Activities of Emmanouil ANGELAKAS
Plenary speeches (30)
Question Time (Commission)
Patients' rights in cross-border healthcare (debate)
Question Time (Commission)
Term of protection of copyright and related rights (debate)
ERDF, ESF and Cohesion Fund: provisions relating to financial management - New types of costs eligible for a contribution from the ESF - Investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy for housing (amendment of Regulation (EC) No 1080/2006 on ERDF) (debate)
ERDF, ESF and Cohesion Fund: provisions relating to financial management - New types of costs eligible for a contribution from the ESF - Investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy for housing (amendment of Regulation (EC) No 1080/2006 on ERDF) (debate)
Green Paper on territorial cohesion and debate on the future reform of the cohesion policy - Regional policy best practice and obstacles to use of Structural Funds - Urban dimension of cohesion policy - Complementarities and coordination of cohesion policy with rural development measures - Implementation of the Structural Funds Regulation 2007-2013: results of negotiations on national cohesion strategies and operational programmes - A European initiative for the development of micro-credit in support of growth and employment (debate)
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)
Public contracts in the fields of defence and security (debate)
Question Time (Commission)
One-minute speeches on matters of political importance
Question Time (Commission)
Impact of counterfeiting on international trade - Consumer protection aspects of counterfeiting (debate)
Toys Directive (debate)
Question Time (Commission)
European Union Solidarity Fund: obstacles for its reform (debate)
Variations to the terms of marketing authorisations for medicinal products - Counterfeiting of medicinal products (debate)
Question Time (Commission)
Question Time (Commission)
One-minute speeches on matters of political importance
Question Time (Commission)
Conditions for access to the natural gas transmission networks - Internal market in natural gas - European strategic energy technology plan (debate)
One-minute speeches on matters of political importance
The impact of cohesion policy on the integration of vulnerable communities and groups (debate)
One-minute speeches on matters of political importance
Outermost regions (debate)
The role of volunteering in contributing to economic and social cohesion (debate)
One-minute speeches on matters of political importance
4th report on economic and social cohesion - Territorial Agenda and the Leipzig Charter (debate)
One-minute speeches on matters of political importance
Reports (1)
REPORT Report on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EC) No 1080/2006 on the European Regional Development Fund as regards the eligibility of energy efficiency and renewable energy investments in housing PDF (179 KB) DOC (227 KB)
Opinions (3)
OPINION on active dialogue with citizens on Europe
OPINION Proposal for a European Parliament and Council directive amending Directive 2006/116/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the term of protection of copyright and related rights
OPINION Proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EC) No 1775/2005 on conditions for access to the natural gas transmission networks
Written declarations (1)
Amendments (195)
Amendment 12 #
2008/2334(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1a (new)
Paragraph 1a (new)
1a. Considers that the EU Cohesion Policy, as the largest source of investments in the real economy, makes an important contribution to the European Economic Recovery Plan; recalls that more than 65% of its total allocation for the period 2007-2013 or EUR 230 billion in financial terms is already "earmarked" for investment in the four priority areas of the Lisbon strategy for growth and jobs, namely people, business, energy and infrastructure and research an innovation; strongly believes that those investments are essential in order to provide an effective response to the current financial crisis;
Amendment 14 #
2008/2334(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses the fact that the Structural Funds are powerful tools, designed to help regions in their economic and social restructuring and thus to implement the actions under the Plan's four priority areas in order to boost the economy, and endorses their use, rather than precipitating the invention of new economic tools; notes that these actions complement those undertaken at the national level. ; believes that due to the significant pressure on national budgets, EU cohesion policy funds and interventions should be accelerated, in order to give a timely boost to the economy and provide support especially to people hit by the crisis;
Amendment 15 #
2008/2334(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2a (new)
Paragraph 2a (new)
2a. Welcomes the Commission's legislative proposals which are parallel and complementary to the European Economic Recovery Plan, to amend three of the existing Structural Funds Regulations 2007-2013; notes that the purpose of these legislative changes is to improve cash flow and liquidity in the Member States, facilitate the use of financial engineering instruments, simplify and broaden the use of flat rates and lump-sums costs, and expand the possibilities for support to investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy in housing; fully endorses these proposals and believes that their implementation can have an immediate positive effect on the ground;
Amendment 39 #
2008/2334(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls on the Commission to monitor the effects of the changes in the implementation of the Structural Funds, and to take its observations into account in the mid-term review of the Community strategic guidelines on cohesionin its proposals for the next generation of Structural Funds programmes.
Amendment 10 #
2008/2242(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes that the Commission has published a series of reports assessing the progress in Bulgaria and Romania of judicial reform and the fight against corruption under the Co-operation and Verification mechanisms and a separate report on the management of EU funds in Bulgaria, which highlight the need for sustained political commitment and implementation on the ground if the benchmarks set at the time of accession are to be met in full; notes also that specifically in the case of Bulgaria the Commission has provisionally suspended EU funding because of irregularities found through its control and auditing system; therefore calls upon these Member States to take urgent action to implement the concrete follow up measures put forward in these reports; finally, encourages the efforts made by these Member States and calls on them to take all the necessary measures to that end.
Amendment 18 #
2008/2242(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Regrets that notwithstanding all direct beneficiaries of EU cohesion policy have to be published by the Managing Authorities under the rules governing the implementation of the Funds 2007-2013 (Commission Regulation (EC) No 1828/2006), the database on the Commission website is incomplete; urges thereforecalls, therefore, on the Commission to work together with the Member States to speed up the flow of database information with a view to more effective operation on a transparent basis; urges, moreover, the Member States and the Commission to comply fully and timely with this transparency obligation before June 2009, the deadline set by Parliament's resolution.
Amendment 20 #
2008/2242(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Endorses the Commission's position that, where irregularities of a serious nature are detected, corrective action, including the suspension of payments and the recovery of undue or erroneous payments, will be taken, and that it will report to Parliament at least twice a year on the measures it takes in this respect; nevertheless, calls on the Commission to step up its efforts to support the Member States in preventing irregularities and transferring the necessary expertise to the competent national and regional authorities.
Amendment 21 #
2008/2242(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Calls on the Commission to take account of the administrative cost which Member States' national, regional and local administrations have to bear in applying the often complex and expensive requirements involved in monitoring and checking cofinanced projects;
Amendment 23 #
2008/2242(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7b. Stresses that the necessary improvement in the situation regarding sound financial management must be based on more extensive simplification of the rules and procedures governing the use of Community resources.
Amendment 24 #
2008/2242(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 c (new)
Paragraph 7 c (new)
7c. To this end, calls on both the Commission and the Member States to work methodically to provide advice on ways of avoiding irregularities and administrative errors and failings.
Amendment 2 #
2008/2224(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Considers the policy areas of consumer protection and the internal market to be of the utmost importance in communicating Europe to consumers and businesses; stresses that proper interactive communication and information between citizens and institutions is essential for a healthy dialogue; considers that the impetus now being given for EU bodies to become more communicative, open and accessible must be continued; calls on Member States to increase efforts to communicate the benefits of the Single Market at national, regional and local level;
Amendment 3 #
2008/2224(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Urges the Member States and the Commission to use the latest technology to promote effective dialogue, such as the internet, blogs and websites, with a view to making citizens and SMEs aware of the advantages of the internal market, and contributing to the development of e- commerce;
Amendment 10 #
2008/2224(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Calls on the Commission to study the possibility of supplementing the EU's websites with internet discussion forums, so as to provide European consumers and consumer organisations with a direct link and foster dialogue between them;
Amendment 12 #
2008/2224(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Calls on the three main institutions to consider the possibility of holding joint open debates that would supplement the European Parliament's open debates, addressing topics that concern consumers and their daily lives and thereby strengthening their confidence in the internal market and consumer protection;
Amendment 13 #
2008/2215(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas all Member States have differentiated such restrictions according to the type of gambling service concerned, such as sport betting and lotteries, as well as according to the means such services are distributed; whereas a significant number of Member States totally and absolutely prohibit the operation – including by local operators - of online sport betting and online lotteries in their respective jurisdictions,
Amendment 42 #
2008/2215(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Highlights that, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity, Member States have a legitimate interest in monitoring and regulating their gambling markets and the constant jurisprudence of the European Court of Justice, Member States have the right to regulate and control their gambling markets in accordance with the respective tradition and culture of their country in order to protect consumers against addiction, fraud, money-laundering and fixed games as well as to protect the culturally -built funding structures which finance sports activities and other social causes in the Member States; therefore, on these grounds, acknowledges the Member States’ right to totally and absolutely prohibit online gambling in their respective jurisdictions; underlines that online gambling operators shouldmust comply with the legislation of the Member State in which they provide their servicesof the residence of the consumer;
Amendment 62 #
2008/2215(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls on the Member States to cooperate closely in order to solve the social and public order problems arising from cross- border online gambling, such as gambling addiction and misuse of personal data or credit cards; stresses the need for a common European position on online gambling with mandatory minimum requirements for protecting consumers and preventing fraudcalls on the other EU institutions to cooperate closely with the Member States in the fight against unauthorised or illegal, according to the respective national law of each Member State, online gambling service offerings;
Amendment 112 #
2008/2215(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Is of the opinion that online gambling is likely to give rise to risks to consumers and that Member States may therefore legitimately restrict the freedom to provide online gambling services in order to protect consumers; on those grounds, acknowledges the Member States’ right to totally and absolutely prohibit online gambling in their respective jurisdictions;
Amendment 119 #
2008/2215(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. As of those Member States that totally and absolutely prohibit online gambling in their respective jurisdiction, supports the development and adoption of all the appropriate measures at a national level aiming to enforce and to maintain this prohibition, such as blocking online gambling operators’ sites, blocking bank or every form of transactions effectuated on the purpose to participate to online gambling, prohibiting online gambling operators’ advertisements in their territory, etc.;
Amendment 148 #
2008/2215(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Stresses the importance for the Member State of the residence of the consumer to be able, in case online gambling is authorized by its national law, to control, limit and supervise the gambling activities provided on his territory;
Amendment 5 #
2008/2204(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2α. Points out that the Internet provides SME with extensive opportunities to develop their commercial activities by participating in international markets at very low cost, compared to traditional methods; with this in view, the Commission and Member States should establish a regulatory framework to eliminate the obstacles and barriers caused by traditional vested commercial interests in the distribution and marketing sectors;
Amendment 9 #
2008/2204(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. CPoints out that the disparity between national rules on e-commerce is, on the one hand, affecting its development within the EU and, on the other, weakening its presence at international level; calls on the Commission to monitor potential obstacles to the functioning of the internal market that may derive from national requirements which dissuade third-country providers from offering goods and services in those Member States over the internet;
Amendment 52 #
2008/2174(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Considers that the Green Paper lacks ambition to the extent that it does not provide for a clear definition of territorial cohesion, and does not, therefore, advance significantly the understanding of this new concept; regrets, moreover, that the Green Paper does not explain how territorial cohesion will be integrated in the existing framework of cohesion policy or with what methodological tools and operational resources it will be transformed from a framework of principles into part of the intervention mechanisms for political cohesion, so that it can be applied on the ground and be made operational for the next programming period;
Amendment 108 #
2008/2174(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Notes that the Green Paper acknowledges the particular development challenges of regions with specific geographical features, such as mountainous regions, island regions and sparsely populated regions; also notes that border regions face specific policy challenges in terms of accessibility, quality and efficiency; rejectwithout belittling the role of territorial cohesion in addressing the problems of those regions, expresses the view that territorial cohesion should not be a policy exclusively dedicairected to addressing the problems ofwards those regions; considers, however, that special consideration should be given to the development of those regions in order to offset their handicaps and enable them to effectively contribute to the harmonious development of the Union as a whole;
Amendment 138 #
2008/2174(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
Amendment 148 #
2008/2174(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Stresses the need to elaborate, in the context of territorial cohesion, additional qualitative indicators with the purpose of better designing and implementing the corresponding policies on the ground, taking into account the different territorial specificities; underlines, however, that the GDP remains the only eligibility criterion for receiving financial assistance from the Structural Fund, as a criterion for receiving financial assistance from the Structural Funds, is not enough, and must be supplemented with indicators incorporating economic, social and territorial factors; calls on the Commission, therefore, to draw up, without delay, the necessary studies and to develop the possibility of defining new, reliable indicators and the way in which they are to be integrated into the system for assessing regional disparities;
Amendment 170 #
2008/2174(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Reiterates its long-standing request for the development of a comprehensive EU strategy for regions with specific geographical features, which will enable them to better address problems and challenges they are facing; believes that an EU strategy should also be concerned on how to adapt Community policies to the specific needs and assets of these territories; underlines that the implementation of such a strategy is an essential condition for the development of these territories in the context of territorial cohesion;
Amendment 195 #
2008/2174(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 a (new)
Paragraph 30 a (new)
30a. Recommends that, in view of the increasing importance that territorial cohesion has acquired in the context not only of regional but also of other sectoral community policies, the informal structures that have long been governing territorial cohesion and spatial planning in the Council should be replaced by formal ministerial meetings, which should convene the Ministers responsible for regional policy in the EU; believes that such an institutional development in the Council would ensure the rapid development of this policy;
Amendment 199 #
2008/2174(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Article 30 b (new)
Article 30 b (new)
30b. also urges the Member States to start reflecting now on how to better consolidate and implement the notion of territorial cohesion in their national programmes and policies;
Amendment 2 #
2008/2173(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Underlines the benefits of videogames in medicine and, in particular, that the so called "videogame therapy" has proven to be effective for the rehabilitation of stroke patients, people with traumatic brain injuries, people with muscular problems and autistic children;
Amendment 8 #
2008/2173(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Calls on the Member States to continue to work closely together to promote the protection of minors and help th; calls on the video game and console industryies to develop systems that contribute to this end as well as to integrate the PEGI system into their legislationfurther improve the PEGI and PEGI Online systems and, in particular, to update regularly the criteria for age rating and labelling, to advertise PEGI more actively and to increase the list of signatories; urges the Member States to ensure that any national rating system is not developed in a way that leads to market fragmentation;
Amendment 9 #
2008/2173(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to work with consumer organisations and other stakeholders to raise awareness among consumers, especially young consumers and their parents via information campaigns, about the classification systems in place and notably the PEGI system; underlines the importance of proving this information in schools;
Amendment 11 #
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; refers to the Eurobarometer survey "Towards a safer use of the Internet for children in the EU - a parents' perspective"1, published on 9 December 2008, that finds out that 3.2% of children aged 6-17 access the internet in internet cafes without adult supervision, and calls for the responsibility of internet cafe owners; takes the view that a common approach to sanctions for retailers and internet cafe owners would be beneficial; therefore calls on the Member States to put in place adequate measures to prevent children buying and playing games which are rated for a higher age level, for example through an identity check; 1 supports the Commission's proposal to http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/flash/fl_248_en.pdf. introduce a pan European code of conduct for retailers and producers of video games in order to prevent the sale of violent and harmful video games to minors;
Amendment 13 #
2008/2173(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Paragraph 23 a (new)
23a. Recalls the importance of today media to raise responsibility among parents and restrain advertisement of adults videogames to TV time less watched by children;
Amendment 14 #
2008/2173(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 b (new)
Paragraph 23 b (new)
23b. Takes the view that the public authorities responsible for banning videogames should inform their counterparts in other Member States and publish the ban on the PEGI system by sending an automatic alert message;
Amendment 19 #
2008/2132(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas objective 3 (European territorial cooperation) can make an effective contribution to the above priorities, via the funding of cooperation projects and the development of partnership networks between sectoral players and the coastal areas; stressing in this context the importance of utilising the European Group for Territorial Cooperation (EGTC) as an instrument for creating ongoing cooperation in the field of sustainable development of coastal regions, with the participation of local and social partners,
Amendment 32 #
2008/2132(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Recommends an integrated approach to coastal tourism in the context of the Community's cohesion, maritime, fisheries, environmentalagricultural, environmental, energy, transport and social policies, in order to create synergies and avoid inconsistent actions; recommends that the Commission apply such an integrated approach to the sustainable growth of coastal tourism as a strategic objective of its work programme for 2010-2015, also in the context of the mid-term review of the financial framework for 2007-2013;
Amendment 37 #
2008/2132(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Calls on the Commission to set up a working party, under its own aegis and with the participation of Member States' representatives, to improve coordination of development measures in the tourism sector, with the emphasis on coastal regions and exchange of best practices in that sector;
Amendment 54 #
2008/2132(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. RecommendWelcomes, therefore, that the Commisse participation of coastal regions introduce INTERREG IV B and INTERREG C programme adopted to the coastal zones, dealing with tourism together with other issues related to the coastss, covering both transnational and interregional cooperation also in the field of tourism; strongly recommends that the Commission place greater emphasis on coastal regions in the preparation of the new INTERREG programmes for the next programming period;
Amendment 61 #
2008/2132(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. EndorsesTakes note of the Committee of the Regions' view concerning the creation of a European coastal fund, and calls on the Commission to examine this suggestion in the context of the mid-term review of the financial framework for 2007-2013 and the Union's budget architecture for 2013, in the context of the next financial framework, to examine ways of better coordinating all future financial instruments that cover action in coastal regions and the possible benefits of integrating them into a single fund;
Amendment 79 #
2008/2132(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Stresses that there is a close link between the environment and coastal tourism; recommendwelcomes, therefore, introducing, after 2013, environmental sustainability as a basic principle of Structural Fund intervention in the coastal zones, not that "sustainable development" is enshrined in Article 17 of the General Regulation on Structural Funds 2007-2013 as one of the key principles applying to the implementation of all structural interventions; strongly for the competitiveness and employment objective but also for the convergence objective regionsrecommends that a similar provision be introduced in the regulations for the next programming period;
Amendment 97 #
2008/2132(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Stresses that territorial cohesion instruments can enhance the links between coast and hinterland, connecting coastal activities to rural and urban tourism, increasing out-of-season accessibility for tourism, and raising the profile of local products while encouraging their diversification; calls on the Commission, thenotes that the Green Paper on Territorial Cohesion makes special refoere,nce to include the coastal regions in its green paper on territorial cohesion, and to take account ofsland regions, acknowledging that they face particular developmental challenges; regrets however that no specific recommendation is made on how territorial cohesion will effectively enable them to overcome the problems that their severe and permanent natural handicaps impose; furthermore stresses the need to link coastal tourism to the integrated management of coastal zones and spatial planning for the seas in the future implementation of territorial cohesion;
Amendment 104 #
2008/2132(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19a (new)
Paragraph 19a (new)
19a. Stresses that high quality represents the basic comparative advantage of the European tourism product; calls on the Commission, the Member States and the regional and local authorities to highlight and strengthen the quality of tourism services in terms of the provision of security, ample and modern infrastructure, the corporate social responsibility of the enterprises involved, and environment-friendly economic activities,
Amendment 6 #
2008/2130(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Βa. whereas both the drawing up of a flexible, adaptable and dynamic 'check list' for the implementation of the Leipzig Charter, as a basic condition for accounting for the variety of needs of diverse European cities and towns, as already launched by the French Presidency, and the further drawing up of integrated urban development plans by each Member State may constitute a useful additional basis for shedding light on the various situations and taking clearly targeted initiatives,
Amendment 35 #
2008/2130(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Considers, in this context, and given that it is evident that the various constitutional arrangements of the Member States are not, by their very nature, compatible with a harmonising approach, despite the efficiency of the various levels of governance, that it would be useful for Member States to define, through a process of public consultation, on a case by case basis, the urban dimension, as they perceive it, in order to strengthen internal harmonisation and improve interaction with the Commission;
Amendment 41 #
2008/2130(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Considers, in this context, that all the Member States should be urged to examine the possibility of establishing metropolitan municipalities, where none exist, which will operate, inter alia, as networks for the promotion of urban cohesion, dialogue and cooperation;
Amendment 55 #
2008/2130(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Recognises the difficulty for urban authorities in reconciling the domains of ESF whilst pursuing economic and social development and ERDF whilst planning physical infrastructure investments, believes that the single fund principle should be abandoned and calls on the Commission to study the possibility of merging the two fundit would be useful to study the possibility of merging the two funds if doing so could ensure the simplification of procedures;
Amendment 60 #
2008/2130(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Supports the idea of the revolving principle of JESSICA and its potential for economic growth in urban areas and believes that in the next programming period regional policy as a whole needs to be based substantially morneeds to make more use onf revolving funds offering credits rather than solely on grants as is the case at present;
Amendment 67 #
2008/2130(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Notes that apart from regional policy, there are other Community policies that also provide financial support to urban areas and thus calls on the Commission to develop and propose specific policy changes that would bring togethermake coordinated use of all EU resources allocated to urban areas to secure in practice the implementation of the integrated approach, whilst always taking cohesion policy into account;
Amendment 70 #
2008/2130(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Calls for further resources to be made available in order to create and strengthen the networks established by towns and cities in the field of sustainable urban development as they play an important part in territorial cooperation; in that context, stresses the need for infrastructure which helps maintain particular characteristics (e.g. historical), modernisation (e.g. innovation poles), economic growth (e.g. SMEs) and seasonal activities and calls on the Commission to strengthen the position of urban areas in the Regions for Economic Change initiative;
Amendment 74 #
2008/2130(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Beyond the general framework, considers it useful to examine and consider the adoption of policies which concern the urban areas and, by extension, affect the suburbs, the countryside and, consequently, the development of regional cohesion; points out that such key policies have a bearing on the flight to towns and cities and the depopulation of the countryside, internal and external migration, and education and retraining of workers when the companies they work for close down;
Amendment 5 #
2008/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Highlights the UCP Directive as landmark legislation in the area of EU consumer law, the transposition, implementation and enforcement of which will be crucial for the future developments of EU consumer law and for the full development of the potential of the internal market, the development of cross- border trade and e-commerce;
Amendment 12 #
2008/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Welcomes the results of the EU Airlines Sweep and EU Ringtones Sweep of the Commission as a first step towards better monitoring of the implementation and enforcement of internal market legislation; emphasises the need to carry out extended checks in this respect at regular intervals; calls on the Commission in cooperation with the Consumer Protection Cooperation Network to collect similar data on the implementation of internal market legislation in other key sectors of the internal market;
Amendment 18 #
2008/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Calls on the Commission to organise information campaigns to heighten consumers' awareness of their rights, providing them with greater protection against unfair commercial practices and misleading comparative advertising;
Amendment 5 #
2008/2100(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas rural areas differ greatly from Member State to Member State and whereas, while rural areas in many westernsome Member States have experienced demographic and economic growth, the inhabitants of most such areas in othe newr Member States are leaving for the towns or are seeking to retrain,
Amendment 35 #
2008/2100(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Takes the view that the criteria traditionally used to distinguish rural areas from urban areas (lower population density, different employment structure, lower level of income and worse access to public goods and services) fail to provide a complete picture of the situation; considers, therefore, that from the point of view of territorial cohesion, per-capita income, not lower population density, should be the decisive characteristicprovide significant data towards gaining a picture of the situation; considers, nevertheless, that there should be further exploration and study of additional criteria towards that end;
Amendment 54 #
2008/2100(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Also stresses the importance of assessing areas of alternative economic activity and the opportunities arising from those areas for diversification of the population's occupational activities;
Amendment 64 #
2008/2100(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Believes that rural development policy has a huge influence on territorial cohesion and that due consideration should be given to whether it is justifiable to separate rural development measures from cohesion and regionrural development measures and regional development measures should be mutually complementary activities within an integrated policy for rural development policyregions;
Amendment 73 #
2008/2100(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Recognises that the primary role of rural development policy is to continue to maintain the population of the countryside and ensure a decent standard of living for them;
Amendment 76 #
2008/2100(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5b. Stresses that one of the priorities of rural development policy is to propose measures which do not result in the rural population having to abandon agriculture and which also help, inter alia, to promote competitive holdings, the production of organic products, traditional high-quality foods and drinks, etc.;
Amendment 78 #
2008/2100(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 c (new)
Paragraph 5 c (new)
5c. Stresses, however, the need to take account of the prospects primarily of the population employed in agriculture, who should remain the main focus of support measures under rural development policy;
Amendment 79 #
2008/2100(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 d (new)
Paragraph 5 d (new)
5d. Stresses the importance of support for young farmers to keep them on their land, even if they are not engaged solely in agricultural production, providing them with incentives for development and other activities, such as rural tourism and strengthening SMEs in the countryside;
Amendment 92 #
2008/2100(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
Amendment 107 #
2008/2100(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Draws attention to the role played by small and medium-sized enterprises in rural development and the contribution they make to convergence at regional and local levels; calls on the Commission, the Member States and regional and local authorities to lay the emphasis on strengthening competitiveness by also assisting other productive sectors and to foster entrepreneurship in rural areas, in particular by removing administrative and legal barriers and increasing the incentives to launch new entrepreneurial activities;
Amendment 124 #
2008/2100(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
Amendment 47 #
2008/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Proposes, in the context of future cohesion policy, that the integrated approach should be made compulsory; considers that the application of this principle must be undertaken within a specific timeframe to be agreed upon after consultations with each Member State separately;
Amendment 56 #
2008/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on the Commission and the Member States, working together with regional and local authorities, to examine immediately the issue of the simplification of the procedures for implementing cohesion policy, subject to a fixed timeframe for concluding consultations to be disclosed by the Commission, with a view to reducing the bureaucratic burden on the individuals and bodies involved;
Amendment 84 #
2008/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Draws attention to the requirement to hold public consultations on the issue of programming and notes that the efforts to involve the public in the preparations for the operational programmes for the period 2007-2013 were not entirelyas successful as hoped for; calls on the Commission, therefore, to identify good practices with a view to improving public involvement ahead of the next programming period;
Amendment 107 #
2008/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Urges the Member States to delegate responsibility for managing the Structural Funds to regional and local authorities on the basis of agreed terms and criteria which must be met by the authorities in question, with a view to involving them more closely in the work of drafting and implementing the operational programmes, or, at the very least, to award them grants which enable them to play a full role in the multi-level governance arrangements;
Amendment 118 #
2008/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Calls on the European Commission, without seeking to cast doubt on the relevance of the NUTS II level, to identify the size of area best suited to the implementation of genuine integrated policies for the development of territories as they are experienced subjectively and territories which form the basis for projects, in particular; - population and labour catchment areas, i.e. towns and the surrounding rural areas, - territories which justify specific thematic approaches, such as mountain ranges, river basins and coastal areas and island regions;
Amendment 129 #
2008/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Calls on the elected representatives and the national, regional and local civil servants involved in managing operational programmes in the context of cohesion policy to use the financial resources available under these programmes for technical assistance to arrange training in the forms of government linked to these programmes, in particular project management; calls also upon the Commission to ask Member States to give a detailed account of the manner in which they specific financial programmes were used;
Amendment 11 #
2008/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Βa. whereas, despite the large number of similar challenges they face, the regions of the European Union also constitute sources of specificities, both as regards their character, i.e. as island or mountain regions, and as regards the particular population groups of their citizens,
Amendment 19 #
2008/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C − indents 5 a and 5 b (new)
Recital C − indents 5 a and 5 b (new)
- different models of regional organisation of Member States and, therefore, - inadequate or non-existent comparative data, inter alia,
Amendment 24 #
2008/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas, despite the added value of the communications factor and of the providing information to the broader public, attempts to introduce best practices in EU regional policy should have a technocratic character and be directed chiefly at implementation bodies, so that exchanges of information and experience can contribute to a substantive improvement in project quality ,
Amendment 53 #
2008/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 – indent 10a (new)
Paragraph 6 – indent 10a (new)
- the effectiveness of the project, based on and using as a criterion: 1. citizens, 2. the regions and Member States 3. society as a whole;
Amendment 54 #
2008/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Recommends that the criteria to be selected as reference points for best practices should be absolutely reliable and clearly measurable so as to avoid friction, undesired effects and subjective judgments;
Amendment 55 #
2008/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6b. Proposes, in the interests of better criterion management, that a distinction be drawn between: - compulsory criteria of a general nature, i.e. innovation/originality and results/consequences, and - optional criteria with a more specialised content, i.e. sustainability, repeatability, etc.;
Amendment 56 #
2008/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Recommends that the factors for characterising best practices in the field of regional policy should constitute quantities comparable with best practice factors applied in other European or non- European policies; these factors should be characterised by interactivity and complementarity with other European policies and openness, which may contribute to following examples from cases outside Europe and promoting the influx of new ideas;
Amendment 58 #
2008/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 – indent 3
Paragraph 8 – indent 3
- links between sciencethe industrial sector and research institutes, with a special emphasis on strengthening small- and medium- sized enterprises
Amendment 65 #
2008/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 - indent 4 a (new)
Paragraph 9 - indent 4 a (new)
– measures to address energy poverty
Amendment 70 #
2008/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 − indents 2 and 2 a (new)
Paragraph 10 − indents 2 and 2 a (new)
- forward-looking job creationjob creation - measures to achieve greater specialisation of the workforce
Amendment 73 #
2008/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
- enhanced compatibility between local public transport, pedestrians and car use - increase in entrepreneurial investment, measures to stimulate and secure employment - with a special emphasis on youth employment and entrepreneurship - and to improve social life - redevelopment of derelict land in urban areas - improved quality of life in urban areas - promotion of actions aimed at binding the population, in particular young people, to their cities;
Amendment 88 #
2008/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 – indent 2
Paragraph 13 – indent 2
Amendment 89 #
2008/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 – indents 3a and 3b (new)
Paragraph 13 – indents 3a and 3b (new)
- measures to facilitate the lives of working parents - measures to promote the smooth integration of migrants;
Amendment 100 #
2008/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Proposes within this framework that the evaluation mechanisms should study and take into account tried and trusted methodologies which have already been implemented; believes that particular emphasis should be given to cooperation with a network of regional authorities and specialised agencies which are the key source for the primary material of best practices for evaluation;
Amendment 1 #
2008/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Stresses the importance of bringingenabling citizens to benefit fully from the benefits of the Internal Market closer to citizens, and sees the Scoreboard as an important tool to this end;
Amendment 2 #
2008/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Underlines that the Scoreboards is in its infancy and needs to be further developed with more complete data, more precise statistics and further analyses based on the various indicators; calls on the Commission to ensure adequate financing and staffing to these ends;
Amendment 3 #
2008/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Stresses that when a satisfactory level of development of the five basic indicators of the Scoreboard is reached, new indicators should be elaborated in order to make the Internal Market more responsive to the expectations and concerns of citizens;
Amendment 4 #
2008/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Calls on the Commission to ensure adequate financing and staffing for the purposes referred to in paragraphs 3 and 3a;
Amendment 5 #
2008/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 c (new)
Paragraph 3 c (new)
3c. Encourages the Commission to ensure a coherent and coordinated approach within its services in order to avoid duplication of work and contradictory outcomes of data analysis;
Amendment 6 #
2008/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the Commission to include an easily comprehensible summary as well as clear conclusions and recommendations in future Scoreboards, translated into all official languages of the European Union;
Amendment 7 #
2008/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Takes the view that an indicator related to complaints is essential to understand consumer satisfaction; calls on the Commission and the Member States to work towards a harmonisation of the complaint classification systems in use in the various consumer assistance services in the Member States and at Community levelused by the various regulators in the Member States and at Community level; calls on Member States to raise consumer awareness of complaints systems and to improve the handling of complaints in order to enable economic operators to offer a wider choice of better services;
Amendment 9 #
2008/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Takes the view that indicators relating to consumer literacy and, skills and age could be included in the Scoreboard (for example level of education, computer literacy and foreign language skills); underlines, however, the importance of striking a balance between indicators based on 'soft' data stemming from consumer surveys and 'hard' data based on other sources;
Amendment 10 #
2008/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Acknowledges that developing precise and adequate price indicators is a very complex issue as differences in price levels may have a number of causes and their existence is as such not proof of market failure; however, holds the view that the Scoreboard should include price indicators, as prices are of key concern to consumers and price indicators are important to stimulate debate and ensure media awareness; calls on the Commission to establish an objective ratio between prices and the macroeconomic climate in the Member States in order to take into account consumers' purchasing power and pre-tax prices;
Amendment 12 #
2008/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Underlines the importance of close cooperation between the statistical offices of the Member States, Eurostat and other Commission services in ensuring the quality and completeness of figures; calls on the Member States to take steps to facilitate such cooperation;
Amendment 13 #
2008/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Encourages Member States to explore the merits of establishing a special Consumer Ombudsman; notes that a number of Member States have consumer ombudsmen in several sectors who help consumers to deal with economic operators;
Amendment 14 #
2008/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to raise awareness of the Scoreboard, inter alia by ensuring that it is easily accessible and visible on relevant websites, and to increase efforts to promote the Scoreboard to the media, public authorities and consumer organisations;
Amendment 27 #
2008/2055(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Acknowledges that the current financial crisis has significantly changed the economic and financial situation in many Member States; notes that, as a result of this crisis, national investment priorities may change and, for that reason, several operational programmes might need to be adapted; underlines the fact that Member States may also face liquidity problems that prevent them from ensuring the payment of national contributions towards the implementation of structural actions and programmes; urges the Commission to work closely with the Member States in a joint effort to re-launch the European economy; also calls onwelcomes the Commission to propose changes toals to amend the existing legislative framework for the Structural Funds 2007- 2013, where necessary with the aim of simplifying the system, as well as accelerating and facilitating payments to Member States; considers the proposals to be an important first step towards assisting Member States in their efforts to combat the negative effects of the current economic crisis;
Amendment 32 #
2008/2055(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Urges the Commission to propose a comprehensive system of transitional assistance for the period after 2013 for regions that will exceed the 75% GDP threshold; considers it of utmost importance to deal separately with these "transition regions" as they will still be in a transitional phase of their development and should, therefore, have the benefit of a more clearly defined status, transparent rules and greater certainty as regards receiving transitional support from the Structural Funds during the next programming period;
Amendment 34 #
2008/2055(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6 b. Notes with interest the debate on planning the next financial framework over a five-year period instead of the current seven-year period, so that it will coincide with the mandates of the European Commission and the European Parliament; is nevertheless aware of the great difficulties of implementing the multi-annual Structural Funds programmes over such a short programming period; proposes that cohesion policy should then be planned over a ten-year period, with significant revision of the legislative and operational frameworks after the first five years;
Amendment 1 #
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, as well as to healthy competition;·
Amendment 11 #
2008/2035(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Recommends that agreement be reached at national, regional and local level, involving social institutions and employers' organisations seeking a commitment to monitor and progressively eliminate undeclared employment;
Amendment 16 #
2008/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Underlines that special attention must be paid to consumer protection and safeguards must be taken in order to prohibit any grid disconnection; it is essential that the quality of supply and distribution of energy results in the provision of a continuous, unhampered and secure supply of energy to consumers; Member States have to appoint a supplier of last resort and inform the consumers thereof; such a mechanism must be set up by national legislation;
Amendment 17 #
2008/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Stresses that disconnection from the network should be considered only as a last resort solution in cases of arrears of payments on the part of consumers, especially as far as vulnerable consumers (disabled, low income or residents of the outermost regions) and holiday periods are concerned; providers ought to apply the principle of proportionality, as well as make an individual to the consumer, before proceeding with such an action;
Amendment 19 #
2008/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the Member States to ensure that the consumer is able to switch easily and within as keep, free of charge, the right to change provider after the expiry of a clearly established minimum period, not longer than one month, to a new supplier, free of chargduring which the existing arrangements remain in force;
Amendment 23 #
2008/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Underlines that it is a customary contractual obligation of providers to carry out a calculation, on a regular basis and on predetermined dates, so as to ensure that consumers are charged according to the actual quantity of energy that they have used; if providers are unable to comply with such an obligation for, for example, technical reasons, the consumption of energy ought to be calculated on the basis of reasonable and transparent criteria, which are clearly stated in the contract;
Amendment 40 #
2008/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Deplores the fact that Member States have made only limited use of targeted public service obligations (PSO) to address vulnerable customers (disabled, low income or residents of the outermost regions) and that only a very limited number of Member States has developed any form of social default tariff; and calls Member States to set up such social default tariff;
Amendment 44 #
2008/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Underlines that providers and network operators ought to act in an environmentally responsible manner, making every possible effort to keep CO2 emissions, as well as production of radioactive waste, at the lowest possible levels provided for by the applicable law;
Amendment 53 #
2008/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. An independent energy ombudsman shall be established in every Member State and charged with an efficient treatment of complaints as well as the provision of information on energy issues to consumers;
Amendment 63 #
2008/0187(COD)
Proposal for a regulation – amending act
Article 1 – point 11
Article 1 – point 11
Regulation (EC) No 717/2007/EC
Article 6 a – paragraph 1
Article 6 a – paragraph 1
1. Home providers shall ensure that their roaming customers are kept adequately informed of the charges which apply to their use of regulated data roaming services, in waysa clear and intelligible manner which facilitates the customers' understanding of the financial consequences of such use and permit them to monitor and control their expenditure on regulated data roaming services in accordance with paragraphs 2 and 3.
Amendment 71 #
2008/0187(COD)
Proposal for a regulation – amending act
Article 1 – point 11
Article 1 – point 11
Regulation (EC) No 717/2007/EC
Article 6 a – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Article 6 a – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Such personalised tariff information shall be delivered to the roaming customer's mobile telephone or other device, when the roaming customer initiates a regulated data roaming service in a particular Member State other than that of his home network for the first time after having entered that Member State. It shall be provided at the moment the roaming customer initiates a regulated data roaming service without undue delay and free of charge, by an appropriate means adapted to facilitate its receipt and easy comprehension.
Amendment 75 #
2008/0187(COD)
Proposal for a regulation – amending act
Article 1 – point 11
Article 1 – point 11
Regulation (EC) No 717/2007/EC
Article 6 a – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
Article 6 a – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
By 1 Julanuary 2010 at the latest, the home providers shall provide a 'Cut-Off Limit' facility wherebygive they offer and keep availablepportunity to all their roaming customers, free of charge, the possibility to specify in advance a to opt deliberately and free of charge for a ‘cut off limit’ facility. Each home provider shall define this ‘cut off limit’ facility by a maximum monthly financial limit. This maximum monthly financial limit, shall not exceed 50 EUR (excluding VAT) and shall be expressed in the currency in which the roaming customer is billed, for their outstanding charges for regulated data roaming services.
Amendment 82 #
2008/0187(COD)
Proposal for a regulation – amending act
Article 1 – point 11
Article 1 – point 11
Regulation (EC) No 717/2007/EC
Article 6 a – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 a (new)
Article 6 a – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 a (new)
In addition, the home provider may offer to its roaming customers other ‘cut off limits’ with different, i.e. higher or lower, maximum monthly financial limits.
Amendment 83 #
2008/0187(COD)
Proposal for a regulation – amending act
Article 1 – point 11
Article 1 – point 11
Regulation (EC) No 717/2007/EC
Article 6 a – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 b (new)
Article 6 a – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 b (new)
By 1 July 2010, all the roaming customers who did not express their choice shall be automatically placed on a ‘cut off limit’ of 50 EUR (excluding VAT).
Amendment 85 #
2008/0187(COD)
Proposal for a regulation – amending act
Article 1 – point 11
Article 1 – point 11
Regulation (EC) No 717/2007/EC
Article 6 a – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2
Article 6 a – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2
Amendment 94 #
2008/0187(COD)
Proposal for a regulation – amending act
Article 1 – point 11
Article 1 – point 11
Regulation (EC) No 717/2007/EC
Article 6 a – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 3
Article 6 a – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 3
Amendment 104 #
2008/0187(COD)
Proposal for a regulation – amending act
Article 1 – point 11
Article 1 – point 11
Regulation (EC) No 717/2007/EC
Article 6 a – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 3 a (new)
Article 6 a – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 3 a (new)
If the roaming customer does not request the continued provision of those services, and the ‘Cut-Off Limit‘ is reached, the home provider shall immediately cease providing regulated data roaming services.
Amendment 108 #
2008/0187(COD)
Proposal for a regulation – amending act
Article 1 – point 11
Article 1 – point 11
Regulation (EC) No 717/2007/EC
Article 6 a – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 3 b (new)
Article 6 a – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 3 b (new)
As of 1 July 2010, whenever a roaming customer requests to opt for or to remove a ‘cut off limit’ facility, the change shall be made within one working day of receipt of the request, free of charge, and shall not entail conditions or restrictions pertaining to other elements of the subscription.
Amendment 4 #
2008/0157(COD)
Proposal for a directive – amending act
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) Performers generally start their careers young and the current term of protection of 50 years with regard to performances fixed in phonograms and for phonogramthe fixation of performances often does not protect their performances during their entire lifetime. Therefore, performers face an income gap at the end of their lifetimes. They are also often not able to rely on their rights to prevent or restrict objectionable uses of their performances that occur during their lifetimes.
Amendment 6 #
2008/0157(COD)
Proposal for a directive – amending act
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) The term of protection for fixations of performances and for phonograms should therefore be extended to 95 years after publication of the phonogram and the performance fixed therein. If the phonogram or the performance fixed in a phonogram has not been published within the first 50 years, then the term of protection should run for 95 years from the firstr communication to the public.
Amendment 7 #
2008/0157(COD)
Proposal for a directive – amending act
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) For the sake of legal certainty it should be providedMember States should remain free to adopt provisions on thate in the absence of clear indications to the contrary, a contractualterpretation, adaptation, termination and further execution of contracts governing the transfer or assignment of the rights of the performer in the fixation of thehis performance concluded before the date by which Member States are to adopt measures implementing the directive shall continue to produce its effects for the extended termto a phonogram producer concluded before the extension of the term of protection resulting from this Directive.
Amendment 12 #
2008/0157(COD)
Proposal for a directive – amending act
Recital 12
Recital 12
Amendment 14 #
2008/0157(COD)
Proposal for a directive – amending act
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) Those monies should be reserved solely for the benefit of performers whose performances are fixed in a phonogram and who have transferred their rights to the phonogram producer against a one-off payment. The monies set aside in this manner should be distributed to non- featured performers at least once a year on an individual basis. Member States may requishould ensure that distribution of those monies is entrusted to collecting societies representing performers. When the distribution of those monies is entrusted to collecting societies, nNational rules on non-distributable revenues may be applied.
Amendment 15 #
2008/0157(COD)
Proposal for a directive – amending act
Recital 14 a (new)
Recital 14 a (new)
(14a) In order to rebalance contracts under which performers transfer their exclusive rights, on a royalty basis, to a phonogram producer, a further condition attached to term extension should be a 'clean slate' for those performers who have assigned those rights to phonogram producers in return for royalties or remuneration. In order for performers to benefit fully from the extended term of protection, Member States should ensure that, under agreements between phonogram producers and performers, a royalty unencumbered by advance payments or contractually defined deductions is paid to performers during the extended period.
Amendment 18 #
2008/0157(COD)
Proposal for a directive – amending act
Article 1 – point 1
Article 1 – point 1
Directive 2006/116/EC
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – indent 1
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – indent 1
- if a fixation of the performance otherwise than in a phonograph is lawfully published or lawfully communicated to the public within this period, the rights shall expire 950 years from the date of the first such publication or the first such communication to the public, whichever is the earlier,
Amendment 24 #
2008/0157(COD)
Proposal for a directive – amending act
Article 1 – point 4
Article 1 – point 4
Directive 2006/116/EC
Article 10a – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2
Article 10a – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2
Amendment 25 #
2008/0157(COD)
Proposal for a directive – amending act
Article 1 – point 4
Article 1 – point 4
Directive 2006/116/EC
Article 10a – paragraph 5
Article 10a – paragraph 5
5. Member States may regulate whether and to what extent administration by collecting societies ofshall ensure that the right to obtain an annual supplementary remuneration referred to in paragraph 3 may be imposedis administered by the collecting society.
Amendment 28 #
2008/0157(COD)
Proposal for a directive – amending act
Article 1 – point 4
Article 1 – point 4
Directive 2006/116/EC
Article 10a – paragraph 6 – subparagraph 1
Article 10a – paragraph 6 – subparagraph 1
6. If, after the moment at which, by virtue of Article 3 (1) and (2) in their version before amendment by Directive [// insert: Nr. of this amending directive]/EC, the performer and the phonogram producer would be no longer protected in regard of, respectively, the fixation of the performance and the phonogram, the phonogram producer ceases to offer copies of the phonogram for sale in sufficient quantity or to make it available to the public, by wire or wireless means, in such a way that members of the public may access them from a place antd at a time individually chosen by them, the performer may terminate the contract on transfer or assignment. Where a phonogram contains the fixation of the performances of a plurality of performers, they may terminate their contracts on transfer or assignment only jointlyin accordance with the applicable national laws. If the contract on transfer or assignment is terminated pursuant to sentences 1 or 2, the rights of the phonogram producer in the phonogram shall expire.
Amendment 14 #
2008/0152(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) It is necessary to raise public awareness of the Community Ecolabel through promotion actions, information and education campaigns, in order to make consumers aware of the meaning of the label and to enable them to make informed choices.
Amendment 16 #
2008/0152(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) In order to facilitate the marketing of products bearing environmental labels at national and Community level and to avoid confusing consumers, it is also necessary to enhance the coherence between the Community Ecolabel scheme and national Ecolabel schemes in the Community, and to set up an official EU website which brings together all information relating to the EU Ecolabel and related practices for the information of consumers. In addition, products bearing the Community or national Ecolabel should be promoted on Member States' markets.
Amendment 21 #
2008/0152(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12
Article 12
Member States and the Commission shall, in cooperation with the EUEB, promote the use of the Community Ecolabel by awareness-raising actions and information campaigns for consumers, producers, public purchasers, traders, retailers and the general public, thus supporting the development of the scheme. In addition, the promotion of more general environment education measures for the public at large will help to create an environmental conscience in consumers and will enhance the dissemination and recognisability of the Community Ecolabel.
Amendment 83 #
2008/0142(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 27
Recital 27
(27) This Directive provides also for the right for a patient to receive in the Member State where the healthcare is provided any medicinal product authorised for marketing in the Member State where healthcare is provided, even if the medicinal product is not authorised for marketing in the Member State of affiliation, as it is an indispensable part of obtaining effective treatment in another Member State.
Amendment 266 #
2008/0142(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 8 – paragraph 2
Article 8 – paragraph 2
2. This list shall be set up in cooperation and dialogue with Member States' health authorities and may be regularly updated by the Commission. Those measures, designed to amend non- essential elements of this Directive by supplementing it, shall be adopted in accordance with the regulatory procedure with scrutiny referred to in Article 19(3).
Amendment 343 #
2008/0142(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 12 – paragraph 2 − point d
Article 12 – paragraph 2 − point d
(d) facilitate the development of international out-of-court settlement scheme, in cooperation with the Ombudsman, for disputes arising from cross- border healthcare;
Amendment 357 #
2008/0142(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 14 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 14 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) are based on legitimate and justified doubts about the authenticity or content of an individual prescription, or the status of the prescriber.
Amendment 359 #
2008/0142(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 14 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
Article 14 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
(ba) The recognition of such prescription shall not affect (i) national rules governing dispensing, including generic substitution. (ii) National rules governing the reimbursement of European prescriptions. (iii) any professional or ethical duty that would require the pharmacist to refuse to dispense had the prescription been issued in the Member State of treatment.
Amendment 369 #
2008/0142(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 14 – paragraph 2 – point b a (new)
Article 14 – paragraph 2 – point b a (new)
(ba) measures to ensure, if needed, the contact between the prescribing party and the dispensing party in order to ensure the complete understanding of the treatment
Amendment 180 #
2008/0018(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
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 36 months. For specific categories of toys other age limits may be determined in accordance with the safety requirements of the harmonized standards referred to in Article 12.
Amendment 201 #
2008/0018(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 14 – paragraph 2
Article 14 – paragraph 2
2. The EC declaration of conformity shall as a minimum contain the elements specified in Annex III and shall continuously be updated. The EC declaration of conformity shall have the model structure set out in Annex III. It shall be translated into the language or languages required by the Member State in whose market the toy is placed or made available.
Amendment 241 #
2008/0018(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 52
Article 52
Member States shall not impede the placing on the market of toys which are in accordance with Directive 88/378/EEC and which were placed on the market before this Directive entered into force or at the latest 25 years after this Directive entered into force.
Amendment 245 #
2008/0018(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 52
Article 52
Member States shall not impede the placing on the market of toys which are in accordance with Directive 88/378/EEC and which weare placed on the market before this Directive entered into for[2 years after the entry into force of this Directive]. Annex II, Part III shall only apply to toys placed or at the latest 2n the market after [5 years after this Directive enteredry into force. of this Directive/31 May 2013]
Amendment 251 #
2008/0018(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex I – point 17 a (new)
Annex I – point 17 a (new)
17a. Books that do not contain any elements or added objects others than those in paper or cardboard.
Amendment 301 #
2008/0018(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex II – Part III – point 3
Annex II – Part III – point 3
3. Without prejudice to the application of the restrictions under the first sentence of point 2, the use in toys of substances that are classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction (CMR) according to Directive 67/548/EEC in individual concentrations equal to or greater than the relevant concentrations established for the classification of preparations containing the substances in accordance with the provisions of Directive 1999/45/EC shall be prohibited, except if the substances are contained. The presence of traces of these substances, which are technically unavoidable in good manufacturing practice, e.g. monomers in plastics, shall be allowed provided that int components of toys or micro-structurally distinct parts of toys that are not accessible to any physical contact by childrenlies with the provisions of Regulation (EC) 1935/2004.
Amendment 318 #
2008/0018(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex II – Part III – point 4
Annex II – Part III – point 4
4. Substances or preparations classified as CMR category 1, 2 and 23 according to Directive 67/548/EEC may be used in toys provided all that the following conditions are met: 4.1. the toy manufacturer submits to the relevant Scientific Committee an application accompanied by an evaluation report regarding the exposure of the users to the specific CMR substance contained in the toy for the specific toy; 4.2 the use of the substance has been evaluated, on a case by case basis, by the relevant Scientific Committee and found to be safe, in particular in view of exposure, and a Decision as referred to in Article 45 (2) has been taken; 4.2.3 there are no suitable alternative substances available, as documented in an analysis of alternatives which the relevant Scientific Committee will evaluate and approve, 4.3.4 they are not prohibited for uses in consumer articles under Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (REACH). The Commission shall publish in Annex … of this Directive a list of substances or preparations and the corresponding toys which are exempted from the requirements of ANNEX II, part III, point 3. The Commission shall mandate the relevant Scientific Committee to re- evaluate those substances or preparations as soon as safety concerns arise and at the lateleast every 5 years from the date that a decision in accordance with Article 45 (2) was taken.
Amendment 325 #
2008/0018(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex II – Part III – point 5
Annex II – Part III – point 5
5. Substances or preparations classified as CMR category 3 according to Directive 67/548/EEC may be used in toys if use ofwhich are classified as very toxic, toxic, Harmful, Sensitizing, Corrosive or Irritating may be used in toys provided that the exposure of children to these substance has bes, when evaluated byaccording to the relevant Scientific Committee and found to be safe, in particular in view of exposure, and following a Decision as referred to in Article 45 (2) and provided that they are not prohibited for uses in consumer articles under Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (REACH)official European Testing Standards does not pose a risk for the health of the child.
Amendment 370 #
2008/0018(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex V - Part B - Point 7
Annex V - Part B - Point 7
Toys contained in food or co-mingled with food shall contain the warning: “Adult supervision strongly recommended”.
Amendment 52 #
2008/0002(COD)
Proposal for a regulation – amending act
Article 8 – paragraph 3
Article 8 – paragraph 3
3. Within four months from the date on which the notification provided for in paragraph 2 is forwarded by the Commission, a Member State and the Authority may inform the Commission that they have reasoned safety objections, based on scientific evidence, to the placing on the market of the traditional food concerned. In that caseThe Authority (EFSA) shall also issue an opinion giving its final approval or withdrawing its approval for the placing on the market of traditional food by third countries. Where the Authority withholds its approval and duly reasoned objections are raised by Member States, the food shall not be placed on the market in the Community and Articles 5 to 7 shall apply. The notification as referred to in paragraph 1 shall be considered as an application referred to in Article 3(1) of the Regulation XX/XXX [common procedure].
Amendment 54 #
2008/0002(COD)
Proposal for a regulation – amending act
Article 8 – paragraph 4
Article 8 – paragraph 4
4. If the Authority gives its approval and if no reasoned safety objections, based on scientific evidence, have been raised and no information thereof has been communicated to the food business operator concerned in accordance with paragraph 3, the traditional food may be placed on the market in the Community after five months from the date of the notification in accordance with paragraph 1.
Amendment 26 #
2007/2288(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Acknowledges the important role of the private sector, and particularly of financial institutions, in providing consumers with information on financial services; emphasises, however, that financial education should be unbiased and fair,offered in a fair, unbiased and transparent manner, so as to serve the interests of the consumer and that it must be clearly distinguished from commercial advice or advertising; in order to achieve this goal, encourages financial institutions to develop Codes of Conduct for their staff;
Amendment 38 #
2007/2288(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14a (new)
Paragraph 14a (new)
14a. Stresses the need for the Member States, with the support of the Commission, to carry out regular surveys, in cooperation with the various social and population groups of the Member States, concerning current levels of financial literacy among the public, in order to identify priority areas of action and thus ensure the appropriate, prompt and effective implementation of financial education programmes to assist the public;
Amendment 41 #
2007/2288(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Stresses the need for an ongoing two- way educational process for both sides, that is to say financial advisors and consumers, so as to ensure the provisions of accurate information in step with the most recent developments in the financial services sector;
Amendment 8 #
2007/2191(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas, cohesion policy has, up to now, made an effective contribution in helping the poorest regions to catch ureduce the gap in terms of socio-economic development,
Amendment 13 #
2007/2191(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas economic growth tends to be concentrated around capital cities and large urban centres leaving peripheral, mountain, island and rural areas with uneven socio-economic development,
Amendment 28 #
2007/2191(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital K
Recital K
K. whereas most of the least favoured micro-regional territories are facing complex multi-dimensional problems related to their peripheral location, lack of logistical infrastructure, socio-economic under- development, de-industrialisation processes, low levels of education and training, lack of administrative capacity, generational unemployment, deteriorating housing and living conditions, low access to services of general interest, lack of conditions for technological development and progress and concentration of segregated minorities and vulnerable groups,
Amendment 40 #
2007/2191(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Stresses that the territorial concentration of vulnerable communities and groups and the strong geographic influence affecting social segregation in the most underdeveloped territories is an increasing challenge for the cohesion of EU territories; emphasises, moreover, that this phenomenon is not only to be found inter- regionally in underdeveloped areas but also intra-regionally, to a significant extent, both in developing and developed areas and requires particular attention because such vulnerable communities and groups tend to be lost within a more general, favourable picture,
Amendment 65 #
2007/2191(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to allocate resources between developed cities and excluded rural, difficult access, mountain and island territories in a balanced way and to establish tailor-made long-term programmes for specific vulnerable groups with the participation of local authorities, relevant social and economic partners and representatives of the target groups in the decision-making process and implementation in order to best address their needs and bring genuine solutions to overcome exclusion and generational unemployment and support methods of accessing education, training and new technologies;
Amendment 71 #
2007/2191(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Stresses the need to tackle the problem of the existence of transport networks and access to them, since exclusion makes those communities and groups living in remote areas which are difficult to access doubly vulnerable;
Amendment 77 #
2007/2191(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9a (new)
Paragraph 9a (new)
9a. Calls on the Commission to define and describe clearly the vulnerable communities and groups that it will work on in the context of cohesion policy, and methodically record their salient features in order to facilitate targeted and systematic measures; also stresses the importance that should be attached to the particular nature of communities and groups, such as the unemployed, the poor, the elderly, seasonal workers, single- parent families, unmarried mothers, drug addicts, the illiterate;
Amendment 92 #
2007/2191(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Underlines the need to address the demographic trends of further urban concentration and rural exodus and their territorial impact; calls therefore on the Member States to draw up strategies to revitalise depopulated areas by fostering real development opportunities, maintaining services of general interest, offering jobs and training, improving housing and living conditions, enhancing local administrative capacity, decentralising the public sector and increasing the attractiveness of those areas to investors;
Amendment 98 #
2007/2191(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Recommends that political measures taken to tackle social exclusion and activate vulnerable communities and groups should include the element of voluntariness;
Amendment 63 #
2007/0280(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 - paragraph 1 - point b
Article 1 - paragraph 1 - point b
b) the supply of parts, components and/or subassemblies for incorporation in or fitting to the goods referred to under a), or for the repair, refurbishment or maintenance of such goodworks, supplies and/or services involving, entailing and/or containing sensitive information, and which are necessary for the security of the EU and its Member States, in the fields of protection against terrorism or organised crime, border protection and crisis management operations;
Amendment 67 #
2007/0280(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 - paragraph 1 - point c
Article 1 - paragraph 1 - point c
c) the supply of all products intended for trainparts, components and/or subassemblies for incorporation ing or tesfitting tof the goods referred to under a), and b) throughout the life cycle of such goods and, where necessary, public works and services contracts strictly related to these supplies;
Amendment 73 #
2007/0280(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 - paragraph 1 - point d
Article 1 - paragraph 1 - point d
d) works, supplies and/or services involving, entailing and/or containing sensitive information, and which are necessary for the security of the EU and its Member States, in the fields of protection against terrorism or organised crime, border protection and crisis management operationthe supply of all products intended for training or testing of the goods referred to under a) and b) throughout the life cycle of such goods and, where necessary, public works and services contracts strictly related to these supplies.
Amendment 78 #
2007/0280(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 9 - point b a (new)
Article 9 - point b a (new)
(ba) contracts for the supply of arms, ammunition or war material and services by one Member State to another, and under cooperation programmes between Member States;
Amendment 83 #
2007/0280(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 10 - paragraph 1
Article 10 - paragraph 1
Amendment 99 #
2007/0280(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 15 - paragraph 2 - point (f a) (new)
Article 15 - paragraph 2 - point (f a) (new)
(fa) a commitment that the contracting authority will have available all the specific facilities for the production of spare parts, components, specific fittings, specific tests for equipment, including the design, transfer of know-how, licensing and instructions in the event that the contractor is no longer able to supply and transport them henceforth.
Amendment 102 #
2007/0280(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 19 - paragraph 1
Article 19 - paragraph 1
1. When a contract iss are particularly complex, Member States may decide that, where the contracting authority, should ities consider that recourse to the restricted procedure or the negotiated procedure with publication of a contract notice will not enable ithem to award the contract, the contracting authorities may make use of the competitive dialogue in accordance with this Article..
Amendment 103 #
2007/0280(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 20 - paragraph 1
Article 20 - paragraph 1
Amendment 107 #
2007/0280(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 20 - paragraph 2 - point b a (new)
Article 20 - paragraph 2 - point b a (new)
(ba) when, following a restricted procedure, a negotiated procedure without prior publication of a contract notice or a competitive dialogue, no tender has been submitted or none of the tenders submitted are suitable, or when there is no candidate, provided the original terms of the contract have not been substantially altered and that a report thereon is forwarded to the Commission at its request.
Amendment 114 #
2007/0280(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 22 - paragraph 4 - subparagraph 3
Article 22 - paragraph 4 - subparagraph 3
Certain information on the contract award or the conclusion of the framework agreement may be withheld from publication where release of such information would impede law enforcement or otherwise be contrary to the public interest, would be detrimental to defence and security interests, would harm the legitimate commercial interests of economic operators, public or private, or might prejudice fair competition between them.
Amendment 115 #
2007/0280(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 26 - paragraph 3
Article 26 - paragraph 3
3. Contracting authorities may decide to withhold certain information on the contract award or the conclusion of the framework agreements, referred to in subparagraph 1, where release of such information would impede law enforcement or otherwise be contrary to the public interest, would be detrimental to defence and security interests or would prejudice the legitimate commercial interests of economic operators, public or private, or might prejudice fair competition between them.
Amendment 116 #
2007/0280(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 28 − paragraph 1 − point e
Article 28 − paragraph 1 − point e
e) if appropriate, sensitive technical specifications which can only be communicated to the successful tenderer and the reasons for this restrictionn the case of a competitive dialogue, the circumstances which justify this procedure;
Amendment 121 #
2007/0280(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 30 - paragraph 2 - point c
Article 30 - paragraph 2 - point c
c) has been convicted by a judgment which has the force of res judicata in accordance with the legal provisions of the country of any offence concerning his professional conduct;, such as the infringement of current legislation on the export of sensitive defence equipment.
Amendment 122 #
2007/0280(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 30 - paragraph 2 - point d
Article 30 - paragraph 2 - point d
d) has been guilty of grave professional misconduct proven by any means which the contracting authority can justify such as, for example, the breach of his obligations regarding security of information or security of supply during a previous public contract;
Amendment 129 #
2007/0280(COD)
Proposal for a directive − amending act
Article 44
Article 44
Directive 2004/18/EC
Article 10
Article 10
Amendment 10 #
2007/0247(COD)
Proposal for a directive – amending act
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) In that regard, the Commission presented its initial findings in its Communication to the Council, the European Parliament, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions of 29 June 2006 on the review of the EU regulatory framework for electronic communications networks and services. On the basis of these initial findings, a public consultation was held, which identified the continued lack of an internal market for electronic communications as the most important aspect needing to be addressed. In particular, regulatory fragmentation and inconsistencies between the activities of the national regulatory authorities were found to jeopardise not only the competitiveness of the sector, but also the substantial consumer benefits from cross- border competitionshowed support for a continuation of the current model of the framework. The current framework introduces technical adjustments of a transitory nature to ensure a full transition to competition law becomes a reality, as the nature of the framework remains transitory and should end in 2014 by which point a fully competitive telecoms market should be a reality. The provisions of this Directive shall apply until 31 December 2014.
Amendment 14 #
2007/0247(COD)
Proposal for a directive – amending act
Recital 5 a (new)
Recital 5 a (new)
(5a) In its Communication “Bridging the Broadband Gap” of 20 March 2006, the Commission acknowledged that there is a territorial divide in Europe regarding access to high speed broadband services. Despite the general increase in broadband connectivity, access in various regions is limited because of high costs due to low density of population and remoteness. Commercial incentives to invest in broadband deployment in these areas often turn out to be insufficient. On the positive side, technological innovation is reducing deployment costs. In order to ensure investment in new technologies in underdeveloped regions, telecoms regulation needs to be consistent with other policy measures taken, such as state aid policy, structural funds or wider industrial policy aims.
Amendment 22 #
2007/0247(COD)
Proposal for a directive – amending act
Recital 31
Recital 31
(31) It is necessary to strengthen the powers of the Member States vis-à-vis holders of rights of way to ensure the entry or roll out of new network in an environmentally responsible way and independently of any obligation on an operator with significant market power to grant access to its electronic communications network. National regulatory authorities should be able to impose, on a case-by-case basis, the sharing of ducts, masts, and antennas, the entry into buildings and a better coordination of civil works. Improving facility sharing can significantly improve competition and lower the overall financial and environmental cost of deploying electronic communications infrastructure for undertakings. The sharing of ducts should be extended to cover all public infrastructure (water, sewage, electricity, gas) through which electronic communications infrastructure can be deployed to create a level playing field and improve possibilities for the roll out of alternative infrastructure.
Amendment 32 #
2007/0247(COD)
Proposal for a directive – amending act
Article 1 – point 2 – point (c)
Article 1 – point 2 – point (c)
Directive 2002/21/EC
Article 2 − point e
Article 2 − point e
(e) “associated facilities” means those facilities associated with an electronic communications network and/or an electronic communications service which enable and/or support the provision of services via that network and/or service or have the potential to do so, and include number or address translation systems, conditional access systems and electronic programme guides, as well as physical infrastructure such as ducts, including those of other public and private infrastructures such as water, sewage, gas and electricity ducts, masts, street cabinets, and buildings;
Amendment 61 #
2007/0247(COD)
Proposal for a directive – amending act
Article 1 – point 13
Article 1 – point 13
Directive 2002/21/EC
Article 12 − paragraph 1
Article 12 − paragraph 1
1. Where an undertaking providing electronic communications networks public or private undertaking has the right under national legislation to install facilities on, over or under public or private property, or may take advantage of a procedure for the expropriation or use of property, national regulatory authorities, taking due account of the principle of proportionality, shall be able to impose the sharing of such facilities or property, including entries to buildings, masts, antennae, ducts, and manholes and street cabinets.
Amendment 64 #
2007/0247(COD)
Proposal for a directive – amending act
Article 1 – point 13
Article 1 – point 13
Directive 2002/21/EC
Article 12 − paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 12 − paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. To ensure that measures adopted under paragraph 1 are proportionate, national regulatory authorities will investigate the availability of all ducts, including those of telecommunications operators, energy providers, local communities and sewage pipes, capable of carrying telecommunications lines in the area where access is requested.
Amendment 79 #
2007/0247(COD)
Proposal for a directive – amending act
Article 2 – point 9
Article 2 – point 9
Directive 2002/19/EC
Article 13a
Article 13a
Amendment 21 #
2007/0199(COD)
Proposal for a regulation – amending act
Recital 9 a (new)
Recital 9 a (new)
(9a) To ensure greater transparency of the entire gas pipe line situation in Europe, the European Network of Transmission System Operators should draw up, publish and update a "road map" for the gas network in Europe. All pipelines and possible regional connections should be included in this road map. The Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators should be consulted in the development of this road map, in particular in checking its consistency with the 10-year investment plans. The road map should be submitted to the Commission for review.
Amendment 19 #
2007/0198(COD)
Proposal for a regulation – amending act
Recital 7 a (new)
Recital 7 a (new)
(7a) Cooperation at regional level between Member States and neighbouring countries with a European perspective should be promoted so as to ensure stability and security of supply, as well as the effectiveness of networks at that level.
Amendment 27 #
2007/0196(COD)
Proposal for a directive – amending act
Recital 5 a (new)
Recital 5 a (new)
(5a) The Member States should promote cooperation at regional level, and monitor the effectiveness of the network at that level. Several Member States have already put forward a proposal that would allow fulfilling this objective.
Amendment 28 #
2007/0196(COD)
Proposal for a directive – amending act
Recital 8 a (new)
Recital 8 a (new)
(8a) Member States should foster regional cooperation with the possibility to designate a regional coordinator in charge of facilitating the dialogue between all national competent authorities. Furthermore, as regards the issue of connecting new power plants to the grid, this should be foreseen in due course and in an effective manner.
Amendment 29 #
2007/0196(COD)
Proposal for a directive – amending act
Recital 8 b (new)
Recital 8 b (new)
(8b) In order to ensure proper implementation of the 2nd energy package, the Commission should assist those Member States which encounter problems in this field.
Amendment 58 #
2007/0196(COD)
Proposal for a directive – amending act
Article 1 – point 3
Article 1 – point 3
Directive 2003/55/EC
Article 5b
Article 5b
Amendment 60 #
2007/0196(COD)
Proposal for a directive – amending act
Article 1 – point 4
Article 1 – point 4
Directive 2003/55/EC
Article 7 – paragraph 1
Article 7 – paragraph 1
1. In order to ensure the independence of transmission system operators, Member States shall ensure that as from [date of transposition plus one year]: vertically integrated undertakings have to comply: -either with the provisions of Articles 7, 7a, 7b and 7c; or -with the provisions of Articles 7a, 7b and 7c. In the case that the transposition of the provisions of Articles 7a, 7b and 7c proves insufficient in obtaining a high level of liberalisation and thereby complying with the objectives of Articles 7 by [date of transposition plus six years], a decision shall be taken on the implementation of Article 7, on a proposal by the Commission, adopted by the Council and the European Parliament. In the case of compliance with the provisions of Articles 7, 7a and 7b, Member States shall ensure that as from [date of transposition plus one year]:
Amendment 61 #
2007/0196(COD)
Proposal for a directive – amending act
Article 1 – point 6 a (new)
Article 1 – point 6 a (new)
Directive 2003/55/EC
Article 8 – paragraph 1 - point (d) a (new)
Article 8 – paragraph 1 - point (d) a (new)
(6a) In Article 8, paragraph 1, the following point shall be added after point (d): "(da) in carrying out tasks of a transmission system operator, ensure that the benefit of the region it is operating in is duly taken into account; without prejudging shareholders' rights related to investment profitability and equity needs, operational and investment decisions taken by a transmission system operator shall be consistent with the Community- wide and regional investment plans pursuant to Articles 2c and 2d of the Regulation and shall facilitate market development, market integration and optimize socio-economic welfare gains at least at regional level."
Amendment 62 #
2007/0196(COD)
Proposal for a directive – amending act
Article 1 – point 6 b (new)
Article 1 – point 6 b (new)
Directive 2003/55/EC
Article 8 – paragraphs 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j (new)
Article 8 – paragraphs 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j (new)
Amendment 50 #
2007/0195(COD)
Proposal for a directive – amending act
Article 1 – point 3
Article 1 – point 3
Directive 2003/54/EC
Article 5a
Article 5a
1. Member States' authorities and regulators shall cooperate among themselves for the purpose of integrating their national markets at least at the regional level. In particular, Member Statesthey shall promotensure the cooperation of network operators at a regional level, and foster the convergence and consistency of their legal and regulatory framework. The geographical2. When cooperation between several Member States at regional level encounters significant difficulties, following the joint request of these Member States the Commission may, in agreaement with all Member States covncerned by regional cooperations shall be in line with the definition of geographical areas by the Commission in accordance with Article 2h(3) of Regulation (EC) No 1228/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 June 2003 on conditions for access to the network for cross-border exchanges in electricity1. ___________ 1 OJ L 176, 15.7.2003 p. 1, designate a regional coordinator. 3. The regional coordinator shall promote at regional level the cooperation of regulatory authorities and any other competent public authorities, network operators, power exchanges, grid users and market parties. In particular, he shall: (a) promote new efficient investments in interconnections. To this end, he shall assist TSOs while elaborating their regional interconnection plan and contribute to the coordination of their investments decisions and, where appropriate, of their open season procedure; (b) promote the efficient and safe use of the networks. To this end, he shall contribute to the coordination between TSOs, national regulatory authorities and other competent national public authorities with the elaboration of common allocation and common safeguard mechanisms; (c) submit a report every year to the Commission and the Member States concerned on progress achieved in the region and on any difficulty or obstacle that may hinder progress.
Amendment 54 #
2007/0195(COD)
Proposal for a directive – amending act
Article 1 – point 4
Article 1 – point 4
Directive 2003/54/EC
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. In order to ensure the independence of transmission system operators, Member States shall ensure that as from [date of transposition plus one year] vertically integrated undertakings have to comply: - either with the provisions of Articles 8, 8a and 8b; or - with the provisions of Articles 8a, 8b and 8c. In the case that the transposition of the provisions of Articles 8a, 8b and 8c proves insufficient in obtaining a high level of liberalisation and thereby complying with the objectives of Article 8 by [date of transposition plus six years], a decision shall be taken on the implementation of Article 8, on a proposal by the Commission, adopted by the Council and the European Parliament. In the case of compliance with the provisions of Articles 8, 8a and 8b, Member States shall ensure that as from [date of transposition plus one year]:
Amendment 59 #
2007/0195(COD)
Proposal for a directive – amending act
Article 1 – point 6
Article 1 – point 6
Directive 2003/54/EC
Article 9
Article 9
1. Each transmission system operator shall be responsible for: (a) ensuring the long-term ability of the system to meet reasonable demands for the transmission of electricity, operating, maintaining and developing under economic conditions secure, reliable and efficient transmission systems with due regard to the environment, and promote energy efficiency and research and innovation notably with respect to ensuring penetration of renewables and dissemination of low carbon technology; (b) contributing to security of supply through adequate transmission capacity and system reliability; (c) managing energy flows on the system, taking into account exchanges with other interconnected systems. to that end, the transmission system operator shall be responsible for ensuring a secure, reliable and efficient electricity system and, in that context, for ensuring the availability of all necessary ancillary services insofar as this availability is independent from any other transmission system with which its system is interconnected; (d) providing to the operator of any other system with which its system is interconnected sufficient information to ensure the secure and efficient operation, coordinated development and interoperability of the interconnected system; (e) ensuring non-discrimination as between system users or classes of system users, particularly in favour of its related undertakings; (f) providing system users with the information they need for efficient access to the system. (fa) ensuring that the benefit of the region it is operating in is duly taken into account. Without prejudging shareholders' rights related to investment profitability and equity needs, operational and investment decisions taken by a transmission system operator shall be consistent with the Community-wide and regional investment plans pursuant to Articles 2c and 2d of Regulation (EC) No 1228/2003 and shall facilitate market development, market integration and optimize socio-economic welfare gains at least at regional level. 2. TSOs shall elaborate a ten-year network development plan at least every two years. They shall provide efficient measures in order to guarantee system adequacy and security of supply. 3. The ten-year network development plan shall in particular : (a) indicate to market participants the main transmission infrastructures that ought to be built over the next ten years; (b) contain all investments in relation to which an implementation decision has already been taken and identify new investments for which an implementation decision has to be taken in the next three years. 4. In order to elaborate this ten-year network development plan, each TSO shall make a reasonable hypothesis about the evolution of generation, consumption and exchanges with other countries, and shall take into account existing network investment plans at regional and European levels. Each TSO shall submit in due time the draft to the competent national body. 5. The competent national body shall consult all relevant network users on the basis of a draft for the ten-year network development plan in an open and transparent manner and may publish the result of the consultation process, in particular possible investment needs. 6. The competent national body shall examine whether the ten-year network development plan covers all investment needs identified in the consultation. The authority may oblige the TSO to amend its plan. 7. A competent national body for the purposes of paragraphs 24, 25 and 26 may be the national regulatory authority, any other competent national public authority or a network development trustee constituted by TSOs. In the latter case, TSOs shall submit the drafts of the statutes, of the list of members and of the rules of procedure to the approval of the competent national public authority. 8. If the TSO rejects the implementation of a specific investment listed in the ten- year network development plan to be executed in the next three years, Members States shall ensure that the regulatory authority or any other competent national public authority is competent to take one or other of the following measures: (a) to request the TSO to execute, by all legal means, his investment obligations using his financial capacities; or (b) to invite independent investors to tender for a necessary investment in a transmission system and, in so doing, may oblige the TSO : - to agree to financing by any third party, - to agree to building by any third party or to build the new assets, and - to operate the new asset. The relevant financial arrangements shall be subject to the approval of the regulatory authority or any other competent national authority. In both cases, tariff regulation shall allow for revenues that cover the costs of such investments. 9. The competent national public authority shall monitor and evaluate the implementation of the investment plan. 10. TSOs shall be obliged to establish and publish transparent and efficient procedures for non-discriminatory connection of new power plants to the grid. Those procedures shall be subject to the approval of national regulatory authorities or any other competent national public authority. 11. TSOs shall not be entitled to refuse the connection of a new power plant on the grounds of possible future limitations to available network capacities, such as congestion in distant parts of the transmission grid. The TSO shall be obliged to supply the necessary information. TSOs shall not be entitled to refuse a new connection point on the sole ground that it will lead to additional costs linked to the necessary capacity increase of grid elements within close range of the connection point.
Amendment 67 #
2007/0195(COD)
Proposal for a directive – amending act
Article 1 – point 12
Article 1 – point 12
Directive 2003/54/EC
Article 22 c – paragraph 3 – points (b), (c) and (d)
Article 22 c – paragraph 3 – points (b), (c) and (d)
(b) to carry out in cooperation with the national competition authority investigations of the functioning of electricity markets, and to decide, in the absence of violations of competition rules,, of any appropriate measures necessary and proportionate to promote effective competition and ensure the proper functioning of the market, including virtual power plants; (c) to request any reasonable information from electricity undertakings relevant for the fulfilment of its tasks; (d) to impose effective, appropriate and dissuasiveartially impose, where necessary, proportionate and consistent sanctions to electricity undertakings not complying with their obligations under this Directive or any binding decisions of the regulatory authority or of the Agency;