The present invention provides a gastrointestinal tissue growth promoter derivative selected from the group consisting of: The GLP- 2 derivative comprises a reactive entity MPA coupled thereto and capable of reacting with available functionalities on a blood component, either in vivo or ex vivo, to form a stable covalent bond. The covalent bonding formed between the GLP-2 derivative and the blood component prevents undesirable cleavage of the GLP- 2 by enzymes such as dipeptidylpeptidase IV, thereby extending its in vivo half-life and activity.
Such composition is useful for the treatment or prevention of bowel disorders or diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease and other gastrointestinal functions. The composition may also be used for gene therapy to induce cells to endogenously produce the gastrointestinal tissue growth promoter peptide derivative that may then be implanted in a subject to produce the desired biological effect.
Finally, the composition may also be used for manufacturing pharmaceutical or veterinary compositions for the enhancement of large intestine tissue growth. The covalent bonding may take place in vivo or in vitro. Details of the sequences of these analogs are illustrated below. Such method comprises the steps of: Results are expressed as mean delta weight vs.
Results are expressed as mean weight SEM. Figure 4 illustrates detection of the compound of Example 8 conjugated to rat plasma proteins using a polyclonal antibody anti- GLP- 2 antibody and comparison to the pattern obtained with an anti- rat albumin. The reactive entity is stable in an aqueous environment, and is MPA.
The covalent bond is formed between the reactive entity and a thiol group on the blood component. The preferred blood component comprises mobile blood components like serum albumin, immunoglobulins, or combinations thereof. In a most preferred embodiment, the blood component is serum albumin. These blood components are not membrane- associated and are present in the blood for extended periods of time in a minimum concentration of at least 0.
The half- life of mobile blood components is at least about 12 hours. These protective groups are conventional in the field of peptide synthesis, and can be generically described as chemical moieties capable of protecting the peptide derivative from reacting with other functional groups. Various protective groups are available commercially, and examples thereof can be found in US 5,, which is hereby incorporated by reference.
Table 1 provides both the three letter and one letter abbreviations for amino acids. It is also contemplated that one or more additional amino acids may be added or substituted to the peptide prior to addition of the reactive entity, to facilitate the coupling thereof to the peptide. Such addition or substitution may be made at the N- terminal, the C- terminal, or therebetween. The thus obtained peptide derivative may be administered to a subject, animal or human, such that conjugation with blood components occurs in vivo, or they may be first conjugated to blood components of the subject, animal or human, in vitro, and the resulting conjugate, or peptidase-stabilized peptide as defined below, administered to the subject [] Any amino acid, present, substituted with or added to, the GLP- 2 sequence, may be D- amino acids or L- amino acids or combinations thereof.
L- amino acids are generally preferred. The derivatives of the present invention have a glycine substitution at position 2 of the native GLP- 2 sequence because it confers to the analog a greater resistance to DPP- IV enzyme. The peptidase stability is determined by comparing the half- life of the native GLP- 2 analog in serum or blood to the half- life of the corresponding derivative containing the reactive entity in serum or blood.
Half- life is determined by sampling the serum or blood after administration of the derivative and the non- modified peptide, and determining the activity of each compound. Intestinotrophic activity is noted most significantly in relation to the jejunum, including the distal jejunum and particularly the proximal jejunum, and is also noted in the ileum. Thus, the present peptide derivatives incorporate a lysine residue added at the C- terminal of the GLP- 2 peptide sequence. A stable thioether linkage between the maleimido group and the sulfhydryl is formed which cannot be cleaved under physiological conditions.
Such specific labeling, particularly with a maleimide, offers several advantages. Free thiol groups are less abundant in vivo than amino groups, and as a result, maleimide derivatives covalently bond to fewer proteins. For example, in serum albumin, there is only one free thiol group per molecule. Thus, a GLP- 2 - maleimide - albumin conjugate will tend to comprise a 1: In addition to albumin, IgG molecules class II also have free thiols.
Since IgG molecules and serum albumin make up the majority of soluble proteins in the blood, i. The single free thiol group of albumin, highly conserved among species, is located at amino acid residue Cys It has been demonstrated recently that the Cys 34 of albumin has an increased reactivity relative to free thiols on other free thiolcontaining proteins. This is due in part to the unusual pK value of 5. This is much lower than typical pK values for cysteines residues in general, which are typically about 8.
Due to this low pK, under normal physiological conditions, Cys 34 of albumin is predominantly in the anionic form, which dramatically increases its reactivity. In addition to the low pK value of Cys 34 , another factor which enhances the reactivity of Cys 34 is its location, which is in a hydrophobic pocket close to the surface of one loop of region V of albumin. This location makes Cys 34 accessible to ligands of all kinds, and is an important factor in Cys 34 biological role as free radical trap and free thiol scavenger.
As a result, the reaction rate acceleration can be as much as fold relative to rates of reaction of peptide- maleimides with other free- thiol containing proteins. Conventional activation techniques, such as with glutaraldehyde, DCC, EDC and other chemical activators of, for example, free amines, lack this selectivity. For example, albumin contains 52 lysine residues, of which are located on the surface of albumin and accessible for conjugation. Activating these lysine residues, or alternatively modifying a peptide to couple through these lysine residues, results in a heterogeneous population of conjugates.
Even if an equimolar ratio peptide: Consequently, characterization of the exact composition is virtually impossible, not to mention the absence of reproducibility. Additionally, while it would seem that conjugation through lysine residues of albumin would at least have the advantage of delivering more therapeutic agent per albumin molecule, studies have shown that a 1: In an article by Stehle, et al.
These conjugates were EP 1 B1 7 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 taken up by tumor cells, whereas conjugates bearing 5: It would therefore seems that at higher ratios, the effectiveness of albumin as a carrier for a therapeutic agent is diminished. Trace bonding of free thiols present, such as glutathione, also occurs. Such specific bonding is preferred for in vivo use as it permits an accurate calculation of the estimated half-life of the therapeutic agent administered. Because maleimide- substituted GLP- 2 peptides react with free thiols, protective groups are not necessary to prevent them from reacting with themselves.
The administration may be done in the form of a bolus, or introduced slowly over time by infusion using metered flow or the like. Moreover, the above may also be accomplished by first purifying an individual blood component or limited number of components, such as red blood cells, immunoglobulins, serum albumin, or the like, and combining the component or components ex vivo with the present compound derivative. The labeled blood or blood component may then be returned to the subject to provide in vivo the therapeutically effective conjugates. The blood also may be treated to prevent coagulation during handling ex vivo.
Peptide Synthesis [] GLP- 2 peptides may be synthesized by standard methods of solid phase peptide chemistry well known to any one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, the peptide may be synthesized by solid phase chemistry techniques following the procedures described by Steward et al. Similarly, peptides fragments may be synthesized and subsequently combined or linked together to form a larger peptide segment condensation. For classical solution synthesis, see for example Schroder et al. In general, such method comprises the sequential addition of one or more amino acids or suitably protected amino acids to a growing peptide chain on a polymer.
Normally, either the amino or carboxyl group of the first amino acid is protected by a suitable protecting group. The protecting group is then removed from this newly added amino acid residue and the next amino acid suitably protected is added, and so forth. By simple modification of this general procedure, it is possible to add more than one amino acid at a time to a growing chain, for example, by coupling under conditions which do not racemize chiral centers a protected tripeptide with a properly protected dipeptide to form, after deprotection, a pentapeptide segment condensation.
Such protecting groups should have the properties of being stable to the conditions of peptide linkage formation while being readily removable without destruction of the growing peptide chain or racemization of any of the chiral centers contained therein. Scissioni enzimatiche del proglucagone producono numerosi ormoni peptidici multifunzionali, implicati nel metabolismo dei nutrienti. Infatti, numerosi studi hanno ora confermato che GLP-2 riduce o previene una lesione intestinale in modelli di colite, enterite, nutrizione parenterale totale e resezione massiva nei roditori.
La principale via metabolica di smaltimento di GLP-2 avviene attraverso degradazione enzimatica. Di conseguenza, l'emivita di GLP-2 risulta essere quindi piuttosto corta, e l'attuale trattamento con GLP-2 rende necessaria l'infusione o frequenti iniezioni. La maggior parte di questi prodotti trovano un uso limitato in IBD considerati i loro effetti collaterali indesiderabili sul corpo in generale.
Circa un milione di persone vengono trattate per IBD ogni anno negli Stati Uniti e in Europa, la maggior parte della quali affette da morbo di Crohn o colite ulcerosa. I trattamenti esistenti, se da una parte forniscono un sollievo, presentano alcuni inconvenienti. Comunque, anche se la degradazione mediata da DPP-IV di GLP-2 sembra essere in un certo modo evitata, la sua emivita rimane limitata dalla clearance renale, e non supera i 2 minuti, come sopra riportato.
Tuttavia con tale trattamento si sono osservati seri effetti collaterali. La sua somministrazione potrebbe inoltre predisporre i pazienti ad infezioni ascrivibili al blocco di TNF. La presente invenzione fornisce un derivato di promotore di crescita del tessuto gastrointestinale, selezionato dal gruppo costituito da: Dettagli delle sequenze di questi analoghi sono illustrati a seguire. Tale metodo comprende i passaggi di: Il componente ematico preferito comprende componenti ematici mobili, quali albumina di siero, immunoglobuline o loro combinazioni.
Componenti ematici mobili preferiti comprendono albumina di siero, transferrina, ferritina e immunoglobuline, come IgM e IgG. Nel campo tali gruppi protettivi sono di uso convenzionale e possono essere generalmente descritti come porzioni chimiche in grado di proteggere il derivato peptidico dalla reazione con altri gruppi funzionali.
Vari gruppi protettivi sono reperibili in commercio, e loro esempi possono essere ritrovati in US 5. La tabella 1 fornisce le abbreviazioni per gli amminoacidi sia a tre lettere che a una lettera. Qualsiasi amminoacido, presente, sostituito o aggiunto alla sequenza di GLP-2, possono essere D-amminaocidi o L-amminoacidi, oppure loro combinazioni. In genere si preferiscono gli L-amminoacidi. I presenti derivati peptidici incorporano un residuo di lisina aggiunto al C-terminale della sequenza del peptide GLP I derivati di promotore di crescita del tessuto gastrointestinale dell'invenzione forniscono la marcatura specifica di componenti ematici.
Tale specifica marcatura, in particolar modo con una maleimmide, offre numerosi vantaggi. Gruppi tioli liberi sono meno abbondanti in vivo che i gruppi ammino e, conseguentemente, derivati di maleimmide si legano in modo covalente a meno proteine. Anche se si impiega un rapporto equimolare peptide: In un articolo di Stehle, et al. Questi coniugati venivano assunti dalle cellule tumorali, mentre i coniugati provvisti di molecole di metotrexato comprese tra 5: Avvenivano anche tracce di legame di tioli liberi presenti, ad esempio nel glutatione.
In generale, i peptidi GLP-2 sostituiti con maleimmide sono abbastanza stabili in presenza di soluzioni acquose e in presenza di ammine libere. Sintesi peptidica I peptidi GLP-2 possono essere sintetizzati attraverso metodi standard di chimica dei peptidi in fase solida, ampiamente noti a qualsiasi persona avente una conoscenza ordinaria del ramo.
Per la classica sintesi in soluzione, vedere ad esempio Schroder et al. Il gruppo ammino o carbossile del primo amminoacido viene normalmente protetto con un adatto gruppo protettivo. Una volta legati tutti gli amminoacidi desiderati nella sequenza appropriata, tutti i gruppi protettivi rimanenti e tutto il supporto solido vengono tagliati in sequenza o simultaneamente, generando il peptide finale. Domenico Lombardini Free-lance translation, writing and proofreading activity in patent and scientific literature from English to Italian, and vice versa.
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LombaNico Genova, Liguria Local time: Send email More actions PayPal accepted Give feedback. Data security Created by Evelio Clavel-Rosales. Because this person is not a ProZ. Materials Plastics, Ceramics, etc. MasterCard, Check Send a payment. Free trade agreements — social and economic impact studies. Ryanair and the protection of the right of European citizens to move freely. Uncontrolled growth of genetically modified plants. Miscalculation of revenue from privatisation in Greece. Statements by Alexander Downer on the Cyprus Presidency.
Environmental damage from plastic fibres. Regulation of hydraulic fracturing in the EU. Urgent measures to be taken to limit sugar consumption. Fishing and aquaculture — Introduction of cormorant management plans. Consequences of the embargo imposed on Iran and new energy sources. Withdrawal by a Swiss multinational of an application for European funding. Potential funding for Gravina in Apulia. Contact persons within the Commission responsible for monitoring the implementation of the Baltic Sea Strategy.
The use of European funds as a bank guarantee. Construction of lignite mines in the Falanthi and Chomatero areas in the prefecture of Messinia. State aid to the Irish greyhound industry. European Pollutant Release and Transfer Register. Criteria militating in favour of the waste hierarchy and prioritising recycling over energy recovery.
Existing technology for complete recycling of disused tyres. Criteria for the quantification and assignment of waste management costs. Criteria for the compilation of statistics on the management of end-of-life tyres. Privatisation of the National Electricity Grid. Policies and funding benefiting the elderly and care facilities in the European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations. Support for China in the areas of energy and climate change.
Promoting research through publications. Funding for research into the final storage of nuclear waste. Deaths caused by the cold spell in EU Member States, mainly among the homeless. Need to help southern European States meet their rescue obligations. Construction of a shooting range in Dikomo.
Type approval requirements for traffic monitoring devices. Grants to BBC and European media in general. Murder of a mother in Afghanistan because of the birth of a third daughter. Protection of religious freedom in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Possible funding for the Opera cultural association. Controllo sull'utilizzo dei finanziamenti della BCE agli istituti di credito privati. Il terzo scenario — in questo drammatico momento — sembra essere quello preferibile: La BCE non pone condizioni sul modo in cui utilizzare i crediti. Spetta alle banche interessate decidere come utilizzare questi prestiti, in funzione di valutazioni relative ai rischi ed ai rendimenti.
Private credit institutions recapitalise, as they are required to do by the European Banking Authority;.
Private credit institutions finance businesses and households to avoid any worsening of the credit crunch at this time of economic crisis. The third scenario seems preferable in the current dramatic economic climate. Can the Commission indicate, therefore, how investments by credit institutions which have been declared as being used to finance businesses and households are monitored? If the European Central Bank is not certain of the manner in which these funds are used, does the Commission not consider it appropriate to identify alternative means to ensure that the investments are used to support households and businesses?
The ECB does not set any conditionality on how the credits should be used. It is the responsibility of the banks concerned to decide how these borrowed funds should be used, depending on their risk and return assessments. The Commission is closely monitoring developments in this regard and is of the view that conditions are gradually being set for the improvement of interbank and bond markets, which will facilitate the flow of credit to the real economy.
However, these measures by themselves do not ensure that credit will flow to the real economy. Significant restructuring efforts by banks with weak balance sheets need to be made, which should result in a better capitalised and more resilient banking sector and should further improve the conditions for credit to flow into private companies and households. Super bonus destinati ai dirigenti delle banche. In tempi di crisi, le famiglie alle prese con le nuove ristrettezze economiche sono particolarmente attente e sensibili ai consumi e agli sprechi.
Recentemente il Commissario europeo per il mercato interno, Michel Barnier, ha pubblicamente espresso la sua indignazione per il livello dei bonus che alcune banche ancora concedono ai loro dirigenti, nonostante la situazione economica tutt'altro che favorevole. In riferimento a quanto detto sopra, si prega la Commissione di rispondere alle seguenti domande:. Ha l'Unione europea intenzione di pubblicizzare adeguatamente queste iniziative, onde far capire ai cittadini europei di non essere disinteressata al tema? In times of crisis, families struggling with the new economic squeeze are particularly careful about, and aware of, what they consume and waste.
Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of part of the banking sector. The European Commissioner for the internal market, Michel Barnier, has recently publicly expressed his indignation at the levels of bonuses that some banks continue to award their managers, despite the entirely unfavourable economic situation. This situation is all the more unacceptable in that some of these banks have benefited from public investment and it cannot be tolerated in a similar economic context.
It therefore requires a strong response. The European Union has already acted on this matter in the past and we know that infringement proceedings have already been initiated against parties which have not complied with European legislation. What measures does the European Union plan to take with regard to those who fail to comply with European legislation? Does the European Union intend to publicise these measures in an appropriate manner in order to show European citizens that it is taking an interest in the matter?
Particular requirements apply to banks which benefit from exceptional government intervention. The Commission services are examining the implementation of these requirements in the Member States and by national authorities and will take appropriate action if non-compliance is detected.
At the same time, the European Banking Authority EBA is examining the compliance with its guidelines on this matter and practices applied by national banks. The Commission will carefully follow both the application of the existing legal requirements and the development of banks' remuneration practices and will not hesitate to propose further action as necessary. Selon un rapport de Rabobank, seules 40 exploitations sur sont pour l'instant aux normes de la directive. In particular, it lays down rules designed to improve the welfare of pregnant sows. Most observers believe that many holdings will still not comply with these standards before the deadline for the implementation of the directive.
As most of the main pork-producing countries are affected by these delays, it seems a solution at European level is required. Does it have any studies enabling it to assess the situation? If these delays, and particularly their extent, are confirmed, does the Commission plan to grant an extension for the full implementation of the directive?
The Commission is monitoring regularly the state of implementation of group housing of sows in the Member States. The Commission has been working for several years with Member States and stakeholders to ensure a progressive implementation of group housing of sows. For , an implementation plan is already in place. A long transitional period was granted to allow Member States to implement this measure. Postponing the legal deadline would create a situation of unfair competition for those producers who already invested to comply with EU animal welfare legislation on time.
De afgelopen jaren is er veel te doen geweest over de achteruitgang van het bijenbestand in Europa en in andere delen van de wereld. In dit debat wordt vaak spontaan de link gelegd met de aanwezigheid van pesticiden in ons leefmilieu. Recent is er een belangwekkende wetenschappelijke ontwikkeling wat dit betreft. Er wordt naar verluidt in nog niet gepubliceerd onderzoek van Dr. Zo is er bijvoorbeeld Imidacloprid, een nicotinederivaat door Bayer Crop Sciences op de markt gebracht onder namen zoals Gaucho, Admire, Merit, Advantage, Confidor, Provado en Winner waarnaar in de hierboven vermelde publicatie expliciet verwezen wordt.
Gezien het belang van bijen voor het behoud van onze biodiversiteit, maar ook voor de economie — bijen bestuiven het overgrote deel van alle planten die we voor consumptie telen — is het noodzakelijk dat we de nodige maatregelen nemen tegen de achteruitgang van de bijen. Voorziet de Commissie zelf nu al in financiering van onderzoek naar bijensterfte? De Commissie is op de hoogte van het door het geachte Parlementslid genoemde wetenschappelijke artikel. De goedkeuring van een stof kan worden herzien naar aanleiding van negatieve signalen uit de praktijk of wetenschappelijk onderzoek.
Het project is specifiek gericht op subletale en chronische blootstelling aan bestrijdingsmiddelen, en onderzoekt welke invloed de bijenhouderspraktijken op de gezondheid van de bijenkolonies hebben. There has been much ado in recent years about the decline in the bee population in Europe and other parts of the world. The European Commission has itself highlighted the possible consequences of this decline in its communication COM to the European Parliament and the Council.
This debate often generates spontaneous references to the presence of pesticides in our environment. Compelling scientific evidence has recently emerged in this connection. Thus, the aforesaid publication refers explicitly to a nicotine derivative called imidacloprid sold by Bayer Crop Sciences under such trade names as Gaucho, Admire, Merit, Advantage, Confidor, Provado and Winner. Given the importance of bees for the conservation of our biodiversity as well as for the economy — bees pollinate the majority of all the plants grown for our consumption — it is imperative that we take the necessary measures against the decline of the bee population.
Does the Commission intend to have the pesticides which are specifically described as being potentially harmful to bees, such as imidacloprid, clothianidin, thiamethoxam et al, removed from the market or to do this with regard to neonicotinoid pesticides in general? Is the Commission itself currently financing research into bee mortality? If so, can the Commission provide an overview of the research involved? The Commission is aware of the scientific article the Honourable Member refers to. The Commission asked Germany, which was in charge of the original assessment of imidacloprid, to provide their views on the results listed in the published research and will raise it for discussion in a forthcoming meeting of the Standing Committee of the Food Chain and Animal Health.
The approval of a substance may be reconsidered in the light of adverse evidence revealed by experience or scientific research. The Commission is providing financial support to several research projects on bees. The project specifically addresses sub lethal and chronic exposure to pesticides and screens how apicultural practices affect colony health. Varnost poleg varnega obratovanja jedrskih elektrarn pomeni tudi varno ravnanje z jedrskimi odpadki ter njihovo varno odlaganje in razgradnjo.
Nuclear power is a low-carbon source of energy and one which is competitively priced.
EUR-Lex Access to European Union law
In addition to the safe operation of nuclear power plants, safety also means safe management of nuclear waste and its safe disposal and decommissioning. In this context and within its powers under the Euratom Treaty, the Commission publishes annual reports on the earmarking of funds for the decommissioning of nuclear power plants and the management of nuclear spent fuel and nuclear waste. So far it has produced two such reports, the first in and the second in When it comes to the use of nuclear energy, people mostly stress the disposal of nuclear waste and decommissioning as the key problems.
When will it draw up a third report on the earmarking of financial resources for the decommissioning of nuclear power plants and management of nuclear spent fuel and nuclear waste? Does it intend, on the basis of information it has gathered previously, to undertake any new activities with a view to earmarking financial resources for the decommissioning of nuclear power plants and management of nuclear spent fuel and nuclear waste? The outcome of the Commission's assessment will be the basis for further activities in this domain, with a view to making sure that adequate financial resources will be available when required.
However, it does not seem to include equivalent exemptions for non-US sovereign debt. These rules, as they are currently being considered, could severely impact on EU sovereign debt markets, which could lead to a significant loss of liquidity, as both US and other international banks may no longer be able to invest. These contacts have confirmed that the current draft regulation could raise a number of concerns related to its scope, to the narrowness of the exemptions as well as the discriminatory provisions on sovereign bonds and on foreign asset management funds.
What EU budget appropriations were earmarked for measures to increase employment and growth in ? How much was utilised and how much remained unallocated? How will the unallocated amount be utilised? What are the take-up rates of funding for measures to promote employment and combat unemployment in the various Member States? What are the reasons for the disparities between them? Given that some Member States, such as Greece, have particularly high unemployment rates, were the funds used appropriately and if not, for what reason? Which does it believe are the obstacles to effective and adequate use of these funds?
Does it intend to help the Member States to improve their take-up rates and, if so, how? The Structural Funds are the main instruments for employment and growth, the European Social Fund ESF being the main tool to increase employability of workers. Following the Informal European Council of The Funds have been used appropriately in increasing employability but the programmes were designed before the crisis and its resulting rise in unemployment.
Member States have modified their programmes to adapt to the recent needs in employment policies. The main obstacles are administrative and financial difficulties at national level. This means that the national contribution can be reduced at a time that national budgets are under extreme pressures. According to the study, this applies in particular to cereals, detergents, personal hygiene products and soft drinks.
It should be noted that many of these products are traded by wholesale and retail chains with branches or registered offices in other EU Member States, which sell their products relatively cheaply in the other countries mentioned above. They could therefore supply these products to Greece at similar prices with the addition of reasonable transport costs.
Is the Commission aware of this study and what action does it intend to take to ensure compliance with EU competition rules? Given that the most expensive items are mass-market products, what measures does it intend to take to ensure greater pricing transparency to protect consumers and prevent their purchasing power from being eroded? The Greek NCA is well-placed to carry out any follow-up actions. Indeed it launched in a sector inquiry in the fruit and vegetables sector on the basis of the results of that consultation.
The Commission and NCAs will investigate any serious indications of anticompetitive behaviour such as intra-EU price discrimination and market segmentation in the above markets. The Commission is preparing a detailed report of the most significant enforcement, advocacy and monitoring actions taken by NCAs and the Commission in recent years in the food sector. The Commission will inform the Parliament of this report when published this year.
Price formation depends on external and internal factors, such as the cost of inputs, market structures and regulatory frameworks. A recent study shows a record fall in production and significant job losses in the Greek manufacturing sector. Businesses are finding it difficult to gain access to working capital and companies are not managing to use their credit lines and usual methods of payment to conduct their operations normally.
The decline in new orders has caused a dramatic decrease in production, as a result of which Greek businesses are continuing to shed their workforce. Given on the one hand, the unfortunate economic situation of Greece and on the other hand, the fact that similar problems can be seen in other sectors in the majority of Member States, this is a European problem which requires a European response. In what specific ways does the Commission intend to increase investments in Member States, particularly for small and medium-sized undertakings, which are the backbone of EU economic growth and necessary for the development and competitiveness of the EU?
Can it provide further information on what instruments it has at its disposal and if it intends to use them for financing the manufacturing sector and avoiding collective redundancies? The implementation of the. The Commission recently published a Green Paper. La sezione B della legge in materia di blasfemia prevede che la profanazione volontaria del Corano o l'utilizzo di un suo estratto in maniera offensiva siano punibili con l'ergastolo.
Secondo il rappresentante dell'UE in Pakistan, quali progressi, se ve ne sono stati, sono stati compiuti dal governo pakistano dall'assassinio di Shahbaz Bhatti e del governatore della provincia del Punjab, Salmaan Taseer, nella revisione delle leggi in materia di blasfemia vigenti in Pakistan, dal momento che molti segnalano che tali leggi vengono invocate per regolare questioni personali? Masih contends that he had been falsely accused in the case because he had had an argument with his landlord over the rent for his house. According to EU representatives within Pakistan, what, if any, progress has been made within the Pakistani Government, since the assassination of.
The EU has repeatedly raised the continued application of the blasphemy laws with the Government of Pakistan as part of the human rights dialogue and will continue to do so. The EU has encouraged the Government of Pakistan to amend the more controversial aspects of the blasphemy legislation.
The Commission closely monitors the progress as regards the implementation of the G20 commitments in terms of financial services legislation in other jurisdictions. To this end, and the Commission is engaged in financial regulatory dialogues with a number of third countries in order to exchange information about respective legislative plans. Given that financial markets and transactions are truly global, it is important that all G20 members implement the G20 commitments in a consistent way, avoiding regulatory arbitrage, overlaps and conflicting requirements.
Where possible adverse effects are identified, the Commission works closely with its partners to eliminate them or mitigate them as far as possible. Whilst fully sharing the objective of this rule, a number of potential adverse and unintended consequences were identified for EU institutions and EU markets. This issue has been raised in bilateral letters and contacts with American counterparts. At the time, the benefits of cutting red tape were estimated at 1. Five years later, EU Member States are struggling to kick-start growth in times of austerity. Reducing the burden on businesses remains a costless and straightforward way to encourage investment and growth; however the aims of the High Level Group appear not to have been achieved.
Does the Commission feel that the HLG's advice has been adequately acted upon, especially in the area of financial services. Will a second extension of its mandate be necessary when the HLG's current mandate expires at the end of ? Can the Commission provide an updated assessment of the economic benefit that could be achieved by reducing bureaucracy further? It can therefore be considered that the Commission has exceeded its objective. The reduction of regulatory burden has become an integral part of the impact assessments that Commission initiatives undergo before being proposed to the Council and the Parliament.
The group could go further and focus more on small businesses and administrative reforms in the Member States. Secondo il servizio radio-televisivo Voice of America, vi sono circa 15 milioni di protestanti e 5 milioni di cattolici che frequentano le chiese registrate ufficialmente. Tuttavia, secondo gli esperti, a tale cifra occorre sommare altri 50 milioni di persone che si riuniscono nelle cosiddette chiese clandestine o nelle case-chiesa, le quali rifiutano di sottomettersi al controllo dello Stato.
Sembra inoltre che alcuni membri abbiano perso la casa e il posto di lavoro a causa della campagna ufficiale diretta alla chiusura delle chiese. L'UE ha espresso la propria preoccupazione, ancora una volta, durante l'ultimo incontro nell'ambito del dialogo sui diritti umani UE-Cina nel giugno In questa occasione ha nuovamente sollecitato la Cina ad agevolare l'esercizio del culto semplificando il sistema di registrazione delle case-chiesa e accelerando il processo decisionale in materia. This relates to the number of Christians arrested, sentenced, abused and tortured.
China's constitution allows for freedom of religion, but only in state sanctioned churches. Staff at the Cardinal Kung Foundation, which monitors the treatment of Roman Catholics in China, also report that Catholics constantly struggle to worship discretely in homes or in fields to avoid being discovered by the authorities. It is alleged that some members lost their homes and jobs as part of an official campaign to shut down the church.
If so, what have been some of the responses from the Chinese authorities? The EU attaches great importance to the human rights situation in China. It is particularly concerned by restrictions to the freedom of religion. On this occasion, it reiterated its call to China to facilitate the exercise of religion by simplifying the registration system of house churches and speeding up decision making in this respect. The Chinese authorities replied that the national legislation allows house churches to obtain official registration, but that in each case a thorough examination is warranted to prevent abuses.
The EU will continue to follow closely the situation of individual cases of concern and to urge the Chinese authorities to protect the freedom of religion or belief as guaranteed by the Chinese Constitution and in compliance with China's international commitments. The EU publishes an annual report on human rights and democracy in the world, which includes a section on freedom of thought, conscience and religion or belief.
However, the State of Israel has never accepted this democratic election and has repeatedly arrested, seized and deported regularly elected Palestinian MPs, which goes against all international law and is punishable by the International Criminal Court. However the State of Israel is not concerned with international law. Not only is it using special courts to pass prison sentences on Palestinian MPs, but it continues to harass politicians living in East Jerusalem, a territory illegally occupied by Israel.
By what other means does the High Representative intend to prevail upon the State of Israel to respect international law? The EU has been following the cases of Palestinian legislators held in administrative detention in Israel for a number of years. The EU regularly raises its concerns about the practice of administrative detention without charge with the government of Israel.
The EU has also continuously called on Israel to adhere to its obligations deriving from international law, such as the Fourth Geneva Convention. Can the Commission estimate the impact of these restrictions on European producers? Does the Commission envisage restricting movements of animals in the EU? The main exports concerned live cattle from Germany and The Netherlands, while Belgium and the United Kingdom did not export any of those products. The impact of these measures will of course depend on their duration.
The Commission is working in close contact with the Russian Federation to ensure that the restrictive measures adopted are lifted as soon as possible. The EU does not apply any trade restrictions in relation to the SBV virus as well as any other similar virus Orthobunyavirus on live animals, their meat, milk or animal by-products.
EFSA will collect the epidemiological data from Member States and will assess the impact of the virus infection. Dati sulla vendita dei farmaci di fascia C in Europa. Pertanto, la Commissione non dispone del quadro di insieme e dei dati richiesti dall'onorevole deputato. In addition, a previous government decree, which was subsequently amended in parliament, had provided for Group C medicines to be sold in points of sale other than pharmacies. Group C medicines are used in the treatment of serious pathologies and include painkillers, anti-inflammatories, anxiolytics, antipsychotics, antidepressants and anorectics, which are only sold at present on prescription.
Currently, however, this type of drug can only be bought in a pharmacy. Could the Commission provide a general overview of the sale of Group C medicines in Europe, specifying in which Member States it is possible for them to be sold in points of sale other than pharmacies? Could it provide data on how the pharmacy system is organised in each European country and on the ratio between population and pharmacies in each Member State.
Therefore, the Commission is not in the possession of the overview and data requested by the Honourable Member. In Italia l'Agenzia per le erogazioni in agricoltura Agea , ente statale che riveste funzioni di organismo di coordinamento e di organismo pagatore nell'ambito dell'erogazione dei fondi dell'Unione Europea ai produttori agricoli, sta ritardando senza motivo i pagamenti per le domande PAC Sembra che questi ritardi siano dovuti a vicende interne all'ente.
Assieme agli incrementi fiscali introdotti dall'ultima manovra del Consiglio dei ministri, questi ritardi stanno mettendo in ginocchio tutto il comparto, tanto che le associazioni di categoria si stanno organizzando per azioni di protesta. L'agenzia statale avrebbe dovuto liquidare entro il novembre tutte le pratiche che, invece, restano bloccate. In Italy, the Agenzia per le Erogazioni in Agricoltura AGEA — agricultural payments agency , a government coordination and payment body that handles disbursement of EU funds to farmers, is delaying payments for CAP claims for no reason.
These delays appear to be due to internal problems at the agency. At this extremely difficult point in time, due to the global economic crisis, and with the price of agricultural products and oil in free fall, farmers are experiencing serious difficulties. What measures does it intend to take to ensure farmers receive payment as soon as possible?
The question of the Honourable Member would appear to refer to payments in relation to claims made in for direct aids. Should the Commission in the future be informed of any possible delays in this regard, it will investigate the issue closely and if necessary take appropriate measures according to the possibilities available in EU legislation. L'OMS ha stimato che ogni anno l'epidemia rischia di colpire circa milioni di persone in tutto il mondo. Il Centro europeo per la prevenzione e il controllo delle malattie ECDC assicura il monitoraggio della Dengue per identificare i cambiamenti significativi nell'epidemiologia di questa malattia e pubblica mappe delle aree dell'UE esposte al rischio di specie di zanzare invasive che possono veicolare la Dengue.
Nel e nel non sono stati segnalati casi autoctoni in Europa.
Howard Hughes Medical Institute
La legislazione vigente sulle malattie trasmissibili copre la sorveglianza e il controllo delle febbri emorragiche virali, compresa la Dengue, e gli eventi legati alla Dengue vanno segnalati alla rete comunitaria per il tramite del Sistema di allarme rapido e di reazione SARR. Initially, the virus was confined to south-east Asia, but the rise in the number of cases is mainly due to the rapid urbanisation of certain areas and to the lack of adequate hygiene conditions in the outskirts of large cities and in areas close to sources of stagnant water, which may result in a dangerous proliferation of the Aedes Aegypti mosquito.
Today the fever is endemic in over countries, whereas before only nine countries had recorded a serious dengue fever epidemic. In view of this fact and of the seriousness of the spread of this disease, will the Commission introduce a programme designed to ensure appropriate preventive measures and to carry out health checks on people entering the European Union. The Commission is aware of the risks posed by contracting Dengue Fever.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control ECDC monitors Dengue to identify significant changes in disease epidemiology, and publishes maps of EU areas at risk of invasive mosquito species which are potential vectors of Dengue. Local transmission of Dengue in Europe was for the first time reported in France and Croatia in There have been no autochthonous cases in Europe in or in The current legislation on communicable diseases covers surveillance and control of viral haemorrhagic fevers, including Dengue, and events due to Dengue should be reported through the Early Warning and Response System EWRS to the Community Network.
Celiaci pericolo glutine anche nei cosmetici. L'industria cosmetica usa i derivati di grano, frumento, farro, segale, kamut e orzo, che possono contenere tracce della frazione lipoproteica del glutine. I requisiti generali di etichettatura contenuti nella direttiva Cosmetici sono volti ad assicurare che i consumatori vengano adeguatamente informati in relazione ai cosmetici che usano.
La direttiva fa obbligo ai fabbricanti di indicare sui cosmetici l'elenco degli ingredienti. L'indicazione dell'elenco degli ingredienti sull'etichetta del cosmetico, parti dei quali potrebbero essere ingerite, consente ai celiaci di venire a conoscenza della presenza di ingredienti che potrebbero nuocere loro e di evitare, all'occorrenza, il prodotto in questione. The American College of Gastroenterology meeting in Washington has raised the question that even cosmetics could pose a risk for coeliacs.
The main cause for concern would be lipsticks, lip balms, lip pencils, toothpastes and mouthwashes that come into contact with the mucous membranes of the mouth and can be ingested. The risk is mainly due to the lack of information provided by manufacturers. Although food labelling is comprehensive, the same cannot be said for cosmetics, even with regard to products that come into contact with the mucous membranes, lips and face.
The cosmetics industry uses corn, wheat, spelt, rye, kamut khorasan wheat and barley derivatives that may contain traces of gluten lipoprotein fraction. Given that coeliac disease is one of the more common food intolerances globally and that, in Europe, one in every hundred people is a coeliac and, for every coeliac diagnosed, there are four others who are not aware that they have the condition, does the Commission intend to introduce controls on cosmetic products in order to safeguard and protect consumers? The general labelling requirements contained in the Cosmetics Directive shall ensure that the consumers are appropriately informed in relation to the cosmetic products they use.
The directive requires the manufacturers to indicate on the cosmetic product the list of ingredients. The indication of the list of ingredients on the labelling of the cosmetic product, parts of which could be ingested, permit to the persons suffering of coeliac disease to be informed of the presence of ingredients that could harm them and to avoid, if need be, that product. Attualmente, a livello internazionale, dieci pazienti sono in trattamento con la nuova molecola e due sono diventati totalmente indipendenti dalle iniezioni di insulina.
Considerando l'importanza della ricerca, soprattutto in campo medico, si chiede alla Commissione se intenda attuare i programmi a sostegno della ricerca medico-scientifica, sensibilizzando i cittadini e garantendo nuove frontiere per la cura di questa patologia. This form of diabetes leads to rapid destruction of the insulin-producing pancreatic cells due to an abnormal reaction of the immune system, thus making external administration of insulin necessary in order for patients to be able to control blood glucose levels.
A new molecule Reparixin with the ability to improve the effectiveness of this transplant has been discovered. Today, thanks to this new molecule, it is possible to reduce significantly the frequent inflammatory reactions and the potential rejection of transplanted islets. On an international level, ten patients are currently being treated with this new molecule and two have become totally independent of insulin injections.
Considering the importance of research, especially in the field of medicine, does the Commission intend to implement programmes in support of medical-scientific research, raising the awareness of citizens and ensuring new frontiers for the treatment of this disease? The Commission is aware of the burden posed by diabetes 1 and the prospects offered by islet transplantation to revert the disease.
Il Fondo monetario internazionale: Il tutto nel quadro di una liberalizzazione eccessivamente rapida dei mercati finanziari e dei capitali, che ha portato quasi sempre a far crollare i prezzi delle materie prime e alle continue speculazioni finanziarie nei paesi in via di sviluppo. I paesi UE vulnerabili stanno adottando iniziative importanti in questa direzione, risanando le finanze pubbliche e attuando riforme strutturali cruciali, necessarie per una ripresa durevole.
All of these measures have been imposed in the context of excessively rapid liberalisation of the financial and capital markets, which in almost every instance has caused the price of raw materials to collapse and given rise to continual financial speculation in developing countries. As has been suggested by leading international economists, an analysis of capital flow data shows a pro-cyclical trend whereby capital flows out of a country in recession — just when that country needs it most — and into a country undergoing rapid expansion, thereby exacerbating inflationary pressures.
The EU is responding to the sovereign debt crisis with a twin strategy to create lasting financial stability and sustainable economic growth and employment. In the view of the Commission, further consolidation is necessary to restore confidence in public finances and sustained growth.
It must be complemented by smart and growth-enhancing policies and reforms that underpin new growth. Vulnerable EU countries are taking important steps in this direction, consolidating public finance and implementing crucial structural reforms needed for a lasting recovery. The approach of external financial assistance built on conditions to ensure such policies can and does work. Experience of our Member States has also confirmed that responsible and stability-oriented policies are a prerequisite for benefitting from liberalised financial markets, and that the absence of such a stable and stability-oriented policy framework can indeed transform that potential advantage of open capital markets into a possible mechanism of amplifying underlying imbalances.
Furthermore, since the onset of the crisis in , important lessons have been drawn regarding its causes, and the prevention and mitigation of future crises. The IMF has accordingly improved its surveillance activities and policy advice and adapted its tools and instruments in order to better meet the needs of its whole membership.
Provider mobile britannico senza controllo. Migliaia di utenti di un provider mobile britannico sono stati vittime di una truffa. L'interrogazione fa riferimento a un caso che ha interessato una rete di telefonia mobile britannica nel gennaio L'operatore mobile in questione ha riconosciuto la divulgazione accidentale di numeri telefonici di propri clienti a siti web cui gli stessi avevano avuto accesso utilizzando la connessione dati mobile. Alla Commissione risulta che, date le denunce ricevute, l'ICO stia esaminando la questione con l'operatore mobile coinvolto nel caso citato.
A tale relazione ha fatto seguito, nel novembre , la pubblicazione di orientamenti per la creazione di applicazioni sicure per gli smartphone destinati agli sviluppatori. Thousands of users of a UK mobile phone provider have been victims of fraud. A vulnerability allowed telephone numbers to be automatically sent to unverified websites by means of an easy-to-read text message. Given that fraud attempts via false login are becoming ever more widespread, and that the number of users, including minors, accessing websites using smartphones or similar devices is on the increase, can the Commission say whether it intends to implement a Europe-wide control system network making it possible to select and filter information, in order to tackle the proliferation of phenomena such as scams and phishing and guarantee safety margins, particularly for the younger generation?
In case of a personal data breach, the providers must notify the competent national authority and also the individuals affected, when the breach is likely to adversely affect their personal data or privacy. The Commission understands that, in view of the complaints received, the ICO is examining the matter with the operator concerned. Prima de instalare pentru tinerii fermieri. This year, the Government has decided that, in order to access measure , an obligatory condition for applicants is that they must have graduated from secondary school or an agricultural school.
Taking into consideration that a good number of young farmers have only graduated from a non-agricultural vocational school and that some of them started farming at a young age and have not had time to finish their studies,. Does the Commission consider that the introduction of this obligatory criterion for accessing measure is justified? The acceptance of projects submitted by graduates from non-agricultural vocational schools must be specially approved by the Commission. In this regard, what would be the basis for these special approvals? The Romanian authorities have recently submitted to the Commission a proposed modification of the RDP aiming to make more flexible the minimum required educational level under measure According to the proposal, graduates from non-agricultural vocational schools will also be eligible under this measure.
As this modification is currently under assessment by the Commission, the Romanian authorities have announced that the approval of projects submitted by those graduates will be subject to the acceptance of the RDP modification by the Commission. As regards the last point of your written question, please note that rural development programmes are implemented under shared management with the Member States, who have the fully responsibility for approving individual projects.
Does the Commission consider this compatible with European law? The Commission is not aware of any issue relating to the diplomatic status of these vessels or whether diplomatic immunity has been claimed or granted in respect of these vessels, in any event the issue of diplomatic immunity is a question of national competence upon which the Commission is unable to comment.
On the basis of the information provided by the Honourable Member it would appear that the vessels she refers to, civilian vessels chartered by the United States Military, could fall within the category of either naval auxiliary or government ships used for non-commercial purposes and for this reason may not be subject to Port State Control. Wieso wird der Freistaat schlechter gestellt als jeder andere Interessent? Aus beihilferechtlicher Sicht ist sicherzustellen, dass der Erwerb nicht mit Beihilfen an den Erwerber verbunden ist.
To what extent can the Commission enforce or significantly determine conditions for the sale? Would it be possible for the Bavarian State to purchase the shareholding or acquire it by means of a transfer at no cost, or would this infringe the aid guidelines? If the Bavarian State is not permitted to acquire the shareholding, why is it thus placed in a worse position than any other interested party? The procedure in the BayernLB state aid case is still ongoing and no final decision has yet been made.
The Commission cannot pronounce on these matters while proceedings are under way. In any case, it should be noted that the Commission cannot impose disposal or other obligations on a Member State before a final decision is taken. Under the state aid rules, it must be ensured that the purchase does not involve state aid to the buyer. The specific arrangements for the bidding procedure depend on the individual case.
Damit werden Luxusautos, Boote und Luftfahrzeuge besteuert. Ausgenommen von der Abgabe sind Staatsluftfahrzeuge oder gleichgestellte Luftfahrzeuge in deren Auftrag, die Flugrettung und Flugschulen. Fraglich ist, ob diese Abgabenbefreiung der italienischen Sportluftfahrt — bzw. This tax applies to luxury cars, boats and aircraft.
It is open to question whether the exemption for Italian flying clubs, or rather the non-exemption for foreign flying clubs, contravenes the principle of equality, because foreign clubs are clearly placed at a disadvantage in comparison with domestic clubs. This levy thus only affects private and foreign aircraft operators and will hit small, non-profit-making clubs particularly hard.
This would have a negative impact on Italian tourism, thus making the introduction of this levy counterproductive. Does the Commission also consider that this provision infringes the ban on discrimination? The Honourable Member of the European Parliament is therefore informed that the Commission is aware of the situation outlined in his enquiry and is currently investigating the matter.
The intruders caused serious damage to the premises. The Ntiso affair is the latest episode in a series of anti-minority actions by the Albanian authorities, in line with similar incidents that occurred during the recent census, following the clearly politically-motivated decision by the Albanian Constitutional Court not to record the ethnicity of citizens. This, together with the systematic intimidation of minorities, has prevented them from freely exercising their individual right of self-determination. Of special significance is the fact that these tactics by the Albanian authorities are being used mainly in areas where the Albanian State refuses to recognise the existence of an ethnic Greek minority e.
Does the Commission intend once more to point out to the Albanian authorities their obligations with regard to the ethnic Greek minority under the international conventions and agreements to which Albania is a signatory? The Commission cannot comment on individual cases and court decisions. Should the person concerned have any grievances regarding his treatment by the law enforcement authorities, he is encouraged to address the relevant Albanian institutions such as the People's Advocate Office.
The Albanian Constitution provides for the protection of the civil, economic, social and political rights of minorities. The Albanian legal and policy framework regulating human rights and the respect for and protection of minorities is largely in place and broadly corresponds to European and international standards.
The Commission follows closely developments in the situation of minority protection and presents its assessment in its annual Progress Report. The country is encouraged to upgrade its efforts to implement commitments in this field in line with the recommendations of the Advisory Committee of Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities. Concern has been caused by the recent findings of a research company regarding the private property sector in Greece, according to which:.
Half the property owners Given that eight out of ten Greeks have some form of property flat, one-family house or office and almost half Is information available regarding average national property tax by Member State? How much is it? The structure of property taxation varies widely across EU Member States, as does the revenue from this area, as shown in the table sent directly to the Honourable Member and to Parliament's Secretariat. While some countries rely more on transaction taxes, in the majority of Member States the bulk of the tax taken from property comes from recurrent taxes.
As the latter are often administered by the local authorities e. Provided they observe their Treaty obligations, Member States may design their tax systems including property taxation to meet their policy objectives as they see fit. It should be noted that several Member States e. At a time when Greek citizens are in general struggling to pay heavy property taxes, an amendment has been tabled by the Greek Parliament to the effect that, on the expiry of four months from the deadline for payment of the first instalment of the temporary special property charge imposed by the Government, the amount outstanding will be collected by the competent tax office, thus being enforceable by measures such as the confiscation of assets of those taxpayers who have failed to make payment.
The specific amendment follows the recent instructions by DEI, the Greek Public Power Corporation, which has undertaken to collect the property charge by including it on its bills, to cut off the electricity supply to thousands of consumers on expiry of the statutory day deadline for payment of the charge. This is grossly unfair, removing as it does the safety net provided under European and Greek law to safeguard vulnerable consumers, while infringing the specific ministerial decision regarding exemptions from power cutoffs. Given the genuine difficulties encountered by Greek households in paying a multitude of special taxes, what view does the Commission take of the implementation of this amendment which is the direct opposite of what is needed to protect the assets of hundreds of thousands of citizens threatened with poverty?
In the absence of any clear definition of which taxpayers fall into categories acknowledged as vulnerable or genuinely unable to afford the charge, how can the assets of these groups be protected? Have any other Member States imposed similar compulsory tax collection measures enforceable by confiscation of assets? If so, subject to what conditions amounts owed, payment deadlines? Fiscal consolidation measures may lead in the short term to a contraction in economic activity.
Experience points nonetheless to effective ways of reducing the public deficit. Firstly, expenditure based consolidation has longer lasting effects, relative to revenue based consolidation. Secondly, property taxes are less distortionary than income taxes. Failing to curb the high public deficit will only aggravate the medium-term prospects of the Greek people, including the most vulnerable.
The EU energy market legislation contains provisions on consumer protection and guarantees for vulnerable customers. In addition, the special levy is not applied to a property that is owner-occupied and belongs, inter alia , to a long-term unemployed, while leaving the details of its regulations to a ministerial decision. Utility bills have been used in some European countries for the collection of municipal taxes or broadcast reception fees. The arrangements for collection of taxes, including the recourse to confiscation, are a matter of MS' competence.
Protocols and Video Articles Authored by Jian Shi (Translated to Italian)
The Commission does not object to this tax collection and enforcement mechanisms as long as they comply with applicable regulations. Lastly, the economic adjustment programme aims at strengthening Greece's fiscal institutions through a restructuring of its revenue administration and public financial management system. According to press articles corroborated by testimonies, statements and observations from teachers and associations of parents and guardians, the number of Greek school pupils showing signs of malnutrition and fainting from hunger is increasing dramatically.
The Ministry for Education, Lifelong Learning and Religious Affairs has recently announced that it intends to launch a pilot project for the provision of free meal coupons for all pupils at 18 schools located in districts of Athens facing severe social and economic problems. Despite such good intentions, the unprecedented economic problems afflicting Greek society call for a comprehensive rather than a piecemeal approach by the competent authorities so as to deal with the problem as a whole in a direct and effective manner. Is the Commission aware of the problem?
Which other Member States are facing similar difficulties? What financing instruments are available for this purpose? Are there any examples of good practices followed in Member States in terms of social support, educational assistance and welfare benefits in areas where an increased number of families are facing poverty? This is illustrated by indicators such as those measuring the rate of children at risk of poverty, living in severely materially deprived households or in households with low work intensity, available from Eurostat.