WRITTEN QUESTION P-5511/09 by Debora Serracchiani (S&D) to the Commission

Subject: Order issued by

The legislation recently approved by the regional law of Venezia Giulia (Article 11(13) of Regional Law No 12/20091) has amended the subjective requirement of length of residence for the purpose of eligibility for the social benefit known as the 'Family Card', introduced under Regional Law FVG No 11 of 7 July 2006 ('Regional measures to support families and parents')2.

The 'Family Card' is a social welfare benefit which grants its holder (a parent with at least one dependent child) substantial discounts or direct economic benefits with regard to the supply of goods and services that are important for family life.

The mayor of Azzano Decimo, in the province of , has issued an order whereby, in order to be eligible for access to integrated social services, people have to provide proof that their income is no lower than €5000.

Will the Commission check whether the principle of non-discrimination (Article 21) and the principle of respect for cultural, religious and linguistic diversity (Article 22) of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU have been guaranteed?

Will the Commission take action to ensure that the provisions of Directive 2000/43/EC of 29 June 2000 on the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of racial or ethnic origin have been guaranteed?

1 In the Official Journal of the autonomous region of F.V.G., 1st ordinary supplement No 18 of 29 July 2009 to Official Journal No 30 of 29 July 2009, which can be found on the following website: http://arpebur.regione.fvg.it/newbur/visionaBUR?bnum=2009/07/29/18. 2 See the following website: http://lexview-int.regione.fvg.it/fontinormative/xml/xmlLex.aspx?anno=2006&legge=11&fx=art&lista=0

794750.EN PE 431.512