor aftrek voor zover de ontvanger ervan deze zelf weer aanwendt voor belaste prestaties.

In het verleden volstond zelfs een minimaal belast gebruik om de voorbelasting volledig en onmiddellijk te mogen aftrekken. Doordat het privégebruik krachtens artikel 26, lid 1, onder a), pas later in de heffing werd betrokken, ontstonden er cashflowvoordelen, met name voor goederen met een lange economische levensduur zoals onroerende goederen, maar leidde dit ook tot ongelijkheid tussen onder meer niet-belastingplichtigen en belastingplichtigen die handelen als particulier.

Volgens de nieuwe regels zal een belast gebruik voor bedrijfsdoeleinden van bijvoorbeeld 70 % leiden tot een initiële aftrek van 70 % van de voorbelasting. Wijzigingen in de verhouding tussen het gebruik voor bedrijfsdoeleinden en voor andere dan bedrijfsdoeleinden die zich voordoen nadat het recht op aftrek voor de eerste keer is uitgeoefend, moeten in aanmerking worden genomen overeenkomstig de bestaande beginselen betreffende de herziening van de aftrek, die in de artikelen 184 tot en met 192 zijn vastgesteld.

Uit de vragen kan worden afgeleid dat er een zekere bezorgdheid bestaat, maar toch gelooft de Commissie niet — ofschoon het inderdaad zo is dat de lidstaten nu de vrijheid hebben om alle soorten bedrijfsmiddelen onder deze regeling te brengen — dat deze regels inbreuk maken op de gelijkheid of de evenredigheid.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003640/12

to the Commission

Frieda Brepoels (Verts/ALE)

(10 April 2012)

Subject: VAT — restrictions on the right of deduction — movable business assets

Article 168a of Directive 2006/112/EC, added to Article 1(12) of Council Directive 2009/162/EU of 22 December 2009 amending various provisions of Directive 2006/112/EC on the common system of value added tax, restricts the right of deduction in the case of immovable property forming part of the business assets of a taxable person and used both for the purposes of the taxable person’s business and private use or, more generally, for purposes other than those of business.

Member States may choose to extend the new restriction on the right of rebate to goods other than immovable property.

1. How many and which Member States have used the option provided for in Article 168(a2) of Directive 2006/112/EC?

2. If a Member State restricts the right of deduction in respect of movable property which is used both for the purposes of the taxable person’s business and for private use or, more generally, for purposes other than those of business, how should the additional temporary use be corrected for:

3. Would the equality between taxable persons with respect to movable goods used for purposes other than business not be better guaranteed by treating this use as being identical to a supply of services for consideration (see Article 26(1a) Directive 2006/112/EC) instead of restricting the right of deduction?

4. If the inequality arises between taxable persons with respect to movable business assets, ‘though in a less significant and less uniform manner’ (see recital 11 of Directive 2009/162/EU), will a Member State then be violating the principle of proportionality by restricting the right of deduction for all movable business assets?

5. On what grounds was Article 168(a2) Directive 2006/112/EC introduced?

Answer given by Mr Šemeta on behalf of the Commission

(5 June 2012)

The second paragraph of Art. 168a of the VAT Directive (40) on movable goods was introduced by Council Directive 2009/162/EC. It was not included in the Commission proposal (41) that aimed, for immovable property only, to take, after an initial apportionment, business/non-business fluctuations into account in the same way as capital goods scheme adjustments (under the conditions of Art. 187, 188, 190 and 192).

However, Art. 168a is not a restriction of the right of deduction as such but aims to reinforce the overall principle that VAT on goods and services is only deductible in so far as these purchases are used for the purposes of taxed output transactions.

In the past, even a minimal taxed use was sufficient to allow a full and immediate deduction of the input VAT. The subsequent taxation of the private use under Art. 26(1)(a) created cash-flow benefits, in particular in relation to assets with a long economic life such as immovable property and resulted in inequity between, inter alia, non-taxable persons and taxable persons acting in their capacity as private person.

Under the new rules, a taxed business use of e.g. 70 % will result in an upfront deduction of 70 % of the input VAT. Subsequent changes in the business/non-business use after the initial exercise of the right of deduction have to be taken into account in accordance with the existing principles on adjustment of deductions as set out in Art. 184 to 192.

The questions seem to reflect certain concerns but, and although it is true that Member States now dispose of the freedom to include all types of business assets, the Commission is not of the opinion that these rules would lead to a breach of equality or proportionality.

(Nederlandse versie)

Vraag met verzoek om schriftelijk antwoord E-003645/12

aan de Commissie

Luca. Hartong (NI)

(11 april 2012)

Betreft: Begroting 2012: budgetlijn 15 05 55; Jeugd in actie

In de begroting van de Commissie (2012/70/EU), begrotinglijn 15 05 55 is voor ruim EUR 139 miljoen aan vastleggingkredieten en EUR 123 miljoen aan betalingskredieten gereserveerd voor het project „Jeugd in actie”.

In de toelichting worden verscheidene doelstellingen uiteengezet, waaronder de ontwikkeling van het Europees burgerschap, het versterken van solidariteitsbesef en inspelen op speciale behoeften van jongeren in landen van het EU nabuurschapsbeleid.

Europees Burgerschap

1. Is de Commissie het met de PVV eens dat het nutteloos is om geld van de belastingbetaler te verkwisten aan de ontwikkeling van zogenaamd Europees burgerschap? Zo nee, waarom niet?

2. Is de Commissie met de PVV van mening dat burgerschap enkel op het niveau van soevereine landen kan worden gezien en daarnaast niet aan personen kan worden opgelegd door de EU? Zo nee, waarom niet.

3. Is de Commissie bereid om alle budgetten die „het bevorderen van Europees burgerschap” in hun doelstelling hebben staan voor het jaar 2013 te annuleren en deze budgetten  terug te geven aan de betalende lidstaten? Zo nee, waarom niet?

Solidariteitsbesef

4. Is de Commissie met de PVV van mening dat „het versterken van het solidariteitsbesef” een streven is dat niet meetbaar is en dan dus ook niet gecontroleerd kan worden of belastinggeld doelmatig wordt besteed?

5. Hoe wordt de doeltreffendheid en doelmatigheid van projecten met dergelijke vage doelstellingen gemeten en aangetoond?

Antwoord van mevrouw Vassiliou namens de Commissie

(19 juni 2012)

De doelstellingen die in de toelichting bij begrotingsonderdeel 15 05 55 zijn vermeld, zijn de doelstellingen van de acties in het kader van Besluit nr. 1719/2006/EG van het Europees Parlement en de Raad van 15 november 2006 tot vaststelling van het programma „Jeugd in actie” (42). Twee van de algemene doelstellingen van dat programma zijn de bevordering van actief burgerschap van jongeren in het algemeen en van hun Europees burgerschap in het bijzonder, en de ontwikkeling van de solidariteit en de bevordering van de verdraagzaamheid onder jongeren, vooral met het oog op de versterking van de sociale samenhang van de Europese Unie.

Met name rekening houdend met de tussentijdse evaluatie van het programma, en onder meer met de evaluatieverslagen die op nationaal niveau zijn opgesteld, alsook met de navraag bij de deelnemers naar de effecten van het programma, is de Commissie van oordeel dat „Jeugd in actie” bijdraagt tot de realisatie van bovengenoemde doelstellingen. In dat verband merkt de Commissie op dat het begrip „Europees burgerschap” wordt genoemd in artikel 9 van het Verdrag betreffende de Europese Unie. In deze omstandigheden heeft de Commissie niet het voornemen de uitvoering van een door de wetgever aangenomen programma op de helling te zetten.

De Commissie is het er niet mee eens dat het onmogelijk zou zijn te meten of een bepaalde actie heeft bijgedragen tot de ontwikkeling van de solidariteitszin. Haar oordeel over de doeltreffendheid en doelmatigheid van het programma „Jeugd in actie” berust met name op de tussentijdse evaluatie, die beschikbaar is op http://ec.europa.eu/youth/focus/youth-in-action-monitoring-survey_en.htm.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003645/12

to the Commission

Lucas Hartong (NI)

(11 April 2012)

Subject: 2012 budget: budget line 15 05 55 — Youth in Action

In the Commission’s budget (2012/70/EU), budget line 15 05 55 earmarks over EUR 139 million for commitment appropriations and EUR 123 million for payment appropriations for the ‘Youth in Action’ project.

Various aims are set out in the remarks, including developing [young people’s] European citizenship, reinforcing [their] sense of solidarity and addressing the special needs of youth in the European neighbourhood policy countries.

European citizenship:

Sense of solidarity:

(Version française)

Les objectifs repris dans les commentaires budgétaires de la ligne 15 05 55 sont ceux des actions couvertes par la Décision no 1719/2006/EC du Parlement européen et du Conseil du 15 novembre 2006 (43) établissant le programme Jeunese en Action, dont deux des objectifs généraux consistent, d'une part, à promouvoir la citoyenneté active des jeunes, en général, et leur citoyenneté européenne en particulier, d'autre part, à développer la solidarité et promouvoir la tolérance entre les jeunes, notamment en vue de renforcer la cohésion sociale dans l'Union.

Tenant compte, notamment, de l'évaluation intermédiaire du programme, y compris des rapports d'évaluation établis au niveau national, et d'enquêtes d'impact menées auprès de participants au programme, la Commission considère que Jeunesse en Action contribue à l'atteinte des objectifs qui lui ont été assignés. Dans ce contexte, elle note que le concept de citoyenneté européenne est visé à l'article 9 du Traité sur l'Union européenne. Dans de telles conditions elle n'envisage pas de remettre en question l'exécution d'un programme adopté par le législateur.

La Commission ne partage pas l'avis qu'il ne serait pas possible de mesurer si une action donnée aide à développer le sens de la solidarité. Son jugement quant à l'éfficacité et à l'efficience du programme Jeunesse en Action repose notamment sur l'évaluation intermédiaire disponible à l'adresse suivante: (http://ec.europa.eu/youth/focus/youth-in-action-monitoring-survey_en.htm).

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-003648/12

an die Kommission

Albert Deß (PPE)

(11. April 2012)

Betrifft: Die Umsetzung der Fauna-Flora-Habitat-Richtlinie (FFH): Bestimmungen und Ausnahmen

Die Richtlinie 92/43 EWG des Rates vom 21. Mai 1992 zur Erhaltung der natürlichen Lebensräume sowie der wildlebenden Tiere und Pflanzen (FFH-Richtlinie) hat zum Ziel, wildlebende Arten, deren Lebensräume und die europaweite Vernetzung dieser Lebensräume zu sichern und zu schützen. In den verschiedenen Anhängen der FFH-Richtlinie ist genau aufgeführt, welche Gebiete und welche Arten geschützt werden sollen.

Eine Firma aus meinem Wahlkreis möchte in der Gemeinde ein Bauland erschließen. Von den circa 5 500 m2 der geplanten Baufläche liegen jedoch 1 500 m2 im FFH— und Vogelschutzgebiet. Im vorliegenden Fall handelt es sich um eine landwirtschaftlich bewirtschaftete Wiese, welche direkt an der Ortsgrenze und einer belebten Kreisstraße liegt. Außerdem wäre die Gemeinde bereit, das Gebiet in eine andere Richtung auszuweiten.

Oben genannte 1 500 m2 sind nicht Teil des Landschaftsschutzgebietes und liegen auch nicht brach, werden hingegen drei bis viermal pro Jahr gemäht und gedüngt. Eine Niederlassung von Lebewesen wildlebender Art ist somit unwahrscheinlich.

Wie kann man bei diesem Fall unbürokratisch vorgehen, um dieses Projekt zu verwirklichen?

Sind bei der Umsetzung der FFH-Richtlinie in den Mitgliedstaaten bestimmte Ausnahmen festgelegt, um eine räumliche Kohärenz zwischen Schutzgebieten und Wohn— und Baugebieten zu erreichen?

Ist es dementsprechend möglich, ein FFH-Gebiet zu verschieben, zu erweitern oder zu verkleinern?

Antwort von Herrn Potočnik im Namen der Kommission

(6. Juni 2012)

Pläne oder Projekte, die sich möglicherweise negativ auf ein Natura-2000-Gebiet auswirken, unterliegen den Verfahrensgarantien gemäß Artikel 6 Absätze 3 und 4 der Richtlinie 92/43/EWG des Rates vom 21. Mai 1992 zur Erhaltung der natürlichen Lebensräume sowie der wildlebenden Tiere und Pflanzen  (44). Wenn die Pläne oder Projekte nicht unmittelbar mit der Verwaltung des Natura-2000-Gebietes in Verbindung stehen oder hierfür nicht notwendig sind, jedoch das Gebiet erheblich beeinträchtigen könnten, dann müssen sie einer Prüfung auf Verträglichkeit mit den für dieses Gebiet festgelegten Erhaltungszielen unterzogen werden. Die jeweiligen zuständigen Behörden in einem Mitgliedstaat sind dafür verantwortlich, dass diese Bestimmungen im Rahmen jedes Vorhabens, das in Betracht gezogen wird und das ein solches Natura-2000-Gebiet beeinträchtigen könnte, in vollem Umfang eingehalten werden. Wenn eine angemessene Prüfung zu dem Ergebnis führt, dass das Natura-2000-Gebiet beeinträchtigt werden wird, darf der Plan oder das Projekt nur fortgesetzt werden, wenn keine Alternativlösung vorhanden ist, ein überwiegendes öffentliches Interesse besteht und Ausgleichsmaßnahmen ergriffen werden, um jedweden Verlust bzw. jedwede Veränderung in dem Gebiet zu kompensieren.

Die Kommission hat eine Reihe von Leitfäden zu diesem Thema entwickelt, die auf der Website der Kommission zu finden sind: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/natura2000/management/guidance_en.htm

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003648/12

to the Commission

Albert Deß (PPE)

(11 April 2012)

Subject: Implementation of the Fauna-Flora and Habitat Directive (FFH): provisions and derogations

The objective of Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (FFH Directive) is to secure and protect wild species of fauna and flora, their habitats and the Europe-wide network of such habitats. The various Annexes of the FFH Directive provide a precise list of which areas and species are to be protected.

A business in my constituency is looking to develop a site within the local authority area. However, 1 500 m2 of the approximately 5 500 m2 planned site is located within the FFH and wild bird conservation area. In this case, the area is a farmed meadow located right on the edge of the local authority and on a busy country road. In addition, the local authority would be willing to expand the area in a different direction.

The aforementioned 1 500 m2 are not part of the conservation area and are not left to lie fallow, but are mown and fertilised three or four times each year. Colonisation by wild species is therefore unlikely.

How can we proceed in this case with a minimum of red tape, so as to implement this project?

Are particular derogations defined for the implementation of the FFH Directive in the Member States in order to ensure spatial coherence between protected areas and residential/ developed areas?

Accordingly, is it possible to move, extend or reduce an FFH area?

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(6 June 2012)

Any plan or project that may have potential negative impacts on a Natura 2000 site, is subject to the procedural safeguards given in Article 6(3) and (4) of Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (45). If the plan or project is not connected with or necessary for the management of the Natura 2000 site, but likely to have a significant effect upon it, then it must be subject to an appropriate assessment of its implications for the site in view of the site's conservation objectives. It is the responsibility of the relevant competent authorities in a Member State to ensure that these provisions are fully respected in the context of any contemplated development that may affect the integrity of this Natura 2000 site. If it is concluded from an appropriate assessment that the integrity of the Natura 2000 site will be affected, then the plan or project may only proceed, in the absence of alternative solutions, if it is of overriding public interest and with the provision of compensatory measures to offset any loss or change to the site.

The Commission has developed a range of guidance documents on that matter, which can be found on the Commission website: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/natura2000/management/guidance_en.htm

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-003668/12

προς την Επιτροπή

Chrysoula Paliadeli (S&D)

(11 Απριλίου 2012)

Θέμα: U-Multirank (πολυδιάστατο παγκόσμιο σύστημα κατάταξης των πανεπιστημίων)

Το 2009, η Επιτροπή ανακοίνωσε την προώθηση ερευνητικής μελέτης που στόχευε στην ανάπτυξη ενός πολυδιάστατου παγκόσμιου συστήματος κατάταξης των πανεπιστημίων. Η Επιτροπή επεσήμανε τα τρία κύρια χαρακτηριστικά του εν λόγω νέου εργαλείου κατάταξης: τον πολυδιάστατο χαρακτήρα, τη διαφάνεια και τον παγκόσμιο προσανατολισμό του. Λαμβάνοντας υπόψη τη μακρά παράδοση της ΕΕ στην τριτοβάθμια εκπαίδευση και έρευνα και την πολυμορφία όσον αφορά τα προφίλ των πανεπιστημίων και των ανώτατων ερευνητικών ιδρυμάτων, ζητείται από την Επιτροπή να απαντήσει στα ακόλουθα ερωτήματα.

1. Τι είδους μέτρα σκοπεύει να λάβει για να διασφαλίσει ότι τα ιδρύματα τριτοβάθμιας εκπαίδευσης της ΕΕ θα καταλάβουν τις υψηλότερες θέσεις στο σύστημα κατάταξης;

2. Σύμφωνα με την αρχή αριθ. 2 των Αρχών του Βερολίνου, η κατάταξη των ιδρυμάτων τριτοβάθμιας εκπαίδευσης του U-Multirank βασίζεται σε ομοιογενείς δείκτες επιδόσεων που λαμβάνουν υπόψη την πολυμορφία όσον αφορά τα προφίλ των πανεπιστημίων. Ωστόσο, είναι αναπόφευκτη η κατάταξη τόσο των δημόσιων όσο και των ιδιωτικών ιδρυμάτων, τοποθετώντας τα ιδιωτικά ιδρύματα σε υψηλότερες θέσεις από τα δημόσια. Με ποιον τρόπο σκοπεύουν τα ενδιαφερόμενα μέρη του U-Multirank να αντιμετωπίσουν αυτό το είδος διαφοροποίησης από μεθοδολογικής άποψης και να βοηθήσουν να διασφαλισθεί ότι τα δημόσια ιδρύματα θα καταλάβουν και αυτά με τη σειρά τους τις υψηλότερες θέσεις στην κατάταξη;

3. Δεδομένου ότι ο ιδιωτικός τομέας φαίνεται να αποτελεί σημαντική πηγή χρηματοδότησης για την υλοποίηση του U-Multirank, τι είδους μέτρα πρέπει να ληφθούν εκ μέρους της Επιτροπής ούτως ώστε να διασφαλισθεί η ποιότητα, η διαφάνεια και η ανεξαρτησία του εν λόγω συστήματος κατάταξης, προστατεύοντάς το έτσι από κάθε είδους ιδιωτικά συμφέροντα;

Απάντηση της κας Βασιλείου εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(31 Μαΐου 2012)

Ένα από τα πλεονεκτήματα της ευρωπαϊκής τριτοβάθμιας εκπαίδευσης είναι ακριβώς η πολυμορφία. Όπως αναφέρεται στην ατζέντα της Επιτροπής για τον εκσυγχρονισμό της τριτοβάθμιας εκπαίδευσης (46) η Ευρώπη χρειάζεται μια μεγάλη ποικιλία ιδρυμάτων τριτοβάθμιας εκπαίδευσης, από τα οποία το καθένα πρέπει να επιδιώκει την αριστεία σύμφωνα με τις αποστολές του και τις στρατηγικές προτεραιότητές του. Η κύρια αρμοδιότητα για την επίτευξη αριστείας ανήκει στα κράτη μέλη και στα ίδια τα εκπαιδευτικά ιδρύματα. Ο ρόλος της Επιτροπής είναι να υποστηρίζει τα ιδρύματα τριτοβάθμιας εκπαίδευσης, μεταξύ άλλων με την παροχή εργαλείων που τους επιτρέπουν να αξιολογούν τις επιδόσεις τους, και γενικότερα να υποστηρίζει τα κράτη μέλη μέσω των ενεργειών που αναφέρονται στην ανωτέρω ατζέντα για τον εκσυγχρονισμό της τριτοβάθμιας εκπαίδευσης.

Όσον αφορά την πιθανότητα προτίμησης ιδιωτικών εκπαιδευτικών ιδρυμάτων, ένα από τα βασικά πλεονεκτήματα του νέου συστήματος κατάταξης είναι η δυνατότητα σύγκρισης «μεταξύ ομοίων». Τόσο τα δημόσια όσο και τα ιδιωτικά εκπαιδευτικά ιδρύματα πρέπει να επιδιώκουν την αριστεία σε ό, τι αφορά τις δικές τους προτεραιότητες· δεν είναι ούτε έργο ούτε στόχος της Επιτροπής να διασφαλίζει ότι είτε τα δημόσια είτε τα ιδιωτικά ιδρύματα επιτυγχάνουν τις ύψιστες θέσεις στην κατάταξη, αλλά ότι οι επιδόσεις του συνόλου καθίστανται πιο διαφανείς.

Η Επιτροπή συμφωνεί ότι είναι σημαντικό να διασφαλίζεται η ποιότητα, η διαφάνεια και η ανεξαρτησία του συστήματος κατάταξης και να προστατεύεται αυτό από κάθε είδους ιδιωτικά συμφέροντα. Αυτός είναι ο λόγος για τον οποίο η κατάταξη θα πραγματοποιηθεί από ανεξάρτητο φορέα υπό την εποπτεία συμβουλευτικής επιτροπής η οποία θα αποτελείται από τα ενδιαφερόμενα μέρη και την Επιτροπή ώστε να διασφαλιστούν τα ανωτέρω. Τα πρώτα αποτελέσματα θα δημοσιευθούν στα τέλη του 2013, μέσω ενός σχεδίου που χρηματοδοτείται από την Ευρωπαϊκή Επιτροπή.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003668/12

to the Commission

Chrysoula Paliadeli (S&D)

(11 April 2012)

Subject: U-Multirank (multi-dimensional global university ranking)

In 2009 the Commission announced that it was promoting a research study aimed at developing a multi-dimensional global university ranking. The Commission pointed out the three main characteristics of this new ranking tool: its multi-dimensional nature, its transparency and its global orientation. Taking into consideration the EU’s long tradition in higher education and research and the variety in the profiles of universities and higher research institutions, the Commission is asked to answer the questions set out below.

1. What kinds of measures will it take in order to ensure that the EU’s higher education institutions rise to the highest positions in the ranking system?

2. In accordance with Principle 2 of the Berlin Principles, U-Multirank’s classification of higher education institutions is based on homogeneous performance indicators which take into account the variety in universities’ profiles. However, the classification of both public and private institutions is unavoidable, putting private institutions in higher positions than public institutions. How do U-Multirank’s stakeholders intend to deal with this kind of differentiation in methodological terms and help ensure that public institutions also reach the highest positions in the ranking?

3. Given that the private sector seems to represent a significant source of funding for the implementation of U-Multirank, what kinds of measures should be taken on the Commission’s behalf in order to ensure the quality, transparency and independence of this ranking system, thereby protecting it from any kind of private interest?

Answer given by Mrs Vassiliou on behalf of the Commission

(31 May 2012)

One of the strengths of European higher education is its diversity. As stated in the Commission's Modernisation Agenda for Higher Education (47) Europe needs a wide diversity of higher education institutions and each must pursue excellence in line with its missions and strategic priorities. The main responsibility for achieving excellence rests with Member States and education institutions themselves. The Commission's role is to support higher education institutions, including by providing tools which enable them to assess their performance and more generally to support the Member States via the actions presented in the above Modernisation Agenda.

With regard to a possible favouring of private institutions, one of the main benefits of the new ranking system is the possibility to compare ‘like with like’. Public and private institutions must pursue excellence in terms of their own priorities; it is neither a Commission task nor a Commission goal to ensure that either public or private institutions reach the highest positions in the ranking, but rather that the performance of all should become more transparent.

The Commission agrees that is it important to ensure the quality, transparency and independence of the ranking system and to protect it from any private interest. That is why the ranking will be run by an independent body, overseen by an advisory board consisting of relevant stakeholders and the Commission to ensure this. First results will be published end 2013, via a project funded by the European Commission.

(Wersja polska)

Pytanie wymagające odpowiedzi pisemnej P-003680/12

do Komisji

Tomasz Piotr Poręba (ECR)

(11 kwietnia 2012 r.)

Przedmiot: Elektrownie wiatrowe w Polsce

Powstające ostatnio licznie farmy wiatrowe wzbudzają coraz więcej kontrowersji. Również w Polsce w ostatnich latach zakłada się coraz więcej farm wiatrowych. Jednak brak przepisów prawnych regulujących odległości sytuowania elektrowni wiatrowych od zabudowań i gospodarstw domowych powoduje, że farmy wiatrowe rozwijają się w sposób niekontrolowany i pozbawiony zasad lokalizacyjnych. Budowanie farm wiatrowych w Polsce wiąże się często z nadużyciami, łamaniem prawa, brakiem poszanowania krajobrazu, środowiska i obywateli. Społeczność lokalna, mimo gwarancji ustawodawcy, nie uczestniczy w procesie oceny oddziaływania danego przedsięwzięcia na środowisko i okolicznych mieszkańców. Właściciele posesji sąsiadujących z działkami atrakcyjnymi dla inwestorów podpisują z nimi umowy monopolistyczne, ułatwiając im tym samym otwarcie procedury administracyjnej. Samorządy ulegają presji inwestorów i pokusie łatwych wpływów do budżetu nawet kosztem strategii rozwoju lokalnego, a co najgorsze, często bez znajomości wyników badań potencjalnego oddziaływania przedsięwzięcia.

— Czy wg Komisji państwa członkowskie zobowiązane są do przestrzegania zgodności procesu inwestycyjnego budowy farm wiatrowych z regulacjami UE? Jeśli tak, to z którymi regulacjami?

— Czy Komisja wydała wykaz szczegółowych regulacji i warunków koniecznych, jakie powinny zostać spełnione w trakcie całego procesu przygotowania, realizacji i eksploatacji farm wiatrowych w państwach UE?

— Jakie wg Komisji są szczegółowe regulacje dotyczące lokalizacji i funkcjonowania farm/elektrowni wiatrakowych w państwach UE?

— Jakie wg Komisji są minimalne standardy zapewniające bezpieczne funkcjonowanie farm wiatrowych dla środowiska i społeczności lokalnych?

— Jaka powinna być minimalna odległość farmy (przy założeniu, że wiatrak będzie posiadał wysokość 150 m) od zabudowań mieszkalnych?

— Czy Komisja przeprowadziła badania szkodliwego działania farm wiatrowych na zdrowie człowieka?

— Jak Komisja zamierza zapewnić przestrzeganie przez państwa członkowskie w procesie rozwoju energii wiatrowej standardów zapewniających poszanowanie środowiska i obywateli?

Odpowiedź udzielona przez komisarza Janeza Potočnika w imieniu Komisji

(25 maja 2012 r.)

Plany i projekty dotyczące farm wiatrowych podlegają odpowiednio przepisom dyrektywy w sprawie strategicznej oceny oddziaływania na środowisko (SEA (48)) oraz dyrektywy w sprawie oceny oddziaływania na środowisko (EIA (49)). Farmy wiatrowe są wymienione w załączniku II do dyrektywy EIA, co oznacza, że w niektórych przypadkach wymagana jest pełna ocena oddziaływania na środowisko. Jeżeli przeprowadzana jest EIA, należy ocenić między innymi wpływ projektu na ludzi, faunę, florę i krajobraz. Podstawowym elementem procedury oceny oddziaływania na środowisko jest konsultacja społeczna.

Ponadto farmy wiatrowe, które mogą mieć negatywne oddziaływanie na obszary Natura 2000, muszą być poddawane odpowiedniej ocenie z uwzględnieniem celów w zakresie ochrony danego obszaru zgodnie z art. 6 dyrektywy siedliskowej (50). Aby usprawnić proces przeprowadzania odpowiednich ocen w odniesieniu do energii wiatrowej, Komisja wydała w 2011 r. specjalne wytyczne na temat stosowania przepisów UE w dziedzinie ochrony środowiska do farm wiatrowych (51).

Komisja nie określiła minimalnych norm dotyczących wpływu farm wiatrowych na środowisko, ponieważ każdy projekt musi być oceniony z osobna. Jeśli chodzi o obszary Natura 2000, odpowiednia ocena stanowi kluczowe narzędzie służące do określenia wpływu danego projektu na chronioną faunę i florę oraz do wskazania koniecznych środków zaradczych mających ograniczyć potencjalne negatywne skutki.

Komisja nie ma informacji o żadnych badaniach poświęconych wpływowi farm wiatrowych na ludzkie zdrowie.

Zapewnienie odpowiedniego stosowania przepisów UE w zakresie ochrony środowiska jest obowiązkiem właściwych organów w poszczególnych państwach członkowskich. Jeżeli istnieją niezbite dowody, że przepisy nie są stosowane, Komisja podejmie działania prawne w celu zapewnienia zgodności z prawem UE.

(English version)

Question for written answer P-003680/12

to the Commission

Tomasz Piotr Poręba (ECR)

(11 April 2012)

Subject: Wind farms in Poland

The wind farms that have been sprouting up in great numbers recently are causing increasing controversy. In recent years, a growing number of wind farms have also been established in Poland. However, the lack of legal regulations on the distance of wind farms from buildings and households allows wind farms to develop in an uncontrolled way, devoid of rules on location. Constructing wind farms in Poland often involves abuses, breaking the law and a lack of respect for the landscape, environment and citizens. Despite the legislator’s guarantee, local communities are not involved in the process of assessing the impact of a given undertaking on the environment and on local residents. Owners of estates that adjoin lots of interest to investors conclude anti‐competitive agreements with them that facilitate the initiation of administrative procedures for the investors. Local authorities come under pressure from investors and are tempted by easy budgetary revenue, even at the cost of local development strategy. However, the worst is that this often happens without the knowledge of any test results regarding the potential impact of the undertaking.

— Does the Commission believe that the Member States should be obliged to ensure that the investment process of constructing wind farms complies with EU regulations? If so, with which precise regulations?

— Has the Commission issued a list of specific regulations and necessary requirements to be met throughout the process of preparing, realising and operating wind farms in the EU Member States?

— In the Commission’s view, what are the specific regulations that apply to the location and the functioning of wind farms in the EU Member States?

— In the Commission’s view, what are the minimal standards necessary to ensure the safe functioning of wind farms for the environment and local communities?

— What should be a farm’s minimum distance (given that the wind turbine will be 150m high) from residential developments?

— Has the Commission carried out studies on wind farms’ negative impact on human health?

— How does the Commission intend to ensure that Member States in the process of developing wind energy comply with the standards for ensuring respect for citizens and the environment?

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(25 May 2012)

Wind farm plans and projects are subject to the provisions of the directives on Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA (52)) and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA (53)) respectively. Wind farms are listed in Annex II of the EIA Directive which means that in certain cases a full impact assessment is required. If an EIA is carried out it has to assess, amongst others things, the effects of a project on human beings, fauna, flora, and landscape. Consultation with the public is a key feature of environmental assessment procedures.

In addition, wind farms likely to have an adverse effect on a Natura 2000 site must be subject to an appropriate assessment in light of the site's conservation objectives, according to Article 6 of the Habitats Directive (54). To facilitate the process of appropriate assessments in the context of wind energy, the Commission issued a specific guidance document on application of EU nature legislation to wind farms (55) in 2011.

The Commission has not issued minimum standards with regard to wind farms and environment as each project has to be assessed on a case-by-case basis. With regard to Natura 2000 areas the appropriate assessment is the key tool to assess the project's impact on protected fauna and flora and to identify the requisite mitigation measures to reduce potential negative effects.

The Commission is not aware of any work specifically on the impact of wind farms on human health.

It is the responsibility of the competent authorities in each Member State to ensure that the provisions of the EU environmental legislation are correctly implemented. If there is a clear evidence of failure the Commission will take legal action to ensure compliance with EC law.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-003684/12

προς την Επιτροπή

Georgios Papanikolaou (PPE)

(11 Απριλίου 2012)

Θέμα: Αποτελεσματικότητα των ευρωπαϊκών δικτύων για την αντιμετώπιση της φαρμακοδιέγερσης στον αθλητισμό

Στο πλαίσιο της προπαρασκευαστικής δράσης της ΕΕ για τον αθλητισμό 2010, προβλέφθηκαν μέτρα ενθάρρυνσης για την καταπολέμηση της φαρμακοδιέγερσης και, για αυτό τον λόγο, χρηματοδοτήθηκαν τρία σχέδια σχετικά με τα ευρωπαϊκά δίκτυα που διήρκεσαν έως τον Μάρτιο του 2012.

Ερωτάται η Επιτροπή:

Απάντηση της κας Βασιλείου εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(11 Ιουνίου 2012)

Η Επιτροπή, στην απάντησή της στην ερώτηση Ε-003166/2012 (56) παρείχε αναλυτικά στοιχεία σχετικά με τα τρία σχέδια στα οποία αναφέρεται η παρούσα ερώτηση, συμπεριλαμβανομένων όλων των εταίρων και των κρατών μελών στα οποία βρίσκεται η έδρα τους. Υπογράφηκαν συμφωνίες επιχορήγησης στην αρχή μιας διαδικασίας επιλογής που διοργανώθηκε στο πλαίσιο πρόσκλησης υποβολής προτάσεων ανοικτής προς όλα τα κράτη μέλη. Όλα τα ενδιαφερόμενα μέρη παροτρύνθηκαν να συμμετάσχουν. Σε κανένα από τα τρία αυτά επιτυχή δίκτυα δεν συμμετείχε κάποια οργάνωση που να εδρεύει στην Ελλάδα.

Τα αποτελέσματα των εν λόγω σχεδίων, που συγχρηματοδοτούνται μέσω προπαρασκευαστικών δράσεων στον τομέα του αθλητισμού, θα δημοσιοποιηθούν από τις επικεφαλής οργανώσεις. Η Επιτροπή υπολογίζει να λάβει όλες τις τελικές εκθέσεις έως τον Σεπτέμβριο του 2012. Τα σχέδια μέχρι στιγμής έχουν καταδείξει τη σημασία των δικτύων πολλαπλών εταίρων — που περιλαμβάνουν αθλητικές οργανώσεις, αλλά δεν περιορίζονται μόνο σ’ αυτές — και τα οποία ανοίγουν νέους δρόμους στην ανάπτυξη νέων προσεγγίσεων για την πρόληψη της φαρμακοδιέγερσης.

Σε σχέση με την καταπολέμηση της φαρμακοδιέγερσης, η Επιτροπή ανέλαβε πολλές και διάφορες πρωτοβουλίες μετά την έναρξη ισχύος της συνθήκης της Λισαβόνας, συμπεριλαμβανομένων των προτάσεων που διατύπωσε στην ανακοίνωσή της «Ανάπτυξη της ευρωπαϊκής διάστασης του αθλητισμού». Τέτοιου είδους πρωτοβουλίες περιλαμβάνουν, εκτός από την ανάπτυξη μέτρων για την παροχή κινήτρων, πολιτική συνεργασία με τα κράτη μέλη στο πλαίσιο του Συμβουλίου και της ομάδας εμπειρογνωμόνων της ΕΕ για την καταπολέμηση της φαρμακοδιέγερσης· την προετοιμασία και την υποβολή στον Παγκόσμιο Οργανισμό κατά της Φαρμακοδιέγερσης συνεισφοράς της ΕΕ όσον αφορά την αναθεώρηση του παγκόσμιου κώδικα για την καταπολέμηση της φαρμακοδιέγερσης, και την τακτική συνεργασία με το Συμβούλιο της Ευρώπης. Τέλος, η Επιτροπή συμπεριέλαβε ειδικό κεφάλαιο για τον αθλητισμό στην πρότασή της για ένα πρόγραμμα για την εκπαίδευση, την κατάρτιση, τη νεολαία και τον αθλητισμό «Erasmus για όλους» για την περίοδο 2014-2020.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003684/12

to the Commission

Georgios Papanikolaou (PPE)

(11 April 2012)

Subject: Effectiveness of EU networks in the fight against doping in sport

As part of the EU’s preparatory action in the field of sport in 2010, measures were introduced to encourage the fight against doping and three projects related to EU networks were funded for this purpose, which lasted until March 2012.

The Commission is asked:

Answer given by Ms Vassiliou on behalf of the Commission

(11 June 2012)

Details on the three projects referred to in this question, including all partners and the Member States where they are based, were provided by the Commission in its reply to Written Question E‐003166/2012 (57). Grant agreements were signed at the outset of a selection procedure organised as part of an open call for proposals which was open to all Member States. All relevant stakeholders were encouraged to participate. No organisations based in Greece formed part of any of the three successful project networks.

The results of these projects, co-financed via Preparatory Actions in the field of Sport, will be disseminated by the leading organisations. The Commission expects to receive all the final reports by September 2012. The projects have thus far demonstrated the relevance of multi-actor networks — including but not limited to sports organisations — pioneering the development of new approaches to doping prevention.

In relation to the fight against doping, the Commission has taken many different initiatives following the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty, including the proposals put forward in its communication ‘Developing the European Dimension in Sport’. Apart from the development of incentive measures, such initiatives include political cooperation with Member States in the Council and in the EU Expert Group on Anti-Doping; the preparation and submission to the World Anti-Doping Agency of an EU contribution to the revision of the World Anti-Doping Code; and regular cooperation with the Council of Europe. Finally, the Commission included a Sport Chapter in its proposal for an ‘Erasmus for All’ Programme for Education, Training, Youth and Sport covering the years 2014-2020.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-003690/12

a la Comisión

Ramon Tremosa i Balcells (ALDE)

(11 de abril de 2012)

Asunto: Modificación de la propuesta de Reglamento de verificación y acreditación de verificadores de informes de emisión de gases de efecto invernadero I

En referencia a la propuesta de Reglamento relativo a la verificación de los informes de emisión de gases de efecto invernadero y de informe de datos sobre toneladas-kilómetro y a la acreditación de los verificadores de conformidad con la Directiva 2003/87/CE del Parlamento Europeo y del Consejo. La propuesta de Reglamento de verificación y acreditación, se justifica, entre otros, por los motivos siguientes:

Analizando estas motivaciones y tomando como referencia los Reglamentos 765/2008 y 1221/2009, que reafirman uno de los principios del Tratado constitutivo de la Unión Europea de no interferir en la distribución de funciones en el sí de los Estados miembros, queremos trasladar a la Comisión las preguntas siguientes en relación a la propuesta de Reglamento:

Respuesta de la Sra. Hedegaard en nombre de la Comisión

(5 de junio de 2012)

En virtud del Reglamento (CE) n° 1221/2009 (58), el término «autorización» se refiere al registro de verificadores medioambientales y, en consonancia con el artículo 5 del Reglamento (CE) n° 765/2008 (59), constituye una alternativa a la acreditación de verificadores. Estos verificadores medioambientales autorizados pueden ser personas físicas o jurídicas. El proyecto de Reglamento de la Comisión relativo a la verificación de los informes de emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero y de los informes de datos sobre toneladas-kilómetro y a la acreditación de los verificadores de conformidad con la Directiva 2003/87/CE (60) en lo sucesivo denominado el proyecto de Reglamento de la Comisión) introduce disposiciones relacionadas exclusivamente con los verificadores que son personas físicas a fin de abordar las situaciones diversas existentes en los Estados miembros. Así pues, los dos instrumentos legislativos tratan de dos situaciones diferentes. El proyecto de Reglamento de la Comisión introduce la expresión «certificación de los verificadores» para subrayar esta diferencia y evitar posibles malentendidos.

Con arreglo al Reglamento (CE) n° 765/2008, el organismo nacional de acreditación es «el único organismo de un Estado miembro con potestad pública para llevar a cabo acreditaciones» y no debe tener fines lucrativos. Además, el reconocimiento mutuo de los verificadores es un elemento fundamental del proyecto de Reglamento de la Comisión. Para garantizar la realización plena y efectiva del reconocimiento mutuo de todos los verificadores, se introduce un sistema de certificación de los verificadores que ofrece las mismas garantías que el aplicable a la acreditación de verificadores. A tal fin, el proyecto de Reglamento de la Comisión exige que el Estado miembro que decida hacer uso de la opción de certificación designe a una autoridad nacional y que presente todas las pruebas suplementarias necesarias a la Comisión y a los demás Estados miembros como prueba de que esa autoridad nacional cumple los mismos requisitos que un organismo nacional de acreditación.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003690/12

to the Commission

Ramon Tremosa i Balcells (ALDE)

(11 April 2012)

Subject: Amendment to the proposal for a regulation on verification and accreditation of verifiers of greenhouse gas emission reports (I)

The grounds for the proposal for a regulation on verification of greenhouse gas emission reports and tonne-kilometre reports and the accreditation of verifiers pursuant to Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council include the following:

Analysing these reasons, and with reference to Regulations (EC) Nos 765/2008 and 1221/2009, which reaffirm one of the principles of the Treaty establishing the European Union of not interfering in the distribution of functions within Member States, we would like to ask the Commission the following questions regarding the proposal for a regulation:

Answer given by Ms Hedegaard on behalf of the Commission

(5 June 2012)

Under Regulation (EC) No 1221/2009  (61) the term ‘licensing’ refers to the registration of environmental verifiers and, in line with Article 5 of Regulation (EC) No 765/2008, (62) is an alternative to the accreditation of verifiers. These licensed environmental verifiers can be either legal or natural persons. The draft Commission Regulation on the verification of greenhouse gas emission reports and tonne-kilometre reports and the accreditation of verifiers pursuant to Directive 2003/87/EC  (63) thereafter: the draft Commission Regulation) introduces provisions dealing exclusively with verifiers that are natural persons in order to address the variety of situations that exist in the Member States. Thus the two legislative instruments deal with two distinctly different situations. The draft Commission Regulation introduces the term 'certification of verifiers' to underline this difference and avoid any potential misunderstanding.

According to Regulation (EC) No 765/2008, a national accreditation body ‘shall mean the sole body in a Member State that performs accreditation with authority derived from the State’ and it shall operate on a not-for-profit basis. Furthermore, mutual recognition of verifiers is a key element of the draft Commission Regulation. To ensure the full and effective realisation of the mutual recognition of all verifiers, it introduces a system for the certification of verifiers that provides the same guarantees as the one applicable to the accreditation of verifiers. To that end, the draft Commission Regulation requires that the Member State, which chooses to make use of the certification option, appoints a national authority and supplies all supplementary evidence necessary to the Commission and the other Member States as proof that that national authority fulfills the same requirements as a national accreditation body.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-003692/12

a la Comisión

Ramon Tremosa i Balcells (ALDE)

(11 de abril de 2012)

Asunto: Modificación de la propuesta de Reglamento de verificación y acreditación de verificadores de informes de emisión de gases de efecto invernadero III

En referencia a la propuesta de Reglamento relativo a la verificación de los informes de emisión de gases de efecto invernadero y de informe de datos sobre toneladas-kilómetro y a la acreditación de los verificadores de conformidad con la Directiva 2003/87/CE del Parlamento Europeo y del Consejo. La propuesta de Reglamento de verificación y acreditación, se justifica, entre otros, por los motivos siguientes:

Analizando estas motivaciones y tomando como referencia los Reglamentos 765/2008 y 1221/2009, que reafirman uno de los principios del Tratado constitutivo de la Unión Europea de no interferir en la distribución de funciones en el sí de los Estados miembros, queremos trasladar a la Comisión las preguntas siguientes en relación a la propuesta de Reglamento:

Respuesta de la Sra. Hedegaard en nombre de la Comisión

(5 de junio de 2012)

Si por autoridades regionales pertinentes se entiende una autoridad competente designada por un Estado miembro con arreglo a la Directiva 2003/87/CE (64), la respuesta a la pregunta es afirmativa en el marco del proyecto de Reglamento de la Comisión relativo a la verificación de los informes de emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero y de los informes de datos sobre toneladas-kilómetro y a la acreditación de los verificadores de conformidad con la Directiva 2003/87/CE (en lo sucesivo denominado el proyecto de Reglamento de la Comisión).

El proyecto de Reglamento de la Comisión tiene por objeto establecer un procedimiento detallado y de alta calidad para la verificación de los informes de emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero y de los informes sobre toneladas-kilómetro presentados por un titular o un operador de aeronaves. Este proceso de verificación supone, en especial, la notificación correcta y eficaz de las emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero, las competencias técnicas de los verificadores y la mejora permanente de los procesos internos por parte de los verificadores, sobre todo en lo que respecta a su independencia e imparcialidad. El proyecto de Reglamento de la Comisión aborda la fiabilidad de la verificación para los usuarios y recuerda que el proceso de verificación de los informes de emisiones debe ser un medio eficaz y fidedigno en apoyo de la garantía de calidad y los procedimientos de control de la calidad. Además, de conformidad con la Directiva 2003/87/CE, el verificador debe aplicar un planteamiento basado en el riesgo a fin de llegar a un dictamen de verificación que ofrezca garantías razonables de que las emisiones totales no contienen ninguna inexactitud importante o de que las toneladas-kilómetro no presentan errores, así como de que el informe puede ser comprobado como satisfactorio. De producirse verificaciones incorrectas, la cuestión de la responsabilidad debe evaluarse caso por caso.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003692/12

to the Commission

Ramon Tremosa i Balcells (ALDE)

(11 April 2012)

Subject: Amendment to the proposal for a regulation on verification and accreditation of verifiers of greenhouse gas emission reports (III)

The grounds given for the proposal for a regulation on verification of greenhouse gas emission reports and tonne-kilometre reports and the accreditation of verifiers pursuant to Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council include the following:

Analysing these reasons, and with reference to Regulations (EC) Nos 765/2008 and 1221/2009, which reaffirm one of the principles of the Treaty establishing the European Union of not interfering in the distribution of functions within Member States, we would like to ask the Commission the following questions regarding the proposal for a regulation:

Answer given by Ms Hedegaard on behalf of the Commission

(5 June 2012)

If by relevant regional authority it is meant a competent authority appointed by a Member State on the basis of Directive 2003/87/EC (65), the answer to the question is positive within the context of the draft Commission Regulation on the verification of greenhouse gas emission reports and tonne-kilometre reports and the accreditation of verifiers pursuant to Directive 2003/87/EC (hereafter: the draft Commission Regulation).

The draft Commission Regulation aims to set up a detailed and high-quality process for the verification of greenhouse gas emission reports and tonne-kilometre reports submitted by an operator or aircraft operator. That verification process involves, notably, the correct and effective reporting of greenhouse gas emissions; the technical skills of the verifiers; the continuous improvement of internal processes by verifiers, notably as for their independence and impartiality. The draft Commission Regulation addresses the reliability of verification for users and recalls that the process of verifying emission reports shall be an effective and reliable tool in support of quality assurance and quality control procedures. Furthermore, in accordance with Directive 2003/87/EC the verifier shall apply a risk-based approach with the aim of reaching a verification opinion providing reasonable assurance that the total emissions or tonne-kilometres are not materially misstated and that the report can be verified as satisfactory. In the event of an incorrect verification, the question of responsibility should be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-003715/12

alla Commissione

Sergio Paolo Frances Silvestris (PPE)

(12 aprile 2012)

Oggetto: Progetto «Bici al posto delle pillole»

A Strasburgo l'amministrazione comunale ha deciso di finanziare un progetto per la prescrizione di ore di pedalate a chi ne può trarre beneficio per la salute. La ricetta medica che prescrive le passeggiate in bicicletta permetterà ai cittadini di usufruire delle bici che il municipio gestisce da diverso tempo tramite un sistema (Vel'hop) che consente a chiunque di utilizzarle in città pagando un piccolo affitto.

Il progetto partirà solo con 50 medici volontari, generici e cardiologi. Se l'esperienza, che durerà un anno, avrà successo diventerà definitiva nel 2014. A quel punto tutti i medici potranno prescrivere la bicicletta o altre attività «dolci» nei parchi e nelle aree attrezzate del Comune.

Alla luce dei fatti sopraesposti, può la Commissione per sapere se è a conoscenza del progetto «Bici al posto delle pillole» dell'amministrazione comunale di Strasburgo?

Considerando le finalità ecologiche, educative e mediche del progetto, intende dedicare adeguati finanziamenti a progetti che puntano alla sensibilizzazione del trasporto sostenibile soprattutto se può giovare, come nel caso delle biciclette, alla salute dei cittadini?

Tale iniziativa potrebbe rientrare tra quelle finanziate con i progetti pilota dell'Unione europea?

Risposta di John Dalli a nome della Commissione

(20 giugno 2012)

La Commissione non è a conoscenza del progetto menzionato dall'onorevole deputato.

La Commissione promuove attivamente la buona salute e gli stili di vita sani; i progetti in tale ambito rientrano nel campo di applicazione del programma Salute 2008-2013 (66). I singoli progetti però, per essere selezionati, devono corrispondere a tutti i criteri descritti nei piani di lavoro adottati annualmente dalla Commissione ed essere selezionati per la loro qualità ad opera di valutatori esterni nell'ambito di un concorso. Il programma di lavoro 2013 sarà adottato alla fine del 2012.

Il finanziamento di progetti pilota è possibile se questi rientrano in un elenco di progetti pilota approvato dal Parlamento europeo nel contesto della procedura annuale di bilancio.

I progetti di sensibilizzazione sui trasporti sostenibili potrebbero potenzialmente ottenere anch'essi un cofinanziamento dal programma LIFE+ a condizione che soddisfino i requisiti di tale programma (67). La Commissione ha indetto un bando di gara per una campagna triennale di sensibilizzazione su scala europea in tema di mobilità urbana sostenibile per supportare la Settimana europea della mobilità. I lavori relativi alla campagna sono iniziati nel gennaio 2012.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003715/12

to the Commission

Sergio Paolo Frances Silvestris (PPE)

(12 April 2012)

Subject: ‘Bikes, not pills’ project

The city administration in Strasbourg has decided to fund a project that prescribes hours of cycling to those who may derive health benefits from it. The medical prescription of bicycle rides will enable citizens to make use of the bikes the city has managed for some time via the Vel’hop system, which enables anybody to use them in the city for a small hire charge.

The project will begin with just 50 volunteer doctors, general practitioners and cardiologists. If the year‐long experiment is successful, the project will become permanent in 2014. From then, all doctors will be able to prescribe bicycle riding or other ‘gentle’ activities in parks and designated spaces in the city.

In view of the above, can the Commission state whether it is aware of the ‘Bikes, not pills’ project of the Strasbourg city administration?

Considering the environmental, educational and medical aims of the project, does it intend to dedicate appropriate funding to projects that focus on raising awareness of sustainable transport, particularly if it can benefit the health of citizens, as in the case of bicycles?

Could such an initiative be among those funded by European Union pilot projects?

Answer given by Mr Dalli on behalf of the Commission

(20 June 2012)

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

The Commission is keen to promote good health and healthy living and projects in this area fall under the scope of the Health Programme 2008-2013 (68). For individual projects to be selected for funding, however, they need to fulfill all the criteria described in the work plans adopted each year by the Commission and selected in terms of quality by external evaluators in a competitive process. The 2013 work programme will be adopted by the end of 2012.

The funding of pilot projects is possible if included on a list of pilot projects approved by the Parliament as part of the annual budgetary procedure.

Projects focusing on raising awareness of sustainable transport could potentially also obtain co-funding from the LIFE+ programme, provided they also satisfy the requirements of this programme (69). The Commission launched a tender for a 3 year Europe-wide awareness-raising campaign on sustainable urban mobility to support the European Mobility Week. The work on the campaign started in January 2012.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-003718/12

alla Commissione

Sergio Paolo Frances Silvestris (PPE)

(12 aprile 2012)

Oggetto: Shopping on line e pagamenti sicuri

Raddoppiare il valore del commercio elettronico europeo entro il 2015 in sedici mosse. Questo è l'ambizioso obiettivo che si è dato il commissario europeo Neelie Kroes, rinforzandolo con un dato che ne afferma tutta l'importanza: per ogni posto di lavoro che si perde a causa del paradigma digitale se ne creano 2,6 e questo dimostra la rilevanza del tema ai fini dello sviluppo e dell'occupazione.

Lo shopping on line è un mercato in continua crescita, nonostante in Italia sia ancora relegato a un ruolo di nicchia. E mentre l'e-commerce decolla in tutto il mondo, con cifre quasi record raggiunte durante il periodo natalizio, l'Europa inizia a preoccuparsi della concorrenza. Il leader del settore sembra essere diventato la Cina, con 315 miliardi di dollari in transazioni, ed entro il 2015 pare che gli acquisti via Internet possano eguagliare, se non superare, quelli effettuati fisicamente in negozio.

La concorrenza del sistema economico cinese ha preso di mira il mercato europeo, con iniziative sempre più localizzate e intense, e punta a superare nel 2015 lo stesso mercato on line americano.

In merito a quanto esposto, può la Commissione chiarire:

Risposta di Michel Barnier a nome della Commissione

(21 giugno 2012)

La Commissione ritiene che il commercio elettronico e i servizi in linea siano una fonte importante di crescita e d'occupazione: nella comunicazione dell'11 gennaio 2012 ha pertanto definito una strategia di sviluppo del commercio elettronico transfrontaliero mediante il rafforzamento della fiducia dei cittadini e delle imprese.

La Commissione è consapevole dell'importanza di migliorare la consegna e la disponibilità dei sistemi di pagamento. Nell'aprile 2012 si è conclusa una consultazione pubblica sui pagamenti tramite carte, internet e telefono mobile: (76) la Commissione renderà pubbliche le conclusioni entro la fine di luglio 2012. Nell'autunno 2012 sarà avviata una nuova consultazione pubblica volta a determinare le misure che consentano un migliore servizio di ritiro e consegna dei pacchi.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003718/12

to the Commission

Sergio Paolo Frances Silvestris (PPE)

(12 April 2012)

Subject: Online shopping and secure payments

To double the value of European e-commerce by 2015 in 16 steps: this is the ambitious target set by European Commissioner Neelie Kroes, reinforcing it with a statistic that shows how important it is: for every job lost to the digital paradigm, 2.6 jobs are created, which demonstrates how relevant the subject is for development and employment.

Online shopping is a continually growing market, although in Italy it is still relegated to a niche role. And while e-commerce is taking off around the world, with near record numbers reached during the Christmas period, Europe has begun to worry about the competition. China seems to have become the leader in this sector, with USD 315 billion earned in transactions, and by 2015 it appears that Internet shopping may equal, if not exceed, in-shop purchases.

Competition from the Chinese economic system has targeted the market in Europe with increasingly localised and intense initiatives and in 2015 it aims to overtake the US online market.

In view of the above, can the Commission explain:

(Version française)

La Commission considère que le commerce électronique et les services en ligne constituent une source majeure de croissance et d'emplois. Elle a donc défini dans sa Communication du 11 janvier 2012 une stratégie pour le développement du commerce électronique transfrontalier, par le renforcement de la confiance des citoyens et des entreprises.

La Commission est consciente de l'importance d'améliorer la livraison et la disponibilité de systèmes de paiements. Une consultation publique sur les paiements par carte, par internet et par téléphone mobile (83) s'est achevée en avril 2012. La Commission rendra publiques ses conclusions d'ici la fin du mois de juillet 2012. À l'automne 2012 une nouvelle consultation publique visant à déterminer les mesures permettant un meilleur acheminement des colis sera lancée.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-003720/12

alla Commissione

Sergio Paolo Frances Silvestris (PPE)

(12 aprile 2012)

Oggetto: Erasmus per giovani imprenditori

La crisi che si protrae oramai dal 2008 sta mettendo in ginocchio molte imprese. Ora l'allarme è che l'Italia, così come molti altri Stati membri, possa perdere un'intera generazione di imprenditori.

Questo accade perché il contesto imprenditoriale si è fatto via via più competitivo e la difficile congiuntura economica sta mettendo in ginocchio anche le realtà produttive più consolidate, scoraggiando non poco i giovani che hanno un'idea di business ma non la forza, finanziaria e non, per realizzarla.

Molti giovani imprenditori poi, nel momento in cui costituiscono un'impresa, non possiedono un'adeguata esperienza nella gestione aziendale e mancano di competenze cruciali per la buona riuscita del loro progetto imprenditoriale. Tali lacune, unite al fatto che il più delle volte l'impresa che nasce opera solo a livello nazionale, ne limitano notevolmente la crescita.

La Commissione europea, per risolvere il problema, ha creato il programma «Erasmus per giovani imprenditori»; l'idea è di aiutare l'imprenditore ad acquisire importanti competenze e ad estendere la propria attività a livello europeo.

1. In merito a quanto esposto, può la Commissione far sapere quanti giovani hanno potuto usufruire del programma «Erasmus per giovani imprenditori» dalla sua nascita?

2. Può indicare quali sono i principali obiettivi del programma «Erasmus per giovani imprenditori»? Può eventualmente indicare quali e quanti sono i risultati per le PMI europee gestite da giovani che hanno potuto usufruire dall'idea?

Risposta di Antonio Tajani a nome della Commissione

(11 giugno 2012)

Il programma «Erasmus per giovani imprenditori» e operativo dall'aprile 2009. A tutt'oggi più di 3 500 imprenditori hanno un profilo convalidato nella base dati del programma e sono stati organizzati più di 1 070 soggiorni.

Gli obiettivi generali del programma sono, da un lato, il potenziamento dello spirito imprenditoriale e delle competenze manageriali dei giovani imprenditori che si trovano a contatto con un «imprenditore ospitante» di esperienza collaudata e, dall'altro, il rafforzamento della competitività e l'internazionalizzazione delle piccole e medie imprese partecipanti.

Stando alle risposte ai questionari compilati dai partecipanti alla fine di ciascuno scambio, il programma consente di sviluppare il progetto professionale o l'attività commerciale sia dei nuovi imprenditori che degli imprenditori ospitanti; l'89 % dei «nuovi imprenditori» ritiene che la partecipazione al programma abbia contribuito a realizzare la loro ambizione di creare una propria impresa. Il programma offre inoltre ai partecipanti la possibilità di meglio esplorare le opportunità offerte dal mercato comune ampliando la loro rete di contatti o approfondendo le loro conoscenze dei mercati esteri.

Una valutazione intermedia dell'azione preparatoria — realizzata peraltro ad uno stadio precoce dell'azione e quindi fondata su dati limitati — fornisce del pari proiezioni interessanti in termini di creazione di posti di lavoro. 10 000 scambi potrebbero determinare la creazione di 5 000-6 000 posti di lavoro. Questa valutazione è disponibile su internet al seguente indirizzo: http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/dg/files/evaluation/eye_final_report_en.pdf.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003720/12

to the Commission

Sergio Paolo Frances Silvestris (PPE)

(12 April 2012)

Subject: Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs

The crisis that has been dragging on since 2008 is bringing many companies to their knees. The danger is that Italy, like many other Member States, could lose an entire generation of entrepreneurs.

This is happening because the business world is becoming increasingly competitive and the difficult economic situation is even reducing the more established areas of industry, thereby discouraging many young people with business ideas, but not the strength, financial or otherwise, to realise them.

Furthermore, when setting up a company, many young entrepreneurs lack sufficient experience of business administration and the crucial skills needed to make their project a success. These shortcomings, together with the fact that the companies created mostly only operate at national level, considerably limit their growth.

To resolve the problem, the European Commission has created the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs programme, to help entrepreneurs to gain important skills and expand their activities at European level.

(Version française)

Le programme «Erasmus pour jeunes entrepreneurs» est opérationnel depuis avril 2009. À ce jour, plus de 3 500 entrepreneurs ont un profil validé dans la base de données du programme et plus de 1 070 séjours ont été organisés.

Les objectifs généraux du programme sont, d'une part, l'amélioration de l'esprit d'entreprise et des compétences managériales des jeunes entrepreneurs mis en contact avec un «entrepreneur d'accueil» expérimenté et, d'autre part le renforcement de la compétitivité et l'internationalisation des Petites et Moyennes Entreprises participantes.

D'après les réponses aux questionnaires remplis par les participants à la fin de chaque échange, le programme permet de développer le projet professionnel ou l'activité commerciale tant des nouveaux entrepreneurs que des entrepreneurs d'accueil; 89 % des «nouveaux entrepreneurs» estiment que leur participation au programme a contribué à leur ambition de créer leur propre entreprise. Le programme donne également aux participants la possibilité de mieux explorer les opportunités offertes par le marché commun en élargissant leur réseau de contacts ou en approfondissant leurs connaissances de marchés étrangers.

Une évaluation intermédiaire de l'action préparatoire — bien que réalisée à un stade précoce de l'action et par conséquent fondée sur des données limitées — fournit également des projections intéressantes en termes de création d'emplois. Ainsi, 10 000 échanges pourraient donner lieu à la création de 5 000 à 6 000 emplois. Cette évaluation est disponible sur internet à l'adresse suivante:

(http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/dg/files/evaluation/eye_final_report_en.pdf).

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-003722/12

alla Commissione

Sergio Paolo Frances Silvestris (PPE)

(12 aprile 2012)

Oggetto: Possibili fondi per l'Associazione Polje

L'Associazione Consortile Polje di Molfetta nasce dall'azione sinergica di sei associazioni presenti sul territorio: Archeoclub, Ictíus, Legambiente, Pro Loco, Terrae e Wwf.

Dal 2007 è soggetto gestore del Pulo su incarico dalla Provincia di Bari, ente proprietario del bene, e opera per la valorizzazione del sito, garantendone una fruibilità rispettosa dell'ambiente e delle testimonianze storico-archeologiche. Il Pulo di Molfetta è una caratteristica dolina da crollo di origine carsica, dove ha vissuto l'uomo del Neolitico tra il VI e l'VIII secolo.

Il Pulo di Molfetta non è interessante solo dal punto di vista storico-archeologico e della sua natura geologica, ma anche — cosa non di minore importanza — per le sue valenze naturalistiche che rendono questo sito, dalle dimensioni non molto estese, importantissimo sotto il profilo della biodiversità sia faunistica che botanica. L'Associazione Polje si occupa ogni anno, all'interno della dolina, oltre che dell'organizzazione di visite guidate, anche di manifestazioni culturali, come spettacoli teatrali e concerti.

Alla luce dei fatti sopraesposti, può la Commissione rispondere ai seguenti quesiti:

Risposta di Johannes Hahn a nome della Commissione

(7 giugno 2012)

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003722/12

to the Commission

Sergio Paolo Frances Silvestris (PPE)

(12 April 2012)

Subject: Possible funding for the Polje Consortium Association

The Polje Consortium Association in Molfetta is the result of collaborative work between six associations operating in this area: Archeoclub, Ictius, Legambiente, Pro Loco, Terrae and WWF.

Since 2007 it has been entrusted with responsibility for managing the Pulo by the Province of Bari, the organisation that owns the site, and is working to enhance its value, ensuring that it is used in a manner that is respectful to the environment and its historic and archaeological heritage. The Pulo in Molfetta is a typical sinkhole, caused by a karstic collapse, in which humans lived in the Neolithic age between the 7th and 8th centuries.

The Pulo in Molfetta is interesting not only from an archaeological and geological point of view but also — and no less importantly — for its natural value, which makes this relatively small site extremely important in terms of biodiversity both for its flora and fauna. Every year, the Polje Consortium Association organises guided tours and cultural initiatives in the sinkhole, including theatrical performances and concerts.

In view of the above, could the Commission reply to the following questions:

(Version française)

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-003733/12

alla Commissione

Sergio Paolo Frances Silvestris (PPE)

(12 aprile 2012)

Oggetto: Ricerca e innovazione in Europa

In questo momento storico l'innovazione rappresenta una strategia fondamentale per avviare le economie mature verso la ripresa e per lasciarsi definitivamente alle spalle il difficile momento di crisi che incide negativamente sugli investimenti e sulla competitività.

Nella stessa «Strategia Europa 2020» l'asse prioritario «crescita intelligente» promuove la conoscenza e l'innovazione come motori della nostra futura crescita e chiede di mantenere monitorato il parametro inerente alla spesa in Ricerca & Sviluppo (R&S) in rapporto al PIL.

L'Unione europea sta avanzando a poco a poco verso la propria meta, ovvero investire il 3 % del PIL in R&S: nel 2009 la spesa in R&S dell'Unione raggiunge il 2 % mantenendosi ancora a distanza dai maggiori concorrenti mondiali (Stati Uniti e Giappone), ma nello stesso anno sono stati 23 gli Stati membri a riuscire a mantenere o ad accrescere la propria spesa in R&S.

In Italia nel 2009 è stato destinato all'attività di ricerca l'1,26 % del PIL, valore che porta la nostra nazione sempre più vicina all'obiettivo nazionale fissato per il 2020, pari all'1,53 %. La distanza dal target tende quindi a ridursi per l'Italia, arrivata a soltanto 0,3 punti percentuali al di sotto della soglia.

Tutto ciò premesso, s'interroga la Commissione per sapere:

Risposta di Máire Geoghegan-Quinn a nome della Commissione

(11 giugno 2012)

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003733/12

to the Commission

Sergio Paolo Frances Silvestris (PPE)

(12 April 2012)

Subject: Research and innovation in Europe

At this historic moment, innovation is a fundamental strategy for driving mature economies towards recovery so that they may finally emerge from the difficult crisis which has had a negative impact on investments and competition.

The Europe 2020 strategy, whose main aim of ‘intelligent growth’ is to promote knowledge and innovation as the engines of our future growth, calls for continued monitoring of the parameters regarding the cost of Research and Development (R & D) relative to GDP.

The European Union is slowly moving towards its goal, namely to invest 3 % of GDP in R & D. In 2009, R & D expenditure in the EU reached 2 %, still lagging behind its main global competitors (the United States and Japan) although, in the same year, 23 Member States managed to maintain or increase their R & D spending.

In Italy, in 2009, 1.26 % of GDP was spent on research, bringing our country ever closer to the 1.53 % target set for 2020. The distance from the target is therefore tending to decrease in Italy, which is now just 0.3 percentage points below the threshold.

In view of the above, we ask the Commission to let us know:

(Version française)

(Suomenkielinen versio)

Kirjallisesti vastattava kysymys E-003742/12

komissiolle

Satu Hassi (Verts/ALE)

(12. huhtikuuta 2012)

Aihe: Pakkausten täyttöaste

Direktiivi 94/62/EY pakkauksista ja pakkausjätteistä säätää toimista, joilla pyritään vähentämään pakkausjätteiden tuotantoa ja lisäämään niiden kierrätystä. Kyseinen direktiivi velvoittaa jäsenvaltiot mm. ottamaan käyttöön palautus-, keruu‐ ja hyödyntämisjärjestelmiä hyödyntämis‐ ja kierrätystavoitteiden saavuttamiseksi.

Direktiivi ei kuitenkaan käsittele elintarvikkeiden kuluttajapakkausten täyttöastetta eli sitä, miten paljon pakkauksessa saa olla tyhjää tilaa.

Vähittäiskaupassa myytävissä monissa elintarvikkeissa huomattava osa pakkauksesta on tyhjää tilaa, mikä lisää sekä pakkausjätettä että tuotteen kuljetuskustannuksia. Lisäksi se johtaa harhaan kuluttajaa, joka usein valitsee kahdesta tuotteesta sen, jolla on isompi pakkaus riippumatta siitä, onko pakkausten sisällön määrässä eroa.

Jos kuluttajapakkausten minimitäyttöaste olisi määritelty EU-lainsäädännössä, valmistajilla ei olisi syytä tuhlata resursseja tekemällä ylisuuria pakkauksia, ja kuluttajankin olisi helpompi verrata pakkausten sisältämän tavaran määrää. Tämä tukisi EU:n resurssitehokkuustavoitteiden saavuttamista. Komissio toteaakin viime vuonna julkaisemassaan Etenemissuunnitelmassa kohti resurssitehokasta Eurooppaa, että jäsenvaltiot ja komissio arvioivat vuodesta 2012 lähtien toimia, joilla optimoidaan pakkausten resurssitehokkuus.

Aikooko komissio tässä tai muussa yhteydessä harkita toimia, joilla kuluttajapakkausten täyttöasteita parannetaan?

Janez Potočnikin komission puolesta antama vastaus

(30. toukokuuta 2012)

Pakkauksista ja pakkausjätteistä annetussa direktiivissä 94/62/EY säädetään useista keskeisistä vaatimuksista, jotka koskevat pakkausten saattamista markkinoille. Yksi näistä vaatimuksista on se, että pakkauksen paino ja koko on rajoitettava mahdollisimman pieniksi siten, että samalla varmistetaan vaadittava turvallisuuden, hygienian ja hyväksyttävyyden taso sekä pakatun tuotteen että kuluttajan kannalta.

Komissio ei tällä hetkellä aio ehdottaa uusia toimenpiteitä pakkausten täyttöasteen nostamiseksi.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003742/12

to the Commission

Satu Hassi (Verts/ALE)

(12 April 2012)

Subject: Degree of filling of consumer packaging

Directive 94/62/EC on packaging and packaging waste introduced measures intended to reduce the output of packing waste and to promote recycling of such waste. This directive requires Member States to implement return, collection and recovery systems in order to achieve recovery and recycling objectives.

However, the directive does not address the degree to which consumer food packaging is filled. That is, there is no regulation concerning the amount of empty space that such packaging may contain.

Many food products on sale in retail outlets are packaged in such a way that a considerable proportion of the packaging is empty space, which increases packaging waste and the logistical costs of the product. Furthermore, it misleads consumers, who often choose a larger product, regardless of whether there is a difference in the amount of content within the packaging.

If EU legislation defined a minimum degree of filling for consumer packaging, producers would have no reason to waste resources on manufacturing oversized packaging and it would be easier for consumers to compare the amount of product contained within the packaging. This would facilitate the achievement of the EU’s resource efficiency objectives. Indeed, the Commission stated in its Roadmap to a Resource Efficient Europe, which was published last year, that the Member States and the Commission intended to investigate measures for optimising the resource efficiency of packaging from 2012 onwards.

Does the Commission intend to consider measures, in this or in any other regard, by which the degree of filling of consumer packaging could be increased?

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(30 May 2012)

Directive 94/62/EC on packaging and packaging waste provides for a set of essential requirements for placing packaging on the market. One of these requirements is that packaging weight and volume must be reduced to the minimum necessary for safety, hygiene and consumer acceptance of the packaged product.

The Commission does not currently have the intention to propose further measures to increase the degree of filing of packaging.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta P-003743/12

alla Commissione

Debora Serracchiani (S&D)

(12 aprile 2012)

Oggetto: Itinerario culturale di Santiago de Compostela

Il 21 agosto 2010 Giulio Recusani, un ragazzo italiano, è morto annegato presso la Playa de Mar de Fora, a Finisterre, ultima tappa del pellegrinaggio di Santiago de Compostela, in Spagna. Dalle testimonianze dei presenti è emerso che, prima di inabissarsi, il ragazzo ha nuotato per un'ora e che i soccorsi sono arrivati solo quando ormai era troppo tardi.

Il 112 era stato immediatamente allertato e ad oggi non è chiaro se e quando sia stata effettuata la chiamata di «Mayday relay» alle imbarcazioni di pesca della zona attraverso l'apposito canale 16 UHF o gli altri sistemi previsti.

A quanto pare il percorso è conosciuto per altri incidenti e decessi avvenuti in passato e causati dalla mancanza di segnalazione dei punti che, per la mutevolezza delle condizioni atmosferiche e delle correnti, risultano pericolosi. I genitori della vittima hanno oltretutto dovuto affrontare le difficoltà legate alle procedure per il rimpatrio della salma e sono stati costretti a ritornare in Spagna per l'esame del DNA a pochi giorni dal rientro in Italia. Il risultato dell'esame del DNA è stato reso noto a distanza di dieci giorni e solo dopo circa tre settimane la salma è stata finalmente rimpatriata.

— Considerando che le sue competenze in relazione agli atti e alle omissioni degli Stati membri sono limitate alla vigilanza sull'applicazione del diritto dell'Unione sotto il controllo della Corte di giustizia dell'UE (articolo 17 paragrafo 1 del TUE), quali misure ha adottato o intende adottare la Commissione per migliorare la cooperazione tra Stati membri in materia di rafforzamento della fiducia e di riconoscimento reciproco nel settore del trasferimento delle salme da uno Stato membro all'altro?

— Considerando che quello di Santiago de Compostela è uno dei più importanti itinerari culturali europei, intende la Commissione adottare misure di prevenzione degli incidenti e, se del caso, verificare che i sistemi di soccorso siano ovunque efficaci e sempre attivi?

Risposta data da Michel Barnier a nome della Commissione

(23 maggio 2012)

La Commissione invita l’onorevole parlamentare a prendere conoscenza della risposta da essa data alle interrogazioni scritte E-000338/2012, E-0010619/2010, E-002731/2010, E-001264/2008.

Il trasferimento del corpo di defunti in Europa è oggetto dell’accordo del Consiglio d’Europa del 1973, inteso a semplificare le formalità amministrative per il trasporto delle spoglie delle persone defunte tra le parti contraenti. Nella sua comunicazione per un’efficace tutela consolare nei paesi terzi: il contributo dell’Unione europea — Piano d’azione 2007-2009, la Commissione ha raccomandato agli Stati membri che non sono ancora parti dell’accordo di aderire quanto prima a questo strumento. Attualmente 17 Stati membri sono firmatari dell’accordo. La Spagna ha firmato l’accordo nel 1989 e la ratifica e l’entrata in vigore dell’accordo hanno avuto luogo nel 1992. L’Italia deve ancora firmare detto accordo.

La Commissione non prevede di proporre prossimamente misure specifiche in materia.

La Commissione promuove attivamente il numero unico di emergenza europeo 112 che garantisce l’accesso ai servizi di emergenza. Fin dall’adozione della decisione del Consiglio (97), la Commissione ha seguito l’applicazione della normativa UE sul 112 da parte degli Stati membri. L’attuale quadro normativo (98), entrato in vigore il 25 maggio 2011, ha rafforzato le disposizioni sull’accesso al 112 in particolare per le persone che viaggiano nell’Unione europea. La Commissione pubblica ogni anno la relazione sull’attuazione del 112 (99), che fornisce un quadro generale dell’attuazione dell’accesso al numero 112 negli Stati membri.

(English version)

Question for written answer P-003743/12

to the Commission

Debora Serracchiani (S&D)

(12 April 2012)

Subject: Santiago de Compostela cultural trail

On 21 August 2010, Giulio Recusani, a young Italian man, drowned at the Playa de Mar de Fora, in Finisterre, on the last section of the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage trail, in Spain. Witness statements revealed that the young man had been swimming for an hour before drowning and that the rescue services arrived too late.

The emergency services had been alerted immediately and it is not yet clear if and when the ‘Mayday relay’ call had been made to the fishing boats in the area via the special UHF-16 channel or the other systems provided.

It appears that the route is known for other accidents and deaths that have occurred there in the past as a result of a failure to signpost areas that are dangerous due to changeable weather conditions and currents. The victim’s parents also had to deal with the difficulties connected with repatriating the body and were forced to return to Spain for the DNA test a few days after returning to Italy. The DNA test result was released 10 days later and only after around three weeks was the body finally repatriated.

— Considering that its competences relating to the acts and omissions of Member States are limited to overseeing the application of EC law under the control of the European Court of Justice (Article 17, Paragraph 1 of the TEU), what measures has the Commission adopted, or does it intend to adopt, in order to improve cooperation between Member States with a view to increasing confidence and strengthening mutual recognition when transferring corpses between one Member State and another?

— Considering that the Santiago de Compostela route is one of the most important cultural trails in Europe, does the Commission intend to adopt accident prevention measures and, if so, verify that rescue systems are effective everywhere and always active?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(23 May 2012)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to the written questions E‐000338/2012, E‐0010619/2010, E‐002731/2010, E‐001264/2008.

The transfer of corpses in Europe is subject to the 1973 Council of Europe Agreement, which is designed to simplify the administrative formalities for transferring remains between the contracting parties. In its communication on effective consular protection in third countries: the contribution of the European Union — Action Plan 2007‐2009, the Commission recommended the Member States, that are not yet parties to the agreement, to accede to this instrument as soon as possible. Currently 17 Member States are the signatories of the Agreement. Spain has signed the agreement in 1989 and ratification and entry into force of the agreement took place in 1992. Italy has not signed the agreement so far.

The Commission does not plan to propose any specific measures on this subject in the immediate future.

The Commission actively promotes the single European emergency number 112 which ensures access to emergency services. Since the adoption of Council decision (100) the Commission has monitored the implementation of the EC law on 112 by Member States. The current regulatory framework (101) which entered into force on 25 May 2011 reinforced the requirements relating to access to 112 in particular for people travelling in the European Union. The Commission is publishing every year the 112 implementation report (102) which provides an overview of the implementation of the access to the 112 number in the Member States.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003751/12

to the Commission

Marta Andreasen (EFD)

(12 April 2012)

Subject: Follow-up to Question E‐010609/11 on psychological harassment — Part 1

The Commission’s answer to my questions on harassment revealed certain interesting data. For instance, the Council is the only institution in which cases of harassment were admitted to have taken place during the last five years, and only 28 out of 61 ‘Article 24’ complaints led to an administrative investigation by the Commission. Even more interesting, though, is what cannot be found in the answers. I therefore have to ask these follow-up questions to points 1, 2, 3 and 4 of E‐010609/11:

Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the Commission

(20 June 2012)

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-003814/12

alla Commissione (Vicepresidente/Alto Rappresentante)

Sergio Paolo Frances Silvestris (PPE)

(13 aprile 2012)

Oggetto: VP/HR — Corea, lancio di satellite

La Corea del Nord il 16 aprile festeggerà il «Giorno del Sole», ovvero il centesimo anniversario della nascita del presidente Kim Il Sung, nonno dell'attuale leader del Paese. Per l'occasione si terrà un lancio balistico descritto dai media coreani come il lancio di un satellite per le osservazioni meteorologiche.

All'evento sono stati invitati diversi giornalisti stranieri, ma nemmeno loro, accolti nella stazione satellitare di Soahe, sono in grado di indicare con precisione di cosa esattamente si tratti: la tecnologia (militare) utilizzata è la stessa, che sia per prevedere il tempo o per agganciare al missile una testata nucleare.

Alla luce di quanto citato, si interroga l'Alto Rappresentante per sapere:

Risposta congiunta di Catherine Ashton a nome della Commissione

(25 giugno 2012)

Con il tentativo di lanciare un «satellite» il 13 aprile 2012 la Repubblica popolare democratica di Corea (RPDC) ha chiaramente violato i propri obblighi internazionali e in particolare quelli stabiliti dalle risoluzioni del Consiglio di sicurezza delle Nazioni Unite n. 1718 e 1874.

Il 17 marzo 2012, subito dopo l'annuncio della RPDC del piano per il lancio del «satellite», l'Alta Rappresentante/Vicepresidente Catherine Ashton ha esortato la Corea del Nord, tramite una dichiarazione formale del suo portavoce, ad astenersi dal lancio previsto, dichiarando che ciò avrebbe costituito una violazione degli obblighi internazionali del paese. Il 13 aprile 2012, il giorno stesso dell'esecuzione del lancio, l'Alta Rappresentante/Vicepresidente ha espresso con una dichiarazione formale la sua profonda preoccupazione per le ripercussioni pericolose e destabilizzanti dell'accaduto e ha esortato la Corea del Nord ad astenersi da qualsiasi azione che possa incrementare ulteriormente le tensioni a livello regionale. L'AR/VP ha inoltre precisato che l'UE conferma la sua disponibilità a continuare la collaborazione con i partner internazionali al fine di a contribuire alla ricerca di una pace duratura e di stabilità per la penisola coreana. Il 16 aprile 2012, il Consiglio di sicurezza delle Nazioni Unite ha approvato ulteriori designazioni di gruppi e soggetti della RPDC da sottoporre a misure restrittive in base alle risoluzioni in materia, cosa avvenuta il 2 maggio 2012. Queste ulteriori designazioni sono già incluse nella lista delle designazioni autonome dell'UE.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-003766/12

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(12 de abril de 2012)

Assunto: Lançamento de foguetão norte-coreano

A Coreia do Norte planeia lançar um foguetão para afirmar a autoridade de Kim Jon-Un.

Considerada como uma provocação aos países vizinhos, apesar da miséria em que vivem milhões de norte-coreanos, o próximo Secretário-Geral do Partido dos Trabalhadores da Coreia do Norte espera marcar, assim, o advento de um Estado poderoso e próspero.

Vários peritos têm já sublinhado a hipótese de ocorrerem falhas neste lançamento e de, em vez de cair sobre o Mar Amarelo e sobre o Pacífico, poder ocorrer um desvio de rota, com todas as consequências daí decorrentes.

Pergunto à Comissão:

Resposta conjunta dada pela Alta Representante/Vice-Presidente Catherine Ashton em nome da Comissão

(25 de junho de 2012)

A tentativa da República Popular Democrática da Coreia (RPDC) de lançar um «satélite», em 13 de abril de 2012, constituiu uma clara violação das suas obrigações internacionais, em especial as resoluções do Conselho de Segurança das Nações Unidas 1718 e 1874.

Em 17 de março de 2012, imediatamente após o anúncio da RPDC do seu plano de levar por diante o lançamento de um «satélite», a Alta Representante da UE para os Negócios Estrangeiros e Vice-Presidente da Comissão, Catherine Ashton, apelou à RPDC, através de uma declaração formal emitida pelo seu porta-voz, para que renunciasse ao plano de lançamento, recordando que, se o fizesse, estaria a violar as suas obrigações internacionais. Em 13 de abril de 2012, no mesmo dia em que o lançamento teve lugar, Catherine Ashton exprimiu, numa declaração formal, a sua profunda preocupação com o perigo e o efeito desestabilizador do lançamento e exortou a RPDC a abster-se de qualquer ato suscetível de agravar as tensões regionais. Deixou ainda bem claro que a UE continua disposta a colaborar com os seus parceiros internacionais a fim de contribuir para uma paz e estabilidade duradouras na Península coreana. Em 16 de abril de 2012, o Conselho de Segurança das Nações Unidas decidiu acrescentar novos artigos e entidades à lista de restrições impostas à RPDC, nos termos das Resoluções pertinentes. Tal foi feito em 2 de maio de 2012. Estas designações adicionais já estão incluídas na lista de designações autónomas da UE.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003766/12

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(12 April 2012)

Subject: North Korean rocket launch

North Korea is planning to launch a rocket to assert the authority of Kim Jong-un.

Although the launch is considered a provocation to its neighbouring countries, and despite the poverty in which millions of North Koreans live, the next General Secretary of the Workers’ Party of North Korea hopes to mark the advent of a prosperous and powerful state in this way.

Various experts have already stressed the possibility that the launch will fail and that, instead of falling into the Yellow Sea or the Pacific, the rocket may change course, with all the resulting consequences.

Would the Commission answer the following:

Question for written answer E-003814/12

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Sergio Paolo Frances Silvestris (PPE)

(13 April 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — Korea satellite launch

On 16 April 2012, North Korea will celebrate the ‘Day of the Sun’ or the hundredth anniversary of the birth of President Kim Il Sung, the grandfather of the country’s current leader. The occasion will be marked by a ballistic launch, described by the Korean media as the launch of a satellite for meteorological observations.

Several foreign journalists have been invited to the event and welcomed at the Soahe satellite station, but not even they are able to pinpoint exactly what it is: The (military) technology used is the same both for predicting the weather and attaching a nuclear warhead to the missile.

In view of the above, can the High Representative state:

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

(25 June 2012)

The attempt made by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to launch a ‘satellite’ on 13 April 2012 was done in clear violation of the DPRK’s international obligations as set out in particular under UN Security Council Resolutions 1718 and 1874.

On 17 March 2012, immediately after the DPRK’s announcement of its plan to carry out the ‘satellite’ launch the High Representative of the EU Foreign Affairs and Vice-President of the Commission, Catherine Ashton, called, through a formal Statement by her Spokesperson, upon the DPRK to refrain from the planned launch and stated that it would create a breach of the DPRK’s international obligations. On 13 April 2012, the same day the launch was executed, she expressed, in a formal statement, her deep concern about the dangerous and destabilising effect of the launch and urged the DPRK to refrain from any action that could further increase regional tensions. She also made it clear that the EU remains ready to continue working with international partners with a view to contributing to the pursuit of lasting peace and stability on the Korean peninsula. On 16 April 2012 the UN Security Council agreed to designate additional DPRK groups and items for restrictions under the relevant Resolutions. This was done on 2 May 2012. These additional designations are already included in the list of EU autonomous designations.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-003775/12

alla Commissione

Cristiana Muscardini (PPE)

(12 aprile 2012)

Oggetto: Macellazioni rituali e benessere degli animali

Lo scorso anno, in Olanda, è stato approvato un provvedimento, presentato da governo e opposizione insieme, che vieta la macellazione delle carni adoperando tecniche rituali che escludono l'uso di anestetici o di sistemi che stordiscono l'animale. Un bando simile esiste già da tempo in altri paesi europei come la Svezia o l'Austria mentre in altri Stati, come l'Italia, esistono normative che tollerano la macellazione rituale. La legge, presentata da uno schieramento trasversale, ha acceso il dibattito tra i difensori dei diritti degli animali e i difensori della libertà religiosa.

La Commissione:

Risposta di John Dalli a nome della Commissione

(11 giugno 2012)

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003775/12

to the Commission

Cristiana Muscardini (PPE)

(12 April 2012)

Subject: Ritual slaughter and animal welfare

Last year in the Netherlands, a measure was adopted, tabled by both the government and the opposition, which bans the slaughter of animals using ritual methods that exclude the use of anaesthetics or stunning systems. A similar ban has also been in force for some time in other European countries, such as Sweden and Austria, whereas in other Member States, such as Italy, the law tolerates ritual slaughter. The law, tabled by a cross-party group, has ignited the debate between the defenders of animal rights and the defenders of religious freedom.

Answer given by Mr Dalli on behalf of the Commission

(11 June 2012)

(Nederlandse versie)

Vraag met verzoek om schriftelijk antwoord E-003776/12

aan de Commissie

Esther de Lange (PPE)

(12 april 2012)

Betreft: Mogelijke schadelijke gevolgen van e chemische verbinding 4-methylimidazole in de procedure van voedsel en dranken

Frisdrankproducenten Coca-Cola en Pepsi gebruiken karamel om hun frisdranken te kleuren. Bij de productie van de als kleurstof toegevoegde karamel zou de chemische verbinding 4-methylimidazole (4-MEI) ontstaan. Na onderzoek door het Amerikaanse Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) blijkt dat deze stof bij toediening op muizen en ratten carcinogeen is. Op grond van dit onderzoek heeft de staat Californië een wet ingesteld die Coca-Cola en Pepsi zou verplichten een gezondheidswaarschuwing op de blikjes te zetten. Coca-Cola en Pepsi hebben als gevolg hiervan het recept voor hun frisdranken aangepast door de hoeveelheid 4-MEI te verlagen.

In tegenstelling tot het CSPI heeft het ANS-panel van EFSA in maart 2011 karamelkleurstoffen als niet-genotoxisch en niet-carcinogeen beoordeeld. Het panel lette bij de beoordeling ook specifiek op uit de productie van deze karamelkleurstoffen voortkomende bijproducten, zoals 4-MEI in E150c en E1590d. Toen werd aangeraden om de niveaus van deze bijproducten zo laag te houden als technologisch mogelijk.

Antwoord van de heer Dalli namens de Commissie

(19 juni 2012)

De Commissie verwijst het geachte Parlementslid naar haar antwoord op schriftelijke vraag E-002847/2012 (108).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003776/12

to the Commission

Esther de Lange (PPE)

(12 April 2012)

Subject: Possible damaging effects of chemical compound 4-methylimidazole which forms during the production of food and beverages

Soft drinks producers Coca-Cola and Pepsi use caramel to add colour to their soft drinks. During production of the caramel colouring, the chemical compound 4-methylimidazole (4‐MEI) is said to form. A study conducted by the US Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) has shown that this substance causes cancer in mice and rats. On the basis of this study, the State of California has introduced a law which obliges Coca-Cola and Pepsi to place a health warning on their cans. As a result of this, Coca-Cola and Pepsi have changed the recipe of their soft drinks by lowering the quantity of 4-MEI.

Unlike the CSPI, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources assessed caramel colourings in March 2011 as neither genotoxic nor carcinogenic. The panel paid particular attention during the assessment to the by-products which form during the production of these caramel colourings, such as 4-MEI in E150c and E1590d. It was recommended then that the levels of these by-products should be kept as low as technologically feasible.

Answer given by Mr Dalli on behalf of the Commission

(19 June 2012)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to Written Question E‐002847/2012 (109).

(Nederlandse versie)

Vraag met verzoek om schriftelijk antwoord E-003779/12

aan de Commissie

Frieda Brepoels (Verts/ALE)

(12 april 2012)

Betreft: Richtlijn 2005/60/EG — sancties op niet-naleving meldingsplicht aan FIE en verbod op betaling in contanten voor bedragen van meer dan EUR 15 000

Overeenkomstig artikel 39, lid 1, van Richtlijn 2005/60/EG van 26 oktober 2005 dienen de lidstaten erop toe te zien dat de personen die onder deze richtlijn vallen aansprakelijk kunnen worden gesteld voor inbreuken op de  ter uitvoering van deze richtlijn vastgestelde nationale bepalingen. De sancties moeten doeltreffend, evenredig en afschrikkend zijn. Overweging 48 van deze richtlijn verduidelijkt dat „geen enkele bepaling van deze richtlijn mag worden uitgelegd of uitgevoerd op een wijze die strijdig is met het Europees Verdrag tot bescherming van de rechten van de mens en de fundamentele vrijheden”.

1. Indien een lidstaat aan handelaren een verbod op betaling in contanten voor bedragen van meer dan EUR 15 000 oplegt in plaats van de handelaren aan een identificatieverplichting en meldingsplicht te onderwerpen, dient in overeenstemming met deze richtlijn dan een strafrechtelijke sanctie in de zin van artikel 6 EVRM voor niet-naleving van dit verbod te worden opgelegd aan de handelaar en/of de medecontractant?

2. Indien een lidstaat aan handelaren zowel een verbod op betaling in contanten voor bedragen van meer dan EUR 15 000 oplegt als een meldingsplicht aan de financiële inlichtingeneenheid (FIE), dient in overeenstemming met deze richtlijn dan een strafrechtelijke sanctie in de zin van artikel 6 EVRM

a) voor niet-naleving van het verbod op betaling in contanten te worden opgelegd aan:

b) voor niet-naleving van de meldingsplicht te worden opgelegd aan de handelaar?

3. Geldt hetzelfde antwoord indien een lidstaat een lagere drempel dan 15 000 euro aanneemt?

Antwoord van de heer Barnier namens de Commissie

(1 juni 2012)

Artikel 39 van Richtlijn 2005/60/EG (de „derde antiwitwasrichtlijn”) verplicht de lidstaten ervoor te zorgen dat natuurlijke en rechtspersonen die onder deze richtlijn vallen aansprakelijk kunnen worden gesteld voor inbreuken op nationale wetgeving  ter uitvoering van de EU-regels. De sancties moeten „doeltreffend, evenredig en afschrikkend” zijn.

De derde antiwitwasrichtlijn stelt een minimumharmonisatieniveau vast, hetgeen betekent dat de lidstaten op nationaal niveau striktere regels mogen opleggen, zoals het opleggen van strafrechtelijke sancties wegens niet-toepassing van de nationale regels  ter uitvoering van de richtlijn, of het verbod op contante betalingen boven een bepaalde drempel, die kleiner mag zijn dan 15 000 EUR. De bevoegdheid van de lidstaten om strafrechtelijke sancties op te leggen, wordt erkend in artikel 39, lid 2, dat bepaalt: „Onverminderd het recht van de lidstaten tot het opleggen van strafrechtelijke sancties…”.

De Commissie heeft op 11 april 2012 een verslag gepubliceerd over de toepassing van de derde antiwitwasrichtlijn (110) waarin zij voorstelt een gelijkaardige aanpak te bezien als die welke uiteengezet wordt in de mededeling van de Commissie „Het versterken van sanctieregelingen in de financiële sector” (111), hetgeen een grotere harmonisatie van de sanctieregelingen zou inhouden door het voorstellen van een geheel van gemeenschappelijke minimumregels die voor hoofdaspecten van de sanctieregeling moeten gelden.

De Commissie heeft haar voornemen aangekondigd om tegen najaar 2012 een herziening van de derde antiwitwasrichtlijn voor te stellen.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003779/12

to the Commission

Frieda Brepoels (Verts/ALE)

(12 April 2012)

Subject: Directive 2005/60/EC — penalties for non-compliance with obligation to report to a financial intelligence unit (FIU) and ban on cash payments of over EUR 15 000

In accordance with Article 39(1) of Directive 2005/60/EC of 26 October 2005, Member States must ensure that the persons covered by that directive can be held liable for infringements of the national provisions adopted pursuant to the directive. These penalties should be effective, proportionate and dissuasive. Recital 48 of this directive makes it clear that ‘nothing in this directive should be interpreted or implemented in a manner that is inconsistent with the European Convention on Human Rights’.

1. If a Member State bans merchants from making cash payments of EUR 15 000 or more instead of subjecting them to customer identification and reporting obligations, should, in accordance with this directive, a criminal penalty within the meaning of Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) be imposed on the merchant and/or the co-contractor for non-compliance with this ban?

2. If a Member State imposes on merchants both a ban on payments of EUR 15 000 or more and an obligation to report to a financial intelligence unit (FIU), should, in accordance with the directive, a criminal penalty within the meaning of Article 6 of the ECHR be imposed:

(a) for non-compliance with the ban on cash payments on:

(b) on the merchant for non-compliance with the reporting obligation?

3. Would the answer be the same if a Member State adopted a lower threshold than EUR 15 000?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(1 June 2012)

Article 39 of Directive 2005/60/EC (the ‘Third AMLD’ — Anti-Money Laundering Directive) imposes on Member States an obligation to ensure that natural and legal persons falling within the scope of the directive can be held liable for infringements of national legislation implementing the EU rules. The penalties must be ‘effective, proportionate and dissuasive’.

The Third AMLD sets a minimum level of harmonisation, meaning that Member States may impose stricter rules at national level, such as the imposition of criminal penalties for non‐application of the national rules implementing the directive, or the banning of cash payments above a certain threshold, which may be less than EUR 15,000. The ability of Member States to impose criminal sanctions is recognised in Article 39(2) which states ‘Without prejudice to the right of Member States to impose criminal sanctions…’.

The Commission published on 11 April 2012 a report on the application of the Third AMLD (112) in which it suggests considering an approach similar to the one set out in the Commission's Communication ‘Reinforcing sanctioning regimes in the financial sector’ (113), which would involve a greater harmonisation of the sanctioning regime by proposing a set of minimum common rules to be applied to key aspects of the sanctioning regime.

The Commission has announced its intention to propose a revision of the Third AMLD by Autumn 2012.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung P-003780/12

an die Kommission

Ulrike Lunacek (Verts/ALE)

(12. April 2012)

Betrifft: Konformität des neuen Kraftwerksprojekts im Kosovo mit europäischen Normen

Die Regierung des Kosovo möchte mit Unterstützung der Weltbank ein neues Braunkohlekraftwerk bauen, um den Energiebedarf des Landes zu sichern. Das Projekt sieht die Privatisierung des bestehenden Kraftwerks Kosova B mit einer Leistung von 600 MW sowie den Bau eines neuen Kraftwerks mit weiteren 600 MW vor. Ein Regierungsausschuss hat vier private Investoren vorqualifiziert und wartet nun darauf, dass die Weltbank eine Garantie über einen Teil des Risikos erteilt. Ein Zusammenschluss von kosovarischen und internationalen Organisationen der Zivilgesellschaft ist gegen dieses Projekt und fordert, dass das Kosovo, das bis zu 45 % seiner Energie aufgrund von quasi nicht vorhandenen Effizienzmaßnahmen verliert, in erster Linie in Energieeffizienz investieren sollte. Im Rahmen einer von Dr. Daniel Kammen, ehemals Chief Technical Specialist für erneuerbare Energien und Energieeffizienz bei der Weltbank, durchgeführten Studie wurden die Energieszenarien analysiert und Effizienz sowie erneuerbare Energien als nachhaltigere und wirtschaftlich lebensfähigere Optionen empfohlen. Ein weiterer Anlass zur Sorge besteht darin, dass durch das Projekt nach derzeitigem Stand ein privates Monopol im Energiesektor entsteht, bei dem ein einziges Unternehmen über 95 % des gesamten Energiemarktes beherrscht.

Am 11 Mai 2011 haben die für Energie bzw. Erweiterung und Europäische Nachbarschaftspolitik zuständigen Kommissionsmitglieder, Günther Oettinger und Štefan Füle, gemeinsam ein Schreiben an den Präsidenten der Weltbankgruppe, Robert Zoellick, gesandt und die Bank aufgefordert, das Projekt zu unterstützen. In diesem Schreiben wird behauptet, dass sich das Projekt auf Studien zu Kapazitäten bei alternativen Energien und Energieeffizienz stütze, obwohl diese Studien zu diesem Zeitpunkt nur teilweise abgeschlossen waren und erst im Januar 2012 endgültig veröffentlicht wurden. Ferner wird darin behauptet, das Projekt verfolge „environmental, energy and social/economic development objectives in a mutually reinforcing way“ [umweltpolitische, energiepolitische und soziale/wirtschaftliche Entwicklungsziele im Sinne einer gegenseitigen Stärkung], Einzelheiten über die wahrscheinlichen Umwelt‐ oder sozialen Auswirkungen des neuen Kohlekraftwerks werden jedoch nicht angeführt. Zwar handelt es sich bei diesem Schreiben nicht um ein offizielles Dokument der Kommission, es wird jedoch weithin als Zustimmung der EU für das neue Braunkohleprojekt im Kosovo und das damit entstehende Monopol wahrgenommen.

— Wird das neue Kraftwerksprojekt im Kosovo von der Kommission insgesamt unterstützt?

— Stehen das Projekt und das durch seine Umsetzung entstehende Monopol im Einklang mit dem gemeinschaftlichen Besitzstand?

— Was wird die Kommission unternehmen, um sicherzustellen, dass dieses Projekt in wettbewerbsrechtlicher, umweltpolitischer und sozialer Hinsicht nicht die Zukunft des Kosovo in Europa gefährdet?

Antwort von Herrn Füle im Namen der Kommission

(7. Mai 2012)

Das neue Kraftwerk im Kosovo ist Teil einer umfassenden Energiestrategie, die auch die Modernisierung des Kraftwerks Kosovo B, die Stilllegung des Kraftwerks Kosovo A und die Förderung der Energieeffizienz und der erneuerbaren Energien einschließt. Die Kommission ist der Auffassung, dass dies die kostengünstigste und am wenigsten umweltschädliche Option zur Sicherung einer zuverlässigen Energieversorgung des Kosovos (114) ist.

Die Weltbank hat die Sachlage im Vorfeld ihrer Beteiligung anhand einer Studie zu den verschiedenen Optionen für die Energieversorgung („Power Supply Options“) und eines Berichts der externen Sachverständigengruppe für den strategischen Rahmen für Entwicklung und Klimawandel (SFDCC External Expert Panel) eingehend analysiert. Die Kommission schließt sich den Ergebnissen dieser Analyse uneingeschränkt an.

Die Kommission hat sich vergewissert, dass das Energiegesetz 2010 des Kosovos, das die Grundlage für die Ausschreibung des neuen Kraftwerks bildet, mit dem Besitzstand vereinbar ist. Durch die enge Einbeziehung der Weltbank und der EU wird gewährleistet, dass das Projekt die höchsten EU-Umweltstandards erfüllt, die besten verfügbaren Techniken für die Nutzung von Braunkohle als Brennstoff einsetzt und dass die in der Energiecharta des Kosovos festgelegten Verpflichtungen zur Umsetzung von EU-Standards in den Bereichen Wettbewerb, Umwelt und Elektrizitätsbinnenmarkt eingehalten werden. Das Projekt ist die beste Option für die zeitnahe Stilllegung des Kraftwerks Kosovo A, die von der Kommission ausdrücklich befürwortet wird und nur dann vorgenommen werden kann, wenn entsprechende Ersatzkapazitäten gesichert sind.

Die Kommission wird zusammen mit dem Sekretariat der Energiegemeinschaft sorgfältig überwachen, dass das Kosovo seine Verpflichtungen erfüllt, und sicherstellen, dass der neue private Kraftwerksbetreiber seine Stellung nicht missbraucht. Die Kommission unterstützt die Energieregulierungsbehörde und die Wettbewerbsbehörde bei der Durchsetzung der Wettbewerbsregeln im Energiesektor. Sie fördert zudem eine stärkere Nutzung von Energie aus erneuerbaren Quellen und führt derzeit Verhandlungen darüber, wie das Kosovo den Inhalt der Richtlinie über Energie aus erneuerbaren Quellen (115) umsetzt.

(English version)

Question for written answer P-003780/12

to the Commission

Ulrike Lunacek (Verts/ALE)

(12 April 2012)

Subject: Compliance of New Kosovo Power Plant project with European standards

The government of Kosovo is determined to build, with the support of the World Bank, a new lignite-based power plant in order to secure its energy demands. The project envisages privatisation of the existing Kosova B Power Plant of 600 MW and the construction of a New Kosovo Power Plant with an additional 600 MW capacity. A governmental committee has prequalified four private investors and is waiting for a Partial Risk Guarantee to be issued by the World Bank. A consortium of Kosovar and global civil society organisations opposes this project, claiming that Kosovo, which loses as much as 45% of its energy thanks to virtually non-existent energy efficiency measures, should invest primarily in energy efficiency. A study conducted by Dr Daniel Kammen, formerly Chief Technical Specialist for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency at the World Bank, has analysed the energy scenarios and has recommended efficiency and renewables as constituting a more sustainable and economically viable option. What is also of concern is that the project, as it currently stands, will create a private monopoly in the energy sector, with a single company controlling more than 95% of the entire energy market.

On 11 May 2011, the Commissioner for Energy, Günther Oettinger, and the Commissioner for Enlargement and the European Neighbourhood Policy, Štefan Füle, wrote a joint letter to the President of the World Bank Group, Robert Zoellick, urging the Bank to support the project. This letter claims that the project refers to studies of alternative energy capacities and energy efficiency, although at that point those studies had only been partially completed, being finally published only in January 2012. It further claims that the project will pursue ‘environmental, energy and social/economic development objectives in a mutually reinforcing way’, but it does not give details on the environmental or social impacts the new coal power plant is likely to have. Although this letter is not a formal Commission document, it is being widely perceived as the EU’s green light for the New Kosovo lignite project and the monopoly it will create.

— Does the Commission as a whole support the New Kosovo Power Plant project?

— Are this project and the monopoly that will be created by its implementation in accordance with the acquis communautaire?

— What role will the Commission play to ensure that this project will not hinder Kosovo’s European future, in competition, environmental and social terms?

Answer given by Mr Füle on behalf of the Commission

(7 May 2012)

The New Kosovo Power Plant is part of a comprehensive energy strategy including the rehabilitation of the Kosovo B plant, closure of Kosovo A and developing energy efficiency and renewable energies. The Commission considers it the least-cost option and the least damaging for the environment to provide Kosovo (116) with a reliable energy supply.

The World Bank carried out a rigorous analysis in preparation for its involvement, through its ‘Power Supply Options’ study and the evaluation of the Strategic Framework for Development and Climate Change panel. The Commission fully subscribes to this analysis.

The Commission ensured that Kosovo’s 2010 energy law, the basis for tendering the new plant, was compatible with the acquis. Close involvement of the World Bank and the EU will ensure the project meets the highest EU environmental standards and the best available technology for lignite combustion, and complies with Kosovo’s Energy Charter obligations to implement EU standards in competition, environment, and single electricity market. The project constitutes the best option for the earliest closure of Kosovo A, which is strongly supported by the Commission and can only be implemented once replacement generation capacity is secured.

The Commission, with the Energy Community Secretariat, will scrupulously monitor that Kosovo meets its commitments and ensure the new private power company will not abuse its position. The Commission is supporting the Energy Regulatory Office and the Competition Authority to enforce energy sector competition rules. The Commission is also promoting a stronger use of renewable energy sources and is negotiating the terms under which Kosovo takes on the content of the Renewables Directive (117).

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-003781/12

προς την Επιτροπή

Konstantinos Poupakis (PPE)

(12 Απριλίου 2012)

Θέμα: Έκθεση του ΔΝΤ για την αναδιάρθρωση των στεγαστικών δανείων

Σε πρόσφατη έκθεσή του, το Διεθνές Νομισματικό Ταμείο υποστηρίζει την αναδιάρθρωση των στεγαστικών δανείων των πολιτών σε παγκόσμιο επίπεδο. Σύμφωνα με το Ταμείο, οι πολιτικές που αποσκοπούν στη μείωση του χρέους σε σχέση με τα περιουσιακά στοιχεία ενός νοικοκυριού και τις πληρωμές του χρέους της υπηρεσίας σε σχέση με το εισόδημά του, θα μπορούσε να είναι ένας ανέξοδος τρόπος για την οικονομική δραστηριότητα. Θεωρεί επίσης ότι οι πολιτικές αυτές έχουν ιδιαίτερη σημασία για τις οικονομίες όπου σήμερα είναι περιορισμένες οι δυνατότητες για την επεκτατική μακροοικονομική πολιτική και στις οποίες ο χρηματοπιστωτικός τομέας έχει ήδη λάβει κρατική υποστήριξη.

Επιπλέον στην έκθεσή του το ΔΝΤ αναφέρεται στα προγράμματα αναδιάρθρωσης του χρέους των νοικοκυριών, όπως αυτά που εφαρμόστηκαν στις ΗΠΑ στη δεκαετία του '30 και στην Ισλανδία σήμερα, ως πολιτικές που μπορούν να μειώσουν σημαντικά τον αριθμό των αθετήσεων υποχρεώσεων των νοικοκυριών και των κατασχέσεων.

Βάσει των παραπάνω, ερωτάται η Επιτροπή:

Απάντηση του κ. Rehn εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(12 Ιουνίου 2012)

Η σημαντική απομόχλευση που παρατηρείται επί του παρόντος σε διάφορους τομείς αντικατοπτρίζει διορθώσεις του επιπέδων του χρέους σε πιο βιώσιμες θέσεις τόσο στην εσωτερική, όσο και στην εξωτερική πλευρά της οικονομίας. Ως εκ τούτου, η Επιτροπή συμφωνεί ότι η απομόχλευση των νοικοκυριών αποτελεί βασικό στοιχείο που πρέπει να ληφθεί υπόψη, όχι όμως μεμονωμένα, αλλά παράλληλα με τις προσπάθειες για τη σταθεροποίηση του τραπεζικού συστήματος και την επίτευξη υγιών δημοσιονομικών θέσεων. Πράγματι, η αντιμετώπιση αυτών των προκλήσεων αποτελεί προτεραιότητα της συνολικής στρατηγικής για την αντιμετώπιση των κρίσεων και από την άποψη της εποπτείας το Σύμφωνο Σταθερότητας και Ανάπτυξης και η Διαδικασία Μακροοικονομικών Ανισορροπιών είναι ιδιαίτερα κατάλληλα μέσα στο πλαίσιο αυτό. Οι Παγκόσμιες Οικονομικές Προοπτικές (World Economic Outlook) του ΔΝΤ περιγράφουν εναλλακτικές μακροοικονομικές πολιτικές για να βοηθηθούν τα νοικοκυριά να αντιμετωπίσουν την υπερχρέωσή τους. Ωστόσο, δείχνουν επίσης ότι κατά το παρελθόν δεν αποδείχθηκαν εξίσου επιτυχείς όλες οι προσπάθειες για την αναδιάρθρωση του χρέους των νοικοκυριών. Η ελάφρυνση των νοικοκυριών από το υπερβολικό χρέος τους θα πρέπει να αξιολογείται κατά περίπτωση και σε καμία περίπτωση δεν αποτελεί το κατάλληλο εργαλείο για όλες τις χώρες και σε όλες τις περιστάσεις.Όσον αφορά την περίπτωση της Ελλάδας, και όπως καθορίζεται στο μνημόνιο που συμφωνήθηκε μεταξύ της Ελλάδας και της Επιτροπής (εξ ονόματος των κρατών μελών της ζώνης του ευρώ) και του Διεθνούς Νομισματικού Ταμείου (ΔΝΤ), οι τυχόν μεταβολές στο νομικό πλαίσιο της Ελλάδας για την αντιμετώπιση των μη εξυπηρετούμενων δανείων που οφείλουν τα νοικοκυριά και η αντίστοιχη αναδιάρθρωση (επί του παρόντος νόμος 3869/2010), θα πρέπει να διέπονται από διάφορες αρχές, συμπεριλαμβανόμενης της ανάγκης για στοχοθέτηση των παρεμβάσεων ανάλογα με την ικανότητα του χρηματοπιστωτικού τομέα, της διαφύλαξης της νοοτροπίας που επικρατεί στο θέμα των πληρωμών, της αποφυγής στρατηγικών αθετήσεων δανείων και της μεγιστοποίησης της ανάκτησης περιουσιακών στοιχείων.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003781/12

to the Commission

Konstantinos Poupakis (PPE)

(12 April 2012)

Subject: IMF report on restructuring housing loans

In a recent report, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has expressed support for a global restructuring of private citizens’ housing loans. According to the IMF, policies aimed at reducing debt on the basis of the assets of a household and debt servicing payments linked to income could be a solution that would not involve burdens on economic activity. It also considers such strategies to be particularly important for economies with currently limited potential for expansive macroeconomic policies and where the fiscal sector has already received support from the state.

The IMF report also states that programmes for restructuring household debt, such as those implemented in the US in the 1930s and in Iceland today, are policies that can significantly reduce the number of defaults on household debts and home repossessions.

In view of the above, would the Commission answer the following:

Answer given by Mr Rehn on behalf of the Commission

(12 June 2012)

The substantial deleveraging currently observed across different sectors reflects corrections of debt levels towards more sustainable positions on the internal as well as the external side of the economy. The Commission therefore agrees that household deleveraging is a key element to be considered, however not in isolation, but alongside efforts to stabilise the banking system and provide for sound fiscal positions. Indeed, dealing with these challenges are priorities in the overall strategy to respond to the crises and in terms of surveillance the Stability and Growth Pact and the Macroeconomic Imbalance Procedure are particularly pertinent in this context. The IMF's World Economic Outlook describes alternative macroeconomic policies to help households deal with their excessive debt. However, it also shows that not all efforts to restructure household debt were equally successful in the past. Relieving house holds of their excessive debt should be assessed on a case by case basis and it is by no means the right tool for all countries and in all circumstances. As regards the case of Greece, and as established in the memorandum agreed between Greece and the Commission (on behalf of the euro area Member States) and the IMF, any changes to the legal framework of Greece for addressing non-performing loans owed by households and the respective restructuring (currently Law 3869/2010) should be guided by several principles, including the need to target interventions in line with the financial sector capacity, to preserve the payment culture, avoid strategic loan defaults and, maximise asset recovery.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003782/12

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Edward McMillan-Scott (ALDE)

(12 April 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — Grand Mufti Sheik Abdul Aziz al-Asheik of Saudi Arabia's calls for the destruction of all churches on the Arab Peninsula

The Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, Sheik Abdul Aziz al-Asheik, announced last month that the Arabian Peninsula ‘must exist under only one religion’, and that no more churches should be built. He then encouraged Kuwait to destroy all churches on its territory, effectively issuing a fatwā (a ruling concerning Islamic law issued by an Islamic scholar) on Christian places of worship.

The Grand Mufti made these comments to the visiting delegation of a Kuwaiti NGO called the Revival of Islamic Heritage Society (RIHS). The delegation included members of a group identified by the US Government as a supplier of funds to al-Qaeda and al-Qaeda affiliates, including the militant Islamist terrorist organisation Lashkar-e-Toiba. Ten years ago, the UN labelled the RIHS’s branches in Afghanistan and Pakistan as associates of — and providers of funds and weapons to –‘Al-Qaida, Usama bin Laden or the Taliban’.

The apparent fatwā is particularly alarming as the Grand Mufti — the top Saudi cleric — is held in high esteem by the Arabic Islamic world. Indeed, the RIHS delegation sought his opinion because he is a prominent spiritual leader whose views on Islam are seen as immensely authoritative. As such, it is possible to interpret his comments to the organisation as inciting religious intolerance and hatred, and as encouraging terrorist ideology on the Arabian Peninsula.

As Vice-President/High Representative Baroness Catherine Ashton explained in her statement to the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs committee on 20 March 2012, the EEAS ‘recognise the problems and difficulties faced by Christian minorities at the present time. And we recognise the importance of our working with [third countries] but within the context too of addressing all forms of discrimination against those who have faith […] Working with countries with whom we need to establish strong relations in order to support our objectives but also in support of our views, values and beliefs.’ In light of these comments:

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

(22 June 2012)

The Grand Mufti’s comments, which were not issued as a formal fatwā, were brought up by the EU side at the latest EU‐Gulf Cooperation Council meeting of Senior Officials that took place in Brussels on 28 March 2012. On that occasion the EU expressed its disquiet at the Grand Mufti’ pronouncements, asking the GCC to enhance the protection of fundamental freedoms in the Gulf region, including the freedom of religion and belief.

Furthermore, the issue has been discussed by the EU Delegation in Riyadh in its contacts with the Saudi government, which provided assurances that the words of the Grand Mufti do not represent the Kingdom’s official policy.

The EU will continue to raise these issues with its Gulf interlocutors, making full use of the opportunities at its disposal.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-003783/12

a la Comisión

Nikos Chrysogelos (Verts/ALE), Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE), Bart Staes (Verts/ALE), Franziska Keller (Verts/ALE), Heide Rühle (Verts/ALE) y Satu Hassi (Verts/ALE)

(12 de abril de 2012)

Asunto: Liberación del objetor de conciencia y activista de derechos humanos turco Halil Savda

El 24 de febrero de 2012, Halil Savda fue detenido para cumplir una condena de 100 días por alienar a los ciudadanos de realizar el servicio militar, en virtud del artículo 318 del Código Penal de Turquía. El 1 de agosto de 2006 expresó su solidaridad públicamente con los objetores de conciencia israelíes Itzik Shabbat y Amir Pastar, que fueron arrestados por negarse a participar en la guerra de Israel en el Líbano. En junio de 2008 Halil Savda recibió una sentencia por ello, que fue ratificada por el Tribunal Superior de Apelación en noviembre de 2010, y de la que recibió notificación en febrero de 2011. No es la primera vez que se arresta a Halil Savda por cuestiones de conciencia. También cumplió una condena total de 17 meses en una prisión militar durante cinco años por su objeción de conciencia al servicio militar en 2004. En 2008, el Grupo de Trabajo de las Naciones Unidas sobre la Detención Arbitraria concluyó que estos arrestos eran arbitrarios (Declaración 16/2008). Halil Savda se enfrenta a otra condena de seis meses de prisión por incumplir el artículo 318, dictada en junio de 2010, y que está siendo deliberada por el Tribunal Superior de Apelación, y también hay otros casos pendientes contra él en virtud del artículo 318. Considerando que:

Por todo ello, quisiéramos preguntar:

Respuesta del Sr. Füle en nombre de la Comisión

(5 de junio de 2012)

La Comisión es consciente del caso mencionado por Su Señoría, y de la sentencia del Tribunal Europeo de Derechos Humanos a la que hace referencia.

La Comisión ha planteado el caso a las autoridades turcas y sigue su evolución atentamente.Halil Savda fue puesto en libertad condicional el 13 de abril de 2012 en el marco de la reciente enmienda a la Ley sobre la libertad condicional que reduce el umbral fijado para beneficiarse de una situación de libertad probatoria.

Turquía, como país que está negociando su adhesión a la UE debe garantizar los derechos fundamentales y libertades para todos sus ciudadanos, de conformidad con el Convenio Europeo de Derechos Humanos y la jurisprudencia del Tribunal Europeo de Derechos Humanos.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-003783/12

an die Kommission

Nikos Chrysogelos (Verts/ALE), Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE), Bart Staes (Verts/ALE), Franziska Keller (Verts/ALE), Heide Rühle (Verts/ALE) und Satu Hassi (Verts/ALE)

(12. April 2012)

Betrifft: Freilassung des türkischen Militärdienstverweigerers aus Gewissensgründen und Menschenrechtsaktivisten Halil Savda

Am 24. Februar 2012 wurde Halil Savda verhaftet und nach Artikel 318 des türkischen Strafgesetzbuches wegen „Aufrufs zur Militärdienstverweigerung“ zu einer 100-tägigen Haftstrafe verurteilt. Am 1. August 2006 hatte er öffentlich seine Solidarität mit den israelischen Militärdienstverweigerern Itzik Shabbat und Amir Pastar bekundet, die wegen ihrer Weigerung, an Israels Krieg gegen den Libanon teilzunehmen, inhaftiert worden waren. Im Juni 2008 wurde Halil Savda deswegen verurteilt, das Urteil wurde jedoch im November 2010 vom Höheren Berufungsgericht ausgesetzt, was ihm im Februar 2011 mitgeteilt wurde. Es ist nicht das erste Mal, dass Halil Savda für eine Militärdienstverweigerung aus Gewissensgründen inhaftiert wurde. Er war außerdem über einen Zeitraum von fünf Jahren für seine Militärdienstverweigerung aus Gewissensgründen im Jahre 2004 insgesamt 17 Monate lang in einem Militärgefängnis. Im Jahre 2008 kam die UN-Arbeitsgruppe für willkürliche Inhaftierung zu dem Schluss, dass diese Inhaftierungen willkürlich waren (Stellungnahme 16/2008). Halil Savda droht für seinen Verstoß gegen Artikel 318 eine weitere sechsmonatige Gefängnisstrafe aus einem im Juni 2010 ergangenen Urteil, das vom Höheren Berufungsgericht geprüft wird, und es sind weitere Verfahren gegen ihn nach Artikel 318 anhängig. In Anbetracht der Tatsache, dass

— das Recht zur Militärdienstverweigerung aus Gewissensgründen vom Europarat seit 1967 anerkannt wurde, als eine erste Entschließung zu diesem Thema von der Parlamentarischen Versammlung angenommen wurde, und eine Anerkennung dieses Rechts später eine Voraussetzung für Staaten wurde, die einen Beitritt zur Organisation anstrebten,

— der Europäische Gerichtshof für Menschenrechte kürzlich im Fall von Bayatyan gegen Armenien anerkannte, dass das Recht auf Militärdienstverweigerung aus Gewissensgründen durch Artikel 9 der Europäischen Menschenrechtskonvention, der die Gedanken-, Gewissens— und Religionsfreiheit schützt, gewährleistet wird,

fragen wir die Kommission:

1. Was wird sie tun, um die Rechte von Militärdienstverweigerern aus Gewissensgründen in der Türkei zu schützen, und welche Maßnahmen wird sie ergreifen, um die Freilassung von Halil Savda zu erreichen?

2. Wird die Kommission in Anbetracht des Besitzstandes der Europäischen Union und der Bedingungen für den Beitritt der Türkei die Aufhebung des Artikels 318 des türkischen Strafgesetzbuches mit der Begründung verlangen, dass dieser gegen das durch Artikel 10 der Europäischen Menschenrechtskonvention und durch Artikel 19 des Internationalen Pakts über bürgerliche und politische Rechte garantierte Recht auf freie Meinungsäußerung verstößt, bei denen die Türkei Vertragsstaat ist?

Antwort von Herrn Füle im Namen der Kommission

(5. Juni 2012)

Der Kommission sind sowohl der von den Damen und Herren Abgeordneten genannte Fall als auch das Urteil des Europäischen Gerichtshofs für Menschenrechte bekannt.

Die Kommission hat den Fall gegenüber den türkischen Behörden zur Sprache gebracht und verfolgt ihn aufmerksam. Halil Savda wurde am 13. April 2012 gemäß der kürzlich erfolgten Änderung des Gesetzes über bedingte Entlassung, mit der die Schwelle zur Inanspruchnahme von Bewährungsdiensten gesenkt wurde, bedingt entlassen.

Die Türkei muss als Land, das mit der EU in Beitrittsverhandlungen steht, die Achtung der Grundrechte und Grundfreiheiten aller Bürger im Einklang mit der Europäischen Menschenrechtskonvention und der Rechtsprechung des Europäischen Gerichtshofs für Menschenrechte gewährleisten.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-003783/12

προς την Επιτροπή

Nikos Chrysogelos (Verts/ALE), Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE), Bart Staes (Verts/ALE), Franziska Keller (Verts/ALE), Heide Rühle (Verts/ALE) και Satu Hassi (Verts/ALE)

(12 Απριλίου 2012)

Θέμα: Απελευθέρωση του τούρκου αντιρρησία συνείδησης και υπερασπιστή των ανθρωπίνων δικαιωμάτων Halil Savda

Στις 24 Φεβρουαρίου 2012, ο Halil Savda συνελήφθη και καταδικάστηκε σε φυλάκιση 100 ημερών για «αποθάρρυνση ατόμων από την εκπλήρωση στρατιωτικής θητείας», σύμφωνα με το άρθρο 318 του τουρκικού ποινικού κώδικα. Την 1η Αυγούστου του 2006 εξέφρασε δημόσια τη συμπαράστασή του προς τους ισραηλινούς αντιρρησίες συνείδησης Itzik Shabbat και Amir Pastar, οι οποίοι φυλακίστηκαν εξαιτίας της άρνησής τους να συμμετάσχουν στον πόλεμο του Ισραήλ στον Λίβανο. Για τον λόγο αυτόν, τον Ιούνιο του 2008 επιβλήθηκε ποινή στον Halil Savda, η οποία επικυρώθηκε από το Ανώτατο Εφετείο τον Νοέμβριο του 2010 και ανακοινώθηκε στον Halil Savda τον Φεβρουάριο του 2011. Αυτή δεν είναι η πρώτη φορά που ο Halil Savda φυλακίζεται για λόγους συνείδησης. Έχει επίσης εκτίσει συνολική ποινή 17 μηνών σε στρατιωτικές φυλακές μέσα σε περίοδο πέντε ετών ως αντιρρησίας συνείδησης, για την άρνησή του να υπηρετήσει στρατιωτική θητεία το 2004. Το 2008, η ομάδα εργασίας των Ηνωμένων Εθνών για την αυθαίρετη κράτηση κατέληξε στο συμπέρασμα ότι οι εν λόγω φυλακίσεις ήταν αυθαίρετες (Γνωμοδότηση 16/2008). Ο Halil Savda αντιμετωπίζει επίσης ποινή έξι μηνών για παράβαση του Άρθρου 318, η οποία εκδόθηκε τον Ιούνιο του 2010 και εξετάζεται από το Ανώτατο Εφετείο, ενώ εκκρεμούν περαιτέρω υποθέσεις εναντίον του με βάση το άρθρο 318. Εκτιμώντας ότι:

Ερωτάται η Επιτροπή:

Απάντηση του κ. Füle εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(5 Ιουνίου 2012)

Η Επιτροπή είναι ενήμερη σχετικά με την υπόθεση που αναφέρουν τα Αξιότιμα Μέλη και σχετικά με την απόφαση του Ευρωπαϊκού Δικαστηρίου Ανθρωπίνων Δικαιωμάτων.

Η Επιτροπή έχει θέσει το ζήτημα στις τουρκικές αρχές και το παρακολουθεί στενά.Ο Halil Savda αφέθηκε ελεύθερος με όρους στις 13 Απριλίου 2012, στο πλαίσιο πρόσφατης τροποποίησης της νομοθεσίας σχετικά με την αποφυλάκιση υπό όρους, η οποία μειώνει το κατώτατο όριο που έχει καθοριστεί για το ευεργέτημα των υπηρεσιών δικαστικής επιτήρησης.

Η Τουρκία, ως χώρα που διαπραγματεύεται την ένταξή της στην ΕΕ, οφείλει να εγγυηθεί τον πλήρη σεβασμό των θεμελιωδών δικαιωμάτων και ελευθεριών όλων των πολιτών σύμφωνα με την Ευρωπαϊκή Σύμβαση Ανθρωπίνων Δικαιωμάτων και τη νομολογία του Ευρωπαϊκού Δικαστηρίου Ανθρωπίνων Δικαιωμάτων.

(Nederlandse versie)

Vraag met verzoek om schriftelijk antwoord E-003783/12

aan de Commissie

Nikos Chrysogelos (Verts/ALE), Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE), Bart Staes (Verts/ALE), Franziska Keller (Verts/ALE), Heide Rühle (Verts/ALE) en Satu Hassi (Verts/ALE)

(12 april 2012)

Betreft: Vrijlating van de Turkse dienstweigeraar op grond van gewetensbezwaren en mensenrechtenactivist Halil Savda

Op 24 februari 2012 werd Halil Savda krachtens artikel 318 van het Turkse Strafwetboek gearresteerd om een gevangenisstraf van honderd dagen uit te zitten wegens „het aanzetten tot dienstweigering”. Op 1 augustus 2006 had hij zich publiekelijk solidair verklaard met de Israëlische gewetensbezwaarden Itzik Shabbat en Amir Pastar, die werden gevangengezet omdat ze weigerden deel te nemen aan de Israëlische oorlog in Libanon. In juni 2008 werd Halil Savda hiervoor veroordeeld. Dit vonnis werd bevestigd door het Hoger Hof van Beroep in november 2010 en werd hem in februari 2011 medegedeeld. Dit is niet de eerste keer dat Halil Savda ten gevolge van gewetensbezwaren in de cel beland. Gedurende een periode van vijf jaar heeft hij in totaal 17 maanden in een militaire gevangenis gezeten omdat hij in 2004 op grond van gewetensbezwaren weigerde zijn militaire dienstplicht te vervullen. In 2008 concludeerde de VN-werkgroep inzake willekeurige detentie dat deze gevangenisstraffen willekeurig waren (Advies 16/2008). Er hangt Halil Savda nog een gevangenisstraf van zes maanden boven het hoofd die in juni 2010 werd uitgesproken voor het schenden van artikel 318 en die momenteel door het Hoger Hof van Beroep wordt behandeld, en daarnaast lopen er krachtens artikel 318 nog enkele andere zaken tegen hem. Overwegende dat:

Wij vragen de Commissie het volgende:

Antwoord van de heer Füle namens de Commissie

(5 juni 2012)

De Commissie is op de hoogte van de door de geachte Parlementsleden genoemde zaak en van de uitspraak van het Europees Hof voor de rechten van de mens.

De Commissie heeft de zaak met de Turkse autoriteiten besproken en volgt deze nauwlettend. Halil Savda werd op 13 april 2012 voorwaardelijk in vrijheid gesteld overeenkomstig de recente wijziging van de wet op voorwaardelijke invrijheidstelling, waarbij de drempel voor voorwaardelijke invrijheidstelling is verlaagd.

Turkije is een kandidaat-lidstaat die met de EU over toetreding onderhandelt en moet derhalve de grondrechten en fundamentele vrijheden van al zijn burgers waarborgen zoals bepaald in het Europees Verdrag tot bescherming van de rechten van de mens en de jurisprudentie van het Europees Hof voor de rechten van de mens.

(Suomenkielinen versio)

Kirjallisesti vastattava kysymys E-003783/12

komissiolle

Nikos Chrysogelos (Verts/ALE), Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE), Bart Staes (Verts/ALE), Franziska Keller (Verts/ALE), Heide Rühle (Verts/ALE) ja Satu Hassi (Verts/ALE)

(12. huhtikuuta 2012)

Aihe: Turkkilaisen aseistakieltäytyjän ja ihmisoikeusaktivistin Halil Savdan vapauttaminen

Halil Savda pidätettiin 24. helmikuuta 2012 ja vietiin suorittamaan 100 päivän vankeustuomiota, jonka hän oli saanut ”kansan vieraannuttamisesta armeijasta” Turkin rikoslain 318 artiklan perusteella. Hän oli ilmaissut 1. elokuuta 2006 julkisesti solidaarisuutensa kahden Libanonin sodasta kieltäytyneen ja vangitun israelilaisen aseistakieltäytyjän, Itzik Shabbatin ja Amir Pastarin, puolesta. Halil Savda sai tämän johdosta kesäkuussa 2008 vankeustuomion, jonka korkein valitustuomioistuin päätti marraskuussa 2010 pitää voimassa ja josta ilmoitettiin hänelle helmikuussa 2011. Tämä ei ole ensimmäinen kerta kun Halil Savda vangitaan omantunnon syistä. Halil Savda on istunut sotilasvankilassa myös 17 kuukauden ajan kieltäydyttyään asepalveluksesta vuonna 2004. Vuonna 2008 YK:n mielivaltaisia vapaudenriistoja käsittelevä työryhmä antoi johtopäätöksen, jonka mukaan nämä vangitsemiset olivat mielivaltaisia (Opinion 16/2008). Halil Savdaa uhkaa toinen, kesäkuussa 2010 annettu kuuden kuukauden mittainen vankilatuomio 318 artiklan loukkaamisesta. Ylin vetoomustuomioistuin käsittelee parhaillaan tapausta. Tutkinnassa on myös muita häntä vastaan nostettuja syytteitä artikla 318:n loukkaamisesta. Kun otetaan huomioon, että:

komissiolle esitetään seuraavat kysymykset:

Štefan Fülen komission puolesta antama vastaus

(5. kesäkuuta 2012)

Komissio on tietoinen arvoisien parlamentin jäsenten mainitsemasta tapauksesta ja Euroopan ihmisoikeustuomioistuimen tuomiosta.

Komissio on ottanut asian puheeksi Turkin viranomaisten kanssa ja seuraa sitä tiiviisti. Halil Savda pääsi 13.4.2012 ehdonalaiseen vapauteen sen jälkeen, kun ehdonalaisesta vapaudesta annettuun lakiin tehtiin muutos, jolla lievennetään ehdonalaiseen vapauteen pääsyn ehtoja.

Turkin on EU:hun liittymisestä neuvottelevana maana turvattava kaikkien kansalaistensa perusoikeudet ja ‐vapaudet Euroopan ihmisoikeussopimuksen ja Euroopan ihmisoikeustuomioistuimen oikeuskäytännön mukaisesti.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003783/12

to the Commission

Nikos Chrysogelos (Verts/ALE), Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE), Bart Staes (Verts/ALE), Franziska Keller (Verts/ALE), Heide Rühle (Verts/ALE) and Satu Hassi (Verts/ALE)

(12 April 2012)

Subject: Release of Turkish conscientious objector and human rights activist Halil Savda

On 24 February 2012, Halil Savda was arrested to serve a 100-day sentence for ‘alienating people from performing military service’, under Article 318 of the Turkish Penal Code. On 1 August 2006 he had publicly expressed his solidarity with Israeli conscientious objectors Itzik Shabbat and Amir Pastar, who were imprisoned for refusing to participate in Israel's war in Lebanon. In June 2008 Halil Savda received a sentence for this, which was upheld by the Higher Court of Appeal in November 2010 and communicated to him in February 2011. This is not the first time that Halil Savda has been imprisoned for reasons of conscience. He has also served a total of 17 months in military prison over a period of five years for his conscientious objection to military service in 2004. In 2008, the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention concluded that these imprisonments were arbitrary (Opinion 16/2008). Halil Savda faces another six-month prison sentence for breaching Article 318, handed down in June 2010, which is being considered by the Higher Court of Appeal, and there are further cases pending against him under Article 318. Considering that:

We ask the Commission:

Answer given by Mr Füle on behalf of the Commission

(5 June 2012)

The Commission is aware of the case mentioned by the Honourable Members, and of the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights.

The Commission has raised the case with the Turkish authorities and follows it closely. Halil Savda was released conditionally on 13 April 2012 under the recent amendment to the Law on conditional release that lowers the threshold set to benefit from probation services.

Turkey, as a country negotiating its accession to the EU needs to guarantee fundamental rights and freedoms for all its citizens according to the European Convention of Human Rights and the case law of the European Court of Human Rights.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-003784/12

alla Commissione

Mario Borghezio (EFD)

(12 aprile 2012)

Oggetto: Finanziamento occulto da parte della BCE alle case automobilistiche

Volkswagen Financial Services, braccio finanziario della casa madre automobilistica Volkswagen, ha partecipato all'asta di febbraio indetta dalla BCE e ha preso in prestito 2 miliardi di euro. Essendo a tutti gli effetti una banca ne aveva la facoltà, ma ha utilizzato quei prestiti di favore per prestare, a sua volta, denaro ai clienti a tassi di interessi più bassi rispetto al mercato finanziario per l'acquisto di nuove vetture. Questo appare di fatto un sussidio mascherato al settore automobilistico, che può generare distorsioni nella concorrenza interna.

— La Commissione non ritiene che queste operazioni possano compromettere la libera concorrenza del mercato interno e generare distorsioni?

— La Commissione è a conoscenza di altre case automobilistiche che abbiano attuato la stessa strategia?

— Nel caso così non fosse, la Commissione non ritiene che le altre case automobilistiche possano essere penalizzate in termini di concorrenza?

Risposta di Joaquín Almunia a nome della Commissione

(14 giugno 2012)

L'onorevole parlamentare solleva la questione delle possibili ripercussioni che un prestito di 2 miliardi di EUR concesso dalla Banca centrale europea (BCE) a Volkswagen Financial Services, braccio finanziario del gruppo Volkswagen, potrebbe avere sulla concorrenza tra i produttori di autovetture.

Al momento la Commissione non dispone di informazioni dettagliate su come Volkswagen abbia effettivamente utilizzato il prestito e non sa se altri produttori di automobili abbiano ottenuto finanziamenti dalla BCE.

La normativa dell'UE sulla concorrenza non è applicabile all'operazione di rifinanziamento della BCE cui fa riferimento l'onorevole parlamentare poiché i fondi della BCE non costituiscono un aiuto di Stato ai sensi dell'articolo 107 del trattato sul funzionamento dell'Unione europea.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003784/12

to the Commission

Mario Borghezio (EFD)

(12 April 2012)

Subject: Hidden funding of car manufacturers by the ECB

Volkswagen Financial Services, the finance arm of the Volkswagen car manufacturing company, participated in the February auction held by the ECB and borrowed EUR 2 billion. Since, to all intents and purposes, it is a bank, it had the power to do so, but it has used these borrowings to lend money to customers to purchase new vehicles at interest rates that are lower than the financial market. This appears to be a masked subsidy of the automotive sector, which could distort internal competition.

— Does the Commission not believe that these operations could compromise the free competition of the internal market and cause distortions?

— Is the Commission aware of other car manufacturers that have implemented the same strategy?

— If there are no others, does the Commission not believe that other car manufacturers may be penalised in terms of competition?

Answer given by Mr Almunia on behalf of the Commission

(14 June 2012)

The Honourable Member raises the issue of the possible impact on competition between carmakers of a two billion loan granted by the European Central Bank (ECB) to Volkswagen Financial Services, the financing arm of the Volkswagen group.

The Commission has no detailed information at this stage on how the money was indeed used by Volkswagen and whether other car manufacturers also borrowed funds from the ECB.

European competition rules are not applicable to the ECB refinancing operation referred to by the Honourable Member as ECB funds do not constitute state aid in the meaning of Article 107 TFEU.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-003785/12

an die Kommission

Antonio Cancian (PPE), Gabriele Albertini (PPE), Sonia Alfano (ALDE), Roberta Angelilli (PPE), Paolo Bartolozzi (PPE), Salvatore Caronna (S&D), Lara Comi (PPE), Silvia Costa (S&D), Carlo Fidanza (PPE), Salvatore Iacolino (PPE), Clemente Mastella (PPE), Mario Mauro (PPE), Erminia Mazzoni (PPE), Claudio Morganti (EFD), Alfredo Pallone (PPE), Mario Pirillo (S&D), Gianni Pittella (S&D), Niccolò Rinaldi (ALDE), Licia Ronzulli (PPE), Oreste Rossi (EFD), Giancarlo Scottà (EFD), Marco Scurria (PPE), Debora Serracchiani (S&D), Sergio Paolo Frances Silvestris (PPE), Salvatore Tatarella (PPE), Patrizia Toia (S&D), Giommaria Uggias (ALDE), Andrea Zanoni (ALDE), Herbert Dorfmann (PPE), Giovanni La Via (PPE), Iva Zanicchi (PPE) und Vincenzo Iovine (ALDE)

(12. April 2012)

Betrifft: Das europäische Kulturerbe — welche Rolle spielt es im zukünftigen Programm Horizont 2020?

Die Europäische Union hat in den vergangenen Jahren die Absicht gezeigt, den Schutz des europäischen Kulturerbes (materielles und immaterielles Kulturerbe) zu unterstützen und zu fördern und hat diesem Bereich eine prioritäre Bedeutung zuerkannt. Beispiele dafür sind die Initiative für die gemeinsame Planung sowie das Europäische Kulturerbe-Siegel.

Allerdings ist festzustellen, dass im Legislativvorschlag, den die Europäische Kommission am 30. November 2011 angenommen hat, die Finanzierung von Forschungs— und Innovationsprojekten in diesem Bereich überhaupt nicht erwähnt wird.

Diese Entscheidung könnte sehr negative Auswirkungen haben, da so die Basis der Unterstützungsstrategie für den Erhalt des europäischen Kulturerbes untergraben würde, was im Gegensatz zu einigen Entscheidungen steht, die die Kommission zu diesem Thema getroffen hat. Der Schutz von Kulturgütern auf Gemeinschaftsebene darf die Wissenschaft nicht ausschließen, denn das würde die Nachhaltigkeit der Maßnahmen sowie der bisher investierten monetären Ressourcen und Humanressourcen gefährden.

Die Kommission hat vor kurzem mehrmals bekräftigt, dass das Kulturerbe innerhalb der fünften gesellschaftlichen Herausforderung (Klimaschutz, Ressourceneffizienz und Rohstoffe) und innerhalb der sechsten gesellschaftlichen Herausforderung (integrative, innovative und sichere Gesellschaften) Platz finden werde.

Den Schutz des Kulturerbes nur in den Bereichen Klimaschutz (wegen des Zusammenhangs mit der Energieeffizienz Tausender historischer Gebäude in Europa), Industrien der Nanotechnologie und der fortgeschrittenen Materialien, Tourismus und IKT zu behandeln, erscheint jedoch zu begrenzt.

Daher wird angefragt:

1. Ist die Kommission der Ansicht, dass diesem Sektor innerhalb des zukünftigen Programms Horizont 2020, insbesondere innerhalb des Teils, der den sozialen Herausforderungen gewidmet ist, eine klarere und strategischere Rolle eingeräumt werden kann?

2. Wie beabsichtigt sie, diese Lücke zu schließen und die Bedeutung des europäischen Kulturerbes innerhalb der verschiedenen gesellschaftlichen Herausforderungen, die im Legislativvorschlag Horizont 2020 enthalten sind, auf übergreifender und multidisziplinärer Ebene anzuerkennen?

Antwort von Frau Geoghegan-Quinn im Namen der Kommission

(11. Juni 2012)

1. Die Kommission misst der Unterstützung der Forschung im Bereich des Kulturerbes in allen seinen Formen einen hohen Stellenwert bei. Das neue Forschungs— und Innovationsprogramm „Horizont 2020“ wird diese Fragen auf verschiedene Weise innerhalb aller seiner drei, einander verstärkenden Schwerpunktbereiche „Wissenschaftsexzellenz“, „führende Rolle der Industrie“ und „gesellschaftliche Herausforderungen“ angehen. In letzterem werden vorrausichtlich vor allem die Themen „Klimaschutz, Ressourceneffizienz und Rohstoffe“ sowie „integrative, innovative und sichere Gesellschaften“ entsprechende Fragen abdecken.

2. Sowohl die Rahmenprogramme wie auch jüngste Initiativen wie der „Schwerpunktbereich kulturelles Erbe“ der Europäischen Plattform für Bautechnologie (ECTP-FACH) und die gemeinsame Programmplanungsinitiative (JPI) im Bereich „Kulturerbe und globale Veränderungen: Eine neue Herausforderung für Europa“, eine von den Mitgliedstaaten getragene Initiative, zielen auf multidisziplinäre Forschung ab. Im Bereich „Umwelt“ des letzten Arbeitsprogramms des Siebten Rahmenprogramms der Europäischen Gemeinschaft für Forschung, technologische Entwicklung und Demonstration (2007 bis 2013) werden verschiedene Aspekte des Kulturerbes durch entsprechende Aufforderungen abgedeckt (zum Beispiel Einsatz für Energieeffizienz in bestehenden Gebäuden, Schutz von Kulturlandschaften). Die gemeinsame Programmplanungsinitiative im Bereich „Kulturerbe und globaler Wandel“ kann auch von einer „ERA-NET Plus“-Maßnahme profitieren, die dem Schutz und der Unterhaltung historischer und moderner Kunstwerke, Gebäude und Orte dient. Es ist zu erwarten, dass Horizont 2020 auch weiterhin den multidisziplinären und sektorenübergreifenden Aspekt der Forschung im Bereich des Kulturerbes unterstützen wird.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-003785/12

alla Commissione

Antonio Cancian (PPE), Gabriele Albertini (PPE), Sonia Alfano (ALDE), Roberta Angelilli (PPE), Paolo Bartolozzi (PPE), Salvatore Caronna (S&D), Lara Comi (PPE), Silvia Costa (S&D), Carlo Fidanza (PPE), Salvatore Iacolino (PPE), Clemente Mastella (PPE), Mario Mauro (PPE), Erminia Mazzoni (PPE), Claudio Morganti (EFD), Alfredo Pallone (PPE), Mario Pirillo (S&D), Gianni Pittella (S&D), Niccolò Rinaldi (ALDE), Licia Ronzulli (PPE), Oreste Rossi (EFD), Giancarlo Scottà (EFD), Marco Scurria (PPE), Debora Serracchiani (S&D), Sergio Paolo Frances Silvestris (PPE), Salvatore Tatarella (PPE), Patrizia Toia (S&D), Giommaria Uggias (ALDE), Andrea Zanoni (ALDE), Herbert Dorfmann (PPE), Giovanni La Via (PPE), Iva Zanicchi (PPE) e Vincenzo Iovine (ALDE)

(12 aprile 2012)

Oggetto: Il patrimonio culturale europeo — quale ruolo nel futuro programma Horizon 2020

L'Unione europea ha dimostrato negli ultimi anni la volontà di sostenere e promuovere la tutela del patrimonio culturale europeo (inteso come un complesso di beni tangibili e intangibili), riconoscendo al settore un'importanza prioritaria. Esempi ne sono la specifica iniziativa di Programmazione Congiunta, nonché lo Europe Heritage Label.

Tuttavia si nota che, all'interno della proposta legislativa adottata dalla Commissione europea il 30 novembre 2011, i finanziamenti a progetti di ricerca e innovazione nel settore non vengono mai menzionati.

Tale decisione potrebbe avere conseguenze molto negative, dato che verrebbe minata alla base la strategia di supporto alla conservazione del patrimonio culturale europeo, in contraddizione rispetto a quelle che sono alcune decisioni della stessa Commissione in merito a questo tema. La protezione dei beni culturali a livello comunitario non può escludere la comunità scientifica, poiché si metterebbe a repentaglio la sostenibilità degli interventi e degli investimenti di risorse monetarie e umane finora impiegate.

La Commissione ha recentemente sostenuto in più di un'occasione che il patrimonio culturale troverà spazio all'interno della quinta sfida sociale (Azioni per il clima, l'efficienza delle risorse e delle materie prime) e della sesta sfida sociale (Società inclusive, innovative e sicure).

Relegare la tutela del patrimonio culturale agli aspetti climatici (per il collegamento con l'efficienza energetica delle migliaia di edifici storici europei), all'industria delle nanotecnologie, a quella dei materiali e a quella del turismo, e alle ICT, appare però riduttivo.

Si chiede pertanto:

Risposta di Máire Geoghegan-Quinn a nome della Commissione

(11 giugno 2012)

1. La Commissione annette grande importanza al sostegno alla ricerca in materia di patrimonio culturale in tutte le sue forme. Il nuovo programma per la ricerca e l’innovazione «Orizzonte 2020» affronterà la ricerca in vari modi in relazione alle sue tre priorità che si valorizzano reciprocamente: «Eccellenza scientifica», «Leadership industriale» e «Sfide sociali». Nell’ambito di quest’ultima, le sfide «Azione per il clima, l’efficienza delle risorse e le materie prime» e «Società inclusive, innovative e sicure» sono particolarmente idonee ad affrontare le questioni connesse al patrimonio culturale.

2. Infatti sia i programmi quadro che le recenti iniziative, quali il settore tematico «Patrimonio culturale» della «piattaforma tecnologica europea per la costruzione» e l’iniziativa di programmazione comune «Patrimonio culturale e cambiamenti globali: una nuova sfida per l’Europa» — un’iniziativa, questa, promossa dagli Stati membri — mirano ad una ricerca multidisciplinare. Nell’ultimo programma di lavoro del Settimo programma quadro di ricerca e sviluppo tecnologico (7° PQ 2007-2013) gli inviti a presentare proposte sul tema «Ambiente» (che comprende i cambiamenti climatici) riguarderanno diversi aspetti connessi al patrimonio culturale (ad esempio, promozione dell’efficienza energetica negli edifici esistenti, tutela dei paesaggi culturali). L’iniziativa del programma comune «Patrimonio culturale e cambiamenti globali» può anche trarre vantaggio da un’azione ERA-NET Plus dedicata alla tutela e alla gestione di opere d’arte, edifici e siti sia storici che moderni. Si prevede che Orizzonte 2020 continui a promuovere l’aspetto multidisciplinare e trasversale della ricerca sul patrimonio culturale.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003785/12

to the Commission

Antonio Cancian (PPE), Gabriele Albertini (PPE), Sonia Alfano (ALDE), Roberta Angelilli (PPE), Paolo Bartolozzi (PPE), Salvatore Caronna (S&D), Lara Comi (PPE), Silvia Costa (S&D), Carlo Fidanza (PPE), Salvatore Iacolino (PPE), Clemente Mastella (PPE), Mario Mauro (PPE), Erminia Mazzoni (PPE), Claudio Morganti (EFD), Alfredo Pallone (PPE), Mario Pirillo (S&D), Gianni Pittella (S&D), Niccolò Rinaldi (ALDE), Licia Ronzulli (PPE), Oreste Rossi (EFD), Giancarlo Scottà (EFD), Marco Scurria (PPE), Debora Serracchiani (S&D), Sergio Paolo Frances Silvestris (PPE), Salvatore Tatarella (PPE), Patrizia Toia (S&D), Giommaria Uggias (ALDE), Andrea Zanoni (ALDE), Herbert Dorfmann (PPE), Giovanni La Via (PPE), Iva Zanicchi (PPE) and Vincenzo Iovine (ALDE)

(12 April 2012)

Subject: European cultural heritage-role in the future Horizon 2020 programme

In recent years the European Union has shown its desire to support and promote the protection of European cultural heritage (meaning tangible and intangible assets as a whole), placing a strong priority on the sector. Examples of this are the specific Joint Programming Initiative and the European Heritage Label.

However, it must be noted that in the legislative proposal adopted by the European Commission on 30 November 2011, funding for research and innovation projects in the sector is never mentioned.

This decision could have very negative consequences, considering that the foundations of the European cultural heritage preservation support strategy would be undermined, contradicting some of the Commission’s own decisions in this area. The protection of cultural heritage on an EU level must not exclude the scientific community, since this would jeopardise the sustainability of the interventions and investments of monetary and human resources committed up to now.

The Commission has recently stated on more than one occasion that cultural heritage will be covered within the Fifth Societal Challenge (climate action, resource efficiency and raw materials) and the Sixth Societal Challenge (inclusive, innovative and secure societies).

However, relegating the protection of cultural heritage to climatic aspects (based on the connection with the energy efficiency of the thousands of historic buildings in Europe), the nanotechnology, materials and tourism industries and to ICT, seems too simplistic.

Can the Commission therefore answer the following questions:

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

(11 June 2012)

1. The Commission attaches a high importance to support research related to cultural heritage in all its forms. The new Programme for Research and Innovation ‘Horizon 2020’ will address in different ways and under all its three mutually reinforcing priorities: ‘Excellent Science’, ‘Industrial Leadership’ and ‘Societal Challenges’. Under the latter, the challenges ‘Climate action, resource efficiency and raw materials’ and ‘Inclusive, innovative and secure societies’ are particularly likely to address such issues.

2. Both the framework Programmes and recent initiatives, such as the ‘Focus Area Cultural Heritage’ of the ‘European Construction Technology Platform’ (ECTP-FACH), and the Joint Programming Initiative (JPI) on ‘Cultural Heritage and Global Change: a new challenge for Europe’, a Member State driven initiative, are aiming at multi-disciplinary research. In the last Work Programme of the Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development's (FP7, 2007-2013) ‘Environment’ Theme (including climate change), calls will address several aspects related to cultural heritage (e.g. promoting energy efficiency in existing buildings, protection of cultural landscapes). The Joint PI on ‘Cultural heritage and global change’ may also benefit from an ERA-NET plus action dedicated to the protection and management of historical and modern artefacts, buildings and sites. It is expected that Horizon 2020 will continue promoting the multi-disciplinary and cross-cutting aspect of cultural heritage research.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-003786/12

à Comissão

Nuno Teixeira (PPE)

(12 de abril de 2012)

Assunto: Definição de PME (micro, pequena e média empresa)

A recomendação da Comissão Europeia de 6 de maio de 2003 salienta que foi necessário definir um conceito comum europeu para as micro, pequenas e médias empresas (PME), devido ao facto de existir uma «vasta interação entre medidas nacionais e comunitárias a favor das PME, por exemplo no que se refere aos fundos estruturais e à investigação, sendo de evitar que a Comunidade oriente a sua ação para uma certa categoria de PME e os Estados-Membros para outra».

O artigo 2.° do Anexo da mesma recomendação refere que «a categoria das micro, pequenas e médias empresas (PME) é constituída por empresas que empregam menos de 250 pessoas e cujo volume de negócios anual não excede 50 milhões de euros ou cujo balanço total anual não excede 43 milhões de euros».

Na reunião da Comissão do Desenvolvimento Regional do Parlamento Europeu do passado dia 25 de janeiro de 2012, o Comissário da Política Regional, Johannes Hahn, referiu que existem na União Europeia 23 milhões de PME e que, se cada uma empregasse uma pessoa, seria possível eliminar o desemprego existente na altura.

Ao longo dos últimos anos têm sido discutidos os critérios de caracterização de uma PME, considerando muitos especialistas que se deverá proceder a uma adaptação à evolução económica.

O estudo intitulado «Impacto e eficácia dos Fundos Estruturais e das políticas da União Europeia destinadas às PME nas Regiões,» realizado pela Direção-Geral de Política Interna — Departamento Temático B: Políticas Estruturais e de Coesão, refere que a corrente definição de PME a nível europeu é centrada na dimensão da empresa e não reflete totalmente os parâmetros naturais de cada empresa (por exemplo, setor, idade, localização e nível de inovação), nem tem em conta os diferentes ciclos de vida de uma PME (por exemplo, semente, «start-up», jovem e experiente).

Pergunta-se à Comissão:

Resposta dada por Antonio Tajani em nome da Comissão

(11 de junho de 2012)

A definição de micro, pequenas e médias empresas («definição de PME») é um instrumento estrutural para identificar as empresas que, devido à sua dimensão, estão confrontadas com desafios específicos (por exemplo, o acesso ao financiamento ou aos mercados) e que, por conseguinte, estão autorizadas a receber tratamento preferencial no âmbito dos auxílios estatais e dos fundos da UE. A definição atual de PME já abrange mais de 99 % das empresas da UE e quase três quartos da economia europeia, em termos de emprego.

A Comissão procede a um controlo regular da aplicação da definição de PME. Desde a sua entrada em vigor em 2005, a Comissão realizou duas avaliações e elaborou relatórios de execução em 2006 e 2009, tendo para o efeito consultado os Estados-Membros, as associações empresariais e outras partes interessadas. Em ambos os relatórios, a Comissão concluiu que a definição está a ser aplicada sem quaisquer dificuldades dignas de nota.

Está em curso, em 2012, uma nova revisão da definição de PME, tendo a Comissão assinado um contrato com um consultor externo para a realização de uma avaliação independente. A avaliação terá em conta a evolução económica geral, bem como questões específicas relacionadas com a aplicação da definição.

A avaliação pode não se traduzir necessariamente numa revisão da definição, o que também não foi o caso aquando das anteriores avaliações de 2006 e 2009. Eventuais alterações poderão ser introduzidas, mas apenas na presença de provas concludentes e após ponderação do seu impacto sobre os encargos administrativos para as empresas, já que a estabilidade da definição de PME é um aspeto essencial da segurança jurídica para as empresas.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003786/12

to the Commission

Nuno Teixeira (PPE)

(12 April 2012)

Subject: The definition of SMEs (micro, small and medium-sized enterprises)

The Commission recommendation of 6 May 2003 highlights the need for a common European definition of micro, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), as there is ‘extensive interaction between national and Community measures assisting SMEs, for example in connection with Structural Funds or research. It means that situations in which the Community focuses its action on a given category of SMEs and the Member States on another must be avoided’.

Article 2 of the annex to that recommendation states that ‘the category of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is made up of enterprises which employ fewer than 250 people and which have an annual turnover not exceeding EUR 50 million, and/or an annual balance sheet total not exceeding EUR 43 million’.

At the meeting of the European Parliament’s Committee on Regional Development on 25 January 2012, the Commissioner for Regional Policy, Johannes Hahn, stated that there are 23 million SMEs in the European Union and that, if each of these employed one person, it would be possible to eliminate existing unemployment.

Over recent years, the criteria for defining SMEs have been under discussion, with many specialists believing that the criteria should change with economic developments.

The study ‘Impact and effectiveness of the Structural Funds and EU policies aimed at SMEs in the Regions’, produced by Policy Department B — Structural and Cohesion Policies — of the Directorate-General for Internal Policies states that the current definition for SMEs at the European level is centred on the size of the enterprise and does not reflect the range of parameters that determine the nature of each SME (e.g. industry sector, age, location and level of innovation), and nor does it take into account the different lifecycle phases of the SME (e.g. seed, start-up, young and mature).

Would the Commission answer the following:

Answer given by Mr Tajani on behalf of the Commission

(11 June 2012)

The definition of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (‘SME definition’) is a structural tool to identify those enterprises which are confronted with particular challenges (e.g. access to finance or markets) due to their size, and who are therefore allowed to receive preferential treatment in State Aid and in EU funds. The current SME definition covers already more than 99% of the enterprises in the EU and almost three-quarters of the European economy in terms of employment.

The Commission carries out a regular monitoring of the implementation of the SME definition. Since its entry into force in 2005, the Commission has carried out two evaluations and prepared respective implementation reports in 2006 and 2009 after consultation of Member States, business organisations and other stakeholders. In both reports, the Commission concluded that the definition was being applied without any notable difficulties.

A new review of the SME definition is being performed in 2012, and the Commission has signed a contract with an external consultant to carry out an independent evaluation. The evaluation will take into account general economic developments as well as specific issues related to the implementation of the definition.

The evaluation may not necessarily translate into a revision of the definition, as it was not the case at the time of previous evaluations in 2006 and 2009. Any changes may be introduced only after obtaining solid evidence and after having weighed their impact on the administrative burden for enterprises, since the stability of the SME definition is a key aspect of legal certainty for enterprises.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta P-003787/12

alla Commissione

Gianni Pittella (S&D)

(12 aprile 2012)

Oggetto: Impegni imposti dalla Commissione a fronte della concessione di aiuti di Stato all'aviazione

Considerando che l'articolo 107 del TFUE si applica anche alle garanzie a copertura di prestiti e che la concessione di tali misure va valutata dalla Commissione alla luce della normativa in materia di aiuti di Stato, siano esse a titolo singolo o contenute in uno schema più ampio;

considerando il dovere della Commissione d'esaminare l'impatto delle misure d'aiuto sulla concorrenza, come pure la prassi costante, in particolare nell'ambito del settore dell'aviazione, a vincolare l'autorizzazione all'aiuto a taluni impegni specifici dei riceventi (cfr. ad esempio le decisioni Air France, Cyprus Airways Public Ltd e Alitalia);

considerando che tali impegni possono comprendere la cessione di elementi dell'attivo, la riduzione delle capacità o della presenza sul mercato ed eventualmente la riduzione del personale, onde prevenire ingiustificate distorsioni della concorrenza;

considerando la costante giurisprudenza della CGUE in merito all'esplicito divieto di utilizzare l'aiuto concesso dallo Stato — sia esso sotto forma di aumento di capitale o di garanzia a copertura di un prestito — per il mero finanziamento dell'ammodernamento dell'impresa beneficiaria o per conservare la competitività o ampliare la flotta;

— ritiene la Commissione che la garanzia prestata da uno Stato membro a una compagnia aerea al fine di garantire l'acquisto di nuovi aeromobili possa essere compatibile con le regole in materia di aiuti di Stato senza un esame — ex ante o al limite ex post — dei servizi della DG COMP?

— Può la Commissione confermare che la valutazione degli effetti reali o potenziali sulla concorrenza dell'aiuto concesso sotto forma di garanzia debba riferirsi al momento della concessione dello stesso e non ex post?

Risposta data da Joaquín Almunia a nome della Commissione

(14 maggio 2012)

L'articolo 108, paragrafo 3, del trattato sul funzionamento dell'Unione Europea impone agli Stati membri di informare tempestivamente la Commissione in merito ai progetti diretti a istituire o modificare aiuti. L'articolo dispone inoltre che tutti gli aiuti di Stato siano comunicati e valutati dalla Commissione, prima dell'adozione delle misure previste.

L'obbligo di notifica non si applica solamente nei casi previsti dal regolamento generale di esenzione per categoria, nei casi considerati aiuti di importanza minore («de minimis») o che rientrano nell'ambito di applicazione della decisione della Commissione del 20 dicembre 2011 riguardante i servizi di interesse economico generale. Lo Stato può tuttavia partecipare all'economia alle stesse condizioni di un investitore operante in economia di mercato con l'aspettativa di un rendimento sul suo investimento. In altri termini, per le misure statali a favore di un'impresa, concesse alle stesse condizioni che un investitore operante in economia di mercato accetterebbe, non è richiesta la notifica alla Commissione dato che tali misure non sono considerate aiuti di Stato.

Per quanto riguarda l'esempio fornito dall'onorevole parlamentare, se una garanzia concessa da uno Stato membro rientra in una delle eccezioni summenzionate, non è necessaria una notifica preventiva. In caso di dubbio, tuttavia, la Commissione incoraggia gli Stati membri, per ragioni di certezza del diritto, a notificare le misure statali previste prima della loro attuazione. La Commissione procederà poi a valutare l'eventuale distorsione della concorrenza causata dagli aiuti di Stato prima dell'attuazione delle misure. In occasione di un'eventuale denuncia in merito alle misure statali a favore di una determinata impresa o di un determinato settore (indipendentemente dall'avvenuta notifica), la Commissione procede di norma ad un'indagine.

(English version)

Question for written answer P-003787/12

to the Commission

Gianni Pittella (S&D)

(12 April 2012)

Subject: Undertakings imposed by the Commission in response to the granting of state aid to the aviation sector

Whereas Article 107 of the TFEU applies, among other things, to loan guarantees and the granting of such measures must be assessed by the Commission in the light of the regulations on state aid, whether they are one-off measures or part of a wider scheme;

Whereas the Commission has a duty to examine the impact of aid on competition, and there is an established practice, particularly in the aviation sector, of linking aid authorisation to the giving of specific undertakings by the beneficiaries (see for example, the Air France, Cyprus Airways Public Ltd and Alitalia decisions);

Whereas such undertakings can include the sale of assets, and the reduction of capacity or presence on the market and, therefore, a possible reduction in staff, in order to prevent unjustified distortions of competition;

Whereas the Court of Justice of the European Union has consistently held that the use of state aid — whether in the form of capital increases or of loan guarantees — merely to fund the modernisation of the beneficiary company or to maintain its competitive position or to expand its fleet is explicitly forbidden:

Answer given by Mr Almunia on behalf of the Commission

(14 May 2012)

Article 108 (3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union lays down the obligation for the Member States to inform the Commission in sufficient time of any plans to grant or alter aid. It also requires all state aid measures to be notified and assessed by the Commission before the envisaged measures are implemented.

The obligation to notify is only waived for cases which are covered by the General Block Exemption Regulation or can be considered de minimis aid or fall under the scope of the Commission decision on Services of General Economic Interest of 20 December 2011. However, the state may participate in the economy on the same terms and conditions of a market economy investor expecting a return on his investment. In other words, state measures in favour of a company, which are granted on the same commercial terms and conditions as a market economy investor would accept, do not require notification, as such measures are not deemed to involve state aid.

With reference to the example brought forward by the Honourable Member, if a guarantee granted by a Member State falls under one of the abovementioned exceptions, an ex-ante notification is not necessary. However, in case of doubt, the Commission encourages Member States to notify the intended state measures before their implementation for reasons of legal certainty. The Commission will then assess the potential distortion of competition caused by any state aid element before the implementation of the measures. In cases where the Commission receives a complaint concerning state measures (regardless of whether they are notified or non-notified) in favour of a certain company or a certain sector, it will normally investigate the matter.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-003788/12

a la Comisión

Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE)

(12 de abril de 2012)

Asunto: Detención de estudiantes en Barcelona

El jueves 29 de marzo, durante las acciones organizadas de la huelga general, los Mossos d'Esquadra detuvieron a una cincuentena de personas, entre ellas a tres estudiantes universitarios, quienes ni son delincuentes ni tienen antecedentes policiales. Dos de ellos, de 19 y 21 años, pertenecen a la Asociación de Estudiantes Progresistas y a Comisiones Obreras.

Fueron arrestados y llevados a la Comisaría de Les Corts en Barcelona. Fueron trasladados a diferentes centros penitenciarios en régimen de prisión preventiva provisional y sin fianza. A 2 de mayo, los estudiantes siguen en prisión preventiva sin juicio alguno. Se les imputan desórdenes públicos, daños a bienes públicos y atentado contra agentes de la autoridad, entre otros. Se les impone prisión preventiva para asegurar su disponibilidad al tribunal y ante el supuesto peligro de reincidencia. Es un claro caso de violación de presunción de inocencia y de condiciones de prisión preventiva.

La presunción de inocencia es un derecho fundamental reconocido en la Carta de los Derechos Fundamentales de la UE (artículo 48, apartado 1). El artículo 3 del TUE dispone que «La Unión ofrecerá a sus ciudadanos un espacio de libertad, seguridad y justicia …». El Parlamento Europeo adoptó una resolución sobre las condiciones de privación de libertad en la UE (2011/2897(RSP)) donde pide a los Estados miembros que garanticen que la prisión preventiva sea una medida excepcional a utilizar bajo estrictas condiciones de necesidad y proporcionalidad y por tiempo limitado, en cumplimiento del principio fundamental de presunción de inocencia y del derecho a la no privación de libertad (…) pide a la Comisión que presente una propuesta legislativa sobre normas mínimas en este terreno basada en el artículo 82, apartado 2, letra b) del TFUE, en la Carta de Derechos Fundamentales de la Unión Europea, en el Convenio Europeo de Derechos Humanos y en la jurisprudencia del Tribunal Europeo de Derechos Humanos.

¿Cree la Comisión que España viola así el artículo 48 de la Carta de Derechos Fundamentales? ¿Tiene la Comisión pensado presentar la propuesta legislativa sobre normas mínimas como pidió el Parlamento Europeo y siguiendo las líneas del Libro Verde publicado por la misma Comisión sobre detención (COM(2011)0327)?

Respuesta de la Sra. Reding en nombre de la Comisión

(27 de junio de 2012)

La presunción de inocencia está protegida por el artículo 48 de la Carta de los Derechos Fundamentales de la UE. No obstante, con arreglo al artículo 51, apartado 1, de la misma, las disposiciones de la Carta están dirigidas a los Estados miembros únicamente cuando apliquen el Derecho de la Unión. Sobre la base de la información proporcionada por Su Señoría, no parece que en el asunto que nos ocupa el Estado miembro estuviese aplicando el Derecho de la UE. Así, pues, en este ámbito corresponde únicamente a los Estados miembros velar por el respeto de sus obligaciones en materia de derechos fundamentales derivadas de acuerdos internacionales y de su legislación interna. Por lo tanto, la Comisión no puede hacer ningún otro comentario sobre los asuntos relativos a los derechos fundamentales que plantea Su Señoría.

La Comisión está reflexionando sobre la forma de reforzar la confianza mutua y el reconocimiento mutuo en toda la Unión en el ámbito de la detención, dentro de los límites de la competencia de la UE. A ese efecto, en junio de 2011 publicó un Libro Verde relativo a la aplicación de la legislación de justicia penal de la UE en el ámbito de la detención (118). La Comisión recibió muchas respuestas de los Estados miembros y de otras partes interesadas, y analizará todas las respuestas y procederá a todos los análisis necesarios para determinar si es preciso actuar a escala europea.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003788/12

to the Commission

Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE)

(12 April 2012)

Subject: Detention of students in Barcelona

On Thursday 29 March 2012, during the action organised as part of the general strike, the Mossos d'Esquadra (Catalan police) arrested some 50 people, among them three university students, who are not delinquents and have no previous police record. Two of the students, aged 19 and 21, belong to the Spanish Association of Progressive Students (Asociación de Estudiantes Progresistas) and the trade union Comisiones Obreros.

They were arrested and taken to the Les Corts police station in Barcelona. They were then each transferred to separate prison facilities, where they were held in temporary pre-trial detention without bail.

On 2 May the two students were still being held in detention without any form of trial. They are accused of causing a public disturbance, damaging public property and assaulting police officers, among other offences. They are being held under preventive arrest to ensure their availability to the court and to prevent them from supposedly reoffending. This clearly violates the presumption of innocence and the conditions under which preventive detention may be ordered.

The presumption of innocence is a basic right recognised in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union (Article 48(1)). Article 3 of the TEU states that ‘the Union shall offer its citizens an area of freedom, security and justice’. The European Parliament has adopted a resolution on detention conditions in the EU (2011/2897(RSP)), in which it calls on Member States to ‘ensure that pre-trial detention remains an exceptional measure to be used under strict conditions of necessity and proportionality and for a limited period of time, in compliance with the fundamental principle of presumption of innocence and of the right not to be deprived of liberty’ and on the Commission to come up with a legislative proposal on minimum standards in this field based on Article 82(2)(b) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), on the European Charter of Fundamental Rights, on the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms and on the case law of the European Court of Human Rights.

Does the Commission consider that Spain is infringing Article 48 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights? Does it intend to present a legislative proposal, as urged by Parliament, along the lines of the Commission’s Green Paper on detention (COM(2011)0327)?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(27 June 2012)

The presumption of innocence is protected by Article 48 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU. However, according to Article 51 (1) of the Charter, its provisions are addressed to the Member States only when they are implementing Union law. On the basis of the information provided by the Honourable Member, it does not appear that in the matter referred to the Member State concerned did act in the course of implementation of EC law. In that matter it is thus for Member States alone to ensure that their obligations regarding fundamental rights — as resulting from international agreements and from their internal legislation — are respected. Therefore, the Commission is not in a position to comment further on the fundamental rights issues raised by the question of the Honourable Member.

The Commission is reflecting on ways to strengthen mutual trust and mutual recognition across the Union in the area of detention, within the limits of EU competence. To that effect, in June 2011, the Commission published a Green Paper on the application of EU criminal justice legislation in the field of detention (119).The Commission received many replies from Member States as well as from other stakeholders and will analyse all responses and conduct all necessary research to assess whether any action is required at the European level.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-003789/12

an die Kommission

Franz Obermayr (NI)

(12. April 2012)

Betrifft: Vernichtung des notwendigen Lebensraums von Orang-Utans auf Sumatra

Presseberichten zufolge brennt seit geraumer Zeit der an der Westküste Sumatras (Indonesien) gelegene Torfsumpfwald Tripa. Nach Aussagen von Umweltschutzorganisationen sind die Brände (man spricht von mehr als 100 Brandherden) von Menschenhand gelegt worden, um Palmölplantagen anzulegen. Dieses Waldgebiet ist aber ein wichtiger Lebensraum der selten gewordenen Orang-Utans. Mit der Vernichtung ihres Lebensraumes wird nicht nur ihnen, sondern auch anderen stark reduzierten Populationen, wie etwa Nashörnern und Elefanten, die Heimat genommen.

Daraus ergeben sich folgende Fragen:

Antwort von Herrn Potočnik im Namen der Kommission

(28. Juni 2012)

Die Kommission ist über die Entwaldung auf Sumatra und die damit einhergehende Anlage von Plantagen unterrichtet; so hat die Gemeinsame Forschungsstelle der Kommission durch ihre Analyse der Fernerkundungsdaten zu einem besseren Verständnis des Umfangs und der Dynamik der Entwaldung in Südostasien beigetragen.

Indonesien erhält eine finanzielle Unterstützung der EU im Rahmen der normalen Entwicklungszusammenarbeit. Ein Verzeichnis der von der EU mitfinanzierten Projekte findet sich auf der Webseite der EU‐Delegation für Indonesien (120). In erster Linie werden die Bereiche Umwelt, Governance und Aufbau der Kapazitäten der Zivilgesellschaft, Bildung und regionale Integration unterstützt.

Während die EU-Finanzhilfe an Indonesien generell nicht an die Erfüllung von Umweltschutzauflagen gebunden ist, müssen bei einzelnen Projekten, die mögliche Auswirkungen auf die Umwelt haben, solche Auswirkungen erkannt und entsprechende Gegenmaßnahmen getroffen werden.

Eurostat-Statistiken (Comext-Datenbank) zeigen, dass die EU 2011 aus Indonesien 2,2 Mio. Tonnen Palmöl eingeführt hat. Aus einem vor kurzem veröffentlichten Bericht des Umweltprogramms der Vereinten Nationen (121) geht hervor, dass rund drei Viertel des Palmöls für Nahrungsmittel im Allgemeinen und ein Viertel zu Industriezwecken verwendet werden.

Die Kommission wird auch künftig Programme unterstützen, die der Entwaldung in Indonesien entgegenwirken, insbesondere durch die Aushandlung und Umsetzung eines Freiwilligen Partnerschaftsabkommens mit Indonesien über Rechtsdurchsetzung, Politikgestaltung und Handel im Forstsektor (FLEGT-VPA). Dies wird dazu beitragen sicherzustellen, dass Holzausfuhren aus Indonesien in die EU aus Beständen an legal geerntetem Holz stammen. Indonesien hat das Legalitätsüberprüfungssystem, auf dem das VPA basiert, mit Unterstützung der EU bereits eingeführt.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003789/12

to the Commission

Franz Obermayr (NI)

(12 April 2012)

Subject: Destruction of the essential habitat of orangutans on Sumatra

According to press reports, the Tripa peat swamp forest on the west coast of Sumatra (Indonesia) has been burning for some time. According to environmental protection organisations, the fires (which have over 100 centres) were started by people in order to set up palm oil plantations. However, this forest area is an important habitat for the increasingly rare orangutan. The destruction of their habitat robs not only them but also other greatly reduced populations, such as rhinoceros and elephants, of their natural home.

This gives rise to the following questions:

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(28 June 2012)

The Commission is aware of the ongoing deforestation in Sumatra associated with plantation development; indeed through its analysis of remote sensing information the Commission's Joint Research Centre has contributed to a greater understanding of the extent and dynamics of such deforestation in South-East Asia.

Indonesia receives support from the EU through normal development cooperation channels. A list of projects funded by the EU can be found at the website of the EU Delegation to Indonesia (122). The main areas of support are in the fields of environment, governance and civil society capacity-building, education and regional integration.

While there is no general environmental conditionality for EU financial support to Indonesia, individual projects with a potential impact on the environment must identify and mitigate such impacts.

According to Eurostat statistics (Comext database), the EU imported 2.2 million tons of palm oil from Indonesia in 2011. A recent UNEP report (123) suggests that about three quarters of palm oil is used for food at a global level, with a quarter for industrial use.

The Commission continues to provide support to programmes to reduce deforestation in Indonesia, in particular through the negotiation and implementation of a bilateral Forest Law Enforcement Governance and Trade (FLEGT) Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) with Indonesia. This will help ensure that timber exports to the EU from Indonesia are from legally harvested sources. The legality verification system on which the VPA is based is already being rolled out by Indonesia, also with support from the EU.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003790/12

to the Commission

William (The Earl of) Dartmouth (EFD)

(12 April 2012)

Subject: South Sudan

Can the Commission provide details regarding its diplomatic and economic relations with South Sudan?

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

(19 June 2012)

Following South Sudan's independence in July 2011, all EU Member States have given diplomatic recognition to the new state. Following the signature of an Establishment Agreement between the EU and the Republic of South Sudan, the EU has opened a full-fledged Delegation in the capital Juba whereas South Sudan has opened its embassy in Brussels and appointed an ambassador to the EU institutions. In terms of political dialogue, the EU Head of Delegation has regular contacts with representatives of the government. At the highest political level, the President of the Republic of South Sudan, Salva Kiir, visited Brussels in March 2012 and met with the Presidents of the European Council and the Commission, the HR/VP, as well as the Commissioner responsible for International Cooperation, Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Response and the Commissioner responsible for Development.

A more regular and strengthened political dialogue on peace and security, human rights, governance and sustainable economic development will be established between the EU and South Sudan following the latter's request to accede to the EU‐ACP Partnership Agreement and the expectation that it will become a member there before the end of 2012.

Economic and trade relations between the EU and South Sudan are limited due to the country's economic structure which is based on oil production and self-sustaining agricultural production and liverstock. EU Member States are not represented among South Sudan's main trading partners for its oil. South Sudan will become eligible for the EU's Everything But Arms (EBA) initiative as soon as it is granted Least Developed Countries (LDC) status.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-004028/12

προς την Επιτροπή

Eleni Theocharous (PPE)

(18 Απριλίου 2012)

Θέμα: Κατάφορη παραβίαση των θρησκευτικών ελευθεριών των Ελληνοκύπριων εγκλωβισμένων στην κατεχόμενη Καρπασία

Οι κατοχικές «Αρχές» και η τουρκική Κυβέρνηση συνεχίζουν την ίδια πολιτική στην κατεχόμενη Καρπασία της Κύπρου, αφού δεν επέτρεψαν την ελεύθερη πραγματοποίηση της Θείας Λειτουργίας την ημέρα του Ορθόδοξου Πάσχα. Απαγόρευσαν στον Μητροπολίτη Χριστόφορο να μεταβεί και να πραγματοποιήσει τη Θεία Λειτουργία.

Δεδομένου ότι η Τουρκία εξακολουθεί να εφαρμόζει την πολιτική αυτή στην κατεχόμενη Κύπρο και δη στην Καρπασία, ερωτάται η Επιτροπή αν προτίθεται να λάβει πρωτοβουλίες και ποιες, προκειμένου οι κατοχικές αρχές και η τουρκική Κυβέρνηση να τερματίσουν την κατάφορη παραβίαση των θρησκευτικών ελευθεριών των Ελληνοκύπριων και ειδικότερα εκείνων που βρίσκονται εγκλωβισμένοι στην κατεχόμενη Καρπασία;

Κοινή απάντηση του κ. Füle εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(5 Ιουνίου 2012)

Η Επιτροπή θα ήθελε να παραπέμψει το Αξιότιμο Μέλος στην απάντησή της στη γραπτή ερώτηση E-003084/2012 (124).

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-003793/12

alla Commissione

Mario Mauro (PPE)

(12 aprile 2012)

Oggetto: Vescovo Christoforos bloccato a Cipro

Le autorità turco-cipriote hanno negato al Vescovo di Karpassia, Christoforos, l'ingresso nel territorio da loro controllato per celebrare le liturgie della Settimana Santa ortodossa, in vista della Pasqua, il 15 aprile.

Da quando, il 22 maggio 2007, è stato nominato Vescovo di Karpassia dal Santo Sinodo, Christoforos ha potuto tenere la liturgia divina solo tre volte. Dal novembre 2008, il regime di occupazione ha sempre rifiutato le sue numerose richieste di poter celebrare nelle chiese di Rizokarpaso, Ayia Triada e nel Monastero dell’Apostolo Andrea, pur essendo stato autorizzato ad entrare nel territorio occupato.

Inoltre, dal 12 marzo 2012, le autorità turco-cipriote hanno inserito il prelato in una «stop-list», cioè una lista di persone cui non é consentito l'ingresso nel territorio da loro controllato nel nord dell’isola.

Queste misure violano i diritti fondamentali della libertà di movimento e della libertà di religione garantiti dalla Dichiarazione universale dei diritti umani (articoli 13 e 18).

Può dire la Commissione se è al corrente della vicenda? Quali politiche intende attuare per garantire che non venga violato il diritto alla libertà religiosa a Cipro nord? Come intende procedere per permettere al Vescovo Christoforos di celebrare, nelle zone occupate, le liturgie, in particolare quelle legate alla Settimana Santa?

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-004254/12

alla Commissione (Vicepresidente/Alto rappresentante)

Oreste Rossi (EFD)

(24 aprile 2012)

Oggetto: VP/HR — Nuova violazione della libertà di religione a Cipro

Il regime di occupazione turco ha respinto le richieste del vescovo di Neapolis, Porfirio e del sacerdote Diomidis Konstantinou, appartenenti alla Chiesa ortodossa di Cipro, di celebrare la messa nei territori occupati. Si tratta dell'ennesima proibizione a danno dei cristiani residenti nei territori occupati a Cipro. Recentemente, inoltre, il vescovo della penisola di Karpasia, Cristoforo, è stato inserito in una lista di persone cui è vietato definitivamente l'ingresso nei territori occupati di Cipro.

Ciò che irrita l'opinione pubblica è l'atteggiamento sfrontato del regime turco di occupazione il quale ha affermato in più occasioni di voler facilitare le celebrazioni di liturgie cristiane. Le restrizioni imposte ai cristiani rivelano la reale volontà di Ankara che è quella di completare la «pulizia etnica» cancellando qualsiasi traccia di presenza cristiana e greca nell'area turco-cipriota. Purtroppo tale disegno ha provocato numerosi danni a edifici religiosi cristiani. Ancora oggi sono centinaia i luoghi di culto e i monumenti saccheggiati, rovinati e sottoposti ad atti vandalici. Le Chiese di San Eufemiano e di San Caralambo sono due esempi evidenti della devastazione dei turchi.

Vi sono decine di migliaia di turco-ciprioti che attraversano ogni giorno i sette check point che permettono la circolazione tra i territori occupati e quelli liberi. Grazie ai punti di transito la popolazione può recarsi al lavoro e ha accesso all'assistenza medica e ad altri servizi.

Le condizioni di vita dei cristiani residenti nei territori occupati non sembrano migliorare. Le violazioni dei diritti umani e delle libertà religiose continuano sotto gli occhi della comunità internazionale.

Considerato che il disegno di «pulizia etnica» di Ankara è iniziato nel 1974 e che il regime turco occupa una parte del territorio di un paese dell'Unione europea, chiedo al vicepresidente/alto rappresentante se l'Europa intenda continuare sulla strada dell'ingresso della Turchia nell'Unione nonostante le continue violazioni dei diritti umani.

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-004255/12

alla Commissione (Vicepresidente/Alto rappresentante)

Cristiana Muscardini (PPE)

(24 aprile 2012)

Oggetto: VP/HR — Libertà religiosa nella zona occupata a Cipro

Nella zona occupata dai turchi a Cipro è stata negata la possibilità di celebrare la messa domenicale al vescovo Porfirio della Chiesa ortodossa e al sacerdote Konstantinou. Anche al vescovo Cristoforo della penisola di Karpasia è stato vietato definitivamente l'ingresso nei territori occupati di Cipro. C'è chi sostiene che «ridurre le libertà religiose dei cristiani tuttora residenti nei territori occupati da parte delle forze armate turche rientra nel disegno strategico di Ankara di completare la “pulizia etnica” iniziata nel 1974. Prima sono stati deportati gli abitanti, ora si tratta di cancellare ogni traccia di presenza cristiana e greca.» Sono centinaia i luoghi di culto cristiani e i monumenti archeologici saccheggiati, sconsacrati e sottoposti a vandalismi.

Di fronte a queste interdizioni c'è il rischio — come ha denunciato il primate della Chiesa di Cipro, Arcivescovo Crisostomo II — di chiudere i sette check points, cioè i punti di transito che permettono la circolazione attraverso la linea del cessate il fuoco a decine di migliaia di turco-ciprioti che per motivi di lavoro, per fare uso dell'assistenza medica gratuita o per ottenere documenti di viaggio in modo da poter espatriare, raggiungono i territori liberi di Cipro.

Il Vicepresidente/Alto Rappresentante:

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta P-004261/12

alla Commissione

Mara Bizzotto (EFD)

(25 aprile 2012)

Oggetto: Turchia e violazione del diritto di libertà religiosa nei confronti degli abitanti di Cipro?

Il regime di occupazione turco ha respinto le richieste del vescovo di Neapolis, Porfirio, e del sacerdote Diomidis Konstantinou, ambedue della Chiesa ortodossa di Cipro, di celebrare la messa nei territori occupati. L'ennesima proibizione arriva dopo l'inserimento del vescovo della penisola di Karpasia, Cristoforo, in una lista di persone a cui è vietato definitivamente l'ingresso nei territori occupati di Cipro. La Commissione come intende fermare il progetto di Ankara di ridurre le libertà religiose dei cristiani tuttora residenti nei territori occupati da parte delle forze armate turche? Come valuta questi gesti di chiusura e intolleranza verso i cristiani alla luce del supposto processo di integrazione che dovrebbe portare la Turchia a divenire Stato membro dell'UE?

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-004341/12

alla Commissione (Vicepresidente/Alto Rappresentante)

Claudio Morganti (EFD), Lorenzo Fontana (EFD), Mario Borghezio (EFD), Oreste Rossi (EFD), Fiorello Provera (EFD), Mara Bizzotto (EFD), Giancarlo Scottà (EFD), Matteo Salvini (EFD) e Francesco Enrico Speroni (EFD)

(26 aprile 2012)

Oggetto: VP/HR — Nuove violazioni della libertà religiosa a Cipro

Negli scorsi giorni si è verificato un ennesimo grave episodio di violazione della libertà religiosa a Cipro: il regime di occupazione turco ha infatti respinto le richieste di due ecclesiastici ciprioti, il vescovo di Neapolis, Porfirio, e il sacerdote Diomidis Konstantinou, ambedue esponenti della Chiesa ortodossa di Cipro, di poter celebrare la messa nei territori occupati.

Questa nuova proibizione avviene a poca distanza dall'inserimento del vescovo della penisola di Karpasia, Cristoforo, in una lista di persone cui è definitivamente vietato l'ingresso nei territori occupati di Cipro; l'episodio aveva già suscitato numerose proteste da parte di molte personalità ed organismi internazionali, puntualmente inascoltate e disattese dal regime turco.

La nuova misura adottata, volta a ridurre le libertà religiose dei cristiani tuttora residenti nei territori occupati da parte delle forze armate turche, sembra rientrare appieno in un disegno strategico di Ankara per completare una sorta di «pulizia etnica» iniziata nel 1974. Dapprima sono stati deportati gli abitanti, mentre ora si tratta di cancellare ogni traccia di presenza cristiana e greca: sono infatti centinaia i luoghi di culto cristiani e i monumenti archeologici saccheggiati, sconsacrati e sottoposti a vandalismi.

Tutto questo avviene in palese violazione ai principi di libertà religiosa sanciti dalla Carta dei diritti fondamentali dell'Unione europea e dalla Dichiarazione universale dei diritti umani e non rispettando le disposizioni del Terzo accordo di Vienna (1975), che stabilisce le condizioni di vita della popolazione greco-cipriota nella parte occupata di Cipro.

Considerando che questi episodi vanno ad aggiungersi ad una serie di altri simili nel recente passato, e che la «moral suasion» sembra non dare frutti, non intende l'Alto Rappresentante/Vicepresidente della Commissione prendere una misura significativa, ovvero l'interruzione immediata di ogni accordo di adesione con la Turchia, fino a quando non sarà risolta la questione cipriota?

Quali misure intende inoltre attuare in concreto per difendere le libertà e il rispetto dei diritti fondamentali di cittadini dell'Unione europea che si trovano, loro malgrado, in un territorio non governato da uno Stato membro?

Risposta congiunta di Füle a nome della Commissione

(5 giugno 2012)

La Commissione rinvia l'onorevole parlamentare alla propria risposta all'interrogazione scritta E-003084/2012 (125).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003793/12

to the Commission

Mario Mauro (PPE)

(12 April 2012)

Subject: Bishop Christoforos stuck in Cyprus

The Turkish Cypriot authorities have denied Bishop Christoforos of Karpasia entry to the Turkish‐controlled region to celebrate orthodox Holy Week services, ahead of Easter on 15 April.

Since 22 May 2007, when Christoforos was appointed Bishop of Karpasia by the Holy Synod, he has only been able to conduct the holy service three times. Since November 2008, the occupying regime has always refused his many requests to be allowed to celebrate in the churches of Rizokarpaso, Ayia Triada and in the Apostolos Andreas monastery, despite having been authorised to enter the occupied territory.

Furthermore, since 12 March 2012, the Turkish Cypriot authorities have put the prelate on a stop‐list, which is a list of people who are not allowed to enter the Turkish‐controlled region to the north of the island.

These measures violate the fundamental rights of freedom of movement and freedom of religion guaranteed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Articles 13 and 18).

Is the Commission aware of this incident? What policies does it intend to implement to ensure that the right to religious freedom in Northern Cyprus is not violated? What does it intend to do to enable Bishop Christoforos to celebrate services in the occupied areas, particularly those relating to Holy Week?

Question for written answer E-004028/12

to the Commission

Eleni Theocharous (PPE)

(18 April 2012)

Subject: Flagrant violation of the religious freedom of Greek Cypriot enclave in occupied Karpasia

The occupying ‘authorities’ and the Turkish Government are continuing to follow the same policy as before in occupied Karpasia, Cyprus, having refused to allow unimpeded celebration of the Divine Liturgy on the occasion of the Orthodox Easter and denied entry to Bishop Christoforos, thereby preventing him from conducting the service.

Given Turkey's continued implementation of this policy in occupied Cyprus, particularly in Karpasia:

Does the Commission intend to take any measures so that the occupying authorities and the Turkish Government cease this flagrant violation of the religious freedoms of Greek Cypriots, and in particular those forming part of the enclaved community in occupied Karpasia? If so, what are these measures?

Question for written answer E-004254/12

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Oreste Rossi (EFD)

(24 April 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — New violation of freedom of religion in Cyprus

The Turkish occupying regime has rejected requests from Bishop Porphyrios of Neapolis and Father Diomidis Konstantinou, members of the Cypriot Orthodox Church, to celebrate mass in the occupied territories. This is yet another prohibition placed upon Christians living in the occupied territory in Cyprus. Recently, moreover, the Bishop of the Karpasia peninsula, Christoforos, has been added to the list of people who are permanently denied entry to the occupied territory of Cyprus.

What annoys the general public is the brazen attitude of the Turkish occupying regime, which has confirmed on many occasions its desire to facilitate celebrations of the Christian liturgy. The restrictions imposed on the Christians reveal Ankara’s real wishes, namely to complete ‘ethnic cleansing’ by removing all traces of Christians and Greeks from the Turkish Cypriot zone. Unfortunately, this plan has resulted in significant damage to Christian religious buildings. Even today, hundreds of places of worship and monuments are being looted, damaged and vandalised. The churches of St Euphemia and St Charalampus are two clear examples of devastation caused by the Turks.

There are tens of thousands of Turkish Cypriots every day who cross the seven checkpoints that allow movement between the occupied and free territories. Thanks to the transit points, people can go to work and access medical assistance and other services.

The living conditions of Christians living in the occupied territories do not seem to be improving. The violations of human rights and religious freedom continue right under the noses of the international community.

Given that the plan by Ankara for ‘ethnic cleansing’ began in 1974 and that the Turkish regime occupies a part of the territory of a country in the European Union, could the Vice-President/High Representative say whether Europe intends to continue on the road towards Turkey’s accession to the European Union despite the continued human rights violations?

Question for written answer E-004255/12

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Cristiana Muscardini (PPE)

(24 April 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — Religious freedom in the occupied area of Cyprus

In the area of Cyprus occupied by the Turks, the Orthodox clerics Bishop Porphyrios and Fr. Konstantinou have been refused permission to celebrate a Sunday service. Bishop Christoforos of the Karpass peninsula has also been permanently banned from entering the occupied territories of Cyprus. Some people believe that the Turkish armed forces’ restriction of the religious freedom of Christians living in the occupied territories is part of Ankara’s strategic plan to finish off the ‘ethnic cleansing’ that started back in 1974. First, inhabitants were deported and now Turkish forces are attempting to remove every trace of Christian and Greek presence in the area. Hundreds of Christian places of worship and archaeological sites have been ransacked, desecrated and vandalised.

In view of these prohibitions, there is a risk, as pointed out by Archbishop Chrysostomos II, head of the Cypriot Orthodox church, that the seven checkpoints will be closed. These are the transit points that allow movement across the ceasefire line into the free territories of Cyprus for tens of thousands of Turkish Cypriots for work, to gain access to free medical care or to obtain travel documents so that they can expatriate.

Could the Vice-President/High Representative say:

Question for written answer P-004261/12

to the Commission

Mara Bizzotto (EFD)

(25 April 2012)

Subject: Turkey and violation of the right to religious freedom for the inhabitants of Cyprus

The Turkish occupying regime has rejected requests from Bishop Porfirio of Neapolis and Father Diomidis Konstantinou, both from the Cypriot Orthodox Church, to celebrate mass in the occupied territories. The latest in a long line of prohibitions comes after Christoforos, Bishop of Karpasia, was added to the list of people who are permanently denied entry into the occupied territory of Cyprus. How does the Commission intend to stop the plan by Ankara to reduce the religious freedom of Christians still living in the territories occupied by the Turkish armed forces? What view does it take of these obstructive and intolerant gestures towards Christians in view of the supposed process of integration that should be bringing Turkey closer to becoming a member of the EU?

Question for written answer E-004341/12

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Claudio Morganti (EFD), Lorenzo Fontana (EFD), Mario Borghezio (EFD), Oreste Rossi (EFD), Fiorello Provera (EFD), Mara Bizzotto (EFD), Giancarlo Scottà (EFD), Matteo Salvini (EFD) and Francesco Enrico Speroni (EFD)

(26 April 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — New violations of religious freedom in Cyprus

Recent days have seen yet another serious violation of religious freedom in Cyprus: the occupying Turkish regime rejected requests by two Cypriot ecclesiastics, Bishop Porphyrios of Neapolis and Father Diomidis Konstantinou, both members of the Orthodox Church of Cyprus, to celebrate mass in the occupied territories.

This new ban has come shortly after Bishop Christoforos of the Karpass peninsula was included on a list of people permanently barred from entering the occupied territories of Cyprus; that episode had already sparked numerous protests by many international personalities and agencies, promptly ignored and disregarded by the Turkish regime.

The new measure aims to reduce the religious freedom of Christians still resident in the territories occupied by the Turkish armed forces, and seems to be part of a strategic plan by Ankara to pursue a sort of ‘ethnic cleansing’ that began in 1974. Initially, the inhabitants were deported, while now it is a case of erasing all traces of Greek and Christian presence. Indeed, hundreds of Christian places of worship and archaeological monuments have been looted, desecrated and subjected to vandalism.

All this is in clear violation of the religious freedom principles embraced by the European Union’s Charter of Fundamental Rights and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and fails to respect the provisions of the Third Vienna Agreement (1975), which establish living conditions for the Greek-Cypriot population in occupied Cyprus.

Given that these episodes are the latest in a series of similar recent events, and that moral suasion does not seem to be bearing fruit, will the Vice-President/High Representative of the Commission not take significant steps by immediately interrupting any accession agreement with Turkey until the Cyprus issue is resolved?

Moreover, what measures does she intend to take specifically to defend the freedom and respect for the fundamental rights of EU citizens who live in a territory not governed by a Member State, through no fault of their own?

Joint answer given by Mr Füle on behalf of the Commission

(5 June 2012)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to Written Question E‐003084/2012 (126).

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-003794/12

à Comissão

Nuno Teixeira (PPE)

(12 de abril de 2012)

Assunto: Apoios a empresas europeias em dificuldades económicas

Tendo em conta que:

Pergunta-se à Comissão:

Resposta dada por Antonio Tajani em nome da Comissão

(14 de junho de 2012)

 % do PIB em 2010, encontrando-se geralmente acima dos 2 % nos anos anteriores. O IDE de saída da UE27 representou 1,2 % do PIB em 2010, tendo sido mais elevado nos anos anteriores. Nem todo o IDE representa aquisições de empresas, mas esses dados ilustram que a Europa é um destino atraente para o IDE e que está também ativa em países terceiros. Permanece claro, no entanto, que a UE é uma economia muito aberta, o que tem contribuído para o bem-estar económico geral. Esta é e continua a ser a posição de base da Comissão.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-003794/12

to the Commission

Nuno Teixeira (PPE)

(12 April 2012)

Subject: Support for European companies in economic difficulty

Given that:

I ask the Commission:

Answer given by Mr Tajani on behalf of the Commission

(14 June 2012)

horizontal issues aiming at establishing sound framework conditions for industrial competitiveness. This includes access to finance, which will be one of the issues in this year's review of the 2010 Communication on industrial policy.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung P-003795/12

an die Kommission

Martin Ehrenhauser (NI)

(13. April 2012)

Betrifft: ACTA

Kann die Kommission im Anschluss an die Antwort auf die Anfrage E-001792/2012 die folgenden Fragen beantworten:

Um den Verwaltungsaufwand zu verringern, wurden diese Fragen in einer Anfrage zusammengefasst und die einzelnen Fragen mit einer laufenden Nummer versehen. Der Fragesteller ersucht höflich darum, dass die einzelnen Fragen unter Angabe der jeweiligen Nummerierung beantwortet werden.

Antwort von Karel De Gucht im Namen der Kommission

(21. Mai 2012)

(English version)

Question for written answer P-003795/12

to the Commission

Martin Ehrenhauser (NI)

(13 April 2012)

Subject: ACTA (Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement)

Pursuant to its answer to Question E‐001792/2012, can the Commission answer the following questions:

In order to reduce administrative effort, these queries have been framed within one question and have been numbered successively. The author of the question therefore politely requests that the individual queries should be answered with reference to their number.

Answer given by Mr De Gucht on behalf of the Commission

(21 May 2012)