Premature rejection of eight-hour limit by Commission

2.4.2012

Question for written answer E-003540/2012
to the Commission
Rule 117
Kartika Tamara Liotard (GUE/NGL) and Sabine Wils (GUE/NGL)

1. Is the Commission aware that a large majority of the European Parliament, via Written Declaration No 49/2011, declared themselves in favour of an eight-hour limit for animal transportation?

2. To what extent does the Commission feel bound by the will of a Parliamentary majority? In the case of the eight-hour limit, to what extent does the Commission feel bound by the wishes of the European Parliament?

3. How does the Commission view the almost 1.1 million signatures for the ‘eight hours’ campaign and to what extent is the Commission prepared to do something about the wishes of these 1.1 million citizens?

4. On 22 March 2012, the Commission was represented by one of its officials during the debate over animal transportation in the Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety. Is the Commission aware that this official declared to the Parliament that the Commission is not prepared to adjust Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 for the protection of animals during transportation, despite the fact that during the debate it appeared that a majority of the Environment Committee does want this to happen, a majority of the entire Parliament has indicated its support for an eight-hour limit and 1.1 million EU citizens also want an eight-hour limit? Does the Commissioner agree with the statements made?

5. What still has to happen at a political level in order to convince the Commission to introduce an eight-hour limit and to improve Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 for the benefit of animal welfare?

6. Does the Commission view the 1.1 million signatures for the ‘eight hours’ campaign as being different from a so-called citizens’ initiative? If so, is the Commission prepared to introduce an eight-hour limit if 1 million citizens request this via an official citizens’ initiative?

7. On what does the Commission base the right to ignore the will of both the people and the people’s representatives?

OJ C 241 E, 22/08/2013