BETA

26 Amendments of Birgit COLLIN-LANGEN related to 2013/2153(INI)

Amendment 2 #
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),
2013/12/10
Committee: IMCO
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
2013/12/10
Committee: IMCO
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
2013/12/10
Committee: IMCO
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 servicesobserve adapted rules, inter alia for vulnerable consumers;
2013/12/10
Committee: IMCO
Amendment 19 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
C. whereas the existing legal framework is inadequate, and whereas binding rules are needed to guaranteesectoral legislation has already brought about a higher level of consumer protection and better access to utility services;
2013/12/10
Committee: IMCO
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;
2013/12/10
Committee: IMCO
Amendment 26 #
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 levelObserves that the common characteristics of utility services are already covered by the relevant sectoral legislation;
2013/12/10
Committee: IMCO
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
2013/12/10
Committee: IMCO
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;
2013/12/10
Committee: IMCO
Amendment 56 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
6. Emphasises that all consumers, irrespective of their financial circumstances, should be guaranteafforded access to utility services and that specialappropriate arrangements, such as exemption from charges, shouldhould 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;
2013/12/10
Committee: IMCO
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;
2013/12/10
Committee: IMCO
Amendment 81 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
8. Points out that energy poverty is on the increase in many Member States, and calls onwelcomes the work of the Commission andwith the Member States to addrworking group on vulnerable consumers, and observess this problem, in particular because service providers are benefiting from cheap wholesale priceat in accordance with the subsidiarity principle it is the task of the Member States to address the various factors and situations;
2013/12/10
Committee: IMCO
Amendment 84 #
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 to consumers;deleted
2013/12/10
Committee: IMCO
Amendment 88 #
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 provider;deleted
2013/12/10
Committee: IMCO
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
2013/12/10
Committee: IMCO
Amendment 98 #
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;
2013/12/10
Committee: IMCO
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
2013/12/10
Committee: IMCO
Amendment 112 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
15. Calls for legislative measures to guarantee all consumers access toStresses 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;
2013/12/10
Committee: IMCO
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;
2013/12/10
Committee: IMCO
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; takurges 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 charge, without loss of data and with a minimum of formalitieonsumer choice and responsiveness to customer needs, and to protect consumers;
2013/12/10
Committee: IMCO
Amendment 128 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
18. Notes that the liberalisation of postal services has not brought the promisedsubstantial benefits for consumers, but has instead destroyed structures which it will be very difficult to re-establish;
2013/12/10
Committee: IMCO
Amendment 134 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
19. Emphasises thate importance of a comprehensive postal service must be guaranteed throughout the Union, includingparticularly in rural areas;
2013/12/10
Committee: IMCO
Amendment 139 #
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
2013/12/10
Committee: IMCO
Amendment 145 #
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 thesey sectoral measures;
2013/12/10
Committee: IMCO
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 profitableis also desirable in areas where it is less profitable, and calls on Member States to take appropriate action;
2013/12/10
Committee: IMCO
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;
2013/12/10
Committee: IMCO