Activities of Louis GRECH
Plenary speeches (167)
Explanations of vote
Common rules for the internal market in electricity - Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators - Access to the network: cross-border exchanges in electricity - Internal market in natural gas - Conditions for access to the natural gas transmission networks - Fuel efficiency: labelling of tyres - The energy performance of buildings (debate)
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Preparation of the European Council (19-20 March 2008) - European Economic Recovery Plan - Guidelines for the Member States’ employment policies - Cohesion Policy: investing in the real economy (debate)
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Commission action plan towards an integrated internal control framework (short presentation)
Commission Reports on Competition Policy 2006 and 2007 (short presentation)
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Mental health (short presentation)
Combating the sexual exploitation of children and child pornography (debate)
General and business aviation (short presentation)
Equal treatment for men and women as regards access to employment, vocational training and promotion, and working conditions (short presentation)
European Authentic Act - E-Justice - Cross-border implications of the legal protection of adults (debate)
Future global architecture of financial markets and EU economic recovery plan (debate)
Draft general budget 2009 (Section III) - Draft general budget 2009 (Sections I, II, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII and IX) (debate)
Addressing the challenge of water scarcity and droughts in the European Union (debate)
Stepping up the fight against undeclared work (short presentation)
Promoting social inclusion and combating poverty (short presentation)
White Paper on Nutrition, Overweight and Obesity-related health issues (debate)
VAT on insurance and financial services (debate)
Common standards and procedures in Member States for returning illegally staying third-country nationals (debate)
2008 draft general budget: Section III – 2008 draft general budget: Sections I, II, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII and IX (debate)
Immigration - Legal migration - Policy priorities in the fight against illegal immigration of third-country nationals (debate)
Improving the method for consulting Parliament in procedures relating to enlargement of the euro area – Adoption by Cyprus of the single currency on 1 January 2008 – Adoption by Malta of the single currency on 1 January 2008 (debate)
Council Question Time
Management of Europe's maritime borders - European Solidarity and protection of migrants' rights (debate)
Rapid Border Intervention Teams (debate)
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2008 budget guidelines (Sections I, II, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII(A) and VIII(B))
Regional policy (islands and natural and economic constraints) (debate)
Illegal bird hunting in Malta (vote)
Illegal bird hunting in Malta (debate)
Draft general budget for 2007, amended by the Council (all sections) – Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities – Draft amending budget No 6/2006 (debate)
Gambling and sports betting in the Internal Market (debate)
Draft general budget for the European Union - Financial year 2007 (vote)
Draft general budget for 2007 (sections I, II, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII) (vote)
Draft general budget for 2007 (Section III) – Draft general budget for 2007 (Sections I, II, IV, V, VI, VII and VIII)
Freedom, security and justice – Immigration (debate)
Mutual information procedure Integration of immigrants in the European Union European Union immigration policy (debate)
Parliament's estimates for 2007 (debate)
The refugee camps in Malta (debate)
Budget guidelines 2007 (debate)
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Draft general budget 2006, as modified by the Council (all sections) - Mobilisation of the flexibility instrument - Draft amending budget No 8/2005
Draft general budget for 2006 (Section III) - Draft general budget for 2006 (Other sections)
Current problems regarding immigration
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Parliament's estimates for 2006
EU relations with the Mediterranean region
One-minute speeches on matters of political importance
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Protecting children in the digital world (short presentation)
Single Market Act II - Concerns of European citizens and business with the functioning of the Single Market (debate)
General budget of the European Union for the financial year 2013 - all sections (debate)
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Future of the Single Market Act (debate)
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Fight against homophobia in Europe (debate)
EU citizenship report 2010 (debate)
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Succession and the European Certificate of Succession (debate)
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Avoiding food wastage (short presentation)
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Conclusions of the European Council meeting (8-9 December 2011) (debate)
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Single market forum (debate)
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Online gambling (short presentation)
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Parliament's position on the 2012 draft budget as modified by the Council - Mobilisation of the flexibility instrument (debate)
Question Time (Commission)
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Insurance guarantee schemes (short presentation)
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Economic crisis and the euro (debate)
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The CAP towards 2020: Meeting the food, natural resources and territorial challenges of the future (debate)
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Governance and partnership in the Single Market - Single market for Europeans - Single market for enterprises and growth - Public procurement (continuation of debate)
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Southern Neighbourhood, and Libya in particular, including humanitarian aspects (debate)
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Adequate, sustainable and safe European pension systems (debate)
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European initiative on Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias - Asthma inhalers (debate)
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Single Market Act (debate)
Preparations for the European Council meeting (28-29 October) - Preparations for the G20 summit (11-12 November) - Financial, economic and social crisis: recommendations concerning the measures and initiatives to be taken - Improving economic governance and stability framework in the EU, in particular, in the euro zone (debate)
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Pharmacovigilance of medicinal products (amendment of Regulation (EC) No 726/2004) - Pharmacovigilance (amendment of Directive 2001/83/EC) (debate)
Funding and functioning of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (short presentation)
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Preparations for the European Council meeting (17 June 2010) - Preparations for the G20 summit (26-27 June) (debate)
Implementation of the synergies of research and innovation earmarked funds in Regulation (EC) No 1080/2006 concerning the European Fund of Regional Development and the Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Development - Delivering a single market to consumers and citizens - Long-term sustainability of public finances for a recovering economy - Contribution of the Cohesion policy to the achievement of Lisbon and the EU 2020 objectives (debate)
Implementation of the synergies of research and innovation earmarked funds in Regulation (EC) No 1080/2006 concerning the European Fund of Regional Development and the Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Development - Delivering a single market to consumers and citizens - Long-term sustainability of public finances for a recovering economy - Contribution of the Cohesion policy to the achievement of Lisbon and the EU 2020 objectives (debate)
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Internal Market Scoreboard - Consumer protection - SOLVIT (debate)
Mutual recognition of professional qualifications (debate)
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Elimination of violence against women (debate)
Implementation of the Services Directive (debate)
Draft general budget 2010 (Sections I, II, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX) - Draft general budget 2010 (Section III) (debate)
Immigration, the role of Frontex and cooperation among Member States (debate)
Reports (6)
PDF (357 KB) DOC (284 KB)
REPORT Report on the draft general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2007 - Section I - European Parliament, Section II - Council, Section IV - Court of Justice, Section V - Court of Auditors, Section VI - European Economic and Social Committee, Section VII - Committee of the Regions, Section VIII (A) - European Ombudsman, Section VIII (B) - European Data Protection Supervisor PDF (397 KB) DOC (544 KB)
REPORT Report on the estimates of revenue and expenditure of the European Parliament for the financial year 2007 PDF (503 KB) DOC (689 KB)
REPORT Report on the guidelines for the 2007 budget procedure - Section I - European Parliament, Section II - Council, Section IV - Court of Justice, Section V - Court of Auditors, Section VI - Economic and Social Committee, Section VII - Committee of the Regions, Section VIII(A) - European Ombudsman, Section VIII(B) - European Data Protection Supervisor and on the European Parliament's preliminary draft estimates (Section I) for the 2007 budget procedure PDF (168 KB) DOC (114 KB)
REPORT on the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on alternative dispute resolution for consumer disputes and amending Regulation (EC) No 2006/2004 and Directive 2009/22/EC (Directive on consumer ADR) PDF (690 KB) DOC (1 MB)
REPORT Report on delivering a single market to consumers and citizens PDF (229 KB) DOC (143 KB)
Opinions (4)
OPINION Proposal for a Council decision establishing the European Fund for the Integration of Third-country nationals for the period 2007-2013 as part of the General programme ‘Solidarity and Management of Migration Flows’
OPINION on the EU Citizenship Report 2010: Dismantling the obstacles to EU citizens’ rights
OPINION on Insurance Guarantee Schemes
OPINION Proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down the rules and general principles concerning mechanisms for control by Member States of the Commission’s exercise of implementing powers
Shadow opinions (2)
OPINION on Europe, the world's No 1 tourist destination: a new policy framework for European tourism
OPINION European Commission : Final annual accounts of the European Communities — Financial Year 2008
Amendments (319)
Amendment 3 #
2012/2260(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas a functioning, effective and 1 Texts adopted: P7_TA(2011)0307. barrier-free Single Market based on the concept of a social market economy is needed more than ever to revitalise the European economy, by providing a concrete response to the crisis and acting as a major catalyst to boost growth and competitiveness and, to create jobs and preserve social welfare;
Amendment 19 #
2012/2260(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. whereas the Single Market strategy should be coordinated and based on a pragmatic, comprehensive and wide- ranging deal supported by all the Member States and the European institutions; whereas strong leadership on the part of all European institutions and clear political ownership on the part of the Member States is still required to remove the remaining restrictions on the Single Market freedoms in order to restore credibility and confidence in the Single Market;
Amendment 57 #
2012/2260(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital AA
Recital AA
AA. whereas the Commission proposes to target its activities towards specific key areas and instruments; whereas however a stronger focus on a limited number of instruments and actions is necessary in order to achieve tangible improvements in the application of Single Market rules; whereas the digital Single Market, the service sector, the energy sector and, public procurement, research and innovation figure among the most important key areas; whereas such key areas and instruments could be reviewed on an annual basis so that the current developments in the Member States and decision-making processes between the Union's institutions, and in particular the economically relevant areas − based on a scientific evaluation − for the Single Market are duly reflected and taken into account;
Amendment 68 #
2012/2260(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital AB
Recital AB
AB. whereas European citizens and entrepreneurs, in particular small and medium-sized enterprises, in all Member States should be invited to make suggestions on how to best achieve the full realisation of the Single Market, and whereas all institutions should be encouraged to set up a public consultation and discussion process to this aimalogue with civil society in order to guarantee that the needs of the citizens, consumers and business are adequately taken into account and that the policies proposed provide added value for citizens;
Amendment 122 #
2012/2260(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Annex - recommendation 7 - indent 3 - point b
Annex - recommendation 7 - indent 3 - point b
(b) The proposals by the Commission for policy priorities for the coming year, at Union and national level, presented within the Annual Growth Survey and the annual report on the integration of the Single Market. The annual report should also provide an assessment of how the Single Market functions in practice. Those proposals on policy priorities should be based on the findings of the Internal Market Scoreboard and other Single Market monitoring instruments, in order to avoid overlap and to produce efficient and clear recommendations and to secure the coherence of European economic policy;
Amendment 41 #
2012/2103(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9 a. Emphasises that the prices set in the energy market should ensure that consumers pay a fair cost for electric and gas, which in the long term would increase consumers' confidence in the energy market and would ensure affordable, accessible and available energy for all citizens, especially those most vulnerable in society;
Amendment 8 #
2012/2092(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Acknowledges the need for continuous financing of the 'Single Market Forum', an event organised jointly by the Commission, the European Parliament and the Council Presidency; highlights the importance of the Single Market Forum for bringing together representatives of citizens, businesses and consumer organisations as well as representatives of the Member States and the EU institutions, in order to establish a clear commitment to transposition, application and enforcement of single market legislation; believes that, in order to achieve meaningful assessment and audit of the Single Market, the Single Market Forum should be held at the beginning and at the end of each legislative term of the European Parliament, which in addition could be preceded annually by a number of regional and national content-oriented preparatory events;
Amendment 1 #
2012/2067(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Recognises the fact that with the coming into force of the Waterborne and Bus regulations in December 2012 and March 2013 respectively, the EU will establish the first integrated area of passenger rights for all modes of transport in the world; Notes that the relevant EU law will now need to be fully implemented in a concerted and coordinated manner by all Member States in order to ensure that the transformation of EU passenger transport policy from being strategically purely modal to one which is intermodal is achieved;
Amendment 3 #
2012/2067(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Urges the Commission to continuously carry out extensive consultation with all the stakeholders in the tourism industry especially with consumers and operators on the enforcement of rights and compensation to ensure the adoption of one simplified uniform and comprehensive approach on the rights of tourists as consumers;
Amendment 19 #
2012/2067(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls for full implementation, in all forms of transport, in all member countries and in all cross-border travel, of the ten rights of passengers as issued by the Commission in its communication; Suggests that the Commission should when actioning its public awareness campaign on EU passenger rights, seriously consider adopting the Citizens' Rights Charter as proposed in the recent European Parliamentary Opinion on 'the EU Citizenship Report 2010: Dismantling the obstacles to EU citizens' rights'; Believes that the insertion of EU passenger rights in this proposed handbook for citizens will be essential in ensuring that citizens are fully informed on what is or is not available to them under EU legislation when encountering problems during their travels;
Amendment 32 #
2012/2067(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Is of the opinion that the shift in approach from modal to intermodal EU passenger rights shall only prove to be successful if accessible complaint handling procedures, Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms and consumer complaint centres will besides being equipped with the necessary human and economic resources be also fully interlinked, thus enabling passengers to obtain quick, cheap and expedient redress on matters relating to the quality of service and conditions they experience when travelling;
Amendment 38 #
2012/2067(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Urges the Commission to without jeopardising in any way the security and customs aspects for third country nationals to, seriously consider simplifying visa application procedures, particularly in the case of tourist groups;
Amendment 40 #
2012/2067(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6b. Expects the Commission, in its revision of the Travel Package Directive to fully examine the impact that e- commerce and digital markets have on consumer behaviour within the European tourism industry; Is of the opinion that the Commission must step up its efforts to improve the quality and content of information being provided to tourists and that this should be easily accessible and reliable to consumers;
Amendment 45 #
2012/2067(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Believes that the proper implementation of the Services Directive will significantly reduce the legal, administrative, bureaucratic obstacles and bottlenecks currently being experienced by consumers in the travel sector; Encourages the Commission and Member States to continue to ensure the correct and full application of the Directive with an aim to compliment and supplement future EU rules providing for equal passenger rights across the board, irrespective of the mode of transport used;
Amendment 148 #
2012/2056(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to step up their activities as regards implementing awareness-raising campaigns concerning the eCall system and its benefits for Europe's citizens, namely through the development of a targeted and far-reaching communication strategy which addresses the preoccupations and queries that citizens have with regards to the mechanics of the system;
Amendment 33 #
2012/2030(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Highlights the need to modernise and facilitate the process of recognition of professional qualifications and extend the scope for automatic recognition beyond the professions currently covered, targeting particularly new professions required for green and digital industries, which facilitate the mobility of highly skilled workers;
Amendment 69 #
2012/2030(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Emphasises that privacy and data security are major concerns among consumers and tend to discourage them from buying online; considers it necessary to adapt the existing data protection legislation to new challenges and innovations in the area of present and future technological developments, e.g. cloud computing, e-commerce and social networking websites; emphasises that adopted legislation should lay down more stringent rules with regard to the collection of data, notably by informing the individual why, by whom and for how long his or her data will be collected and used, this to apply both within the online as well as the offline environment;
Amendment 74 #
2012/2030(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Welcomes, therefore, the Commission's proposed new data protection regulation, and stresses the need to approve and implement a new regulation on the subject in a form that, while protecting privacy and safeguarding fundamental rights, allows sufficient flexibility to companies to enable them to develop their business without taking on huge costs, while also offering them simplification and reduction of administrative burdens, whilst maintaining strong commitments to adhering to the obligations already in place;
Amendment 95 #
2012/2030(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Welcomes the Commission's legislative proposals on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and Online Dispute Resolution (ODR), and underlines the importance of their effective adoption; recalls the importance of an effective redress mechanism as a means of ensuring that consumers can pursue their rights, while stressing that citizens should be better informed with details of such a mechanism and other problem-solving tools; this should enhance cross-border purchases of goods and services and work towards the removal of remaining bottle- necks which hamper growth and innovation particularly within the Digital Market and which currently hold the Single Market back from realising its full potential;
Amendment 106 #
2012/2030(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Calls on the Member States to strengthen and facilitate the development of information and communications infrastructures since, while all Member States have a national broadband strategy, only a few have a fully fledged operational plan which includes the necessary set targets required to fully realise the flagship initiative for a digital agenda for Europe as laid out in the Europe 2020 strategy; welcomes the new ‘Connecting Europe Facility’ initiative, since it will be crucial for the effective implementation of the Digital Agenda for Europe targets set for 2020, promising broadband access for all;
Amendment 11 #
2012/2028(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Is of the opinion that Stability Bonds could support sustainable and responsible budgetary practices by including requirements for budgetary discipline and improved economic governance
Amendment 14 #
2012/2028(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1 b. Believes that Stability Bonds could, if implemented in combination with sustainable budgetary policies, underpin a return to economic stability, reduce uncertainty and ultimately improve access to finance for SMEs, thereby boosting their participation in the Single Market
Amendment 5 #
2012/2004(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Acknowledges that social businesses have the potential to provide innovative responses to the current social and economic problems; encourages, therefore, the development of a supportive regulatory framework and the provision of financial support to enable them tohat is better suited to social entrepreneurship and to social enterprises, which will assist their growth and survivestainability;
Amendment 7 #
2012/2004(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Believes that accountable management processes supported by proper monitoring and transparency of funding mechanisms is necessary in order to retain the focus of social entrepreneurship and social business;
Amendment 25 #
2012/2004(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Is of the opinion that the reform of the EU's public procurement rules provides a good opportunity to improve respect for social standards and increase the participation of social businesses in public contracts; insists that the main goals of the reform – simplification and modernisation – should not be jeopardised by overly burdensome social obligations or conditwelcomes the new regime for social services proposed by Commission within the Public Procurement Directives revision and stresses the importance of this tool for local contracting authorities in order to provide quality services fostering social cohesions;
Amendment 26 #
2012/2004(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Is of the opinion that the Commission should simplify and clarify State aid rules so that they do not impact negatively on social enterprises, in particular by highlighting the exemptions that already exist for those enterprises providing social services of general interest.
Amendment 29 #
2012/2004(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Welcomes the Commission's proposal to add the new category of disadvantaged persons to reserved contracts; stresses that such a significant extension of the notunderlines the potential of the new provision ofn reserved contracts should not come at the cost of competitivenessin order to pursue a strategic use of Public Procurements al local level fostering innovative social and territorial development;
Amendment 123 #
2012/0061(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Citation 1
Citation 1
Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Articles 53(1), 62 and 62153 thereof,
Amendment 126 #
2012/0061(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 1 a (new)
Recital 1 a (new)
(1 a) In order to achieve a highly competitive social market economy, social policy must be placed at the heart of the Single Market. Therefore, a single market framework is needed to ensure a balance between fair competition combining open borders and free movement of goods, capital, and services, while simultaneously guaranteeing and respecting fundamental social rights, emanating from labour law, social security, social legislation and collective agreements as stipulated in the Treaties.
Amendment 130 #
2012/0061(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) With respect to workers temporarily posted to carry out work in order to provide services in another Member State than the one in which they habitually carry out their work, Directive 96/71/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 1996 concerning the posting of workers in the framework of the provision of services establishes a core set of clearly defined terms and conditions of work and employment which must be complied with by the service provider in the Member State to which the posting takes place to ensure the minimum protection of the posted workers concerned. This Directive and Directive 96/71/EC should establish minimum standards. This Directive should not prevent Member States from adopting or maintaining legal or collectively agreed standards that go beyond what is provided for in this Directive as long as the posted workers are granted with more favourable conditions ensuring equal treatment and non-discrimination of local and foreign companies and workers.
Amendment 131 #
2012/0061(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 3 a (new)
Recital 3 a (new)
(3 a) This Directive should not affect in any way the exercise of the fundamental rights as recognised in Member States and international law, ILO Conventions, Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, The European Social Charter and the European Convention on Human Rights.
Amendment 165 #
2012/0061(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 19
Recital 19
(19) NThe national control and enforcement measures should be strengthened through the endorsement of more scope for enforcement mechanisms, instruments and tools for monitoring by the social partners and the Member States. Social partners and the host Member States should be able to ensure effective labour inspections to observe applicable terms and conditions of employment and in particular to check if workers are really habitually employed in the country of origin. Therefore national labour inspectorates, social partners and other monitoring bodies are of paramount importance in this respect and should continue to play a crucial role.
Amendment 28 #
2012/0035(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) In order to reduce the effects of the disparities on the internal market, national measures should comply with minimum procedural requirements enabling the parties concerned to verify that those measures do not constitute quantitative restrictions on imports or exports or measures having equivalent effect thereto. Those requirements are also intended to ensure more predictability, transparency, fairness and legal certainty to producers of pharmaceutical products, to contribute to encouraging research and development and the placing on the market of innovative medicinal products to the benefit of patients and to increase patient accessibility to medicinal products across the board in general. However, those requirements should not affect the policies of those Member States which rely primarily upon free competition to determine the price of medicinal products. They also should not affect national policies on price setting and on the determination of social security schemes, except as far as it is necessary to attain transparency within the meaning of this Directive and to ensure the functioning of the internal market.
Amendment 48 #
2012/0035(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 3
Article 3 – paragraph 3
3. Member States shall ensure that a reasoned and objectively justified decision on the price which may be charged for the medicinal product concerned is adopted and communicated to the applicant within 60 days of the receipt of an application submitted, in accordance with the requirements laid down in the Member State concerned, by the holder of a marketing authorisation. However, with respect to medicinal products for which Member States use health technology assessment as part of their decision-making process, the time-limit shall be 90 days. With respect to generic medicinal products, that time limit shall be 15 days, provided that the price of the reference medicinal product has been approved by the competent authorities. That decision should be made available to the public in a clear and transparent manner within a reasonable time following adoption.
Amendment 47 #
2012/0027(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 - paragraph 3
Article 6 - paragraph 3
3. The Commission may adopt decisions allowing one or several Member States to use, by way of derogation from paragraph 1, means of exchange and storage of data other than electronic data-processing techniques. However, the Commission shall encourage Member States which have not yet developed adequate electronic data-processing techniques to do so. Or. en Justification
Amendment 109 #
2011/2272(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Highlights the fact that advertisements for financial investment products often fail to sufficiently explain their underlying risks and overemphasise possible benefits that often fail to materialise, thereby exposing consumers of financial services products to loss of their capital; calls on the European Commission to introduce stricter advertising standards for sophisticated financial products aimed at retail investors who may not have a good understanding of financial risk, including the requirement to explicitly state any losses that the investor may incur.
Amendment 1 #
2011/2182(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
A a. Whereas the current economic downspin and re-emergence of protectionist economic attitudes in MS have threatened some of the most visible achievements of the European Integration process; Whereas the Commission proposal to make 2013 the "European Year for Citizens" should address the EU’s socio-economic problems and should work towards a Market that is at the service of citizens;
Amendment 20 #
2011/2182(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Believes that, having identified the problems related to the Single Market, the Commission should move into the next logical phase of consolidating and finding solutions for the effective implementation of the Single Market in order to regain the public support of European citizens; Welcomes the Commission's work on the 'The 20 main concerns’, which emanated from the Resolution of 20 May 2010[1], as a useful first step; Calls on the Commission to bring forward the 'Top 20 main Solutions', as proposed at the Krakow Single Market Forum, to each of these sources of frustration; [1] P7_TA(2010)0186 (Grech Report)
Amendment 22 #
2011/2182(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2 b. Recalls that the 2011 Single Market Forum succeeded as an audit of the progress of the Single Market and helped to bring citizens' concerns to the fore; Urges the Commission to maintain this momentum and continually assess the state of play of the Market by holding a bi-annual Single Market Forum and supplementing this with annual visits to assess and promote the Market in the individual Member States;
Amendment 24 #
2011/2182(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 c (new)
Paragraph 2 c (new)
2 c. Welcomes the Commission's work and commitment to the implementation of the Single Market Act; Urges the Commission to ensure the effective implementation of the first priorities whilst developing out a second set of initiatives for future implementation;
Amendment 32 #
2011/2182(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Emphasises that, over the years, ADR systems likeand the SOLVIT network have proven, to be simple, fast and cost- effective in solving problems affecting citizens such as the recognition of professional qualifications and portability of pension funds of mobile workers, but that nevertheless; Restates that the ADR landscape of Europe remains largely fragmented; urges the Commission to ensure that EU legislative action in the fields of ADR and and the SOLVIT network largely underutilised; Welcomes the Commission commitment to submit a legislative proposal on the use of ADR by the end of 2011 and underlines the importance of effective adoption of this legislative proposal in order to provide consumers with a faster and cheaper solution to obtain redress; Urges the Commission to ensure EU legislative action is taken in the field of collective redress is completed byby the end of 2012;
Amendment 34 #
2011/2182(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Takes the view that a new citizens- based ADR system built on existing advisory bodies and administrative structures would go a long way in providing affordable, expedient and accessible out-of-court settlement procedures for consumers;
Amendment 35 #
2011/2182(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3 b. Encourages the Commission to adopt without delay an Action Plan to further reinforce and strengthen the role of SOLVIT, Your Europe Advice, the European Consumers' Centres among others assistance services in order to make them more visible to citizens and businesses;
Amendment 36 #
2011/2182(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 c (new)
Paragraph 3 c (new)
Amendment 38 #
2011/2182(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Encourages the Commission to consider adopting a user-friendly, regularly updated and easily accessible Citizens'’ Rights Charter, as called for in Parliament'’s aforementioned Resolution of 20 May 2010[1], outlining citizens'’ rights, obligations and cross- border issues within the Single Market; considers that this Charter should be readily available and serve as a handbook for all citizens moving, working, shopping and selling across borders;, providing more practical information and solutions to the day-to- day problems encountered by European citizens, such as gaining access to medical care the registration of cars, the opening of a bank account, online purchasing of products and so forth; [1] P7_TA(2010)0186 (Grech Report)
Amendment 40 #
2011/2182(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls for a more comprehensive EU legislative approach toin the areas of healthcare, social security rights, spectrum policy, recognition of professional qualifications as well as creating mechanisms geared towards the facilitation of cross-border labour mobility which safeguards citizens' rights, spurs economic growth and invests in human capital and job creation, therefore removing the remaining obstacles to the four Freedoms.
Amendment 44 #
2011/2182(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Stresses that it is necessary for professional qualifications to be broadly recognised as citizens are increasingly mobile and to guarantee portability of pension funds of mobile workers, promote training outside the classroom leading to a skills passport and implementing the “youth on the move” card;
Amendment 46 #
2011/2182(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Amendment 48 #
2011/2182(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 c (new)
Paragraph 5 c (new)
Amendment 49 #
2011/2182(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 d (new)
Paragraph 5 d (new)
5 d. Calls on the Commission to adopt a comprehensive, consolidated framework integrating all passenger rights into one single piece of legislation affording special attention to the different needs of passengers depending on the mode of transportation;
Amendment 50 #
2011/2182(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 e (new)
Paragraph 5 e (new)
Amendment 16 #
2011/2181(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Recommends that Member States monitor whether companies provide their shareholders with the appropriate corporate governance statements in order to ensure full transparency and improve shareholder knowledge of corporate governance practices, thus helping to protect shareholders and citizens against excessive risk-taking and short termism;
Amendment 28 #
2011/2181(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Welcomes the Commission's efforts to support cross-border shareholder voting as a means to remove barriers to shareholder cooperation within the internal market, provided this is done in a transparent and secure manner;
Amendment 4 #
2011/2180(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Considers that the proper establishment of points of single contact with regards to the education sector in the various Member States may significantly reduce the uneven and irregular implementation of various areas of the Bologna process, assist in the modernisation of national policies concerning higher education and enable greater cooperation, coordination, connection and exchange of best practices among the EU-27;
Amendment 13 #
2011/2180(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Trusts that the stock taking exercise at next year’s ministerial meeting in Bucharest will result in a clear roadmap for achieving a fully-functioning European Higher Education Area by the 2020 deadline; Insists that cross-sectoral proposals with regards to ICT training, vocational and life-long learning and work placements must be put in place and that these should actively promote inclusion alongside smart and sustainable growth, enabling the EU to have a competitive edge in the post crisis world in terms of job creation, human capital, research, innovation, entrepreneurship and the wider knowledge economy;
Amendment 4 #
2011/2178(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Stresses that, in the wake of the Digital Single Market, the Union must fully realise the potential of new technological developments, ICT and internet to be of great benefit to European citizens, consumers, local realities and SMEs in developing less costly, more expedient and transparent systems of eGovernments and eAdministrations in Europe;
Amendment 8 #
2011/2178(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Emphasises that further digital improvements and modernisation of public sectors in Member States must take into account the essential needs of ordinary citizens especially the ones in the most vulnerable positions such as the young, non-educated, disabled or those without internet access, in order to guarantee equal access to a high quality public service to all EU citizens;
Amendment 18 #
2011/2178(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Stresses that, in developing infrastructures and services under the eGovernment Action Plan, optimum levels and rules of protection for personal data must be ensured and implemented in a uniform way among the Member States in order to prevent any unauthorised tracking of personal information such as medical status or health records and to guarantee that the data is reserved solely for legitimate purposes, as for example the fight against tax evasion, and that the exchange of information collected does not go beyond what is strictly necessary;
Amendment 22 #
2011/2178(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to increase interoperability among the various platforms for e- Procurement already existing in Member States; supports an increase in resources for initiatives such as PEPPOL and e- CERTIS; calls on the Commission and Member States to provide the necessary training to all users of e-procurement, especially SMEs in order to better understand and the use the mechanics of the system;
Amendment 4 #
2011/2155(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the importance of a functioning internal market was highlighted during the first Single Market Forum (2-4 October 2011, Krakow, Poland) and in particular in the Krakow Declaration, and the subsequent Parliament resolution on the outcome of the Single Market Forum (P7_TA(2011)0543) in which the single market is described as the most powerful tool for putting Europe back on the path to growthsustainable growth and job creation;
Amendment 7 #
2011/2155(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the publication of the Internal Market Scoreboard has consistently helped to reduce the transposition deficit, but whereas a more qualitative approach needs to be takennevertheless some Member States are still failing fully to meet their objectives of correct and timely transposition of European legislation into national law, therefore more systematic, independent monitoring is needed in order to ensure proper implementation and transposition of single market legislation with the adoption of a more qualitative approach which looks beyond the figures and identifies the reasons for this deficit;
Amendment 54 #
2011/2155(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Emphasizes that, over the years, the SOLVIT network has proved to be simple, fast and cost-effective in solving problems affecting citizens and business in misapplication of single market rules; Notes nevertheless that the SOLVIT network remains largely fragmented and underused; Urges the Commission to concentrate more efforts in trainings, education and exchange of best practice between staff employed in the Solvit networks;
Amendment 63 #
2011/2155(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21a. Notes the recent Commission publications on 'The 20 main concerns', which stemmed from the resolution of 20 May 2010[1], highlights the information, legislative and implementation gaps which persist within the Single Market, as well as the lack of knowledge among consumers and businesses with regard to their rights and obligations, which prevents them from reaping the benefits of the Single Market; undertakes, and calls on the Commission and Member States, to enhance communication with citizens on the rights they derive from the Single Market; [1] P7_TA(2010)0186 (Grech Report).
Amendment 66 #
2011/2155(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Notes the success of the first Single Market Forum as an opportunity for businesses and citizens to familiarise themselves with the rules ofto audit the progress of the Single Market and help citizens and businesses to familiarise themselves with their rights, entitlements and obligations within the single market; welcomes this event as an opportunity to further highlight the existing obstacles to the proper functioning of the single market; reiterates the importance of the Commission and the Member States taking action to eliminate these obstacles and to bring citizens' and businesses' concerns to the fore; calls on the Commission and the Member States to maintain this momentum and to continue to engage and empower stakeholders by conducting regular Single Market Forums, supplementing these with frequent visits to assess and promote the single market in the individual Member States;
Amendment 14 #
2011/2150(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Welcomes the Commission's commitment to analyse and revise the existing Regulations on air passenger rights aiming to improve the situation of passengers especially in the cases of long delay or cancellation; Believes that proper application of the existing rules by Member States and carriers, enforcement of sufficient and simple means of redress and providing passengers with accurate information concerning their rights should be the cornerstones of regaining passengers' trust;
Amendment 19 #
2011/2150(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. Appreciates the diversity of passenger rights depending on the different mode of transport such as rail, air, sea and inland amongst others; However believes that a holistic approach is needed to integrate all passenger rights namely the right of compensation, reimbursement, information, amongst others into one comprehensive, consolidated legislative framework;
Amendment 42 #
2011/2150(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Emphasises the need to provide special protection for vulnerable consumer groups, especially disabled persons and persons with reduced mobility; points out that these vulnerable groups need additional guarantees when exercising their rights as passengers and calls on the Commission, the Member States and the air carries to enforce those rights;
Amendment 90 #
2011/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Deplores the ever increasing information overload on the internet as regards contract terms and conditions; Stresses that the Commission should merge the various sources of information into a one-stop shop providing free, reliable, comparable, objective, multilingual and easily accessible information for consumers;
Amendment 97 #
2011/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
46 10. Emphasises that, even though there are more and more internet users, not all consumers have the opportunity or ability to use the internet, and therefore stresses the importance of different service models providing reliable and user-friendly information consolidated in a variety of formats and languages to European, National, regional and local stakeholders;
Amendment 98 #
2011/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Believes that civil society, together with consumer organisations and businesses should further channel innovative solutions for the dissemination of single market information, enabling citizens to take full advantage of existing opportunities; Emphasises the importance of civil society in assisting citizens, consumers and SMEs, particularly those in the most vulnerable positions, such as young people or those without internet access to overcome the existing linguistic, technological and administrative barriers and restrictions in the Member States;
Amendment 7 #
2011/2146(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Is of the opinion that any reform of EU State Aid rules on Services of General Economic Interest (SGEIs) should reflect and be aligned with the new economic and social realities of Member States; Considers that the introduction of a more practical and pragmatic approach towards State Aid rules in the sector could potentially help to contain the re- emergence of protectionist attitudes at Member State level which act as a direct threat to the completion of the Single Market;
Amendment 8 #
2011/2146(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Takes the view that SGEIs' operating criteria should take account of market efficiency, continuity of supply and fair access for everyone at an affordable price, without losing sight of the effective safeguarding of social rights and consumer protection, democratic control and accountability;
Amendment 12 #
2011/2146(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Considers it crucial to combat the legal uncertainty caused by cases brought before the European Court of Justice and infringement proceedings opened by the Commission, by providing a clear and rigorous definition of SGEIs, such that public services mission and responsibilities are properly defined by clear rules rather than on an ad hoc basis by ECJ case law, and differentiating them from services of general non-economic interest (SGIs);
Amendment 11 #
2011/2117(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Notes that the EU citizen’s knowledge and understanding of Alternative Dispute Resolution schemes throughout Europe is low and confused, with only a small percentage of citizens knowing how to file a claim before an ADR body; believes that Europe’s longstanding inconsistent and incoherent action plan in responsible for the incomplete ADR landscape we have at present;
Amendment 24 #
2011/2117(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Is of the opinion that a new citizen- based ADR structure built on restorative justice principles which is geared towards the resolution of civil, commercial and family law matters should be put into place; considers that this can be achieved by equipping the ECC-Network and FIN- Network centres with the necessary resources and funds, ensuring that a targeted information strategy explaining the mechanics of the system is developed and possibly integrating the internal market information system (IMI) and the mutual evaluation process into the final ADR proposal;
Amendment 27 #
2011/2117(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Considers that any ADR system relating to business-to-consumer transactions must eventually be transformed into one which covers disputes tied to business-to-business transactions;
Amendment 31 #
2011/2117(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Believes that any legislative proposal for an integrated EU ADR scheme must fully take into account not only substantive law but also procedural law, better signposting of ADR pathways as well as full scrutiny of their effectiveness; considers that, in order to be a success, a renewed ADR structure should be built on solid dispute avoidance mechanisms which provide the necessary information to citizens and consumers on their rights and obligations in civil, commercial and family law matters;
Amendment 32 #
2011/2117(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5b. Notes that the usage of Small Claims tribunals in various Member States remains significantly low and that more needs to be done in terms of legal certainty, language barriers and transparency of proceedings; calls on the Commission to devote particular attention to these legal bodies when formulating its legislative proposal on the use of ADR for consumer matters in the EU;
Amendment 3 #
2011/2107(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. CIs of the opinion that, on research and innovation, the European Union is falling behind larger economies like the USA and Japan, as well as huge emerging ones like China; therefore it is encouraging that the Commission is proposing a Common Strategic Framework which should ensure that EU funds on research and innovation are utilised in an effective manner; considers that a more integrated approach is needed to further develop education, research and innovation and to achieve the objective of investing 3% of GDP in research and development; calls for the Common Strategic Framework to promote coordination between research and innovation programmes and the cohesion funds, though not to the detriment of the resources allocated to the funds;
Amendment 5 #
2011/2107(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Is convinced that investments in research, innovation and education are key elements towards achieving a highly competitive social market economy in Europe; endorses the fact that the re- launch of the single market should open new horizons in the research and innovation sector with an emphasis on knowledge and technology, which constitute a driving force for the future economic development of a competitive service-based society;
Amendment 7 #
2011/2107(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Believes that innovation and creativity are essential to economic recovery and that the importance of converting the Union’s scientific and technological breakthroughs into new goods and services cannot be underestimated; expects that sufficient funds and new investments should be allocated in order to create a genuine single market for knowledge, attracting more innovative- friendly businesses and entrepreneurs, creating new high added value jobs and addressing major societal challenges;
Amendment 12 #
2011/2107(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Believes that, in order to ensure European competitiveness at global level, urgent improvements are needed in order to resolve outstanding issues such as intellectual property rights and in particular the community patent, European standardisation, public procurement and access to private finance, amongst others;
Amendment 19 #
2011/2107(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Amendment 28 #
2011/2107(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Reiterates that there are still many SMEs which carry out minimal or no research activities, therefore is of the opinion that the European Commission and Member States should recognise the importance of SMEs in boosting innovation in Europe by further simplifying research and innovation programmes, developing more standardised rules and procedures and making research programmes more accessible for all types of small and micro businesses in EU; Takes the view that the Commission should allocate part of the research budget to SMEs run by young people and businesswomen, rewarding the establishment of networks or clusters;
Amendment 34 #
2011/2107(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Taking into account the fact that the EU is the largest market in the world and that the world economy is becoming more and more knowledge-intensive, the different EU instruments for research and innovation should constantly adapt and respond to market developments, taking into account the consumer perspective;
Amendment 39 #
2011/2107(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Proposes that the Commission should find concrete benchmarks to measure innovation performance and progress for all the different EU instruments of research and innovation; believes that enhancing the dissemination of information and the results achieved from different funding programmes and projects is needed to improve understanding of the innovation process and to reduce the gap between European citizens and scientific and technological development;
Amendment 7 #
2011/2094(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Urges the Commission and all stakeholders to ensure that competition policy plays a role in a holistic approach to reinvigorating the internal market by placing the priorities of citizens, consumers and SMEs at the centre of decision-making and addressing the frustrations they face on a day-to-day basis;
Amendment 63 #
2011/2089(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Emphasises that early settlement of disputes should be encouraged where possible, and court litigation should be viewed as the last resort; stresses that mechanisms of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) may provide parties with a faster and cheaper solution and play a complementary role to judicial redress; notes, however, that there are currently significant – sector-specific and geographical − gaps in the existing ADR systems in the EU;
Amendment 66 #
2011/2089(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9 a. Notes that ADR mechanisms often depend on the trader's willingness to cooperate, while most ADR bodies do not have the capacity to provide proceedings for mass claims; stresses that, as affirmed in its resolution of 20 May 2010 on delivering a single market to consumers and citizens, the availability of an effective judicial redress system would act as a strong incentive for parties to agree out-of-court, which is likely to solve a considerable number of cases thereby avoiding litigation;
Amendment 17 #
2011/2087(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Amendment 30 #
2011/2087(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Stresses that in an increasingly competitive global sports market , sufficient monitoring and proper enforcement of intellectual property rights at an EU level related to media, trademarks, commercial communications and others would ultimately enhance the quality of sport services and protect consumers by guaranteeing them access to sport events across the EU;
Amendment 41 #
2011/2087(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Considers that European citizens and in particular young people should be given more information related to the availability of sport programmes, projects, scholarships and trainings; Calls on the Commission, Member States and Sport Organisations to consolidate easily accessible information mechanisms which will help people make full use of the opportunities offered by community programmes in the internal market;
Amendment 42 #
2011/2087(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5b. Believes that one of the key aims to securing dynamic, good healthy living for European consumers and citizens is to ensure that citizens are actively involved in health-enhancing sport and recreational activities across Europe, particularly in the case of children considering that obesity and other health related illnesses are on the rise in younger age groups; Calls on the Commission to allocated more health related incentives and funds for projects, in particular those involving cross-boarder sport activities;
Amendment 18 #
2011/2085(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Considers that the mutual evaluation process was key in clarifying certain ambiguous situations still prevalent in the provision of services both at national and cross-border level, such as the mutual recognition of professional qualifications and insurance obligations imposed on cross-border service providers; highlights that ultimately it helped to gauge whether or not the implementation measures adopted in each Member State are carried out according to the spirit of the Services Directive;
Amendment 16 #
2011/2084(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas according to ECJ jurisprudence (C-275/92 Schindler, C- 124/97 Laara, C-67/98 Zenatti), the provision of gambling is a service within the meaning of Article 56 TFEU,
Amendment 56 #
2011/2084(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas Internet gambling and betting involve a greater risk of addition and dangers thantogether with traditional physical, location- based gambling pose a risk of addiction,
Amendment 107 #
2011/2084(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Is of the opinion that the gambling sector has been very much shaped by the Member States' different traditions and cultures and that gambling markets are very differently regulated, giving the subsidiarity principle a particularly important role in this sector; believes, however, that taking an EU regulated approach in the field of online gambling which respects the principle of subsidiarity as well as that of proportionality is the best way forward;
Amendment 127 #
2011/2084(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Believes that the disadvantages which emanate from an unregulated gambling market are greater than those which emerge from a more regulated and uniform one; Stresses that any action plan for improving the online gambling environment must ensure that extra precautions are taken to meet the challenges posed by the internet and the digital age in terms of player protection and privacy, payment security and data protection of individuals engaged in internet gambling and that fair competition for licensed operators which in turn will boost the online economy, consumer choice and product awareness is guaranteed;
Amendment 176 #
2011/2084(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Takes the view that a pan-European code of conduct for Internet gambling should address the rights and obligations of both the service provider and the consumer; Considers that this Code of Conduct should help to ensure responsible gaming, a high level of protection for players, particularly in the case of minors and other vulnerable persons, support mechanisms both at EU and national level that fight cyber crime, fraud and misleading advertisement and ultimately provide a framework of principles and rules which ensures that consumers are protected evenly across the EU;
Amendment 194 #
2011/2084(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph - 12 (new)
Paragraph - 12 (new)
- 12. Takes the view that this regulated area should include amongst others: 1) An EU system created for proper and transparent application of the practice of non-duplication of controls and requirements for operators wishing to provide their services in another Member State; 2) Uniform safety mechanisms ensuring that consumers have access to safe and quality products in a regulated European gambling market; 3) Pan-European measures for strong and effective protection against underage gambling, compulsive gambling, misleading advertisement, money laundering and fraud;
Amendment 198 #
2011/2084(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Is concerned at the possible emerging fragmentation of the European on-line gambling market, which will counter the setting-up of legal gambling offerings in smaller Member States in particular; Invites the Commission to encourage the creation of a level playing field, so as to enable smaller Member States to be in the same position as their larger European neighbours when it comes to attracting service providers from other Member States to operate within their territory;
Amendment 200 #
2011/2084(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12 a. Considers that the fragmentation in the gambling sector requires a European legislative solution and that therefore legislative action at national level is insufficient; Is of the opinion that targeted regulation could form the basis of this European solution for ensuring legitimacy of the provision of services and consumer and player protection within the gambling market;
Amendment 20 #
2011/2071(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Is of the opinion that the re-launch of the Single Market and in particular the implementation of the Single Market Act are an essential prerequisite for achieving sustainable growth in Europe by 2020; suggests that in order to guarantee European competitiveness on a global level, immediate improvements are needed in crucial areas such as the service sector, public procurement, research, innovation, education, energy and e-commerce amongst others;
Amendment 90 #
2011/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Is convinced that sustainable public procurement, oriented towards economic, social and environmental standards, energy savings and innovation is one of the key elements to achieve a highly competitive social market economy in Europe, in line with the objectives of the 2020 strategy; calls on the Commission to encourage governments and contracting authorities to increase the use of sustainable public procurement supporting and promoting good quality employment, and providing quality services and goods in Europe; invites the Commission to scrutinise, by means of a detailed impact assessment, how public procurement has contributed to achieving the wider goals of the EU and to outline what should be done to improve these objectives in the future;
Amendment 184 #
2011/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Endorses the fact that greater flexibility, legal security and development of technologies in public procurement rules should open new horizons and facilitate access of SMEs and especially micro businesses to new public procurement markets; alerts the Commission and Member States when adopting flexible and user-friendly instruments not to create any new barriers for SMEs and primarily to take into account their interests;
Amendment 196 #
2011/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22a. Reiterates the fact that e- procurement should be less costly, more expedient and more transparent than conventional public procurement procedures; however, believes that there is still room for improvement and more should be done vis-à-vis the access to reliable, comparable and objective information and statistical data; Calls on the Commission and Member States to provide the necessary training to all users of e-procurement, especially SMEs in order to better understand and use the mechanics of the system;
Amendment 4 #
2011/2029(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Considers that the incoherent, fragmented and uneven implementation of EU legislation throughout the Union is to a large extent due to lack of political will on the part of Member States to truly take ownership and implement effectively EU regulation at national, regional and local level; Encourages the adoption of the proposal made by the Court of Auditors stipulating that national impact assessments could usefully complement those carried out by the Commission; the simplification of legislation and minimization of administrative burdens, particularly for SMEs; the exchange of best practices between Member States and for collective action to be taken by the same to reduce 'gold plating' of EU legislation;
Amendment 13 #
2011/2029(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 (new)
Paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 (new)
Believes that the enhanced role of the European Parliament and national parliaments as laid down by the Lisbon Treaty, together with the general principle of subsidiarity, have rendered highly significant the active participation of Member States throughout the entire policy cycle of each piece of EU regulation, from the design of a piece of legislation, to its implementation, enforcement, consolidation, evaluation and revision;
Amendment 22 #
2011/2029(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Reiterates the views expressed in the resolution of 20 May 2010 on "Delivering a Single Market to consumers and citizens" and in the Commission Communication of 8 October 2010 on "Smart Regulation in the European Union" that ex-ante and ex-post evaluation of EU legislation must become an integral part of policy making; Calls on the Commission to fully utilise this form of assessment to verify the quality, effectiveness and efficiency of any given piece of EU legislation; to review how the particular regulation is applied in practice at the different levels within each Member State, and the effect of such on consumers, citizens and SMEs;
Amendment 4 #
2011/2025(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas rapid technological developments have brought new challenges in terms of personal data protection as a result of enhanced online activity, including e-commerce, social networking websites and cloud computing,
Amendment 7 #
2011/2025(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas citizens do not shop online with the same security as they do offline, due to fears of identity theft and lack of transparency as to how their personal information will be processed and used,
Amendment 8 #
2011/2025(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B b (new)
Recital B b (new)
Bb. whereas the revision of the Data Protection Directive 95/46/EC should comprise an overarching reform of the EU framework for data protection law, laying out more stringent rules with regards to the collection of data, notably by informing the individual why, by whom and for how long his or her data will be collected and used, this both within the online as well as the offline environment,
Amendment 19 #
2011/2025(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Believes that the implementation of EU data protection rules remains uneven and fragmented throughout the EU, consequently having an adverse effect on individuals' fundamental rights and freedoms with regards to data protection and privacy, legal security and clarity in contractual relations, the development of e-commerce and e-business, consumer trust in the system, cross border transactions and the realisation of a truly level playing field for businesses and SMEs within the Single Market;
Amendment 29 #
2011/2025(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Is of the opinion that any personal data and information circulated among the different Points of Single Contact and within the Internal Market Information system (IMI) are solely processed, used and collected for legitimate purposes and that necessary safeguards against abuse are put into place;
Amendment 38 #
2011/2025(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses the need for awareness-raising activities and targeted-communication strategies on data protection to ensure that the rules on consent are implemented in a uniform way, especially in the online environment;
Amendment 15 #
2011/2024(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
Ga. Whereas according to the findings of the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (Cedefop), demand for highly skilled workers is expected to rise by over 16 million jobs in the European Union between now and 2020.
Amendment 19 #
2011/2024(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Reiterates that if the EU is to reduce the uneven implementation and enforcement of Directive 2005/35/EC on the recognition of professional qualifications throughout the EU-27, all Member States need to have more confidence and faith in each others’ systems
Amendment 49 #
2011/2024(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Argues that dialogue and cooperation between competent authorities and NCPs must be improved, both at national and intra-Member State level; Believes that the proper application of this Directive reinforces the human dimension of the Single Market; Considers that national governments and labour market players, including those from the professional sectors, businesses, trade unions, Ministries and public employment services must engage in a structured dialogue on how to better guarantee professional integration of the young, promote life-long learning and formal/informal training, not only at national level, but also at EU level with a view to establishing an efficient and transparent professional qualifications recognition system which is applicable throughout Europe;
Amendment 135 #
2011/2024(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24a. Considers that the creation of a professional card could significantly increase labour mobility, boost consumer and citizen confidence vis-à-vis the service being offered and enable the competent authorities of the receiving State in particular to have a true and clear picture of the level of qualification and experience which the professional in question has; Views the modernisation of the Directive 2005/36/EC on the Recognition of Professional Qualifications as essential in improving Europe’s growth performance, creating jobs, tackling the issues tied to Europe’s ageing population and equipping it with a workforce that is able to compete with emerging economies;
Amendment 4 #
2011/2020(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Asks for the continuous financing of the Pilot Project ‘Single Market Forum’ (SMF; budget line 12 02 03), organised jointly by the Commission and the Council Presidency, and bringing together stakeholders from the EU institutions, Member States, civil society and business organisations to assess progress in relaunching the Single Market, exchange best practices and address the top concerns of European citizens; acknowledges and welcomes the fact that the Commission started the process of evaluation and review of the list of ‘Top 20 concerns’; calls for the ‘Top 20 concerns’ to be examined on a regular basis at the Single Market Forum, using them as verifiable indicators to evaluate and monitor the developments in the Single Market, vis-à- vis European citizens;
Amendment 5 #
2011/2013(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Amendment 37 #
2011/2013(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Urges the Commission in collaboration with Member States to carry out quality testing and checks to ascertain whether the proposed instruments of European contract law are user-friendly, fully integrating citizens concerns, providing in the process added value for consumers and business, strengthening the single market and facilitating cross border commerce;
Amendment 38 #
2011/2013(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. Calls on the Commission in relation to the European Contract Law initiative to examine certain difficulties that consumers and business encounter in cross border commerce, especially those related to investments, payment, delivery, language barriers, redress and differences in legal, administrative and cultural traditions;
Amendment 49 #
2011/2013(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Amendment 78 #
2011/2013(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Maintains that consumers are not being given the necessary information relating to the availability and enforcement of their contractual rights especially in cross-border commerce; Calls on the Commission to consolidate an easily accessible user-friendly information mechanism which will clearly explain how contract law works among Member States and more importantly what benefits it can offer to citizens, consumers and SMEs;
Amendment 89 #
2011/2013(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13 a. Calls on the Commission to carry out a proper impact assessment on the different European Contract Law instruments to better clarify and examine the connection with national contract laws, domestic transactions, international instruments and standards and other European policy options and measures, such as the Consumer Rights Directive, the Services Directive; Furthermore Commission should scrutinize the role and importance which a future European Contract Law instrument will have with regard to international trade and relations with third countries;
Amendment 1 #
2011/2010(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A (new)
Recital A (new)
A. Whereas the recent economic downturn has exposed a number of serious shortcomings and inequalities in the Single Market, all of which have had adverse implications for consumers' and citizens' confidence, whereas, in order to protect consumers' rights and restore their confidence in the financial markets, the EU must take urgent actions taking into account consumer interest in all current and future initiatives,
Amendment 2 #
2011/2010(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B (new)
Recital B (new)
B. Whereas the lack of harmonised IGSs at European level and the diverse regimes among Member States have led to ineffective and uneven protection for insurance policy holders and have slowed down the functioning of the insurance market by distorting cross border competition,
Amendment 6 #
2011/2010(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Agrees that the Solvency II Directive does not create a zero-failure environment for insurance companies and does not protect consumer losses in any potential failure of insurance undertakings; therefore calls on the Commission to ensure consistency and coherence of the common IGS to be adopted with the Solvency II Directive;
Amendment 8 #
2011/2010(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Acknowledges that the most realistic and useful approach at the moment is the establishment of a coherent and legally binding framework of IGS protection based on minimum harmonisation, which should not undermine the protection already offered by some Member States, with a view to achieving maximum harmonisation at a later stage; takes the view that, should the legislative framework on IGS come into force, the Commission should carry out expert evaluation on determining whether the legislation has achieved its main goals and key objectives;
Amendment 13 #
2011/2010(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Argues that in order to ensure comprehensive protection for policyholders and beneficiaries, the IGS should not be the last-resort mechanism, and urges the Commission to retain and take into account other existing protection mechanismCommission should retain and take into account other existing protection mechanisms which are already in place and are essential for policy- holder protection, such as providing additional information, enhancing transparency and strengthening solvency requirements;
Amendment 23 #
2011/2010(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Stresses that consumers' knowledge and awareness of financial services and associated risks should be improved, therefore suggests that a similar mechanism as the European Standardised Information Sheet (ESIS) is introduced for insurance policies which will include clear mandatory risk warnings on complex insurance linked investment products and on the existence of IGS linked to a specific national authority in order to make it easier for a policy holder to better understand insurance products and dispose of all relevant information;
Amendment 24 #
2011/2010(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Believes that as a matter of cost and practicality the portfolio transfer could be the preferred option; maintains that in order to ensure a high level of consumer protection the IGSs should give policyholders an opportunity to choosetion between financial compensation and transfer of their insurance contract; considers that EU law on IGSs should ensure swift maximum compensation or a portfolio transfer whereby the policyholder would not suffer any loss of rights and privileges emanating from the policy;
Amendment 29 #
2011/2010(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Notes that in a number of insurance markets within the EU, compensation limits for similar insurance and banking investment products are not aligned; considers that the Commission should ensure that in such cases the same level of protection that applies to bank deposits and investment funds should also apply to holders of insurance linked investment products sold by insurance companies;
Amendment 30 #
2011/2010(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Believes that funding arrangements for IGSs should be based on both ex-ante and ex-post funding, ensuring that ex-ante funds are set at a reasonable level which would in the final analysis benefit both the consumer and the insurer; recognises that failing insurance companies should also have contributed to the contingency funding which should be in place in case of insurer failure;
Amendment 297 #
2011/0438(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 43 a (new)
Recital 43 a (new)
(43 a) The European Commission should assist Member States to provide training and guidance on competitive dialogue to SMEs, providing examples of its applications and value, in order to encourage uptake.
Amendment 316 #
2011/0438(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 53
Recital 53
(53) Effective cooperation is necessary to ensure consistent advice and practice within each Member State and across the Union. Bodies designated for monitoring, implementation, control and technical assistance should be able to share information and cooperate; in the same context, the national authority designated by each Member State should act as the preferred contact point with the Commission services for the purpose of collecting data, exchanging information and monitoring the implementation of Union public procurement law. The European Commission should assist Member States by providing guidelines, training sessions and a helpdesk facility throughout the procurement process in order to promote cross-border procurement.
Amendment 1018 #
2011/0438(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 46 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 a (new)
Article 46 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 a (new)
Member States, where appropriate, should adopt the 'citizen choice model' for public procurement tenders, in particular, with tenders for personal service, such as housekeeping services for elderly persons. Through this, citizens would be able to decide on a specific operator from bidders that meet the quality criteria, agree to a (maximum) price and are awarded a framework contract by the contracting authority.
Amendment 1174 #
2011/0438(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 66 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 66 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) quality, including technical merit, aesthetic and functional characteristics, accessibility, design for all users, environmental characteristics and innovative character;, support for local training, local support chain, social cohesion, and fair trade considerations, as well as commitment to recruit target groups, such as long term unemployed, young people and disabled people to complete the contract.
Amendment 452 #
2011/0435(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 17
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 17
Directive 2005/36/EC
Article 22 – paragraph 2
Article 22 – paragraph 2
For the purposes of point (b) of the first paragraph, as from [insert date - the day after the date set out in first subparagraph of paragraph 1 of Article 3] and every five years thereafter, the competent authorities in Member States shall submit publicly available, clear, comprehensible, and easily accessible assessment reports to the Commission and to the other Member States on their continuing education and training procedures related to doctors of medicine, medical specialists, nurses responsible for general care, dental practitioners, specialised dental practitioners, veterinary surgeons, midwives and pharmacists.
Amendment 41 #
2011/0394(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3 a (new)
Recital 3 a (new)
(3a) The 'gaps', fragmentation and unnecessary red tape within the Single Market impede citizens, consumers and enterprises, particularly SMEs, from reaping its full benefits. Many SMEs, for example, face continuing difficulties when trying to trade across borders. Therefore a concerted effort on the part of the Commission, the European Parliament and Member States to address the implementation, legislative and information shortcomings is acutely necessary. In accordance with the principle of proportionality, the Commission and the Member States should also collaborate to reduce excessive administrative, financial and regulatory burdens on SMEs.
Amendment 53 #
2011/0394(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 15 a (new)
Recital 15 a (new)
(15a) The proper implementation, enforcement and monitoring of Alternative Dispute Resolution for consumer disputes by the Commission and the Member States would make resolving disputes quicker, cheaper and less bureaucratic for both consumers and traders, and therefore encourage SMEs to more fully participate in the Single Market and increase their competitiveness.
Amendment 55 #
2011/0394(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16 a (new)
Recital 16 a (new)
(16 a) SMEs are often prevented from accessing public procurement markets by excessive administrative burdens in calls for tender. The Commission and Member States should simplify these requirements in order to boost competitiveness and create a level playing field for SMEs.
Amendment 83 #
2011/0394(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. The Commission shall support efforts to improve the competitiveness and coordination of the tourism sector, which is mostly made up of SMEs. Such actions may include coordinating the exchange of information and best practices between Member States, and aiding the development of joint transnational promotional strategies.
Amendment 93 #
2011/0394(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 2
Article 9 – paragraph 2
2. The Commission may support actions to improve SMEs access to the Single Market including information provision and awareness-raising. Measures may include ensuring that the contact points of the Europe Enterprise Network and the Europe Direct service are provided with adequate information and, if necessary, training, to offer a high standard of service to SMEs, and refocusing the Enterprise Europe Network on providing targeted, tailor-made support for SMEs .
Amendment 90 #
2011/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3 a (new)
Recital 3 a (new)
(3a) The fragmentation of the Single Market impedes efforts to boost competitiveness and growth. Furthermore, the uneven availability, quality and awareness of simple, efficient and low-cost means of resolving disputes arising from the sale of goods or provision of services across the Union constitutes a barrier within the Single Market which undermines consumers' and traders' confidence in shopping and selling across borders.
Amendment 91 #
2011/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3 b (new)
Recital 3 b (new)
(3b) Realising the potential of online trade would make a substantial contribution to returning the Union to economic growth, but doing so will require the proper integration of the ODR platform and the ADR entities as outlined in [Office of Publications please insert number of Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on alternative dispute resolution for consumer disputes and amending Regulation (EC) No 2006/2004 and Directive 2009/22/EC (Directive on consumer ADR)].
Amendment 106 #
2011/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13 a (new)
Recital 13 a (new)
(13a) Before submitting their dispute to an ADR entity via the ODR platform, consumers should be encouraged by Member States to make every effort to contact the trader via their website, email, or other electronic means as appropriate, with the aim of resolving the dispute amicably.
Amendment 109 #
2011/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14
Recital 14
(14) This Regulation aims at creating an online dispute resolution (‘'ODR’') platform at European level. The Commission should be responsible for the establishment and maintenance of the ODR platform. The ODR platform should take the form of an interactive website offering a single point of entry to consumers and traders seeking to resolve disputes out-of-court which have arisen from a cross-bordern e-commerce transaction. It should allow consumers and traders to submit complaints by filling in an electronic complaint form available in all official languages of the Union and transmit complaints to an alternative dispute resolution (‘'ADR’') entity competent to deal with the dispute concerned. The platform should offer to ADR entities and the parties the possibility of conducting the dispute resolution procedure via the platform.
Amendment 111 #
2011/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14 a (new)
Recital 14 a (new)
(14a) The ODR platform should offer a single point of entry for the out-of-court resolution of online disputes through the ADR entities that seek the out-of-court resolution of a dispute, are established on durable basis, comply with the quality criteria set out in Chapter II of [Office of Publications please insert number of Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on alternative dispute resolution for consumer disputes and amending Regulation (EC) No 2006/2004 and Directive 2009/22/EC (Directive on consumer ADR)], and have been notified to the Commission in accordance with Article 17 (2) of [Office of Publications please insert number of Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on alternative dispute resolution for consumer disputes and amending Regulation (EC) No 2006/2004 and Directive 2009/22/EC (Directive on consumer ADR)].
Amendment 118 #
2011/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 15 a (new)
Recital 15 a (new)
(15a) The parties should be able to access the ODR Platform established by this Regulation free of charge, and without being required to be physically present for the procedure. However, both parties may decide that their physical presence is necessary.
Amendment 128 #
2011/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1
The purpose of this Regulation is to contribute to the functioning of the internal market, and in particular its digital dimension, and to the achievement of a high level of consumer protection by providing a platform facilitating the independent, impartial, transparent, effective and fair out-of-court resolution of disputes between consumers and traders online.
Amendment 132 #
2011/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1
Article 2 – paragraph 1
This Regulation shall apply to the out-of- court resolution of contractual disputes arising from the cross-border online sale of goods or provision of services between consumers and traders through the intervention of an alternative dispute resolution entity complying with Directive which is established on a durable basis, complies with the quality criteria set out in Chapter II of [Office of Publications please insert number of Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on alternative dispute resolution for consumer disputes and amending Regulation (EC) No 2006/2004 and Directive 2009/22/EC (Directive on consumer ADR)], have been notified to the Commission in accordance with Article 17 (2) of [Office of Publications please insert number of Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on alternative dispute resolution for consumer disputes and amending Regulation (EC) No 2006/2004 and Directive 2009/22/EC (Directive on consumer ADR)] and involving the use of a European online dispute resolution platform.
Amendment 135 #
2011/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point g – introductory part
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point g – introductory part
(g) ‘"alternative dispute resolution procedure’" (hereinafter ‘"ADR procedure’") means a procedure for the out-of-court resolution of a, as referred to in Article 2(1) of [Office of Publications please insert number of Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on alternative dispute resolution for consumer disputes and amending Regulation (EC) No 2006/2004 and Directive 2009/22/EC (Directive on consumer ADR)], for the out-of-court resolution of domestic and cross-border contractual disputes through the intervention of a dispute resolution entity which proposes or imposes a solution or brings the parties together with the aim of facilitating an amicable solution and which complies with the quality criteria set out in Chapter II of [Office of Publications please insert number of Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on alternative dispute resolution for consumer disputes and amending Regulation (EC) No 2006/2004 and Directive 2009/22/EC (Directive on consumer ADR)]; Procedures before dispute resolution entities where the natural persons in charge of dispute resolution are employed by or receive any form of remuneration from the trader, direct negotiation between the consumer and the trader, whether represented or not, and attempts made by a judge to settle a dispute in the course of a judicial proceeding concerning that dispute shall not be regarded as ADR procedures;
Amendment 145 #
2011/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1
Article 5 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission shall establish a European online dispute resolution platform, (hereinafter ‘'ODR platform’)'), and provide prominent links to the platform on the Your Europe Portal and other Commission websites offering consumer information, such as the ECC Net website.
Amendment 147 #
2011/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2
Article 5 – paragraph 2
2. The ODR platform shall be an interactive website which can be accessed electronically and free of charge in all official languages of the Union. The ODR platform shall be a single point of entry to consumers and traders seeking the out-of- court resolution of disputes covered by this Regulationo submit disputes to the ADR entities notified to the European Commission as outlined in [Office of Publications please insert number of Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on alternative dispute resolution for consumer disputes and amending Regulation (EC) No 2006/2004 and Directive 2009/22/EC (Directive on consumer ADR)].
Amendment 158 #
2011/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 3 – point f
Article 5 – paragraph 3 – point f
(f) providing a feedback system which allows the parties to express their views on the functioning of the ODR platform and on the ADR entity which has handled their dispute and subsequently making this feedback accessible to assist other parties in choosing an ADR entity for their dispute.
Amendment 255 #
2011/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) if, following the notification of the dispute to the parties, the parties agree to institute proceedings before the entity, normally accomplish the conclusion of the dispute resolution procedure within 30a timeframe of 90 calendar days from wthen the proceedings have been institutedime when the ADR entity officially opens the procedure. In the case of complex or technical disputes, the ADR entity may extend this time limit in order to guarantee high-quality dispute resolution;
Amendment 264 #
2011/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 13 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. The Commission shall establish and maintain a phone helpline on ADR and ODR, which should be accessible in all Member States and shall offer information and any necessary assistance when submitting complaints;
Amendment 140 #
2011/0373(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) This Directive should apply to contractual disputes betweeninitiated by consumers andgainst traders that are arising from the sale of goods or provision of services in all economic sectors. This should include complaints submitted by consumers against traders but also, both offline and online, including the supply of digital content for remuneration, in all economic sectors. This Directive should not apply to non economic services of general interest, which are not performed for financial gain. This Directive should not apply to any disputes or complaints submitted by traders against consumers. This Directive should not apply, or to disputes between traders; however, ithis Directive should not prevent Member States from adopting or maintaining in force provisions on procedures for the out- of-court resolution of such disputes.
Amendment 158 #
2011/0373(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) Member States should ensure that the contractual disputes covered by this Directive can be submitted to an ADR entity fulfilling the requirementscomplying with the quality criteria set out in this Directive. Member States shcould have the possibility talso fulfil this obligation by relybuilding on existing well-functioning ADR entities and adjusting their scope of application, complying with this Directive's provisions if needed, or by providing for the creation of new ADR entities. This Directive should not oblige Member States to create a specific ADR entity in each retail sector. Member States should have the possibility to provide for the creation of a residual ADR entity that deals with disputes for the resolution of which no specific entity is competent, in order to ensure full geographical coverage and access to alternative dispute resolution in all Member States.
Amendment 167 #
2011/0373(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 17
Recital 17
(17) The natural persons in charge of alternative dispute resolution should only be considered impartial if they cannot be subject to pressure that potentially influences their attitude towards the dispute. There is a particular need to ensure the absence of such pressure where ADR entities are financed by one of the parties to the dispute or an organisation of which one of the parties is a member. Therefore procedures where the natural person in charge of the dispute resolution is employed by or receives other forms of remuneration exclusively from the trader should not be regarded as ADR procedures within the meaning of this Directive and hence should be excluded from its scope of application. However, this Directive should not affect the possibility for business or professional associations to fund an ADR entity.
Amendment 179 #
2011/0373(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 20
Recital 20
(20) ADR procedures should be free of charge or of moderate costs for consumers so that it remains economically reasonable for consumers to use such proceduresfor the consumer. In the event that costs are applied, they should be reasonable, proportionate and modest to ensure that the ADR procedure is accessible, attractive and at a low cost.
Amendment 181 #
2011/0373(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 21
Recital 21
(21) ADR procedures should be fair so that the parties to a dispute are fully informed about their rights and the consequences of the choices they make in the context of an ADR procedure. The ADR entities should inform consumers of their rights under legal provisions before they agree to or reject the imposed or proposed solution. Both parties should also be able to submit their information and evidence without being physically present.
Amendment 183 #
2011/0373(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 21 a (new)
Recital 21 a (new)
(21 a) An agreement between a consumer and a trader to submit complaints to an ADR entity should not be binding on the consumer if it was concluded before the dispute arises and if it deprives the consumer of his right to bring an action before the courts for the resolution of the dispute. In the case of ADR entities which impose solutions, the solutions should only be binding on the parties if they were informed of binding nature in advance and specifically accepted this, with the exception when national rules provide that solutions shall only be binding on traders.
Amendment 189 #
2011/0373(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 21 b (new)
Recital 21 b (new)
(21 b) In the case of ADR procedures which impose binding solution on consumers, the latter should be afforded at least the same level of protection as the one laid down by the mandatory provisions applicable under the law of the Member State in the territory of which the ADR entity is established. In the case of cross-border disputes, the solution imposed by the ADR entity should not result in the consumer being deprived of the protection afforded by the mandatory provisions applicable under the law of the Member State in which the consumer has his habitual residence.
Amendment 200 #
2011/0373(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 23 a (new)
Recital 23 a (new)
(23 a) In order to reduce unnecessary burdens on ADR schemes, Member States should encourage consumers to attempt to resolve the dispute amicably with the trader before referring their complaints to an ADR entity or court. In cases where consumers are required to first make contact with the trader before referring their complaints to an ADR entity, Member States shall ensure that once the consumer has contacted the trader, the trader must provide its answer within a maximum of twenty working days and in the absence of a response or if the parties fail to reach an amicable solution, the consumer can then forward the complaint to an ADR entity. Individual companies' in-house complaint schemes can be effective in resolving complaints and avoiding escalation of disputes at a later stage. Member States should be able to maintain or introduce national provisions relating to internal complaint procedures.
Amendment 202 #
2011/0373(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 23 b (new)
Recital 23 b (new)
(23 b) Member States should be free to maintain or introduce minimum thresholds for the value of an admissible ADR claim, without setting a threshold that would restrict consumers' access to ADR procedures.
Amendment 213 #
2011/0373(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 27 a (new)
Recital 27 a (new)
(27 a) Providing ADR entities with a European quality label should increase European citizens' trust and confidence in the quality of the ADR system, especially when buying across borders. An easily recognisable European quality label, regularly monitored and supervised by the Member States and the European Commission, should guarantee consumers that the relevant ADR entity complies with the quality criteria set out in this Directive.
Amendment 254 #
2011/0373(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 1
Article 5 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall ensure that disputes covered by this Directivefacilitate access by consumers to ADR procedures and shall ensure that disputes covered by this Directive which involve a trader established on its territory can be submitted to an ADR entityies which compliesy with the requirementsquality criteria set out in this Directive if both the trader and the consumer agree to do so.
Amendment 282 #
2011/0373(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) possess the necessary proven knowledge, skills and experience in the field of alternative dispute resolution;
Amendment 286 #
2011/0373(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 2
Article 6 – paragraph 2
Amendment 287 #
2011/0373(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Member States shall ensure that the natural person in charge of alternative dispute resolution discloses any factors that could affect their impartiality or give rise to a conflict of interest through a personal, business or financial relationship with any of the parties, or any other interest in the outcome of the ADR procedure
Amendment 289 #
2011/0373(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 2 b (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 2 b (new)
2 b. Member States shall ensure that appropriate training is available for the natural persons in charge of alternative dispute resolution in order to ensure high quality dispute resolution across the Union. The development and implementation of such schemes will be supported by the Commission.
Amendment 297 #
2011/0373(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point e
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point e
(e) the rules of procedure governing the resolution of a dispute; and the reasons for which an entity may refuse to deal with a dispute;
Amendment 312 #
2011/0373(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) the ADR procedure is preferably free of charge for at moderate costs for consumersthe consumer or, if not, at a nominal cost;
Amendment 354 #
2011/0373(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 9 a (new)
Article 9 a (new)
Article 9 a Liberty 1. Member States shall ensure that the decision taken by the ADR entity shall be binding on the parties only if they were informed of its binding nature in advance and specifically accepted this, with the exception when national rules provide that solutions are only binding on traders. 2. Member States shall ensure that an agreement between a consumer and a trader to submit complaints to an ADR entity is not binding on the consumer if it was concluded before the dispute arises and if it deprives the consumer of his right to bring an action before the courts for the resolution of the dispute.
Amendment 76 #
2011/0340(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2 a (new)
Recital 2 a (new)
(2a) The recent economic downturn has exposed a number of serious shortcomings and inconsistencies in the single market, all of which have had adverse implications for consumers' and citizens' confidence. Whereas it is necessary to acknowledge the budgetary constraints under which the Union is currently operating, the Union should nevertheless provide adequate financial means to support a strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth.
Amendment 77 #
2011/0340(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2 b (new)
Recital 2 b (new)
(2b) The elimination of direct and indirect obstacles to the proper functioning of the internal market and improving citizens' trust and confidence in the system, in particular when buying cross-border, is essential for the completion of the internal market. The Union should aim to create the right market conditions by empowering consumers with sufficient tools to make considered and informed decisions.
Amendment 81 #
2011/0340(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) It is important to improve consumer protection. To achieve this general objective, specific objectives should be set as regards safety, consumer information and education, rights and redress as well as enforcement in respect of consumer rights. The value and impact of the measures taken under the Programme should regularly be monitored and evaluated in order to better understand consumer behaviour and market malfunctioning, and facilitate smarter policy design. The Commission should submit an annual monitoring report to the European Parliament, which should be accompanied, where appropriate, by proposals for future adjustments of the Programme. For the purposes of evaluating consumer policy indicators should be developed.
Amendment 90 #
2011/0340(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c – introductory part
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c – introductory part
(c) Objective 3 - rights and redress: to consolidatstrengthen and reinforce consumer rights in particular through regulatory action and improving access to simple, efficient, expedient and low-cost redress including alternative dispute resolution for resolving domestic and cross-border disputes.
Amendment 91 #
2011/0340(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c – paragraph 1
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c – paragraph 1
This objective will be measured in particular through the recourse to alternative dispute resolution to solve cross-border or domestic disputes and through the activity of a Union-wide on-line dispute resolution system, and by the percentage of consumers and traders that use alternative dispute resolution or other forms of redress in an attempt to resolve disputes.
Amendment 95 #
2011/0340(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point a – point 3 a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point a – point 3 a (new)
(3a) Improvement of product traceability and enhancing access to information concerning dangerous products;
Amendment 101 #
2011/0340(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point b – point 7
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point b – point 7
(7) enhancing consumer educationand business education about consumer rights;
Amendment 103 #
2011/0340(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point b – point 7 a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point b – point 7 a (new)
(7a) support training programmes and educational tools for journalists, public authorities and schools among others, with a particular focus on vulnerable groups;
Amendment 104 #
2011/0340(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point c – point 8 a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point c – point 8 a (new)
(8a) support the development of alternative dispute resolution ('ADR') entities as well as the creation of an electronic, Union-wide platform which offers consumers and traders a single point of entry for the out-of-court resolution of online disputes, supported by the availability of quality ADR entities across the Union;
Amendment 107 #
2011/0340(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point c – point 9 a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point c – point 9 a (new)
(9a) involvement of consumer organisations in the practical organisation of and participation in the ADR schemes, especially when the consumer organisation is meant to provide representation and expertise to a board of an ADR body;
Amendment 108 #
2011/0340(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point c – point 9 b (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point c – point 9 b (new)
(9b) organisation and coordination of existing resources and contact points, facilitating the provision of proper information to citizens;
Amendment 38 #
2011/0314A(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) The programme objectives take into account the problems and challenges identified for customs in the next decade. The programme should continue to play a role in vital areas like the coherent implementation of Union customs and related law. Moreover, the focus of the programme will be on protecting the financial and economic interests of the Union, safeguarding safety and security, trade facilitation, among others through collaborative efforts to fight fraud and increasing the administrative capacity of customs authorities. The commission shall encourage Member States which have not yet developed adequate electronic data- processing techniques to do so and move towards a more digital single market.
Amendment 15 #
2011/0274(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2 a (new)
Recital 2 a (new)
(2 a) In light of the Treaty's commitment to strengthening the economic, social and territorial cohesion of the Union, the implementation of cohesion policy should take into account the unique economic challenges and realities faced by each Member State, notably those small island Member States on the periphery of the Union, in order to ensure a level playing field, and that all European citizens can fully enjoy the tangible economic benefits resulting from the freedom of movement of goods, services, capital and people.
Amendment 43 #
2011/0226(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3 a (new)
Recital 3 a (new)
(3a) In adopting this new Regulation, whilst building on the achievements and successes of the Commission Decision 2008/49/EC of 12 December 2007 concerning the implementation of the Internal Market Information System (IMI) as regards the protection of personal data1 and Commission Recommendation of 26 March 2009 on data protection guidelines for Internal Market Information System (IMI)2 on which the IMI system currently operates, administrative cooperation between Member States should be further defined and clarified with the scope of improving the exchange of information within the internal market . The workings of the IMI system should be analysed in light of recent salient issues which have arisen at Union as well as at global level, namely those linked to data protection law, internet privacy and security and the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals. _____________ 1 OJ L 13, 16.1.2008, p. 18. 2 OJ L 100, 18.4.2009, p. 12.
Amendment 50 #
2011/0226(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1
Article 1
This Regulation lays down rules for the use of an Internal Market Information System, hereinafter ‘IMI’, for administrative cooperation, including processing of personal data, among competent authorities in the Member States and the Commission. It should be ensured that all personal data and information circulated among the different competent authorities should be collected, processed and used for strictly legitimate purposes which are in line with data protection rules. Furthermore, all relevant safeguards against abuse of the system should be firmly put in place.
Amendment 30 #
2011/0187(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1 a (new)
Recital 1 a (new)
(1a) A Single Market for telecommunications cannot be said to exist while significant price differences exist between domestic and roaming prices; therefore the ultimate aim of this Regulation should be to eliminate roaming charges altogether, thus establishing a pan-EU mobile communications market.
Amendment 41 #
2011/0187(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 17 a (new)
Recital 17 a (new)
(17a) Protecting the principles of the neutrality and openness of the Internet and the end users’ ability to access and distribute information and run applications and services of their choice should become even more important as the Digital Single Market is created in particular through roaming.
Amendment 290 #
2011/0187(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 a (new)
Article 15 a (new)
Article 15 a Price comparison Any price information about retail voice, SMS and data roaming services to customers shall include VAT. The Commission shall investigate transparency and comparability of different tariffs proposed by operators to their customers, and report back to the European Parliament and the Council on further measures necessary to ensure that consumers can easily compare these tariffs, and thus make it easier to take a decision to switch from one operator to another.
Amendment 177 #
2011/0150(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 a (new)
Article 5 a (new)
Article 5 a Access of SMEs to Standards National Standardisation Organisations shall promote and facilitate the access of SMEs to standards and their development by applying special rates for the provision of standards to SMEs and providing bundles of standards at a reduced price. Member States should also consider exempting microenterprises from payment for these services.
Amendment 72 #
2011/0137(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5 a (new)
Recital 5 a (new)
(5a) This Regulation, when fully implemented, should further contribute to a single market which ensures more effective protection to rights holders, fuels creativity and innovation and provides consumers with reliable and high- quality products, which should in turn strengthen cross-border transactions between consumers, businesses and traders;
Amendment 35 #
2011/0136(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) It is appropriate to provide for a harmonised approach concerning such diligent search in order to ensure a high level of protection of copyright in the Union. A diligent search should involve the consultation of publicly accessible databases that supply information on the copyright status of a work. Moreover, in order to avoid duplication of costly digitisation, Member States should ensure that use of orphan works by the organisations referred to in this Directive is recorded in a publicly accessible database. To the extent possible, publicly accessible databases of search results and use of orphan works should be designed and implemented within a clear and user- friendly framework so as to permit interlinkage with each otherand interoperability on a pan- European level andbetween the different Member States, as well as consultation thereof through a single entry point.
Amendment 17 #
2011/0092(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 17
Recital 17
(17) Exemption or reductions to the benefit of low income households and charitable organisations may form part of social measures defined by Member States, in order to ensure that consumers pay a fair, affordable price for energy. The possibility to apply such exemptions or reductions should, for reasons of equal treatment between energy sources, be extended to all energy products used as heating fuel and, electricity and fuels. In order to ensure that their impact on the internal market remains limited, such exemptions and reductions should be applied only to non-business activities.
Amendment 19 #
2011/0092(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 28
Recital 28
(28) Every fivthree years and for the first time by the end of 2015, the Commission should report to the European Parliament and the Council on the application of this Directive, examining in particular the minimum level of CO2-related taxation in the light of the evolution of the market price in the EU of the emission allowances, the impact of innovation and technological developments and the justification for the tax exemptions and reductions laid down in this Directive, including for fuel used for the purpose of air and maritime navigation. The list of sectors or sub-sectors deemed to be exposed to a significant risk of carbon leakage shall be the subject of regular review, in particular taking into account the availability of emerging evidence. The Commission should also engage in market monitoring to ensure transparency of the energy market, and to ensure that consumers are not adversely affected by any market abuses.
Amendment 174 #
2011/0062(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 8 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Article 8 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
The standard information shall be easily legible or clearly audible as appropriate, depending on the medium used for advertising and marketing. Such standard information shall not be included in the fine print but shall be prominently displayed in any documents.
Amendment 203 #
2011/0062(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 9 – paragraph 5
Article 9 – paragraph 5
5. Member States shall ensure that the creditor or credit intermediary, upon request of the consumer, provides the consumer with a copy of the draft credit agreement free of charge. This provision shall not apply in cases where the creditor is unwilling, at the time of the request, to proceed to the conclusion of the credit agreement with the consumer. Moreover, it is understood that all pre-contractual information should be given by the creditor or, where applicable, by credit intermediaries free of charge to the consumer.
Amendment 1 #
2010/2304(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 (new)
Paragraph -1 (new)
-1. Notes that all Member States have a national broadband strategy, but only a few have fully-fledged operational plans which include the necessary set targets required to fully realise the flagship initiative for a Digital Agenda for Europe as laid out in the Europe 2020 Strategy;
Amendment 16 #
2010/2304(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Maintains that the strong demand for connectivity which simultaneously boosts the profile of the EU online economy, contributes to the Network Readiness of the EU and responds to the societal changes taking place within the Single Market should be backed by the appropriate funds and solid competition infrastructure needed for the realisation of the European Broadband project;
Amendment 4 #
2010/2303(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Is aware that following the financial crisis, it has become evident that the quality of consumer protection and safeguards in the financial services sector requires tangible and strong improvement, particularly with regards to the monitoring and supervisory aspects;
Amendment 18 #
2010/2303(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Is of the opinion that seniorthe board of directors, together with senior officials and management andof the board of directors should becompany/corporation should be administratively responsible and legally accountable for the correct implementsetting up and the application of corporate governance principles;
Amendment 5 #
2010/2301(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Stresses that efforts should be intensified to ensure that the value of the Chinese currency is aligned more with the dynamics of supply and demand in the wider context of trade between the EU and China;
Amendment 27 #
2010/2301(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Is concerned at the high level of counterfeiting and piracy and the low level of IPR enforcement in China; Is of the opinion that the protection of intellectual property rights of international firms by the Chinese authorities is essential for the growth of trade between the EU and China; Considers that the export of high- tech products from the EU could constitute an area of exponential growth facilitated by China’s need for these products and the EU’s ability to manufacture them; Holds that such development and advancement in trade between these two players will only truly materialise if the protection of intellectual property rights is stepped up;
Amendment 5 #
2010/2289(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas the proper dissemination, articulation and management of the various EU Institutions' consultations and reports (EU 2010, the Citizenship Report 2010, the Integrated Industrial Policy, the Digital Agenda for Europe, Monti, Parliament's Resolution "Delivering a Single Market to consumers and citizens", Gonzales and IMCO reports, etc.) are of particular importance for the successful relaunch of the Single Market;
Amendment 36 #
2010/2289(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Welcomes the intention of the Commission to increase consultation and dialogue with civil society in the preparation and implementation of single market rules, in order to guarantee that the needs of the citizens, consumers and businesses are adequately taken into account and that the policies proposed can provide added value for citizens;
Amendment 38 #
2010/2289(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Urges the Commission to recommend innovative measures and benchmarks for a better and more effective involvement of all stakeholders by providing them with the necessary mechanisms such as the annual single market forum to make known their views and positions on single market legislative and non-legislative action;
Amendment 44 #
2010/2289(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Reminds the Commission that initiatives for 'better' and 'smarter' regulation should improve the quality of life of European citizens and businesses in the single market, and therefore the Commission should ensure that we do not end up having more administrative and bureaucratic burdens which will defeat the original scope;
Amendment 56 #
2010/2289(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Supports the proposals of the Single Market Act that aim at developing further administrative cooperation between the Member States, including extending the Internal Market Information System to other legislative areas; calls on the Commission to support Member States in exchanging, training and guiding qualified specialists in Single Market policy in the national, regional and local administrations of the Member States;
Amendment 59 #
2010/2289(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Stresses the importance of a network- based governance system between European Institutions, national and sub- national public authorities and administrations which should facilitate cooperation and transparency between the different governance levels and will assist proper transposition of Single Market rules;
Amendment 84 #
2010/2289(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Believes that the Commission should take a more active role in the enforcement of Single Market rules, through the completion of more systematic and independent monitoring in order to speed up and expedite infringement proceedings;
Amendment 104 #
2010/2289(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Amendment 105 #
2010/2289(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 b (new)
Paragraph 23 b (new)
23b. Reiterates the proposal made in the resolution of 20 May 2010 on "Delivering a Single Market to consumers and citizens" for the Commission to draw up a "Citizens' Charter" encompassing the various facets of a citizen's right to live and work anywhere in the EU, particularly in the case of the social, health, consumer protection and environmental protection standards to which he is entitled;
Amendment 52 #
2010/2278(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Shares the view expressed in the resolution of 20 May 2010 on "Delivering a Single Market to consumers and citizens" that the Commission ought to promote "consumer-friendly" single market legislation, so as to ensure that consumer interests are fully integrated in the workings of the Single Market;
Amendment 92 #
2010/2278(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Reiterates that it is in agreement with the underlying principle of the resolution of 20 May 2010 on ‘Delivering a Single Market to consumers and citizens’, which states that the Union must ‘find a balance between an open economy, capable of stimulating economic growth and job creation...,’ and a system which upholds consumer and environmental protection as well as safeguards the social dimension, including the basic social rights of EU citizens, these safeguards must from the outset, feature as part of the fabric of every piece of EU legislation;
Amendment 129 #
2010/2278(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Takes the view that the Services Directive creates the fundamental framework for a higher degree of free movement of services providers, as well as aims to strengthen the rights of consumers as recipients of services and enhance the availability of information, assistance and transparency with regards to the service providers and their services;
Amendment 130 #
2010/2278(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Paragraph 8 b (new)
8b. Considers that proper implementation of the Services Directive should remain a top priority for the Commission, working in particular with Member States to further improve administrative procedures and administrative cooperation of mechanisms that fall within the scope of the Directive, in particular by ensuring that Member States put into place fully operative Points of Single Contact;
Amendment 134 #
2010/2278(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Calls on the Commission to achieve quick results with regards to access to safe products and quality services in order to reinforce consumer protection, and to also step up coordination in surveillance of the goods market and in cross-border enforcement of Consumer Protection Law;
Amendment 182 #
2010/2278(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Regrets that the Commission Communication on the Single Market Act does not sufficiently cover certain important aspects of the Single Market, for example consumer rights and the recognition of professional qualifications, areas which require further focus and clarity;
Amendment 226 #
2010/2278(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Is convinced that a meaningful assessment of the social, consumer, environmental and economic impacts of the Single Market is crucial in securing public confidence and certainty in any future Single Market initiatives;
Amendment 7 #
2010/2277(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas it is important to restore confidence in the Single Market at all levels and to eliminate existing barriers to enterprises entering business; whereas high administrative burdens discourage new entrepreneurs,, language barriers, insecurity in the system, inadequate and insufficient information, lack of administrative coordination and cooperation of rules discourage SMEs and in particular new entrepreneurs from cross-border activities;
Amendment 46 #
2010/2277(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Suggests that the Commission and Member States step up their efforts to strictly implement and apply the Think Small First principle as outlined in the Small Business Act and the SME Test when proposing new legislative internal market measures;
Amendment 68 #
2010/2277(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Urges the Commission to conduct a financial audit of the EU's Budget priorities for the next financial framework and to prioritise European Added Value Projects able to enhance EU competitiveness and integration in the areas of research, knowledge and innovation;
Amendment 76 #
2010/2277(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Is of the view that the Commission's proposal to ensure that venture capital funds would operate and invest freely across the European Union, may not be comprehensive enough to ease the raising of venture and seed capital for SMEs;
Amendment 104 #
2010/2277(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Calls on the Commission to take the appropriate measures to enhance the confidence of businesses in e-commerce, namely by harmonizfacilitating access to quality services, providing reliable and objective information and greater legal security and clarity ing contract lawual relations and payment security where possible and by facilitating cross- border debt recovery;
Amendment 147 #
2010/2277(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Believes that the equity investors will be more encouraged to finance small and micro businesses in their start-up phase if more efficient exit routes are provided through national or pan-European growth stock markets that at present do not function adequately;
Amendment 156 #
2010/2277(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Underlines the importance of removing fiscal, administrative and legal barriers to cross-border activities; considers that a clearer VAT framework and reporting obligations for businesses are needed to limit adaptation costs and enhance the competitiveness of EU firms;
Amendment 180 #
2010/2277(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Is of the opinion that the Commission should improve its efforts to facilitate cross-border banking, by removing all existing obstacles to the usage of competing clearing and settlement systems and by applying common rules to trading;
Amendment 185 #
2010/2277(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 b (new)
Paragraph 16 b (new)
Amendment 15 #
2010/2274(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
Ga. whereas the "Written Declaration 100/2007 on Early Warning for Citizens in major Emergencies" was signed by 432 MEPs;
Amendment 49 #
2010/2274(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Stresses that the 112 number can be a life saving number and increases the protection of EU citizens, by serving as a major support system for citizens and consumers living within the Single Market; considers that the Commission should ensure that every segment of society has access to this service, including persons with disabilities ( hearing impairments, speech impediments etc) and other vulnerable groups;
Amendment 55 #
2010/2274(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Urges the European Commission in support of Member States to jointly intensify their efforts in increasing public awareness of the existence and use of the 112 number, namely through the development of a targeted and far- reaching communication strategy which addresses the preoccupations and queries that citizens have with regards to the mechanics of the system;
Amendment 7 #
2010/2245(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Is convinced that in a post-crisis Europe, any Single Market strategy has to be formulated in such a way so as to enhance social cohesion, ensure market integrity and foster innovation; endorses the Commission's initiative for a European Social Innovation Pilot which ensures that innovative ideas for the creation of products, services and businesses models are linked to and more importantly meet the social needs of EU citizens and consumers;
Amendment 8 #
2010/2245(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Believes that innovation and creativity are key to the economic recovery of the Union and that the importance of converting the Union's scientific and technological breakthroughs into new goods and services cannot be underestimated; Expects the Commission to allocate sufficient funds towards R&D in successive Union Budgets so as to guarantee sustainable economic growth, creation of jobs, maximisation of social benefits and the competitive edge which Europe requires to outpace other major world economies;
Amendment 19 #
2010/2245(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. SUrges the Commission, in drawing up the final version of the Single Market Act, to consider integrating a strategy for the creation of a sustainable Single Market based on Article 11 TFEU through the development of an inclusive, low-carbon, green, knowledge-based economy, including measures to step up R&D and innovation in cleaner technologies; strongly advocates an eco-innovation action plan centred on SMEs and micro- enterprises in urban and rural regions whereby they would employ young people;
Amendment 5 #
2010/2239(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Amendment 8 #
2010/2239(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Underlines that due to the different traditions and national set-up of pension systems the principles of subsidiarity hasand solidarity have to be respected.;
Amendment 9 #
2010/2239(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Believes that reforms in pension schemes should be carried out in a transparent manner and should guarantee that pension regimes are robust, sustainable, affordable and which adequately address the demographic and socio-economic challenges of the future.
Amendment 13 #
2010/2239(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. Reiterates the importance of the Stability and Growth Pact in order to ensure financial stability of Member States in order to secure safe pension schemes to protect future generations, especially in light of the financial and economic crisis;
Amendment 19 #
2010/2239(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Underlines the fact that stricter regulation and supervision as well as better management and governance of pension schemes are needed to ascertain that citizens' rights and interests are safeguarded, especially since the pensioners' sector is one of the most vulnerable in society, considering that a large percentage are highly dependent on their pension schemes for their livelihood.
Amendment 20 #
2010/2239(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Highlights the importance of the proper dissemination of information to citizens, by keeping them informed of their rights with regards to pension schemes especially those relating to cross- border activities and mobility;
Amendment 27 #
2010/2239(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Calls on Member States who have not already submitted concrete plans with clearly quantifiable and time-defined milestones and targets on how to strengthen their pension system through the introduction of a second and Third Pillar to treat this matter urgently to enable consumer and citizens to have a clear understanding of what their future pensions will consist of;
Amendment 3 #
2010/2234(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Is of the opinion that, in order to fully realise the EU 2020 flagship initiative "An Agenda for new skills and jobs", EU Institutions must agree on a pragmatic, comprehensive and wide-ranging deal supported by all Member States which should focus on connecting the areas of vocational education, professional qualifications, life-long learning and apprenticeship to the labour market so as to ensure that each Member State will truly take ownership of the EU education system;
Amendment 11 #
2010/2234(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 d (new)
Paragraph 3 d (new)
3d. Welcomes and fully supports the Commission's proposal to update the system for the recognition of professional qualifications; believes that a meaningful assessment of the social and economic impacts of the Professional Qualifications Directive in its present form should wholly feature in the Commission's review exercise of the Directive; holds the view that mutual recognition of professional qualifications across Member States must remain a top priority for the Commission;
Amendment 23 #
2010/2234(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Calls on all labour market players, including those from the professional sectors, businesses, trade unions, ministries and public employment services, to engage in a structured social dialogue on how to better guarantee professional integration of the young people, promote life-long learning and formal/informal training and ultimately develop an EU education system which is able to provide career security for EU citizens;
Amendment 16 #
2010/2206(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Considers that proper implementation of the Professional Qualifications Directive and the possibility of introducing a "professional card" could improve the mobility and employability of quality workers in this sector;
Amendment 17 #
2010/2206(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1 b. Maintains the proper implementation of the Services Directive would help to significantly reduce the legal, administrative, bureaucratic obstacles and bottlenecks being experienced by consumers and businesses in the tourism sector; in this respect, invites the Commission and Member States to ensure the effective application of the Services Directive which will greatly enhance the benefits to all stakeholders involved in this industry;
Amendment 18 #
2010/2206(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 c (new)
Paragraph 1 c (new)
1 c. Calls on the Commission to examine the impact that e-commerce and digital markets have on consumer behaviour within the European tourism industry and to review and update the Package Travel Directive, which should reflect the new developments brought about by the increased usage of the internet and e- commerce;
Amendment 19 #
2010/2206(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 d (new)
Paragraph 1 d (new)
1 d. Asks the Commission to step up its efforts to improve the quality and content of information being provided to tourists which should be easily accessible and reliable and which should include the pricing structures of the different components which make up the Travel Package;
Amendment 36 #
2010/2206(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Maintains that in principle, the initiative to have a consolidated "European Brand" is very positive, however we should ensure that the diversity of the cultural and natural heritage found in the various Member States would not be undermined;
Amendment 49 #
2010/2206(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Calls on the Commission to consider simplifying visa application procedures in particular for "groups of tourists", this without jeopardising in any way the security and customs aspects for third country nationals;
Amendment 57 #
2010/2206(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4 b. Calls on the Commission to support more environmentally-friendly projects and regional budget funding in tourism through different Community programmes and funds, taking into account the environmental and climate impacts on the tourism industry and the importance of preserving the natural and cultural heritage of the Member States;
Amendment 60 #
2010/2206(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 c (new)
Paragraph 4 c (new)
4 c. Urges the Commission to carry out extensive consultation with all the stakeholders in the tourism industry especially with consumers and operators on the enforcement of rights and compensation and furthermore to consider the adoption of one simplified uniform and comprehensive approach on the rights of tourists as consumers;
Amendment 7 #
2010/2109(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C b (new)
Recital C b (new)
Cb. whereas the business potential for cross-border online trade is failing to materialise sufficiently because of various obstacles, such as language barriers, insecurity in the system, inadequate and insufficient information, lack of administrative coordination and cooperation, which make consumers reluctant to purchase online from retailers in other Member States and retailers reluctant to sell online across borders,
Amendment 31 #
2010/2109(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Paragraph 8 b (new)
8b. Urges the Commission to improve the Single Market for retail on the basis of ‘ex ante’ and ‘ex post’ consultations with SMEs in the process of enacting any measures that could affect the competitiveness and employment levels of micro and small businesses in order to improve their economic, social and environmental performance;
Amendment 61 #
2010/2109(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 c (new)
Paragraph 14 c (new)
14c. Maintains that consumers are not being given the necessary information to make informed decisions about retail offers, especially in cross-border commerce; calls on the Commission to consolidate an easily accessible user- friendly mechanism containing data on the economic, social, ethical and environmental performance of retailers operating within the Single Market, so as to enable consumers to make better choices;
Amendment 65 #
2010/2109(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Considers that accessibility must be addressed in full respect of subsidiarity; underlines, however, that local planning must not circumvent the Services Directive and create hidden barriers to the establishment of retailers; in this regard, it is vital that local planning be geared to the objective of supplying quality services to citizens, with a special focus on practices designed to increase decent work;
Amendment 79 #
2010/2109(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 c (new)
Paragraph 17 c (new)
17c. Points out that improving working conditions, combating the informal economy and maintaining employment levels and competitiveness by better matching the needs of retailers to the skills of workers are among the main challenges in this sector;
Amendment 107 #
2010/2109(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Emphasises that the development of private labels should not affect consumer choice or the possibility for SMEs to expand, but should aim to improve the transparency and quality of information supplied to consumers;
Amendment 3 #
2010/2095(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Stresses the need that when formulating and implementing industrial policy within the EU there should be an automatic feature providing for the consideration of the conditions and destination for the disposal of industrial waste products, especially toxic waste products, in order to ensure that industrial waste does not become an environmental, economic or social burden on communities both within the EU and in third countries;
Amendment 29 #
2010/2089(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 – point 1 (new)
Paragraph 4 – point 1 (new)
(1) Urges the Commission to do its utmost to encourage Member States to offer reimbursement to patients and to do all that is essential to reduce the inequality in access to medication for the treatment of those conditions or illnesses such as post- menopausal osteoporosis and Alzheimer's Disease, which are not reimbursable in certain Member States, and to do so with urgency.
Amendment 30 #
2010/2089(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 – point 2 (new)
Paragraph 4 – point 2 (new)
(2) Maintains that the recent economic and financial crisis have accentuated wealth inequalities and brought about a new type of poverty; calls on each Member State to regularly update its list of conditions and illnesses for which reimbursement is given so as to reduce the inequality in the access to medication and meet the demands of the recent socio- economic changes that have taken place.
Amendment 3 #
2010/2080(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Welcomes the fact that the 2010 citizenship report will also deal with obstacles for citizens when trying to source goods and services across borders and propose how they can best be removed; recommends that the Commission conductswelcomes action being taken by the European Commission in response to the European Parliament Resolution of 20 May 2010 on "Delivering a Single Market to Consumers and Citizens" calling for an independent exercise to identify the top 20 single-market-related sources of dissatisfaction and frustration which citizens encounter every day;
Amendment 6 #
2010/2080(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Reiterates1 its invitation to the Commission to consider adopting a "Citizens" Charter" encompassing the various aspects of the right to live and work anywhere in the EU; stresses the need to ensure mutual recognition of official documents made by national administrations; [1] European Parliament resolution of 20 May 2010 on delivering a single market to consumers and citizens (2010/2011(INI))
Amendment 2 #
2010/2021(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Amendment 20 #
2010/2021(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 – first indent
Paragraph 10 – first indent
– consultations in the preparation and drawing-up of delegated acts, while ensuring the access for the rapporteur of the basic legislative act or any other designated person to the consultative meetings and other exchanges of information at the consultation stage, including at experts' level,
Amendment 21 #
2010/2012(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas the Monti report, "A new Strategy for the single market," notes that e-commerce together with innovative services and eco-industries holds the largest growth and employment dividends for the future and therefore represents a new frontier of the single market,
Amendment 25 #
2010/2012(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas e-commerce provides consumers with greater choice, especially for citizens in rural, remote and peripheral areas who may otherwise not have access to a wide choice of goods,
Amendment 51 #
2010/2012(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Welcomes the EU2020 Strategy's promotion of a knowledge-based economy and encourages the Commission to take swift action on increasing the speed of broadband services as well as streamlining the charges of such services throughout the Union, so as to better achieve a single market for e-Commerce.
Amendment 82 #
2010/2012(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensurebring an end to geographic discrimination against consumers based on their on or offline address by ensuring the effective implementation of Article 20(2) of the Services Directive, and calls on the Commission to propose a provision for access to products delivered cross-border, in line with that article of the directive;
Amendment 103 #
2010/2012(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Highlights that the completion of the single market for e-Commerce must not be limited to legislative measures and controls but, moreover must be accompanied by strengthening other areas of the internet, namely those of e- government and e-learning;
Amendment 139 #
2010/2012(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Welcomes the Commission's initiative comprising of an EU wide online strategy to ameliorate Alternative Dispute Resolution Systems, as well as a proposal for an EU-wide redress tool for e-Commerce and better access to justice online.
Amendment 166 #
2010/2012(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)
Paragraph 26 a (new)
26a. Calls on the Commission to convene a stakeholder dialogue with the USA to discuss ways in which to develop a trans- Atlantic E-commerce market;
Amendment 5 #
2010/2011(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the single market must not be seen in isolation from other horizontal policy areas, particularly health, consumer protection, environment, sustainable development and external policyies,
Amendment 62 #
2010/2011(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Maintains that revitalisation of the single market requires the introduction of more adequate checks and balances to guarantee citizens and consumers the necessary protection; considers that, greater evidence and analysis and more dialogue to guarantee that the needs of citizens and consumers are adequately being taken into account; considers that an evidence based and a citizen-based approach will help the Union to win back popular confidence in the single European market and to find the right formula for the adoption of initiatives to give the Union the competitive edge it needs, without prejudice to the social dimension;
Amendment 101 #
2010/2011(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Maintains that citizens are not being given the information they need on single market legislation and the availability and enforcement of their rights; highlights the fact that many of the relevant websites and the large number of information centres and "points of single contact"contact points remain disorganised and are failing to reach people effectively;
Amendment 137 #
2010/2011(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Contends that the Internal Market Scoreboards of July 2009 and March 2010and the Consumer Market Scoreboards reveal clearly that Member States are still failing to meet their objectives for transposing, applying and enforcing single market legislation correctly and that there is a delay of transposition of European laws, which is especially regrettable in the services sector;
Amendment 156 #
2010/2011(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 42
Paragraph 42
42. Calls on the Member States to ensure better coordination and exchange of best practices in the single market, particularly through strengthening of the "points of single contact"the internal market information system and training of single market and consumer protection specialists;
Amendment 175 #
2010/2011(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 46
Paragraph 46
46. Calls on the Member States, with the support of the Commission, to improve the capacity of problem-solving mechanisms, in particular SOLVIT, by allocating additional financial and human resources; calls on the Commission to complete the single market assistance services (SMAS) project as a matter of priority; and reviewing their mandate to ensure that such mechanisms can effectively address the wide scope of problems encountered by citizens and businesses; calls on the Commission to complete the single market assistance services (SMAS) project as a matter of priority, so that citizens and businesses obtain an easy access to the information and guidance they need, whilst finding solutions to problems they encounter;
Amendment 184 #
2010/2011(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 48
Paragraph 48
48. Encourages the Commission to bring forward a proposal for a single market legislative packageinitiate a "Single Market Act for Citizens", which should include a single market legislative package, as well as non-legislative initiatives by May 2011 – well ahead of the adoption of its announced 2012 single market programme – putting social policy and consumer protection at the centre of the single market to achieve the desired aim of a highly competitive social market economy, which would at the same time ensure a credible level playing field;
Amendment 44 #
2010/0373(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 22
Recital 22
(22) The Commission should be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 290 of the Treaty in respect of the update of the technical requirements for credit transfers and direct debits. It is of particular importance that the Commission carry out appropriate and transparent consultation during its preparatory work, including at expert level. The Commission, when preparing and drawing up delegated acts, should ensure a simultaneous, timely and appropriate transmission of relevant documents to the European Parliament and the Council.
Amendment 59 #
2010/0373(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 3
Article 13 – paragraph 3
3. The decision of revocation shall put an end to the delegation of the powers specified in that decision. It shall take effect immediatelyon the day following the publication of the decision in the Official Journal of the European Union or at a later date specified therein. It shall not affect the validity of the delegated acts already in force. It shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Union.
Amendment 60 #
2010/0373(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 1
Article 14 – paragraph 1
1. The European Parliament and the Council may object to the delegated act within a period of two months from the date of notification. At the initiative of the European Parliament or the Council this period shall be extended by onetwo months.
Amendment 61 #
2010/0373(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 2
Article 15 – paragraph 2
2. TEither the European Parliament andor the Council may within a period of six weeks from the date of notification object to the delegated act. In such a case, the act shall cease to be applicableobject to a delegated act in accordance with procedure referred to in Article 14 (1). In such a case, the Commission shall repeal the act without delay following the notification of the decision to object by the European Parliament or by the Council. The institution which objects shall state the reasons for objecting to the delegated act.
Amendment 25 #
2010/0363(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1
Recital 1
(1) It is important to ensure that consumers can have confidence in the integrity of electricity and gas markets and that prices set on wholesale energy markets reflect a fair interplay between supply and demandhat prices set on wholesale energy markets reflect a fair interplay between supply and demand to ensure that consumers pay a fair price for electricity and gas in the entire European Economic Area, which in long term would increase consumer confidence in the electricity and gas markets and would ensure affordable, accessible and available energy for all citizens.
Amendment 27 #
2010/0363(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) Energy markets are increasingly interlinked across the Union. Market abuse in one Member State affects both wholesale prices for electricity and gas across national borders and retail prices for consumers. Therefore the concern to ensure the integrity of markets cannot be a matter only for individual Member States. Therefore a strong cross-border market monitoring is essential for the completion of a fully functioning, interconnected and integrated internal energy market.
Amendment 30 #
2010/0363(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) Specification of the definitions of inside information and market manipulation is necessary to account for the specificities of wholesale energy markets, which are dynamic and subject to change. The Commission should be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 290 of the Treaty in respect to such detailed rules. It is of particular importance that the Commission carry out appropriate consultation during its preparatory work, including at expert level. The Commission, when preparing and drawing up delegated acts, should ensure a simultaneous, timely and appropriate transmission of relevant documents to the European Parliament and the Council.
Amendment 31 #
2010/0363(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) Efficient market monitoring is vital to detecting and deterring market abuse on wholesale energy markets. The Agency is best placed to carry out such monitoring as it has both a Union wide view of electricity and gas markets, and the necessary expertise in the operation of electricity and gas markets and systems in the Union. National regulatory authorities having an important understanding of developments on energy markets in their Member State should have an important role in ensuring efficient market monitoring. Therefore the concern to ensure proper monitoring and transparency of the energy market depends upon the close cooperation and enhanced coordination between various European Agencies and national authorities.
Amendment 33 #
2010/0363(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 15
Recital 15
(15) In order to ensure the necessary flexibility in collecting information on transactions in wholesale energy products, the Commission should be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 290 of the Treaty setting out the timing, form and content of the information which market participant are required to provide. Reporting obligations should not create unnecessary costs for market participants. Persons reporting transactions to a competent authority in accordance with the provisions of Directive 2004/39/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 April 2004 on markets in financial instruments16 , and to trade repositories and competent authorities in accordance with the provisions of Regulation ../.. of the European Parliament and the Council on OTC derivatives, central counterparties and trade repositories should therefore not be subject to additional reporting obligations under this Regulation. It is of particular importance that the Commission carry out appropriate consultation during its preparatory work, including at expert level. The Commission, when preparing and drawing up delegated acts, should ensure a simultaneous, timely and appropriate transmission of relevant documents to the European Parliament and the Council.
Amendment 38 #
2010/0363(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 23
Recital 23
(23) It is important that the penalties for breaches of this Regulation are proportionate and dissuasive, and reflect the gravity of the infringements and the potential gains from trading on the basis of inside information and market manipulation. Recognising the interactions between trading in electricity and gas derivative products and trading in actual electricity and gas, the penalties for breaches of this Regulation should be in line with the penalties adopted by the Member States in implementing Directive 2003/6/EC. In this connection, it is essential for the penalties to be substantially harmonised in all Member States so as to avoid regulatory arbitrage, that is to say conclusion of contracts in the country where there is the lowest risk of incurring penalties.
Amendment 58 #
2010/0363(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13
Article 13
The Member States shall lay down the rules on penalties applicable to infringements of the provisions of this Regulation and shall take all measures necessary to ensure that they are implemented. The penalties provided for must be effective, proportionate and , dissuasive and substantially harmonised in all the Member States. The Member States shall notify those provisions to the Commission by ... at the latest and shall notify it without delay of any subsequent amendment affecting them.
Amendment 61 #
2010/0363(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 3
Article 16 – paragraph 3
3. The decision of revocation shall put an end to the delegation of the powers specified in that decision. It shall take effect immediatelyon the day following the publication of the decision in the Official Journal of the European Union or at a later date specified therein. It shall not affect the validity of the delegated acts already in force. It shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Union.
Amendment 22 #
2010/0252(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 1
Recital 1
(1) Article 8a(3) of the Directive 2002/21/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 March 2002 on a common regulatory framework for electronic communications networks and services (Framework Directive)3 provides that the Commission may submit a legislative proposal to the European Parliament and Council for establishing multiannual radio spectrum policy programmes setting out policy orientations and objectives for the strategic planning and harmonisation of the use of spectrum in accordance with the directives applicable to electronic communications networks and services. These policy orientations and objectives should refer to the availability and efficient use of spectrum necessary for the establishment and functioning of the internal market. The radio spectrum policy programme is included among the 50 priority actions of the Single Market Act. This Decision is without prejudice to existing EU law, in particular Directives 1999/5/EC and Directives 2002/20/EC and 2002/21/EC, as well as Decision No 676/2002/EC. It is also without prejudice to measures taken at national level, in compliance with EU law, to pursue general interest objectives, in particular relating to content regulation and audio-visual policy and to the right of Member States to organise and use their spectrum for public order and public security purposes and defence. To this end, in support of the goals and key actions outlined in the EU2020 Strategy, the Digital Agenda, the Innovation Union and the Single Market Act Communication, the Commission should set the target date by which it will bring forward a legislative proposal for establishing a European Radio Spectrum Action Programme.
Amendment 26 #
2010/0252(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 2 a (new)
Recital 2 a (new)
(2a) A renewed economic and social approach with regards to the management, allocation and utilisation of the spectrum should be adopted, whereby particular focus is directed towards the formulation of regulation which ensures greater spectrum efficiency, better frequency planning and safeguards against anti-competitive behaviour and the taking of anti-social measures with regards to the usage of the spectrum.
Amendment 17 #
2010/0051(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14
Recital 14
(14) Decision 1999/468/EC should be repealed. IReferences in existing basic acts to the procedures provided for in that Decision should be adapted in the shortest possible time, and in any event no later than...*, to the new rules on delegated and implementing powers set out in Articles 290 and 291 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. Pending that adaptation, in order to ensure the transition between the regime provided for in Decision 1999/468/EC and this Regulation, any reference inthe procedures provided for in this Regulation should provisionally apply where existing legislation makes reference to the procedures provided for in that Decision should, with the exception of the regulatory procedure with scrutiny provided for in Article 5a thereof, be understood as a reference to the corresponding procedures provided for in this Regulation. The effects of Article 5a of Decision 1999/468/EC should be maintained for the purposes of existing basic acts which refer to that Article. which should continue to apply provisionally. _____________ * Two years from the entry into force of this Regulation.
Amendment 21 #
2010/0051(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 1
Article 9 – paragraph 1
Decision 1999/468/EC shall be repealed. The with effects of Article 5a of the repealed Decision shall be maintained for the purposes of existing basic acts making reference thereto. from...*. _____________ * Two years from the entry into force of this Regulation.
Amendment 23 #
2010/0051(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 a (new)
Article 9 a (new)
Article 9a Adaptation of existing acts 9a. By...*, the Commission shall review the basic acts adopted before the entry into force of this Regulation with a view to adapting such acts to the new rules on delegated and implementing powers set out in Articles 290 and 291 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. The Commission shall regularly report to the European Parliament and to the Council on the progress of that review. Where appropriate, such reports shall be accompanied by any appropriate legislative proposal. _____________ * Two years from the entry into force of this Regulation.
Amendment 24 #
2010/0051(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10
Article 10
Amendment 6 #
2009/2222(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Reiterates the fact that SSGI are constantly evolving in response to new economic, social, institutional and technological developments; calls on the Commission and the Member States to continue the process of modernising the infrastructure, the organisation and the financing of services of general interest in light of constant changes in the internal market and the essential needs of European citizens;
Amendment 14 #
2009/2222(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Calls on the Commission to continue its efforts to identify the specific characteristics of social services of general interest and to find a common accepted definition of services of general interest, while fully respecting the responsibilities of the member States and taking into account the distinctive and individual ways in which these services are tailored across Europe;
Amendment 19 #
2009/2222(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Believes that a high quality of social services is essential to achieve the fundamental objectives of the European Union, therefore calls on the Commission to develop a framework which would serve as minimum guidelines for high quality standards, accessibility and affordability of social services for the benefit of all European citizens;
Amendment 28 #
2009/2222(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Stresses the need to further analyse the relationship between the application of Community law in the area of internal market, competition, state aid and public procurement and social services of general interest in view of the social aims of the European Union; Believes that reform of procurement and state-aid rules is needed in order to introduce social quality criteria, which do not undermine the legitimate social and economic objectives of the Member States and of the Union;
Amendment 29 #
2009/2222(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4b. Welcomes the Commission's initiative to improve transparency and awareness in the field of state aid, public procurement, public-private partnership and concession by developing communication tools in the field of social services; However, a number of issues are still pending and rules need to be adapted accordingly to the needs of local authorities and small providers, therefore the Commission should continue to provide a clear legal foundation and information on the application of EU rules, with the aim that services of general interest are capable of fulfilling their mission and contribute to a better quality of life for European citizens;
Amendment 2 #
2009/2138(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas there needs to be a marked improvement on the part of the Commission and the Member States to raise awareness of the opportunities that the internal market offers many opportunities for citizens and businesses,
Amendment 10 #
2009/2138(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Amendment 14 #
2009/2138(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Notes that SOLVIT centres are understaffed and that there should be more training for staff employed by SOLVIT;
Amendment 27 #
2009/2138(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Calls on each Member State to promote SOLVIT as an alternative dispute resolution mechanism, in the form of a nation-wide information campaign;
Amendment 33 #
2009/2138(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Calls upon Member States to increase staffing of SOLVIT centres using the European Social Fund to build up the administrative capacity in respective government ministries proportional to that country's population and the number of questions dealt with previously;
Amendment 4 #
2008/2026(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Stresses once again the importance of continuous parliamentary monitoring of the implementation of budgetary decisions, which is the base for the establishment of the annual budget; is convinced that direct parliamentary control can only contribute to the improvement of the quality of spending, to a more direct control of sound financial management and eventually to a re- focusing of financial support to political priorities; believes that this objective can be reached only with the full involvement of the two budgetary committees and specialised committees; asks the Conference of Committee Chairs to make concrete proposals to set up specialised monitoring groups on areas of major interest, allowing these monitoring groups the use of budgetary expertise;
Amendment 258 #
2008/0196(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 11 l (new)
Recital 11 l (new)
(11l) This Directive shall be without prejudice to the application of the provisions of the Member States relating to the acquisition of immovable property and guarantees relating to immovable property or the formation or transfer of rights in rem in immovable property. This includes agreements connected with such legal acts, such as sales of immovable property still to be developed and hire- purchase.
Amendment 423 #
2008/0196(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 3
(3) "sales contract" means any contract for the sale of goods and services by the trader to the consumer including any mixed- purpose contract having as its object both goods and services;
Amendment 538 #
2008/0196(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. This Directive shall be without prejudice to the application of the provisions of the Member States relating to the formation, acquisition or conveyancing of rights in rem in immovable property or guarantees in rem in immovable property.
Amendment 540 #
Amendment 545 #
2008/0196(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 1 and paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 1 and paragraph 1 a (new)
1. Member States may not maintain or introduce, in their national laws, provisions diverging from those laid down in this Directive, including more or less stringent provisions to ensure a different level of as long as they guarantee a higher degree of consumer protection. 1a. The rights resulting from this Directive shall be exercised without prejudice to the provisions of another Community act governing consumer protection.
Amendment 1035 #
2008/0196(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 20 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 20 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) for the sale of immovable property or relating to other immovable property rights, except for rental anor in connection with the sale or acquisition of immovable property or the formation or transfer of rights in rem or contracts in the context of a sale of immovable property or the formation or transfer of rights in rem. This includes, in particular agreements connected with such legal acts, such as sales of immovable property still to be developed works relating to hire-purchase. This Directive shall however apply to contracts for mere rental of immovable property or mere works on immovable property;