2013/2153(INI) | [ParlTrack]

Motion for a resolution
Heading 1

on consumer protection in the context of some sectors of utility services

Amendment 10 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital B

B. having regard to the particular importance of utility services, the need to guarantee consumers ~~free~~ access to such services and the need ~~to lay down binding rules~~for a common framework on access to such services for ~~vulnerable~~ consumers;

Amendment 100 #

Birgit COLLIN-LANGEN, Sabine VERHEYEN, Andreas SCHWAB

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. Takes the view that undertakings should be required to publish information about prices and price changes in a readily understandable form and that minimum standards are needed to govern the way accounts are drawn up and the way in which changes to contracts are communicated;

Amendment 101 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

~~13. Takes the view that information assymmetry is putting consumers at a disadvantage; calls for the introduction of legal instruments which ensure that consumers receive comprehensive information;~~deleted

Amendment 102 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

~~13. Takes the view that information asymmetry is putting consumers at a disadvantage; calls for the introduction of legal instruments which ensure that consumers receive comprehensive information;~~deleted

Amendment 103 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Takes the view that information asymmetry is putting consumers at a disadvantage; ~~calls for the introduction of legal instruments which ensure that consumers receive comprehensive information;~~

Amendment 104 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Takes the view that information asymmetry is putting consumers at a disadvantage; calls for the introduction of legal instruments which ensure that consumers receive comprehensive information; notes that technical simplification is essential for consumers and that to this end, the same price components should be present in the offer, the contract and the bill, and the presentation of this data should be aligned; believes that in order to make consumers more proactive in the management of energy consumption, they need to be made aware of ways to control consumption, as well as possibilities for energy savings, and energy efficiency and small-scale production;

Amendment 105 #

Heide RÜHLE, Sabine VERHEYEN

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. ~~Takes the view that where smart metering is employed priority must be given to the benefits for customers and data protection and that the relevant costs must not be passed on to consumers~~Emphasises the role of smart grids to allow two-way communication between electricity producers and customers and points out that smart grids, respecting customers and data protection, can allow consumers to observe and adapt their electricity use;

Amendment 106 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. TPoints out that the Third Internal Energy Package asks the Member States to undertake a cost-benefit-analysis before starting the roll-out of smart metering; reminds that this cost-benefit analysis is an obligatory prerequisite before smart metering can be introduced and that smart metering cannot be rolled out without this analysis; takes the view that where smart metering is employed priority must be given to the benefits for customers and data protection and that the relevant costs must not be passed on to consumers;

Amendment 107 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. ~~Takes the view that where~~Supports the roll out of smart metering ias ~~employed priority must be given to the benefits for customers and data protection and that the relevant costs must not be passed on to consumers~~of benefit to the economic interests of consumers, so long as individual's consumer rights to refuse a smart meter is maintained;

Amendment 108 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Takes the view that where smart metering is employed priority must be given to the benefits for customers and data protection ~~and~~, that the relevant costs must not be passed on to consumers and that it must not lead to price discrimination among consumers by energy undertakings;

Amendment 109 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. ~~Takes the view that where smart metering is employed priority must be given to the~~Points out that according to recent studies, smart metering has in many Member States not lead to any or only minimal cost savings for consumers, and have not been~~efits for customers and data protection and that the relevant costs must not b~~ accepted by consumers; is concerned that smart metering enables the gathering of very detailed information of the inhabitants of the household in question (e.g. how many persons stay in the apa~~sse~~rtment/house, their presence and non ~~to consumers~~-presence, the amount of electric equipment they are using etc.);

Amendment 11 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital B

B. having regard to the particular importance of utility services, and the need to ~~guarantee consumers free access to such services and the need to lay down binding rules on access to such services~~observe adapted rules, inter alia for vulnerable consumers;

Amendment 110 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)

14a. Underlines that if smart metering is employed, absolute priority must be given to the protection of the data of the consumer, the actual benefits for customers; highlights further that the costs of installation and maintenance must not be passed on to consumers;

Amendment 111 #

Ildikó GÁLL-PELCZ, Birgit COLLIN-LANGEN, András GYÜRK

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. ~~Calls for legislative measures to guarantee all consumers access to high- quality telecommunications services and narrow the digital divide~~Notes the significant enhancements to consumer protection following the implementation of the 2009 Telecoms Package; highlights the updates and improvements currently being developed in the Connected Continent proposals, including ease of switching, and controls on consumption in order to prevent "bill shock";

Amendment 112 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. ~~Calls for legislative measures to guarantee all consumers access to~~Stresses the importance for the development of the Digital Single Market of continuing efforts aimed at providing ubiquitous and high- quality telecommunications services ~~and narrow the digital divide~~, through the promotion of fixed and mobile internet access and the deployment of next generation infrastructures;

Amendment 113 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. Calls for legislative measures to ~~guarantee~~facilitate for all consumers access to high- quality telecommunications services and narrow the digital divide;

Amendment 114 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. ~~Calls for legislative measures to guarantee~~Stresses that the consumer aspect of the telecommunications sector is of outmost importance, underlines the significance of all consumers having access to high- quality telecommunications services ~~and~~in order to narrow the digital divide;

Amendment 115 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)

15a. Highlights that vulnerable consumers might need special provisions so as to enjoy the full range of telecommunications services and encourages the Member States to pay special attention to the situation of vulnerable consumers in this context, especially the elderly, disabled and financially disadvantaged; welcomes the initiatives taken by some Member States to promote equivalent access for disabled users and encourages other Member States to follow this example;

Amendment 116 #

Ildikó GÁLL-PELCZ, Birgit COLLIN-LANGEN, András GYÜRK

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

~~16. Emphasises that the internet must remain open and net-neutral and that the protection of personal data and privacy must have priority, as this is the only way to build trust;~~deleted

Amendment 117 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Emphasises that the internet must remain open and net-neutral and that the protection of personal data and privacy must have priority, as this is the only way to build trust; recalls that network and information security is the responsibility of all stakeholders, including users at home, service providers and product developers; recommends encouraging cybersecurity-related training and education for both citizens and professionals;

Amendment 118 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Emphasises that consumer confidence is decisive for the functioning and growth of the digital single market; points out that in order to achieve consumers' confidence the internet must remain open and net-neutral ~~and~~; underlines that the protection of personal data and privacy must ~~have~~be a priority, as this is the only way to build citizens trust;

Amendment 119 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

Amendment 12 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital B

B. having regard to the particular importance of utility services, the need to ~~guarantee~~promote the right of consumers to free access to such services and the need to lay down binding rules on access to such services for vulnerable consumers;

Amendment 120 #

Ildikó GÁLL-PELCZ, Birgit COLLIN-LANGEN, András GYÜRK

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

17. Notes that ease of switching, facilitated by data portability and interoperability ~~are~~, is essential if consumers are to ~~become less dependent on providers and~~ enjoy greater freedom to choose their provider and if innovation is to be fostered; ~~takes the view that all consumers should be able to switch provider at any time, free of charge, without loss of data and with a minimum of formalities;~~

Amendment 121 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

17. Notes that data portability and interoperability are essential if consumers are to become less dependent on providers and enjoy greater freedom to choose their provider and if innovation is to be fostered; ~~tak~~urges the ~~view that all consumers should be able to switch provider at any time,~~Commission to take steps to clarify consumer rights, to encourage transparency as regards pricing, billing, information and the scope for comparison, to enhance freedom of c~~harge, without loss of data and with a minimum of formalitie~~onsumer choice and responsiveness to customer needs, and to protect consumers;

Amendment 122 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

Amendment 123 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

17. Notes that data portability and interoperability are essential ifor innovation; points out that these two concepts would also help consumers ~~are~~ to become less dependent on providers and enjoy a greater freedom tof cho~~ose their provider and if innovation is to be fostered~~ice; takes the view that ~~all~~ consumers should be able to switch provider at any time, ~~free of charge~~without additional costs, without loss of data and with a minimum of formalities;

Amendment 124 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)

17a. Calls on the Commission to look into consumers producing online content and encourages the establishment of transparent and fair remuneration models for online content, while acknowledging the distinction between illegal piracy and legal activities carried out by private consumers on a small scale and without commercial motivation;

Amendment 125 #

Motion for a resolution
Subheading 4

P~~ostal services~~arcel delivery

Amendment 126 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

18. Notes that ~~the liberalisation of postal services has not brought the promised benefits for~~promoting more competition in the postal sector is important in reaching the Europe 2020 goals for sustainable growth and that consumers, b~~ut has instead destroyed structures which it will be very difficult to re-establish;~~ enefit from a more quality- focused service and from savings passed on to them through cost reductions; further notes that the universal service obligations guarantee that all Member States will ensure the continued full coverage and affordability of postal services;

Amendment 127 #

Birgit COLLIN-LANGEN, Sabine VERHEYEN, Andreas SCHWAB

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

18. ~~Notes that the~~ Stresses the dynamic nature of the parcel delibver~~alisation of postal services has not brought the promised benefits for consumers, but has instead destroyed structures which it will be very difficult to re-est~~y market, with innovative services developing rapidly; highlights in this context that even more available delivery options, better transparency, information and prices are a precondition for increasing consumers' confidence in the delivery market; calls on the Commission to propose the necessary measures to encourage the postal services to improve interoperability and accelerate the roll-out of streamlined processes aimed at reducing costs, increasing the availability and quality of delivery servicesh;

Amendment 128 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

18. Notes that the liberalisation of postal services has ~~not~~ brought ~~the promised~~substantial benefits for consumers~~, but has instead destroyed structures which it will be very difficult to re-establish~~;

Amendment 129 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

Amendment 13 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital B

B. having regard to the particular importance of ~~utility services, the need to guarantee consumers free access to such services and the need to lay down binding rules on access to such services for vulnerable consumer~~enhanced consumer information requirements regarding utility services;

Amendment 130 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

18. Notes that the liberalisation of postal services has not brought the promised benefits for consumers, but has instead – particularly in rural areas – destroyed structures which it will be very difficult to re-establish;

Amendment 131 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

18. ~~Notes that the liberalisation of postal services has not brought the promised benefits for consumers, but has instead destroyed structures which it will be very difficult to re-establish~~Acknowledges that Directive 2008/6/EC does guarantee postal services as a universal service, but notes that the liberalisation of postal services has de facto lead to a decrease of the number of post offices, letter boxes and parcel delivery points, disadvantaging consumers, especially in the rural areas; calls on the Commission to look into this in its implementation Report;

Amendment 132 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)

18a. Welcomes the Commission upcoming Report on the implementation of the Directive on the internal market of Community postal services (Directive 2008/6/EC) which is due by the end of 2013;

Amendment 133 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19

~~19. Emphasises that a comprehensive postal service must be guaranteed throughout the Union, including in rural areas;~~deleted

Amendment 134 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19

19. Emphasises thate importance of a comprehensive postal service ~~must be guaranteed~~ throughout the Union, ~~including~~particularly in rural areas;

Amendment 135 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19

19. ~~Emphasi~~Stresses that ~~a comprehensive postal service must be~~reliability of postal services is crucial and that it is essential to offer efficient systems that guaranteed th~~roughout the Union, including in rural areas~~at parcels effectively reach the requested destination within a reasonable timeframe;

Amendment 136 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19

19. ~~Emphasis~~Notes that a ~~comprehensive postal service must be guaranteed throughout the Union, including in rural~~well-functioning postal service, including in rural areas, is guaranteed throughout the Union according to the 3rd Postal Directive (2008/6/EC); calls on the Member States and the Commission to fully transpose the alreasdy existing legislative framework which they committed to;

Amendment 137 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)

19a. Welcomes all the efforts already put in place by delivery market operators to better meet the needs of online consumers and retailers such as flexible delivery or return options; stresses at the same time that different other incentives are welcome to improve interoperability and quality of services;

Amendment 138 #

Birgit COLLIN-LANGEN, Sabine VERHEYEN, Andreas SCHWAB

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20

20. Calls on the Commission to study the impact of the liberalisation of postal services, in particular in order to determine whether a reliable universal service is being provided and whether people working for mail delivery firms enjoy decent working conditions;deleted

Amendment 139 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20

Amendment 14 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital B

B. ~~having regard to~~whereas the particular importance of utility services, the need to guarantee consumers ~~free~~comprehensive and open access to such services and the need to lay down ~~binding rule~~Union legal provisions on access to such services for vulnerable consumers;

Amendment 140 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20

20. Calls on the Commission to study the impact of the liberalisation of postal services, ~~in particular in order to determine whether a reliable universal service is be~~and reminds the Commission that according to Article 23 of the Directive on Postal Services, the Commission should pay special attention to the developments in the postal sector concerning social aspects, employment patterns and the quality of service; calls ing p~~rovided and whether~~articular the Commission to ensure that people working for mail delivery firms enjoy decent working conditions;

Amendment 141 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20

Amendment 142 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)

20a. Welcomes that the Commission has established a postal service users forum, as announced by Commissioner Barnier in his response to the oral question on the implementation of Directive 2008/6/EC (O-0114/2010 ) and which brings together enterprises, trade unions and various actors in the e-commerce sector; encourages the Commission to publish more information on the discussions and conclusions of this forum and calls on the Commission to invite also representatives of the European Parliament to participate in the debates of the forum;

Amendment 143 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 b (new)

20b. Points out that according to Article 19 of Directive 2008/6/EC the universal service providers are obliged to publish information on the number of complaints and how they have been dealt with; regrets that there is no EU wide overview concerning the complaints raised and encourages the Member States and the Commission to collect, analyse and make publicly available the data provided by the universal service providers;

Amendment 144 #

Birgit COLLIN-LANGEN, Sabine VERHEYEN, Andreas SCHWAB

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21

21. Notes that in recent years the rights of consumers using transport services have been strengthened~~, but points out that local public transport has remained outside the scope of these measures~~;

Amendment 145 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21

21. Notes that in recent years the rights of consumers using transport services have been strengthened, b~~ut points out that local public transport has remained outside the scope of these~~y sectoral measures;

Amendment 146 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22

22. Emphasises that high-quality~~, comprehensive and freely accessible~~ local public transport constitutes a basic service which must also be made available in areas where it is less profitable; acknowledges the responsibility of Member States in that respect.

Amendment 147 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22

22. Emphasises that high-quality, comprehensive ~~and freely accessible~~ local public transport ~~constitutes a basic service which must also be made available in areas where it is less profitable~~is also desirable in areas where it is less profitable, and calls on Member States to take appropriate action;

Amendment 148 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22

22. Emphasises that high-quality, comprehensive and ~~freely accessible~~efficient local public transport constitutes a basic service which must also be made available in areas where it is less profitable;

Amendment 149 #

Catherine STIHLER

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22

22. Emphasises that high-quality, comprehensive and freely accessible local public transport constitutes a basic service ~~which~~. This service must also be made available and extended in areas where it is less profitable;

Amendment 15 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C

C. whereas th~~e existing legal framework is inadequate, and whereas binding rules are needed to guarantee~~ose authorities are free to decide how to manage best the execution of works or the provision of services, to ensure in particular a higher level of ~~consumer~~quality, safety and affordability, equal treatment and the pro~~tec~~motion ~~and access to utility~~of universal access and of user rights in public services;

Amendment 150 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22

22. Emphasises that high-quality, comprehensive and ~~free~~easily accessible local public transport constitutes a basic service which must also be made available in areas where it is less profitable;

Amendment 151 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22

22. Emphasises that an effort should also be made to provide high-quality, comprehensive and freely accessible local public transport ~~constitutes a basic service which must also be made available in areas where it is less profitable~~in areas where it is less profitable and that, as an alternative, private solutions should also be announced;

Amendment 152 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22

22. Emphasises that high-quality, comprehensive and freely accessible local public transport constitutes a basic service which must also be ~~made available~~guaranteed in areas where it is less profitable;

Amendment 153 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23

23. Points out that, as a result of the ageing of the population, efficient ~~and universally accessible~~ public transport services will gain in importance in the future ~~and that they are also essential if the EU2020 climate objectives are to be achieved~~;

Amendment 154 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23

23. Points out that, as a result of the ageing of the population, efficient and universally accessible public transport services will gain in importance in the future and that they are also essential if the EU2020 climate objectives are to be achieved; calls for the development of the common tools to ensure optimised multimodality in efficient, high-quality public transport services, in order to ensure both the free movement of people and the competitiveness of such services vis-à-vis the use of;

Amendment 155 #

Catherine STIHLER

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23

23. Points out that, as a result of the ageing of the population, efficient and universally accessible public transport services ~~will gain in importance in the future and that they are also~~are vital and essential if the EU2020 climate objectives are to be achieved;

Amendment 156 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)

23a. Calls for a holistic approach to elderly people and the people with limited mobility; believes that the whole public transport chain has to be taken into consideration, including access to public transport's points; wishes to address the need for a coherent focal point system in order to help people with limited mobility;

Amendment 16 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C

C. whereas ~~the existing legal framework is inadequate, and whereas binding rules ar~~a common framework may be needed to guarantee a higher level of consumer protection and access to utility services;

Amendment 17 #

Malcolm HARBOUR, Andreas SCHWAB

Motion for a resolution
Recital C

C. whereas the existing legal framework is inadequate, and whereas ~~binding~~ rules are needed to ~~guarantee~~support a higher level of consumer protection and access to utility services;

Amendment 18 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C

C. whereas ~~the~~ existing legal framework is in~~adequate, and whereas binding rules are needed to guarantee a higher level of~~ a number of sectors have been developed to enhance consumer protection and ensure access to ~~utilit~~key services;

Amendment 19 #

Birgit COLLIN-LANGEN, Sabine VERHEYEN, Andreas SCHWAB

Motion for a resolution
Recital C

C. whereas the ~~existing legal framework is inadequate, and whereas binding rules are needed to guarantee~~sectoral legislation has already brought about a higher level of consumer protection and better access to utility services;

Amendment 2 #

Ildikó GÁLL-PELCZ, Birgit COLLIN-LANGEN, András GYÜRK

Motion for a resolution
Citation 1 a (new)

– having regard to the report of the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection on a strategy for strengthening the rights of vulnerable consumers (A7-0155/2012),

Amendment 20 #

Birgit COLLIN-LANGEN, Sabine VERHEYEN, Andreas SCHWAB

Motion for a resolution
Recital C

C. whereas, however, the existing legal framework is inadequate~~, and whereas binding rules are needed to guarantee a~~ to guarantee the needed higher level of consumer protection and access to utility services;

Amendment 21 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)

Ca. whereas in the case of utility services national powers and the right of self- administration at local government level must be respected and the sectoral provisions form an adequate legal framework for utility services;

Amendment 22 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)

Ca. whereas Directive 2011/83/EU on consumer rights and relevant sectoral legislation establish a legal framework for consumer protection in the utilities sector;

Amendment 23 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Takes the view that some utility services have common characteristics~~; urges that basic consumer rights which cover all utility services should be harmonised at Community level~~ which are defined in the specific sectoral legislation;

Amendment 24 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Takes the view that utility services have common characteristics; urges that minimum harmonisation of basic consumer rights which cover all utility services should be ~~harmonis~~promoted at Community level;

Amendment 25 #

Birgit COLLIN-LANGEN, Sabine VERHEYEN, Andreas SCHWAB

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. ~~Takes the view that utility services have common characteristics; urg~~Notes that basic consumer rights which cover ~~all~~some utility services ~~should be~~are already harmonised at Community level through the Consumer Rights Directive (2011/83/EU);

Amendment 26 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

Amendment 27 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. ~~Takes the view that utility services have common characteristics; urges that basic consumer rights which cover all utility service~~Urges that basic consumer rights should be harmonised at Community level;

Amendment 28 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. ~~Takes the view that utility services have common characteristics; urges that basic consumer rights which cover all utility services should be harmonised at Community level~~Stresses that in view of the essential nature of utility services the legal framework governing their supply should guarantee a minimum of common elements, such as notably the reliability and trustworthiness, the continuity, comprehensiveness and high quality; notes that it is crucial that the supply of utility services is ensured at affordable prices for all consumers;

Amendment 29 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1a. Reminds Member States that the Directive on consumer rights has to be transposed by mid-December 2013 and will be applicable to all contracts concluded after the 13th of June 2014;

Amendment 3 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 12

– having regard to the proposal of 13 March 2013 for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 establishing common rules on compensation and assistance to passengers in the event of denied boarding and of cancellation or long delay of flights and Regulation (EC) No 2027/97 on air carrier liability in respect of the carriage of passengers and their baggage by air,deleted

Amendment 30 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 b (new)

1b. Calls on the Commission to swiftly submit the implementation report on the application of the Directive on consumer rights and encourages the Commission to examine the interaction between the Directive on consumer rights and the sectoral legislation on utility services with a view to identify potential loopholes as to the level and quality of consumer protection in the utilities sectors;

Amendment 31 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

~~2. Emphasises that utility services are also services of general economic interest (SGEIs); calls on the Commission to propose as soon as possible a European legal framework for SGEIs;~~deleted

Amendment 32 #

Ildikó GÁLL-PELCZ, András GYÜRK, Birgit COLLIN-LANGEN

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

~~2. Emphasises that utility services are also services of general economic interest (SGEIs); calls on the Commission to propose as soon as possible a European legal framework for SGEIs;~~deleted

Amendment 33 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

~~2. Emphasises that utility services are also services of general economic interest (SGEIs); calls on the Commission to propose as soon as possible a European legal framework for SGEIs;~~deleted

Amendment 34 #

Heide RÜHLE, Sabine VERHEYEN

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Emphasises that utility services are also services of general economic interest (SGEIs); calls on the Commission to propose as soon as possible a European ~~legal~~ framework for SGEIs;

Amendment 35 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Emphasises that utility services are also services of general economic interest (SGEIs); ~~calls on~~urges the Commission ~~to propose as soon as possible a European legal framework for SGEIs~~for every proposal in that area to take into account the principle of subsidiarity and proportionality as defined in Article 14 TFEU and in Protocol No. 26;

Amendment 36 #

Evelyne GEBHARDT, Josef WEIDENHOLZER

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Emphasises that utility services are also services of general economic interest (SGEIs); calls on the Commission to propose as soon as possible a European legal framework ~~for~~to protect SGEIs;

Amendment 37 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)

2. Emphasises that ~~utility services are also~~ services of general economic interest (SGEIs)~~; calls on~~ are also utility services and recognises the Ccom~~mission to propose as soon as possible a European legal framework for SGEI~~petences of national authorities in this regard, as well as the fact that regional and local authorities may be better placed to identify particular insufficiencies and necessary improvements when it comes to the delivery of utility services in their respective communities;

Amendment 38 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)

2a. Believes, nevertheless, that in order to guarantee the equal treatment of consumers throughout the Union (with respect to access, cost and quality of SGEIs), the Commission should assist Member States at delineating the rights and obligations of both consumers and providers of SGEI in a consistent fashion within the whole of the Union;

Amendment 39 #

Ildikó GÁLL-PELCZ, Birgit COLLIN-LANGEN, András GYÜRK

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

~~3. Points out that consumer protection is effective only if consumers' rights can actually be enforced; emphasises the need to establish a legal framework for European class actions;~~deleted

Amendment 4 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 14

~~– having regard to the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on key information documents for investment products (COM(2012)0352),~~deleted

Amendment 40 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Points out that consumer protection is effective only if consumers' rights can actually be enforced; ~~emphasises the need to establish a legal framework for European class action~~calls, therefore, on the Member States to fully implement the provisions of the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive (2005/29/EC), the Directive on Misleading and Comparative Advertising (2006/114/EC) and the Consumer Rights Directive (2011/83/EU); highlights, in this context, the importance of alternative dispute resolution systems as efficient, cost-saving mechanisms for solving conflicts between both consumers and providers of utilities services and therefore calls on Member States to implement the recently agreed Directive on ADR (2013/11/EU) and Regulation on ODR (524/2013/EU), to help better enforce consumer rights;

Amendment 41 #

Birgit COLLIN-LANGEN, Sabine VERHEYEN, Andreas SCHWAB

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

Amendment 42 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Points out that consumer protection is effective only if consumers' rights can actually be enforced; ~~emphasises the need to establish a legal framework for European class actions;~~

Amendment 43 #

Evelyne GEBHARDT, Josef WEIDENHOLZER

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Points out that consumer protection is effective only if consumers' rights can actually be enforced; ~~emphasises the need to establish a legal framework for European class actions~~calls therefore on the Member States to correctly implement the existing Union legislation on consumer protection; underlines the importance to provide ways for consumers to solve disputes between them and businesses; calls in this context on Member States to swiftly implement Directive 2013/11/EC on alternative dispute resolution for consumer disputes, but emphasises the need to establish a legal framework for European collective redress to complement the consumer disputes mechanisms set out in Directive on alternative dispute resolution and Regulation (EU) No 524/2013 on online dispute resolution;

Amendment 44 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Points out that consumer protection is effective only if consumers' rights can actually be enforced; emphasises the need to establish a legal framework for ~~European class action~~collective redress proceedings;

Amendment 45 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)

3a. Highlights that raising consumers' awareness concerning their rights plays a key role in obtaining a high level of consumer protection, but underlines also the fundamental role of customer service on behalf of utility service providers; individuals responsible for contacts with clientele should be trained and aware of the rights of consumers; encourages therefore utility service providers to train their employees accordingly and ensure that all their customers at all times have easy access to personalised assistance;

Amendment 46 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Stresses that consumers and other representatives of civil society should be involved at all levels in the definition, organisation, provision and ~~assessment of utility services;~~evaluation of the supply of utility services; calls on the Commission to establish within the legal instruments addressing the specific utility sectors mechanisms, that would ensure the appropriate levels of consultation and participation of consumers.

Amendment 47 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. S~~tresses that~~uggests that the needs of consumers and other representatives of civil society should be ~~involved at all levels in the~~ balanced against the needs of providers when considefrin~~ition,~~g organisation, provision and assessment of utility services;

Amendment 48 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. Stresses the need for consumers to have access to affordable and high quality utility services throughout the EU, given that they are essential to ensuring social and territorial cohesion while contributing to European economic competitiveness;

Amendment 49 #

Birgit COLLIN-LANGEN, Sabine VERHEYEN, Andreas SCHWAB

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. ~~Emphasises that~~Supports the existence of strong, independent consumer organisations i~~s a sine qua non for~~n facilitating comprehensive consumer protection;

Amendment 5 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital A

~~A. having regard to the lack of an adequate definition of 'utility' at Union level and the differing interpretations employed by the Member States;~~deleted

Amendment 50 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. ~~Emphasises that~~Supports the existence of strong, independent consumer organisations i~~s a sine qua non for~~n facilitating comprehensive consumer protection;

Amendment 51 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. ~~Emphasises that the existence of strong~~Points out that effective consumer organisations should be independent - in particular, of the industry - be representative of domestic consumers (in particular, the needs of disadvantaged or vulnerable consumers), iand~~ependent consumer organisations is a sine qua non for comprehensive consumer protection~~ transparent; calls on the Member States to assign consumer organisations with clear powers and duties, access to relevant information and adequate resources (in terms of funding, staff and powers); calls on the Commission to improve the involvement of consumers;

Amendment 52 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)

5a. Stresses the fundamental role of utility services in improving quality of life and combating social exclusion and isolation;

Amendment 53 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Emphasises that all consumers, irrespective of their financial circumstances, should be guaranteed access to utility services and that special arrangements, such as exemption from charges, should be introduced for 'vulnerable consumers'; points out that any consumer may find him/herself in a situation in which he/she needs special protec; urges the Member States to implement the specific provisions for 'vulnerable consumers' as provided for in sectoral legislation;

Amendment 54 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Emphasises that all consumers, irrespective of their financial circumstances, should be guaranteed access to utility services and that special arrangements~~, such as exemption from charges, should~~ may be introduced for 'vulnerable consumers'; points out that ~~any consumer may find him/herself in a situation in which he/she needs special protection~~the ambition for EU consumer policy should be a high level of empowerment and protection for every consumer;

Amendment 55 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Emphasises that all consumers, irrespective of their financial circumstances, should ~~be guaranteed~~have access to utility services and that, in special arrangements, such as exemption from charges, should be introduced for 'vulnerable consumers'; points out that any consumer may find him/herself in a situation in which he/she needs special protectionfic and defined circumstances, 'vulnerable consumers' may furthermore require special arrangements;

Amendment 56 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Emphasises that all consumers, irrespective of their financial circumstances, should be ~~guarante~~afforded access to utility services and that ~~special~~appropriate arrangements, s~~uch as exemption from charges, should~~hould if appropriate be introduced for 'vulnerable consumers'; points out that any consumer may find him/herself in a situation in which he/she needs special protection;

Amendment 57 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Emphasises that a~~ll consumers, irrespective of their financial circumstan~~ccess to utility services, should be ~~guaranteed access to utility services and that special arrangements, such as exemption from charges, should be introduced for 'vulnerable consumers'~~facilitated for consumers, irrespective of their financial circumstances; points out that any consumer may find him/herself in a ~~situation in which he/she needs special protec~~difficult situation;

Amendment 58 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

Amendment 59 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Emphasises that all consumers, irrespective of their financial circumstances, should be guaranteed access to utility services ~~and~~; suggests that special arrangements, such as exemption from charges, ~~should be introduced for 'vulnerable consumers'; points ou~~especially charges which are not directly linked to the cost of the supply of the utility service itself, could be introduced, with a special regard for 'vulnerable consumers' and reminds in this context that any consumer may find him/herself in a situation in which he/she needs special protection;

Amendment 6 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital A

A. having regard to the ~~lack of an adequate definition of 'utility' at Union level and the differing interpretations employed by the Member States~~freedom of Member States to define, in conformity with Union law, what they consider to be services of general economic interest, how those services should be organised and financed, in compliance with the State aid rules, and what specific obligations they should be subject to;

Amendment 60 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Emphasises that all consumers, irrespective of their financial circumstances, ~~should~~must be guaranteed the human right of access to utility services and that special arrangements, such as exemption from charges, should be introduced for 'vulnerable consumers'; points out that any consumer may find him/herself in a situation in which he/she needs special protection;

Amendment 61 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)

6a. Asks the Commission and encourages the Member States, to identify situations where certain groups or individuals are especially vulnerable, for instance by analysing consumer claims;

Amendment 62 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)

6a. Calls on the European Commission and the Member States to pay more attention to and invest more in consumer information and education campaigns in the context of utility services that target the right messages at the right consumer segment;

Amendment 63 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)

6a. Stresses the need for adequate safeguards to protect vulnerable consumers, particularly regarding the provision of utility services, by ensuring affordable rates, with special concessions and arrangements for those in low income brackets;

Amendment 64 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)

6a. Believes that utility services should not be subject to promotional advertising; encourages instead the Commission and Member States to raise the awareness of consumers as to their choice of providers and knowledge of tariffs in order to assist them in making informed choices;

Amendment 65 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 b (new)

6b. Stresses the need to avoid the practice followed in certain Member States of collecting taxes owed to the State in conjunction with utility bills; notes that such practices hurt mainly vulnerable consumers, whose bills may as a result be inflated out of all proportion and who may thus find themselves at risk of essential services being cut off;

Amendment 66 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Points out that the liberalisation of energy markets has not systematically led to greater competition and lower prices for consumers ~~and, from consumers' point of view, has made the range of services and tariffs available more confusing~~;

Amendment 67 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Points out that the liberalisation of energy markets has not systematically led to greater competition and lower prices for consumers and, from consumers' point of view, has made the range of services and tariffs available more confusing; Believes that an open, transparent, integrated and competitive internal energy market is needed in order to achieve competitive energy prices, security of supply and sustainability and efficient large-scale deployment of renewable energy, and that the completion of such a market still remains an important challenge for all Member States; welcomes the liberalisation of the internal energy market as it is a necessary step to cut the cost of electricity and gas for consumers while ensuring that the energy markets become more transparent and better monitored;

Amendment 68 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Points out th~~at the liberalisation of energy markets has not systematically led to greater competition and lower prices for consumers and, from consumers' point of view, has made the range of~~e need for enhanced consumer information and transparency in the energy market, in particular, to improve services and tariff~~s available m~~ comparability fore con~~fusing~~sumers;

Amendment 69 #

Catherine STIHLER

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

Amendment 7 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital A

A. ~~having regard to~~whereas acknowledging the lack of a~~n adequate~~ definition of 'utility services' at Union level and the ~~differing interpretations employed by~~respective powers of the Union and the Member States in that area;

Amendment 70 #

Birgit COLLIN-LANGEN, Sabine VERHEYEN, Andreas SCHWAB

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

Amendment 71 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Points out that the liberalisation of energy markets has not systematically led to greater competition and lower prices for consumers, and~~, from consumers' point of view, has made the range of services and tariffs available more confus~~ calls on Member States to properly transpose and apply the 3rd Internal Energy Market Package, particularly with reference to comparable, transparent and non-discriminatory pricing;

Amendment 72 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Points out that the liberalisation of energy markets has not systematically led to greater competition and lower prices for consumers and, from consumers' point of view, has made the range of services and tariffs available more confusingin many Member States, consumer organisations have raised the concern that the liberalisation of energy markets has not led to lower prices for consumers and that in some Member States, there is no real competition despite the market liberalisation;

Amendment 73 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Points out that the liberalisation of energy markets has not ~~systematically~~ led to greater competition and lower prices for consumers ~~and,~~but that rather, in many cases, oligopolies have formed which control the market; points out, moreover, that from consumers' point of view, ~~has made~~ the range of services and tariffs available has become more confusing;

Amendment 74 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)

7a. Stresses the crucial importance of timely, correct and full implementation of existing legislation, including the regulatory work called for by the third internal energy market package, in order to achieve an integrated and competitive European internal energy market by 2014;

Amendment 75 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)

7a. Highlights that from the consumers' point of view, the changes in the energy market have made the range of services and tariffs available more confusing; the differences between prices and services offered are often not transparent enough, and many energy providers refuse to make their data available for comparison purposes despite the minimum requirements concerning price transparency set out in the relevant EU legislation; takes the view that this information asymmetry is putting consumers at a disadvantage;

Amendment 76 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 b (new)

7b. takes note of the fact that the third energy package contains provisions concerning consumer information, and acknowledges that the Commission has set out a non-binding model on how a consumer friendly energy bill should be constructed; however underlines that despite the good efforts, the problem continues to exist; therefore calls on the Commission to set out guidelines on energy price transparency and clear and comprehensible energy bills, together with consumer organisations, energy suppliers and the Member States;

Amendment 77 #

Malcolm HARBOUR, Andreas SCHWAB

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 c (new)

7c. Highlights the importance of consumers' involvement platforms to strengthen their role and welcomes the Citizens Energy Forum organised yearly by the Commission, as a good example of bringing together consumers, regulators and gas and electricity suppliers; encourages the Commission to establish similar formats also for other utility services falling under EU sectoral legislation;

Amendment 78 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Points out that energy poverty is on the increase in many Member States, and calls on the Commission and the Member States to address this problem, in particular because service providers are benefiting from cheap wholesale prices;deleted

Amendment 79 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Points out that energy poverty is on the increase in many Member States~~, and calls~~; welcomes the announcement onf the Commission ~~and the Member States to address this problem, in particular because service providers are benefiting from cheap wholesale price~~to analyse the impact and relationship of energy prices and costs in the Member States; points out that consumers should be made aware of how to reduce their energy use, via inter alia, information campaigns;

Amendment 8 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital Α a (new)

Αa. whereas utility services are common to all European societies and essential to the European social model;

Amendment 80 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Points out that energy poverty is on the increase in many Member States, and calls on the Commission and the Member States to address this problem, ~~in particular because service providers are benefiting from cheap wholesale~~considers in this regard that it should be made clear what can be done through energy policy and social policy respectively; believes that the issue of poverty is best dealt with by the social policy and not through regulation of energy prices.;

Amendment 81 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Points out that energy poverty is on the increase in many Member States, ~~and calls on~~welcomes the work of the Commission ~~and~~with the ~~Member States to addr~~working group on vulnerable consumers, and observess th~~is problem, in particular because service providers are benefiting from cheap wholesale price~~at in accordance with the subsidiarity principle it is the task of the Member States to address the various factors and situations;

Amendment 82 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. ~~Points ou~~Draws attention to the fact that energy poverty is on the increase in many Member States, and ~~calls on the Commission and the Member States to address this problem, in particular because~~points out that in this context service providers are benefiting from cheap wholesale prices, but consumers aren't;

Amendment 83 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)

8a. Welcomes the work of the Vulnerable Consumers working group in the framework of the Citizens Energy Forum; encourages the working group to take a holistic view on energy poverty and to pay special attention to the interaction between energy poverty and other social and societal issues often linked to vulnerability;

Amendment 84 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

Amendment 85 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

Amendment 86 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

9. Calls on the Commission to force the pace of the energy transition, since renewable energies represent the most sustainable form of energy generation, and in so doing to ensure that the costs are not passed on toExpresses the importance of promoting the take up of sustainable energy but notes that there is also a link between rolling out renewable energies and associated cost for consumers;

Amendment 87 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

Amendment 88 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

Amendment 89 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. Notes that many electricity providers refuse to make their data available for comparison purposes and that restrictive contract termination conditions and the lack of a straightforward procedure for concluding contracts make switching provider difficult; calls for, in some instances, restrictive contract termination conditions and complex procedures exist which prevent consumers from switching contracts; calls for action in this regard to speed up and simplify switching processes for consumers; which may include, where appropriate, legislative measures to make it easier for consumers to switch provider;

Amendment 9 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital B

B. having regard to the p~~articular importance of utility services, the need to guarantee consumers free access to such services and the need to lay down binding rul~~rinciple of free administration by national, regional and local authorities oin ~~access to such services for vulnerable consumers~~conformity with national and Union law;

Amendment 90 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. Notes that many electricity providers refuse to make their data available for comparison purposes and that restrictive contract termination conditions and the lack of a straightforward procedure for concluding contracts make switching provider difficult; calls for measures to make it easier for consumers to switch providere fact that the existing criteria for the evaluation of the Internal Energy Market are not complete and do not sufficiently take into account restrictive contract termination conditions and the lack of a straightforward procedure for switching providers;

Amendment 91 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)

10a. Eagerly awaits the Commission's work on e-billing;

Amendment 92 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)

10a. Highlights that collective switching has already shown benefits for consumers; calls on the Commission to evaluate benefits for consumers from collective switching in the energy sector, as well as risks that might be associated with it; considers that measures enabling consumers to switch energy supplier without incurring penalties for breach of contract should be implemented at EU level;

Amendment 93 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

11. Criticises the fact that energy prices do not reflect actual costs and that external costs, such as environmental damage, are not identified and are passed on to society as a whole; calls for measures to guarantee cost transparency and the enforcement of the polluter-pays principle;deleted

Amendment 94 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

11. ~~Criticises the fact that energy prices do not reflect actual costs and that~~Regrets that current energy prices do not necessarily factor in external costs, ~~such as~~namely the environmental damage, a~~re not identified and ar~~ssociated with a given energy source or production method, which might nevertheless be passed on to society as a whole on the long run; calls for measures to ~~guarantee cost transparency and the enforcement of the polluter-pays principle~~encourage greater price transparency for consumers in this regard;

Amendment 95 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

11. ~~Criticises the fact that energy prices do not reflect actual costs and that~~Regrets that current energy prices do not necessarily factor in external costs, ~~such as~~namely the environmental damage, a~~re not identified and ar~~ssociated to a given energy source or production method, which might nevertheless be passed on to society as a whole on the long run; calls for measures to ~~guarantee cost transparency and the enforcement of the polluter-pays principle~~encourage greater price transparency for consumers in this regard;

Amendment 96 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

Amendment 97 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. Takes the view that undertakings should be required to publish information about prices and price changes in a readily understandable form ~~and that minimum standards are needed to govern the way accounts are drawn up~~; emphasises the fact that the Third Internal Energy Package already obliges the Member States to ensure this;

Amendment 98 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

Amendment 99 #