135 Amendments of Maria MATSOUKA
Amendment 3 #
2008/2212(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Recognises demand growth as a cause of recent oil price volatility; lLaments the continuing use of subsidies in third countries because of their negative long- term effects on public finances and consumers;
Amendment 5 #
2008/2212(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Emphasises that limited capacity for the expansion of new supplies, the increase in demand and extraneous factors such as the weak dollar and the turmoil in financial markets have also contributed to oil price volatility;
Amendment 15 #
2008/2212(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
Amendment 1 #
2008/2173(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Urges parents and schools however to encourage juveniles and in particular young children to exercise moderation regarding their use of video games, to give high priority to developing their social skills and to encourage them to engage in other leisure, educational and constructive activities which do not require them to isolate themselves in front of a screen;
Amendment 3 #
2008/2173(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
Amendment 5 #
2008/2173(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10α. Notes that, according to expert opinion, long-term exposure of juveniles to scenes of brutality such as those depicted in violent video games could under certain circumstances result in violent behaviour and cause viewers to become inured to scenes of violence with unpredictable consequences;
Amendment 7 #
2008/2173(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Emphasises that addiction is a problem for somemay adversely affect the psychological balance of gamers; calls on the whole industry, retailers and parentother parties to take steps to avoid any such negative effects; urges parents in particular to be vigilant, maintaining constant communication with their children, discussing with them the video games they are purchasing or downloading from internet and generally keeping as effective a watch as possible on the quality of game content and the time devoted to it;
Amendment 10 #
2008/2173(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20α. Calls for a regular exchange of experience and information by all parties concerned with a view to developing best practices regarding video games;
Amendment 12 #
2008/2173(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Underlines that currently not all Member States have rules to ensure that retailers restrict the sale of violent games to adults; takes the view that a common approach toretailers should be severely sanctionsed for retailers would be beneficialselling video games whose content is unsuitable for the age of the purchaser; therefore calls on the Member States to put in place adequate measures to prevent children buying games which are rated for a higher age level, for example through an identity check;
Amendment 4 #
2008/2154(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Calls on the Commission, with a view to a greater degree of legal certainty and increased consumer protection, to consider proposing the establishment of common rules and mechanisms guaranteeing access to full compensation for any individual suffering damage as a result of a breach of competition law;
Amendment 8 #
2008/2154(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Considers representative actions brought by qualified entities as a necessary mechanism, especially in the case of many persons with small claims, for ensuring the compensation of all identifiable victims without prejudice to their right to pursue any personal claims for redress;
Amendment 18 #
2008/2154(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Considers that the Commission should encourage arrangements for settlement out of court, with a view to speeding up arbitration proceedings and cutting costs;
Amendment 22 #
2008/2154(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Considers that, once aRecommends that the principle of objective responsibility of the perpetrator for breach of Article 81 or 82 of the EC Treaty has beenbe established, the fault requirement, generates difficulties for victims and prevents them from obtaining due compensation for the damage sufferedreby making it compulsory to compensate the victim without the need to provide proof of wrongdoing;
Amendment 1 #
2008/2115(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A
Recital A
Α. whereas health care systems are an essential element of the European Social Model and make a major contribution to social justice, solidarity and social cohesion when they can guarantee equal access and treatment for all patients,
Amendment 10 #
2008/2115(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas good health and a high level of health protection have a positive effect on citizens' welfare and encourage higher productivity and better competitivenesson growth,
Amendment 17 #
2008/2115(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Εa. whereas effective protection of health and safety at work can prevent industrial accidents, restrict the emergence of occupational diseases, and reduce the number of people permanently disabled for work-related reasons,
Amendment 18 #
2008/2115(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital E b (new)
Recital E b (new)
Εb. whereas the causes of psychosomatic diseases include unemployment, poverty and job insecurity; whereas, therefore, the health strategy should be closely aligned with the Lisbon Strategy for more and better jobs,
Amendment 24 #
2008/2115(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital H
Recital H
Η. whereas in many Member States the increasing demand for services in the health-care sector is creating an urgent need to take active steps to recruit and retain health-care professionals, and to set the harmonisation and mutual recognition of insurance schemes as a long-term objective,
Amendment 48 #
2008/2115(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Considers that it is important, with a view to setting up an appropriate health care protection network against potential risks at work, to heighten awareness and draw up a list of the sources of risk in the workplace and to define the difference between the technical, psychological, sociological, economic and cultural aspects of work-related risks;
Amendment 49 #
2008/2115(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Calls for an inventory of industrial accidents and occupational diseases in each Member State and the development of a strategic action plan for health and the improvement of safety at work;
Amendment 24 #
2008/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Considers that the EU needs to mainstream the concept of labour mobility in all Community policies, especially those concerning completing the internal market, justice and home affairs and company law, combating all forms of discrimination; calls on the Commission to treat labour mobility as a transversal policy, involving all relevant EU policy areas and all levels of authority;
Amendment 37 #
2008/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Considers that greater labour mobility can play a key role in promoting the growth and employment objectives of the Lisbon strategy; believes that an expanded and Europe-wide mobile workforce if combined with safeguarding workers' social security and trade union freedoms ; believes that an expanded and Europe-wide mobile workforce, in combination with improved working conditions, education programmes and social protection schemes, can constitute a response to such current developments as economic globalisation, an ageing population and rapid workplace change;
Amendment 42 #
2008/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. ReiterateConsiders that labour mobility is a key instrument for the efficient working of the internal market, via the objectives of the Lisbon strategy and the principles adopted on 'flexicurity'; calls, therefore, on the Member States to take appropriate measures to emphasise workers' security;
Amendment 51 #
2008/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Stresses that the mobility of workers, particularly those from the new Member States, should not be construed by some employers as an opportunity to reduce wages, cut back social security or, in general, to downgrade working conditions; urges the Member States to take appropriate measures not only to eliminate all forms of discrimination but also to ensure the best possible conditions for the activities of migrant workers and their families; ·
Amendment 74 #
2008/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
Amendment 7 #
2008/2047(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital D
Recital D
D. Whereas the Flexicurity Strategy raises expectations for a better reconciliation of the professional and private life of women and men; whereas not all Member States will attain the Barcelona targets by 2010; whereas care facilities for dependent family members other than children are not yet incorporated in policy strategies,
Amendment 15 #
2008/2047(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Calls on the Commission and Member States to improvetake the necessary measures to implement gender mainstreaming in all employment and social security policies and, in particular in the Flexicurity Strategygeneral, to combat all forms of discrimination, including in the Flexicurity Strategy which, owing to a lack of relevant infrastructure in most Member States or a narrow interpretation of the strategy, could result either in a worse situation for women or a levelling down in terms of equality between men and women;
Amendment 19 #
2008/2047(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Points out that, despite the relative quantitative progress made in women's employment, data reported by the Commission show that the average European disparity in the rates of employment between men and women remains high (14.4%), while being much higher for the over 55 age-group (17.8%), in some Member States the disparity being more than 30%;
Amendment 31 #
2008/2047(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Stresses that work-family balance is directly linked to job and income security together with working conditions, particularly in the case of women;
Amendment 59 #
2008/2047(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 i (new)
Paragraph 6 i (new)
6i. Stresses that the re-establishment of equal treatment of men and women in regard to retirement age should be based on the more favourable arrangement principle whereby equality can be guaranteed by extending the more favourable arrangements to the group in the less favourable position;
Amendment 2 #
2008/2035(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes that cases of undeclared work are increasing while there is free movement of workers in the internal market; considers that this is harmful to workers, public finances and the smooth operation of the internal market, given that it leads to social dumping and distortion of competition;
Amendment 4 #
2008/2035(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Urgently calls on the Member States to give up as soon as possible the transitional arrangements limiting the mobility of workers from the new Member States, as these restrictions are encouraging undeclared work, and to deal with the problem of illegal immigration in a spirit of social justice, given that illegal immigrants and women from third countries are the primary victims of undeclared work;
Amendment 5 #
2008/2035(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Amendment 9 #
2008/2035(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
Amendment 13 #
2008/2035(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas uninsured labour leads to unfair competition between insured and uninsured workers, resulting in further erosion of workers' rights,
Amendment 14 #
2008/2035(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Stresses the importance of providing incentives for employers and workers to convert undeclared work into legal employment and imposing large fines on companies which continue to employ undeclared workers;
Amendment 17 #
2008/2035(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas undeclared work is further encouraged by high levels of unemployment, poverty and temporary and precarious employment, given that in such a climate workers are forced to relinquish any insurance or other entitlements,
Amendment 27 #
2008/2035(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H a (new)
Recital H a (new)
Ha. whereas undeclared work is depriving insurance funds of valuable sources of revenue,
Amendment 72 #
2008/2035(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
20a. Calls on the Member States to introduce severe penalties for employers who, notwithstanding any incentives offered, continue to make use of undeclared labour;
Amendment 118 #
2008/2035(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Paragraph 23 a (new)
23α. Calls on the Member States to introduce more stringent inspection procedures and tighter checks, these having become laxer in a number of countries;·
Amendment 125 #
2008/2035(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)
Paragraph 26 a (new)
26α. Favours a stronger response to uninsured labour and measures to encourage cooperation and exchanges of views and best practices by European trade unions;
Amendment 3 #
2008/2004(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Takes the view that an effectively functioning internal market in services is important for the global competitiveness of EU enterprises; stresses that the timely and correct implementation and transposition of Community legislation, including Directive 2006/123/EC on services in the internal market1, is important to this end;
Amendment 4 #
2008/2004(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Believes an ambitious balanced enterprise policy, in particular the European Small Business Act, could reinforce the competitiveness of SMEs; calls for the forthcoming initiative to cover also the needs of the service sector and favours a legislative instrument;
Amendment 7 #
2008/2004(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Notes that the lack of skilled workers is an emerging challenge for the service sector in Europe and that there is a need to develop measures to tackle this, inter alia by way of simplifying procedures relating to the granting of work permits; strongly encourage Member States to promote flexicurity principles, as outlined in Parliament's resolution on common principles of Flexicurity of 15 November 2007lifelong education and training for workers;
Amendment 8 #
2008/2004(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Amendment 10 #
2008/2004(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Welcomes the Commissions' emphasis on ensuring that the positive effects of globalisation are passed on to consumers; stresses that, in combination with a high level of consumer protection, fair competition in services is crucial to ensure that consumers benefit from the European open market.
Amendment 11 #
2008/2004(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Stresses the need for a Community framework directive on public services which takes account of the particular nature of public services and ensures the protection thereof for the benefit of all European citizens.
Amendment 141 #
2008/0018(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 − subparagraph 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1 − subparagraph 1
1. This Directive lays down rules on the safety, and the free movement in the Community, of products designed or intended, whether or not exclusively, for use in play by children under 14 years of age, hereinafter "toys", in accordance with the precautionary principle.
Amendment 145 #
2008/0018(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – point 13
Article 2 – point 13
(13) “harm” means the physical injury or damage to health;, including the long-term effects on health.
Amendment 176 #
2008/0018(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 9 – paragraph 1
Article 9 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall take all measures necessary to ensure that toys may not be placed on the market unless they comply with the essential safety requirements set out, as far as the general safety requirement is concerned, in paragraph 2, and, as far as the particular safety requirements are concerned, in Annex II. Member States shall duly take account of the precautionary principle.
Amendment 178 #
2008/0018(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 9 – paragraph 2
Article 9 – paragraph 2
2. Toys shall not jeopardize the safety or health of users or third parties when they are used as intended or in a foreseeable way, bearing in mind behaviour of children. The ability of the users and where appropriate their supervisors shall be taken into account, in particular, in the case of toys which, by virtue of their functions, dimensions and characteristics, are intended for use by children of under 360 months. Labels on toys and/or on their packaging and the instructions for use which accompany them shall draw the attention of users or their supervisors to the inherent hazards and risks of harms involved in using the toys and to the ways of avoiding them.
Amendment 191 #
2008/0018(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 10 – paragraph 2 − subparagraph 2
Article 10 – paragraph 2 − subparagraph 2
Warnings specifying the minimum and maximum ages for users shall be visible, legible and conspicuously displayed on the toys' packaging and at the point of sale.
Amendment 194 #
2008/0018(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 10 – paragraph 2 - subparagraph 2 a (new)
Article 10 – paragraph 2 - subparagraph 2 a (new)
Warnings which are useful for selecting a safe toy for the intended use or user shall be conspicuously displayed on the toy and/or its packaging so that consumers can read the information before purchasing.
Amendment 195 #
2008/0018(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 10 – paragraph 2 - subparagraph 2 b (new)
Article 10 – paragraph 2 - subparagraph 2 b (new)
Warnings which consumers must bear in mind every time the toy is used or for a considerable time after the toy is purchased in order to avoid unsafe or incorrect use thereof shall be permanently affixed to both the toy and its packaging.
Amendment 211 #
2008/0018(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 17
Article 17
Manufacturers shall, before placing a toy on the market, carry out an analysis of the chemical, physical, mechanical, electrical, flammability, hygiene and radioactivity hazards that the toy may present and an assessment of the potential exposure to them. The lack of a history of accidents shall not automatically be considered as evidence of low risk.
Amendment 219 #
2008/0018(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 18 - paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 18 - paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. The products listed in Annex I, Section II, shall be submitted for EC-type- examination.
Amendment 223 #
2008/0018(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 45 - paragraph 1 - subparagraph 1 - point -a) (new)
Article 45 - paragraph 1 - subparagraph 1 - point -a) (new)
-a) Annex I
Amendment 234 #
2008/0018(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 45 - paragraph 2
Article 45 - paragraph 2
Amendment 250 #
2008/0018(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex I – title
Annex I – title
Ι. LIST OF PRODUCTS THAT, IN PARTICULAR, ARE NOT CONSIDERED AS TOYS WITHIN THE MEANING OF THIS DIRECTIVE (ARTICLE 2 (1))
Amendment 255 #
2008/0018(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex I – Part I a (new)
Annex I – Part I a (new)
Ιa. LIST OF TOYS TO BE SUBMITTED FOR EC-TYPE-EXAMINATION 1. Toys intended for children under 3 years. 2. Toys which cannot be designed in a manner which eliminates all risks. 3. Toys which, when not functioning, may have serious effects on the child's health. 4. Toys which have caused serious accidents in the past. The Commission shall draw up a list of the relevant toys for each category in accordance with the regulatory procedure with scrutiny referred to in Article 46 (2).
Amendment 258 #
2008/0018(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex II – Part I – point 4 – subparagraph 2
Annex II – Part I – point 4 – subparagraph 2
The packaging in which toys are contained for retail sale must not present risk of strangulation or asphyxiation caused by airway obstruction internal and external to the mouth and nose.
Amendment 265 #
2008/0018(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex II – Part I – point 4 – paragraph 3
Annex II – Part I – point 4 – paragraph 3
Toys, which are clearly intended for use by children under 36 months, and their component parts and any of their detachable parts must be of such dimensions as to prevent their being swallowed and/or inhaled. This also applies to other toys which are intended to be put in the mouth, to toys which will function better if the toy is moistened with saliva, and to their component parts and any of their detachable parts.
Amendment 271 #
2008/0018(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex II – Part I – point 4 – subparagraph 4
Annex II – Part I – point 4 – subparagraph 4
Toys contained within food or co-mingled with a food must have their own packaging. This packaging, in its supplied condition, must be of such dimensions as to prevent it being swallowed and/or inhaled and must not present any other risk of suffocation, strangulation, external or internal airway obstruction or asphyxiation.
Amendment 278 #
2008/0018(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex II – Part I – point 4 – subparagraph 5
Annex II – Part I – point 4 – subparagraph 5
Toys firmly attached toin a food product at the moment of consumption, in such a way that the food product needs to be cut up or consumed in order to get direct access to the toy, shall be prohibited.
Amendment 283 #
2008/0018(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex II – Part I – point 4 – subparagraph 5 a (new)
Annex II – Part I – point 4 – subparagraph 5 a (new)
Toys in food must be distinguishable from the food by colour, shape and size.
Amendment 284 #
2008/0018(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex II – Part I – point 4 – subparagraph 5 b (new)
Annex II – Part I – point 4 – subparagraph 5 b (new)
Warnings on food which contains toys must not be deformed, particularly folded or creased, or be easily deformed.
Amendment 285 #
2008/0018(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex II – Part I – point 4 – subparagraph 5 c (new)
Annex II – Part I – point 4 – subparagraph 5 c (new)
Parts of toys attached to food which does not need to be consumed to gain access to the toy must be of such dimensions as to prevent them from being swallowed or inhaled or from obstructing internal airways.
Amendment 286 #
2008/0018(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex II – Part I – point 4 – subparagraph 5 d (new)
Annex II – Part I – point 4 – subparagraph 5 d (new)
The hazard inherent in toys in food shall be assessed on the basis of the precautionary principle.
Amendment 287 #
2008/0018(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex II – Part I – point 7 – subparagraph 2a
Annex II – Part I – point 7 – subparagraph 2a
The Commission may lay down the maximum design speed of electrically driven ride-on toys in accordance with the regulatory procedure with scrutiny referred to in Article 46 (2).
Amendment 293 #
2008/0018(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex II – Part I – point 10
Annex II – Part I – point 10
10. Toys which are designed to emit a sound should be so designed and constructed so that the sound from them is not able to impair children’s hearing. The Commission may lay down a limit value for such toys in accordance with the regulatory procedure with scrutiny referred to in Article 46 (2).
Amendment 351 #
2008/0018(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex II – Part III – point 8 a (new)
Annex II – Part III – point 8 a (new)
8a) Specific requirements shall be adopted for toys or toy parts that are designed to be placed in the mouth, regardless of the age group for which the toy is intended, based upon the packaging requirements for food as laid down in Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 October 2004 on materials and articles intended to come into contact with food and the related specific measures for particular materials. These requirements shall be adopted on the basis of the opinion of the competent scientific committee and by decision pursuant to Article 45, paragraph 2, taking account of the differences between toys and materials which come into contact with food.
Amendment 362 #
2008/0018(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex IV - paragraph 1 - point a
Annex IV - paragraph 1 - point a
The technical documentation referred to in Article 20 shall contain, in particular, so far as relevant for assessment: a) a detailed description of the design and manufacture, including a list of components and materials used in toys as well as the safety data sheets on chemicals used to be obtained from chemical suppliers;detailed information concerning the chemical composition of the toy or the substances used in manufacturing the toy and the quantity of each substance used in the toy or parts of the toy.
Amendment 372 #
2008/0018(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex V - Part B - Point 7
Annex V - Part B - Point 7
7. Toys contained in food or co-mingled with food shall contain the warning: “Adult supervision recommended”. Food containing toys should be marked as follows, regardless of the age of the child: "Warning: contains toy", or, where the toy is contained in hazardous packaging: "Warning: contains toy in packaging which may present a risk of asphyxiation. Remove packaging before giving toy to child".
Amendment 1 #
2007/2290(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Title
Title
on the future of social security systems and pensions: and their financing and the trend towards individualisation
Amendment 2 #
2007/2290(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 5
Citation 5
- having regard to the UN Convention concerning MinimumInternational Labour Convention (ILC) 102/1952 of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) concerning Standards of Social Security 1952,
Amendment 3 #
2007/2290(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 5 a (new)
Citation 5 a (new)
- having regard to certain additional basic international labour conventions on social security such as: ILC 103/1952 (concerning maternity protection), ILC 117/1962 (concerning Basic Aims and Standards of Social Policy), ILC 118/1962 (concerning equality of treatment), ILC 128/1967 (concerning invalidity, Old-Age and Survivors' Benefits), ILC 130/1969 (concerning Medical Care and Sickness Benefits) and ILC 183/2000 (concerning Maternity Protection),
Amendment 4 #
2007/2290(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 5 b (new)
Citation 5 b (new)
- having regard to the results of the 95th Convention of the International Labour Organisation – Changing Patterns in the World of Labour, Report 1C, ILO – Geneva 2006,
Amendment 5 #
2007/2290(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital - A a (new)
Recital - A a (new)
- Aa. whereas the development of the operation and funding of social security systems is a particularly important and also a complex matter, since it is linked with a number of different issues, namely economic (development, productivity), social (labour relations, solidarity), political, cultural, demographic and legal issues,
Amendment 6 #
2007/2290(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital - A b (new)
Recital - A b (new)
-Ab. whereas social security means a financial and social institution which: • is established, operated, managed and funded (usually partly) by the state and also collectively through contributions or contributions and taxes paid by insured persons, • is characterised by its mandatory nature, the adequacy of its services and its universality, • highlights the element of social solidarity, • covers the nine (9) branches of International Labour Convention (ILC) 102/1952 and seeks to protect employment (insurance against unemployment), income (pension) and ability to work (health insurance),
Amendment 9 #
2007/2290(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas, due to lower proportions of unemployed people, unemployment benefit spending will fall by about 0,6 percentage points of GDP by 2050, a decrease that is very modest and will not compensate higher expenditure in other sectobe able to be compensated by the corresponding contributions of employees owing to the extension of precarious jobs and the increase in the number of poor workers,
Amendment 10 #
2007/2290(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas the funding of social security systems is directly and decisively linked to labour relations at various levels, like (a) unemployment and the extension of the 'quantity' and 'quality' of jobs, (b) the proportion of persons of working age in the workforce, (c) the structure and duration of work, i.e. two factors which may have adverse consequences for the health and safety of workers and (d) an extension of uninsured, 'black' work,
Amendment 11 #
2007/2290(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C b (new)
Recital C b (new)
Cb. whereas the adverse impact on the operation of the funding of (public) pensions may be mitigated or even completely averted through the creation of favourable conditions in the labour market (stable employment, decent incomes and a reduction in unemployment),
Amendment 12 #
2007/2290(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas the term social security does not mean the relationship between spending and revenue but is rather a social contract, a relationship between rights and obligations both for citizens and for the state and should be treated as such; whereas, under no circumstances should the budgetary character of social security, however, be undermined,
Amendment 13 #
2007/2290(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas each government should have two basic objectives in respect of social security: firstly to satisfy social needs through the social security system, and secondly, to ensure the financial viability of the system. In any case care must be taken to ensure that the insurance system is constantly adjusted and is able to finance both old needs and the new needs that arise,
Amendment 16 #
2007/2290(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E b (new)
Recital E b (new)
Eb. whereas most academic studies agree that universal cover social security systems (first pillar) continue to be better placed to meet the challenges of post- industrial society and the new social risks,
Amendment 17 #
2007/2290(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E c (new)
Recital E c (new)
Ec. whereas employers' social security contributions do not constitute additional 'labour costs' but are rather an investment, since they contribute to boosting productivity and for this reason it is the countries with high social spending that are the most competitive,
Amendment 18 #
2007/2290(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph - 1 (new)
Paragraph - 1 (new)
Amendment 19 #
2007/2290(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph - 1 a (new)
Paragraph - 1 a (new)
- 1a. Takes the view that the basic objective of any changes in the social security systems should be to: (a) cover all the social needs of all citizens, (b) highlight social justice, and (c) promote the effectiveness of social actions;
Amendment 20 #
2007/2290(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph - 1 b (new)
Paragraph - 1 b (new)
-1b. Takes the view that the basic principles on which any new social security system is to be based must promote: (a) the possibility of redistribution, (b) inter-generational solidarity and (c) solidarity between social groups;
Amendment 21 #
2007/2290(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Urges the Member States, in the light of the Lisbon strategy and the need for actionll social needs to be covered to keep the social security and pensions systems sustainable, to make more progress in shifting from abalancing social expenditure to aand social activation outlook and to attract and retain more people in quality employment, increase labour supply, modernise social protection systems and increase investment in human capital through better education and training;
Amendment 31 #
2007/2290(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Highlights, in the context of current demographic, economic and social trends and the prevention of inter-generational and inter-societal conflicts, the importance of finding new models for the distribution of costs and benefits among what will be a smaller economically active and a larger economically inactive population in an efficient and equitable mannerthe role which governments should play since, on the one hand, they must promote policies to support the financial viability of the system while, on the other, they must ensure that all social needs are covered;
Amendment 37 #
2007/2290(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Recalls that the core of European social models is solidarity between economically active and economically inactive peoplethe generations and the social groups, primarily financed by work-related earnings, such as social security contributions or labour taxation; nevertheless points out that the ageing population will put serious pressure on the active work force; stresses that this could jeopardise solidarity and as a consequence European social modelcontributions of workers and employers or taxation, or contributions and taxation (ILC 102/1952, Article 71, paragraph 1); nevertheless points out that the ageing population will put serious pressure on the active work force unless suitable measures are taken to address the low birth rate which is to a great extent associated with the lack of security in recent labour relations; stresses the significant importance, therefore, of rethmaintainking solidarity, including finding a new, fair funding balance accordance with the framework established by ILC 102/1952 and the other relevant ILCs;
Amendment 42 #
2007/2290(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Points to the ongoing development offact that the trend towards individualisation, which should be accompanied by more strenuous efforts to individualise social rights in order to enable people, especially women, to become more independentnot call into question the first pillar of social security but should be combined both with the second and, above all, with the third pillar in order to enable those people who so wish, especially women, to acquire greater opportunities for choice;
Amendment 46 #
2007/2290(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Believes that a decreasing work force will, if the present situation continues, lead to a decrease in the total number of hours worked; considers that it may be necessary to compensate this development by increasing the hours worked by the remaining workers or, however, that this situation is offset through the productivity resulting from the technological revolution, and, furthermore, that it could also be addressed by reducing the number of people who work part-time;
Amendment 57 #
2007/2290(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Considers that it might bensofar as it is necessary for people to work past the age 65, remaining as long as possible in the labour force; stresses the need to discuss raising the legal retirement agethis should occur only subject to the agreement of the social partners, for a period of two years, in respect of jobs which do not make particular physical or mental demands and on financially attractive terms;
Amendment 74 #
2007/2290(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Draws attention to the existing discrimination against vulnerable groups in the labour market, which leads to lower employment rates and lower wages and therefore fewer opportunities for those groups to built up adequate pensionsstablishment of adequate pension rights for all workers a in the spirit of social solidarity and in accordance with the framework established by ILC 102/1952, especially for the most vulnerable groups in the labour market; insists on the need to provide equal opportunities for all;
Amendment 82 #
2007/2290(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Recognises that increasing public spending on pensions could be reduced by a partial switch to privately funded schemes; emphasises that a stronger focus on privately funded pensions would increase the need for appropriate regulation of private pension funde key role played by the first pillar of social security which determines the rigid character of public social spending; emphasises, however, the need for the existence and modernisation of the second and third pillars;
Amendment 101 #
2007/2290(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Stresses the need for the Member States to preserve adequate levels of funding for social security and pensions systems, the need to for them to find alternative and robust tax bases (such as the particularly high profits of undertakings, especially those that do not contribute to increasing the number of ‘quality’ jobs) in face of increased competition brought about by globalisation; warns of the possible reduction of tax revenue caused by flat tax rates, given the fact that they are strictly related to the total number of people in the labour force; stresses the importance of reducing reliance on labour taxation in order to increase the competitiveness of Member States’ economies and provide more work incentives; recognises the complexity involved in shifting to a more capital taxation, given the smaller capital tax base and greater mobility of capital; suggests that increasing the use of environmental taxes and greater reliance on consumption as tax base be considered, and thus the need for greater progressiveness, which would reduce the pressure on lower incomes; insists that employers’ social security contributions do not constitute additional ‘labour costs’ but are rather an investment, in the sense that they help boost productivity, which is why countries with high social spending are the most competitive;
Amendment 104 #
2007/2290(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Asserts that the repression of contribution evasion, the modernisation of the way in which pension funds operate, insurance for immigrants, measures to avoid the involvement of funds in high-risk bonds, an increase in the proportion f stable jobs (i.e. the proportion of people of working age forming part of the workforce) and the assumption for financial liabilities by the state – that all these measures may have positive financial effects in the short and medium terms. In the long term, every choice for funding social security systems must be made on the basis of ILC/102/52 and be based on the fundamental philosophy of the system, namely that social security must deal on terms of equality with all members of society, since it is essentially an institution for the social operation of the state in a universal and uniform manner for the benefit of all citizens;
Amendment 108 #
2007/2290(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Insists on the importance of preserving the values and principles underpinning all health care systems of the European Union, which comprise universal coverage, solidarity in financing, equity of access and the provision of high quality health care, notwithstanding the need for rational consumption of scarce resources;
Amendment 114 #
2007/2290(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Observes that public funding of health care contributes to efficiency and fairness by providing social protection against financial risk and by not linking payments to the risk of ill health, whereas, in contrast, private contribution mechanisms involve limited or no pooling of risks and usually link payments to the risk of ill health and ability to pay;
Amendment 1 #
2007/2287(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Underlines that, while calling for EU legislation on retail financial services to always aim for the highest standards of consumer protection, and discourage speculative trends in a specific sector all market operators - including consumers/investors - need to be fully aware of the basic financial market principle that any higher return opportunity is reflected by a higher risk, and that risk is an indispensable element of any functioning financial market;
Amendment 6 #
2007/2287(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Recognises that internet and e-banking have become key instruments for consumers wishing to undertake cross- border retail financial activities, calling therefore upon all stakeholders to promote the development of such services, ensuring at the same time the security of electronic correspondence, particularly regarding consumers;
Amendment 16 #
2007/2287(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 c (new)
Paragraph 5 c (new)
5c. Calls on the Member States to take the necessary legislative measures to end the 'penalisation' of consumers who act responsibly (for example, those who redeem their bank loans earlier than the contractual date);
Amendment 18 #
2007/2287(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Calls on consumer organisations to take initiatives and measures to inform and protect consumers regarding activities which might involve major hidden elements of danger resulting from the development of speculative trends in the areas concerned;
Amendment 2 #
2007/2285(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the Commission's approach followed in its White Paper on nutrition, overweight and obesity related health issues,1 offering industry the possibility, through self-regulatory initiatives, of contributing to reducing ill health due to overweight and obesity; calls, however, on the Commission to closely monitor and encourage industry's initiatives aiming to advertise responsibly and to reduce levels of salt, fat and sugar in foodstuffs, with a view to a revision of the current situation by 2010; 1 COM(2007)0279. urges the Commission furthermore to impose effective penalties on economic operators, where it considers appropriate, in order to achieve the objective of improving public health;
Amendment 5 #
2007/2285(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Acknowledges that consumers may be confused about what constitutes a healthy diet; calls, therefore, on the Member States, in cooperation with the industry, to use innovative information and government-led marketing campaigns in order to motivate consumers to make healthy food choices; calls on the Member States to inform consumers systematically of the health benefits of organic products and at the same time advise them to avoid fast food;
Amendment 9 #
2007/2285(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5b. Stresses the problem of child obesity and calls on the Commission to take all the necessary measures to prevent it, particularly through the strict control of advertising directed at children and adolescents for foods with a high fat, salt and sugar content;
Amendment 10 #
2007/2285(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 c (new)
Paragraph 5 c (new)
5c. Calls for serious account to be taken of nutrition in connection with all European policies and options;
Amendment 3 #
2007/2261(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Recognises that professional sport must comply with rules emanating from multiple sources (EC, Member sStates, Ssports bodies), chiefly because many different economic interests are involved where sport is concerned, causing ambiguity in an already undefined area;·
Amendment 8 #
2007/2261(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Notes that there is often a mismatch between supply and demand of tickets for major sport events which is detrimental to consumers; stresses that the interests of consumers should be fully taken into account when organizing the distribution of tickets and that non-discriminatory and fair ticket sales should be guaranteed at all levels;· calls on sports bodies and organisations, fans, consumers and in general all interested parties to use electronic means to distribute tickets for sports events promptly, reliably and more rationally;·
Amendment 18 #
2007/2261(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Underlines the necessity for better control of the sports betting market, asks the Commission to come forward with a proposal ensuring a functioning sports betting market in the European Union respecting the sport event organisers rights and preventing misuse and corruption;·at the same time calls for adoption of a strict legislative framework of sanctions in the event of illicit activities being detected; ·
Amendment 6 #
2007/2257(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Recalls the importance of the initiative to establish a ‘law for small companies’ at European level and calls on the Commission to take systematic account of SMEs in connection with all its initiatives in the industrial sector given their decisive role in terms of development and employment;·
Amendment 17 #
2007/2257(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls for a sustainable industrial policy to be worked out, particularly as regards stimulating ecological innovation, taking account of climate change affecting the planet; encourages companies to seize the opportunities offered by the markets in new technologies, and to concentrate their efforts on reducing carbon emissions and local pollution on the one hand, and on improving energy efficiency, and skill in usingccompanied by measures to promote renewable sources of energy and ensure the safe and sustainable use of natural resources, on the other.
Amendment 113 #
2007/0248(COD)
Proposal for a directive – amending act
Article 1 – point 3
Article 1 – point 3
Directive 2002/22/EC
Article 4 – paragraph 1
Article 4 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall ensure that all reasonable requests for connection at a fixed location to a public communications network or connection to a cellular network are met by at least one undertaking.
Amendment 118 #
2007/0248(COD)
Proposal for a directive – amending act
Article 1 – point 3
Article 1 – point 3
Directive 2002/22/EC
Article 4 – paragraph 2
Article 4 – paragraph 2
2. The connection provided shall be capable of supporting voice, facsimile and data communications, at data rates that are sufficient to permit functional Internet access, taking into account prevailing technologicomparable with average rates used by the majority of subscribers and taking into account technological feasibility.
Amendment 150 #
2007/0248(COD)
Proposal for a directive – amending act
Article 1 – point 12
Article 1 – point 12
Directive 2002/22/EC
Article 20 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 20 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2α (new)Τhe Member States shall ensure that the minimum period of contracts concluded between subscribers and electronic communication service providers does not exceed 12 months. For longer periods, subscribers shall be able, without extra charge, to change supplier or cancel the contract.
Amendment 151 #
2007/0248(COD)
Proposal for a directive – amending act
Article 1 – point 3
Article 1 – point 3
Directive 2002/22/EC
Article 4 – paragraph 3
Article 4 – paragraph 3
3. Member States shall ensure that all reasonable requests for provision of a telephone and data communication service over the network connection referred to in paragraph 1, allowing originating and receiving of national and international calls, data and calls to emergency services via the number “112”, are met by at least one undertaking.’
Amendment 158 #
2007/0248(COD)
Proposal for a directive – amending act
Article 1 – point 12
Article 1 – point 12
Directive 2002/22/EC
Article 20 – paragraph 5
Article 20 – paragraph 5
5. Member States shall ensure that where contracts are concluded between subscribers and undertakings providing electronic communications services and/or networks, subscribers are clearly informed in advance of the conclusion of a contract and regularly thereafter of any limitations imposed by the provider on their ability to access or distribute lawful content or run any lawful applications and services of their choice. The national regulatory authorities must ensure that any limits imposed by providers on the scope for subscribers to have access to or distribute legal content is legally justified and does not lead to discrimination.
Amendment 178 #
2007/0248(COD)
Proposal for a directive – amending act
Article 1 – point 12
Article 1 – point 12
Directive 2002/22/EC
Article 21 – paragraph 1
Article 21 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall ensure that transparent, comparable, adequate and up- to-date information on applicable prices and tariffs, and on standard terms and conditions, in respect of access to and use of the services identified in Articles 4, 5, 6, and 7 is available to end-users and consumers, in accordance with the provisions of Annex II.accordance with the provisions of Annex II. Such information shall be published in an easily accessible form.
Amendment 202 #
2007/0248(COD)
Proposal for a directive – amending act
Article 1 – point 13 – point b a (new)
Article 1 – point 13 – point b a (new)
Directive 2002/22/EC
Article 22 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 22 – paragraph 3 a (new)
(ba) A following new paragraph 3a is inserted: 3a. National regulatory authorities shall ensure that telecommunications service providers enable subscribers to send and receive any form of content, make use of any service and application and connect with and make use of any hardware and software without discriminating against particular providers and without prejudice of the needs to preserve the integrity and security of the networks.
Amendment 246 #
2007/0248(COD)
Proposal for a directive – amending act
Article 1 – point 18
Article 1 – point 18
Directive 2002/22/EC
Article 30 – paragraph 6
Article 30 – paragraph 6
6. Without prejudice to any minimal contractual period, nNational regulatory authorities shall ensure that minimum contract periods and conditions and procedures for termination of contract do not act as a disincentive for changing suppliers of services.’
Amendment 247 #
2007/0248(COD)
Proposal for a directive – amending act
Article 1 – point 18
Article 1 – point 18
Directive 2002/22/EC
Article 30 – paragraph 6 a (new)
Article 30 – paragraph 6 a (new)
6a Member States shall ensure that the minimum period for which contracts are concluded between subscribers and electronic communications providers shall not exceed 12 months. Over and above that period, subscribers shall be free to change company or cancel the contract without penalties.
Amendment 258 #
2007/0248(COD)
Proposal for a directive – amending act
Article 1 – point 20 – point a
Article 1 – point 20 – point a
Directive 2002/22/EC
Article 33 – paragraph 1– subparagraph 2
Article 33 – paragraph 1– subparagraph 2
1. ‘In particular, Member States shall ensure that national regulatory authorities establish a consultation mechanism ensuring that in their decision-making process due consideration is given to consumer interests in electronic communications are taken into account.'
Amendment 260 #
2007/0248(COD)
Proposal for a directive – amending act
Article 1 – point 20 – point b
Article 1 – point 20 – point b
Directive 2002/22/EC
Article 33 – paragraph 3
Article 33 – paragraph 3
3. Member States shall submit a yearly report to the Commission and the Authority on the measures taken and the progress towards improving interoperability and use of, and access to, electronic communications services and terminal equipment by disabled end-userusers in general including disabled users, the elderly and those with special social needs.
Amendment 265 #
2007/0248(COD)
Proposal for a directive – amending act
Article 1 – point 21
Article 1 – point 21
Directive 2002/22/EC
Article 34 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Article 34 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Member States shall ensure that transparent, simple and, inexpensive and effective out-of-court procedures are available for dealing with unresolvedthe independent arbitration of disputes between consumers and undertakings providing electronic communications networks and/or services, relating to the contractual conditions and/or performance of contracts concerning supply of such networks or services. Member States shall adopt measures to ensure that such procedures enable disputes to be settled fairly and promptly and may, where warranted, adopt a system of reimbursement and/or compensation. Member States may extend these obligations to cover disputes involving other end-users.
Amendment 283 #
2007/0248(COD)
Proposal for a directive – amending act
Article 2 – point -1 (new)
Article 2 – point -1 (new)
Directive 2002/58/EC
Article 1 – paragraph 2
Article 1 – paragraph 2
(-1) Article 1(2) is amended as follows: 2. The provisions of this directive enlarge on and complement those of Directive 95/46/ΕC for the purposes mentioned in paragraph 1. Moreover, they provide for protection of the legitimate interests of subscribers, whether they are natural or legal persons.
Amendment 284 #
2007/0248(COD)
Proposal for a directive – amending act
Article 2 – point 3 a (new)
Article 2 – point 3 a (new)
Directive 2002/58/EC
Article 4 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 4 a (new)
(3a) The following paragraph 5 is added: 4a, Internet providers must offer consumers a suitable level of technological safety either free of charge or at reasonable prices;
Amendment 285 #
2007/0248(COD)
Proposal for a directive – amending act
Article 2 – point 4
Article 2 – point 4
Directive 2002/58/EC
Article 5 – paragraph 3
Article 5 – paragraph 3
3. Member States shall ensure that the storing of information, or gaining access to information already stored, in the terminal equipment of a subscriber or user is only allowed on condition that the subscriber or user concerned is provided with clearprohibited unless the subscriber has given explicit acknowledgement that clear, easily accessible and comprehensive information has been provided in accordance with Directive 95/46/EC, inter alia about the purposes of the processing and is offered the right to refuse such processing by the data controller. This shall not prevent any technical storage or access for the sole purpose of carrying out or facilitating the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network, or as strictly necessary in order to provide an information society service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user. Standard clauses allowing such access or storage shall be considered unlawful under the terms of Directive 93/13/EEC.
Amendment 287 #
2007/0248(COD)
Proposal for a directive – amending act
Article 2 – point 4 a (new)
Article 2 – point 4 a (new)
Directive 2002/58/EC
Article 6 – paragraph 3
Article 6 – paragraph 3
(4a) Article 6(3) is amended as follows: 3. For the purposes of marketing electronic communications services or for the provision of value-added services, the provider of a publicly available electronic communications service may process the data referred to in paragraph 1 to the extent and for the duration necessary for such services or marketing if the subscriber or user to whom the data relate has given his/her specific prior consent. Users or subscribers shall be given clear and comprehensive information concerning the possibility to withdraw their consent for the processing of traffic data at any time. Cancellation of consent must be a simple process.
Amendment 288 #
2007/0248(COD)
Proposal for a directive – amending act
Article 2 – point 4 b (new)
Article 2 – point 4 b (new)
Directive 2002/58/EC
Article 9 – paragraph 1
Article 9 – paragraph 1
Amendment 289 #
2007/0248(COD)
Proposal for a directive – amending act
Article 2 – point 4 c (new)
Article 2 – point 4 c (new)
Directive 2002/58/EC
Article 13 – paragraph 2
Article 13 – paragraph 2
(4c) In Article 13, paragraph 2 is deleted
Amendment 290 #
2007/0248(COD)
Proposal for a directive – amending act
Article 2 – point 4 d (new)
Article 2 – point 4 d (new)
Directive 2002/58/EC
Article 13 – paragraph 5
Article 13 – paragraph 5
(4d) In Article 13, paragraph 5 is deleted
Amendment 39 #
2007/0196(COD)
Proposal for a directive – amending act
Recital 24 a (new)
Recital 24 a (new)
(24a) Given that consumers do not automatically benefit from market competition (as has been shown in practice on different occasions) care should be taken to promote a high level of protection in particular for vulnerable consumers by means of a comprehensive universal service including access to the natural gas market with genuine choices, reasonable prices, channels of legal protection and protection from unethical practices. To this end, the regulatory authorities are urged to uphold and promote the European Charter on the Rights of Energy Consumers, which the Commission undertook to draw up in its communication of 5 July 2007 (COM(2007)0386).
Amendment 21 #
2007/0195(COD)
Proposal for a directive – amending act
Recital 22 a (new)
Recital 22 a (new)
(22a) Given that consumers do not automatically benefit from market competition (as has been shown in practice on different occasions) care should be taken to promote a high level of protection, in particular for vulnerable consumers, by means of a comprehensive universal service, including access to the electricity market with genuine choices, reasonable prices, channels of legal redress and protection from unethical practices. To this end, the regulatory authorities are urged to uphold and promote the European Charter on the Rights of Energy Consumers which the Commission undertook to submit in its communication of 5 July 2007 (COM(2007)0386).