Author: MIL OSI Publisher

The Commission is aware of the negative effects of digital distractions and excessive screentime, both in and outside of school. Time spent on smartphones during school hours is particularly concerning, as Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA)[1] results show a strong link between digital distraction and learning outcomes.

The Commission published in January 2025 a literature review to explore the relationship between screen time and academic achievement[2].

With the help of ENESET Network[3] the Commission is gathering evidence and practices from around the EU on the impact of mobile phone bans in schools expected for end 2025.

Through initiatives such as the European Education Area and the Digital Education Action Plan[4], the Commission promotes digital literacy and online safety education and capacity building of both educators and learners to use these devices in responsible, healthy and respectful ways, while safeguarding proper attention to sleep, physical and outdoor activities to protect their mental health.

Recommendations for policymakers, and educators on wellbeing and mental health[5] were published by the Commission’s expert group on supportive learning environments and wellbeing at school.

The communication on mental health[6] supports youth mental health including in the digital sphere[7]. The Commission will conduct an EU-wide inquiry on the impact of social media and excessive screentime on mental health and wellbeing[8] and will publish an Action Plan against cyberbullying.

Children should be able to benefit from online opportunities in a safe digital environment. The Digital Services Act[9] and the Audiovisual Media Services Directive[10] contain dedicated rules to protect children online.

The European Strategy for Better Internet for Kids (BIK+)[11] aims to ensure that every child is respected, protected and empowered online.

• [1] https://www.oecd.org/content/dam/oecd/en/publications/support-materials/2023/12/pisa-2022-results-volume-i_76772a36/PISA%202022%20Insights%20and%20Interpretations.pdf
• [2] https://nesetweb.eu/en/resources/library/screen-time-and-educational-outcomes-of-children-and-adolescents-a-complex-multifaceted-relationship/
• [3] https://ppmi.lt/news-insights/ppmi-lead-eneset-network-delivering-quality-advice-and-knowledge-evidence-based-education-policy-europe
• [4] https://education.ec.europa.eu/focus-topics/digital-education/action-plan
• [5] https://school-education.ec.europa.eu/en/discover/news/guidelines-wellbeing-and-mental-health-school
• [6] https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/priorities-2019-2024/promoting-our-european-way-life/european-health-union/comprehensive-approach-mental-health_en
• [7] https://health.ec.europa.eu/document/download/6317c605-5f5d-4d4f-9c8a-d5c93e869814_en?filename=ncd_tracking-framework-mh_en.pdf
• [8] https://commission.europa.eu/priorities-2024-2029_en
• [9] http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2022/2065/oj
• [10] http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2010/13/oj
• [11] https://better-Internet-for-kids.europa.eu/en

The Commission is closely monitoring the implementation of Italy’s Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP), including its measures to strengthen administrative capacity.

The Commission acknowledges the importance of an effective and well-resourced public administration to ensure the timely and efficient management of EU funds, particularly in less-developed regions.

The Commission is aware of the discussions surrounding the ‘suitable candidates cap’.

The recruitment and management of public servants fall under the responsibility of national authorities. While it is for the Italian authorities to assess and adapt their recruitment policies in line with national and EU objectives, the Commission stands ready to engage with the Italian authorities if needed and will continue to follow this matter in the broader context of RRP implementation and effective fund management.

Question for written answer  E-001621/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Nicolás González Casares (S&D)

A recent report published by the Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries (STECF) paints a clear picture of the socio-economic impact of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/1614 which, by closing 87 areas to bottom fishing, has reduced fishing days and fish landings by 16 % and 20 % respectively for Spanish fleets while also causing their turnover to drop by 11 %.

The report indicates that, in 2022, Spanish fleets (including 67 longliners) had fished in 60 of the areas that were later closed by Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/1614. Just over half of the longliners involved (52.9 %) operate out of Burela and Celeiro, accounting for 94.7 % and 90 % of these two ports’ respective fleets. In addition, 45.8 % of all Spanish gill net (GNS) vessels that used to fish in these areas are based in Cedeira and Celeiro, while the bottom fishing ban could also have repercussions for 90 % of the port of Ribeira’s trawl (OTB) fleet.

According to the STECF, this state of affairs could lead to a loss of fishing areas, an uptick in operational costs and the displacement of fishing fleets while also having a detrimental impact on ports in the vicinity.

• 1.Given the colossal impact that Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/1614 has had, will the Commission scrap or amend it?
• 2.How will the Commission implement STECF’s recommendation that ‘all long-term measures should protect both vulnerable ecosystems as well as the communities engaged in sustainable fishing in those waters’?
• 3.Will the Commission pledge to delay adopting decisions until it has analysed their socio-economic impact?

Submitted: 23.4.2025

Question for written answer  E-001616/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Massimiliano Salini (PPE)

The project to build the Autostrada Ferroviaria Alpina (AFA) between Orbassano and Aiton was launched in 2001 through bilateral agreements between France and Italy to find safer alternative transport solutions through the Fréjus Alpine tunnel.

The AFA accommodates a high level of traffic on the Fréjus tunnel rail line and is the main rail service for freight transport (500 000 semi-trailers for 1.667 million tonnes/kilometre of freight).

The landslide in Saint André on 27 August 2023 led to the closure of the link and the suspension of the service, causing considerable economic damage to transport operators and production companies in north-west of Italy due to the lack of alternatives.

The AFA has announced that it will permanently cease operations as of 21 April 2025.

On 9 April 2025, the Italian and French governments declared that they were considering the reactivation of a joint contribution measure to reduce the cost of the service, and brought the idea to the European Commission.

In the light of the above:

• 1.Does the Commission consider the reopening of the AFA strategic to ensure a combined transport service between Italy and France?
• 2.What is the state of play of the negotiations between the Commission and the governments?
• 3.What initiatives does it intend to promote to protect the employment of specialised workers, the heritage of the local entrepreneurial fabric?

Submitted: 23.4.2025

Question for written answer  E-001601/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Nikolaos Anadiotis (NI)

The Commission approved the Greek State guarantees for securitisation of non-performing loans totalling EUR 28 billion under the ‘Heracles I’[1], ‘II’[2] and ‘III’ programmes[3]. The aid provided a benefit to creditors, with the stated aim of ‘reducing systemic risk and cleaning up banks’ balance sheets’.

However, many borrowers complain that, after transferring their loans to management companies or funds, they do not have access to basic information, namely the initial and current claim, payments made, surcharges and other charges, nor the way in which the final amount was calculated In many cases, they are led to a legal and financial impasse, without tools to control or negotiate their debt, due to companies being unaware of the full history of the loans. The gap in transparency and accountability potentially affects citizens’ rights.

In view of the above:

• 1.Does the Commission monitor the maintenance and transfer of complete bank records?
• 2.Does the Commission consider that the principles of good administration, transparency and consumer protection are being fulfilled?
• 3.Does the Commission intend to issue recommendations on the mandatory provision of detailed account statements to borrowers?

Submitted: 22.4.2025

• [1] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/el/ip_19_6058, 10/10/2019.
• [2] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/el/ip_21_1661, 9/4/2021.
• [3] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/el/ip_23_5805, 28/11/2023.

Question for written answer  E-001604/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Kostas Papadakis (NI), Lefteris Nikolaou-Alavanos (NI)

With the constant ferry ticket price hikes brought on by shipowners, travel to the islands has become a luxury and a premium commodity. The costs of using new fuels in the context of the EU’s Fit for 55 regulation are passed on by shipowners to passengers. Promising to keep prices down, the Greek Government is slashing port fees by 50 % as of 1 May 2025, constituting yet another gift for shipping groups.

In light of the above, can the Commission answer the following:

• 1.What view does it take of the fact that, as a result of the ‘green’ strategy and the promotion of the Fit for 55 regulation, the already incredibly expensive fares for passengers, vehicles and goods are constantly subjected to further increases – such as those applicable from 1 May 2025 – while shipowners increase their profits?
• 2.What view does it take of the fact that the strategy to liberalise maritime transport, as reflected in Commission communication COM(2014)232, leads to higher profits for shipowners through ‘guaranteed profits’ and numerous tax exemptions, while working people and passengers are exposed to the risks of travelling on very old boats and, especially in winter, islands are left without maritime transport for days on end?
• 3.What view does it take of the calls to immediately reduce the prices of tickets and fares for passengers, vehicles and goods by 50 %, without granting new subsidies and privileges to shipowners, and to guarantee free travel for the unemployed, students, those in the military and people with special needs or chronic conditions, as well as reduced rates for pensioners, large families and substitute teachers, doing away with the unacceptable system whereby schoolchildren above the age of 10 normally have to buy a ticket?

Submitted: 22.4.2025

Question for written answer  E-001565/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Valentina Palmisano (The Left)

The provisions laid down by Article 18 of the Italian security bill and mentioned in written question E-001510/2024[1]have recently entered into force as part of Legislative Decree No 48/2025. This law completely bans the use of hemp inflorescences in Italy, extending this restriction to all their forms and each stage of their supply chain (production, trade, import, processing).

This new measure – which was not communicated to TRIS, a breach of Directive 2015/1535/EU – has only made a bad situation worse. The new legislative decree is at odds with the principles enshrined in Articles 34, 36 and 101 TFEU and with the case-law of the Court of Justice of the European Union (namely cases C-663/18 and C‑793/22).

Given the Commission’s answer to question E-001510/2024[2] (‘The analysis of these complaints is ongoing. In that context, the Commission is currently assessing the compliance of these measures with the Treaties and with secondary Union legislation’) and in the light of the adoption of Legislative Decree No 48/2025 and of its serious economic repercussions:

• 1.What urgent measures will the Commission take to prevent the implementation of national legislation which was not notified to TRIS and which undermines the internal market?
• 2.Having analysed the aforementioned complaints, what conclusions has the Commission reached, and does it hold that this total ban constitutes a breach of EU law?
• 3.Will the Commission open an infringement procedure if it is indeed established that Legislative Decree No 48/2025 is at odds with EU law?

Submitted: 17.4.2025

• [1] https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-10-2024-001510_EN.html.
• [2] https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-10-2024-001510-ASW_IT.html.